WA Folk Music and Dance Calendar

Thursday 16th January
— Merriwa Acoustic Music Club (monthly, 3rd Thursday)
7:30 PM – True North Compass Centre, 869 Connolly Drive, Merriwa (entrance off Jenolan Way)
At this next meeting Mags and Bill Purcel will lead us in learning “I’m a Believer” written by Neil Diamond and made famous by The Monkeys. I’ve attached the song as a PDF again.
The focus of this club is sharing acoustic music together, growing creatively, and later perhaps performing community service. Acoustic instrumentalists of all levels, ages, and styles (folk, bluegrass, acoustic rock, etc.) are surely welcome and encouraged. Poets, dancers, singers, story-tellers also welcome. Generally the format will be a sing-around the circle with everyone getting a chance to add a song or performance. Then learning a new song together.
Contact: Oakyfolky@msn.com with questions or comments

Friday 17th January
— Mundaring Folk ‘n’ Blues (Monthly 3rd Friday)
HAPPY NEW EARS !! Yes we’re back & with a bang! 3 brilliant shows in 5 weeks to re-affirm our status and reputation. Look out for our “Concert in the Park “Feb 16th … but more on that later…NOW,
Raymond Zhang (Guitar / Vocals) spent the early part of his life in FUJIAN, China, arriving in Perth aged 8. With a deep seated but latent appreciation of music he was inspired to pick up a guitar only 3 years ago after being influenced by contemporary artists like Billie Eilist , Cavetown and Rex Orange County. Essentially a self-taught singer-songwriter he took the extraordinary step of releasing a 6 song EP “ Loveless “ in 2019. Invited to perform at the Darlington Arts Festival his acoustic interpretations and self-penned songs are seen as soulful and expressive. Raymond adds to our youth promotion.
Arriving from the land of the Beatles only 6month’s ago we welcome new resident, multi instrumental & vocalist Jimmy March. A professionally trained and seasoned musician with 40yrs of performance under his belt he played extensively at UK venues and shared the stage with, among others, the Dubliners before emigrating to Perth’s Eastern Hills. Jimmy’s repertoire covers traditional & contemporary folk thro’ to modern “pop “. We spotted Jimmy busking at local markets using Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar and Ukulele. Jimmy is looking to expand his musical connections and performance options.
Shady Jane is a recently formed duo comprising two distinctly different female voices blending surprisingly well to present “roots, rock n soul “. Izzy (Guitar / Vocals) one of the rare breed of female drummers in various collaborations began a fascination for guitar and singing after her baptism into the assembly of BOB. Accompanied by Rochelle (Vocals / Percussion), formally trained in her youth she boasts influences across the spectrum from classical to rock – and folk! A vocalist with Madjitil Moorna Choir for 8yrs she now expands her repertoire and potential in a duo format.
Born in the USA but cutting his musical teeth on the fringes of Europe David Wheeler (Guitar / Vocals) has found a decades long lyrical connection with W.A. dovetailing effortlessly with his American heritage. From gritty beach anthems to blues tinged ballads and the occasional detour to rock-a-billy and country, David’s lyrics see the no frills darker side while maintaining the ability to laugh at life’s absurdity. A confirmed guitar player appearing previously in duo and trio formats he presents his 1st solo set for us and promises to debut a “cheeky little four string curiosity “for added spice.
It is always a pleasure to introduce our final act, and more-so to “wind up “our first show for 2020. First appearing at the club so long ago it makes the crew look old (not me ). Pete Bugden (guitar/vocals/ comic) was an instant hit , rapidly becoming a friend of MFnBC and favoured entertainer with a wit and style the envy of many. Originally from the UK and making a name on Perth’s folk scene in the mid 80’s he was invited to attend festivals nationwide solo and as part of the Shanty team the Fo’c’sle Firkins. Accumulating songs of love, life, death, drinking and a pinch of general hilarity during his 45yr performances he has earned his place among Perth’s folk nobility.
We request your company to see in the new year. Bar and Food are available – most of the usual crew in attendance.
Doors open 6.45pm with show start of 7.30pm. Bar and food available and the usual gang in attendance.
Check out the website – http://www.mfnbc.iinet.net.au

— The BordererS
‘Singalong to the Songs of Scotland’ show at the Perth fringe? ( Woodside De Parel Spiegeltent ) 17th to the 20th Jan
Here’s the showreel to give you an example of the event. https://youtu.be/RuCea5jmXw8
And the link to order tickets is here: https://fringeworld.com.au/whats_on/singalong-to-the-songs-of-scotland-fw2020
Scottish / Irish / Australian band The BordererS are the biggest and most entertaining Celtic / Rock / Roots band in Australia. They formed in 1994 and are well known performers at the Byron Bay Blues & Roots, Woodford, Tamworth, Gympie, Edinburgh and Womad Festivals in Australia and the UK and have supported artists like Tom Jones, Donovan, The Proclaimers & Finbar Furey. The band have also both recorded and played with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and been specifically asked to perform for the Australian Prime Minister on two separate occasions.
“You’ve got so much energy!” are the words most commonly used to describe the band’s live stage show and what sets the BordererS apart from other bands is their ability to get the whole audience involved and to appeal to all age groups.
The BordererS are also becoming well known in the USA & Europe and have just performed at the InterCeltique Festival in Lorient, France where 750,000 people attended this festival.
Lead singer, Alex, was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and came to Australia in 1987, whilst Jim was born in Glasgow, Scotland and arrived in Australia on Christmas Eve 1993.
The Borderers have been voted Best World Music act at the Musicoz Awards and Best Gospel song at the Independent Music Awards in the USA. They have also just been voted S.A.’s Best Band and their new double album “Tales of Love & Loss” was the winner of the Best Album of the Year ………

Sunday 19th January
— Jackadders (not confirmed)
VENUE: Community of Christ, cnr of Elmwood Ave and Lombardy St, Woodlands
TIME: 2.30pm
COST: $12 Adults Children free. For more information call 0412777061

Sunday 26th January
— Matildas Music Club (twice monthly 2nd & 4th Sunday)
Open mic music club.
2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
Music starts 2 pm.
Claremont Bowling Club – 64 Bay view Terrace Claremont.
Plenty of parking. Drinks at club prices.
Entry $5.00
contact 9271 1018 or 9284 2512.

–Perth Scottish Fiddlers (monthly – last Sunday of the month) .(not confirmed)
Perth Scottish Fiddlers is a group of musicians who come together to play the rich and extensive violin and dance repertoire of Scotland, both traditional and contemporary. The group plays a range of music, from beautiful airs and elegant strathspeys to fast and furious reels and jigs, and their original tunes and arrangements add an Australian flavour! We learn new tunes by ear each month, hold sessions, workshops and a camp, as well as performing at a variety of venues. New fiddle and cello players are always welcome and no Scottish experience is needed! Please contact the director on mschlink@gmail.com
Venue: Warren Lake Hall, Teakwood Reserve, Woodlands; 2-3pm slow class, 3-5.30pm main group (welcome to stay for both).

— SUSGALA
Gypsy Tapas House Fremantle. cnr. High and Queen St. Fremantle.
Entrance is free. Good idea to book a table.
Ph. 9336 7135.Food is great! Starts 6.30pm till 8.30pm
Contact for more info. Phil Korn 0403778623 website: www.susgala.com.au

— AUSTRALIA DAY BUSH CONCERT
IN IRISH CLUB THEATRE, 3pm
AIHA together with Fred Rea, Colin Smiley and Friends present an afternoon celebration of Australian and Irish songs, poems and reflections with an Irish afternoon tea.
Special Book Launch “the 5 Irish Governors of Western Australia”, by Peter Conole.
Fred launched this format for Australia Day 2017 and it was a great success with an intimate experience of superb performers in air-conditioned comfort, full bar, tea & coffee and Irish fare.
Irish Club of WA Theatre, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco Australia Day, Sunday 26 January from 3pm
$10
9345 3530 or 9367 6026

Saturday 1st February (not confirmed)
— Folk In Mandurah
February’s Soiree will be held at our place in Mandurah, the theme being buildings, roads, street, alleys, etc.
Starting time will be at 2.30pm finishing about 5.00, with a break at about 3.30. Those wishing to perform or attend can register by emailing: ilo78333@bigpond.net.au.
Starting time is 2.30p.m. finishing at approximately 5.00p.m. with the usual break for nibbles, liquid refreshment and scintillating conversation at about 3.30. Please bring a plate if you can-coffee and tea is provided. As always just register your names and songs, or poems, by email : ilo78333@bigpond.net.au
contact: ilo78333@bigpond.net.au. Hope to see you there.

Friday 7th February 2020
— HILLS FOLK CLUB (monthly, 1st Friday) (confrimed)
Held at Falls Farm Cottage on Neil Tonkin Park, Cagney Way, Lesmurdie at 8pm. $10 entry.
Contact Pauline Tonkin 92916026 / paulinekevin@bigpond.com

Sunday 9th February
— Matildas Music Club (twice Monthly, 2nd & 4th Sunday)
(confirmed) Open mic music club.
Music starts 2 pm.
Claremont Bowling Club – 64 Bay view Terrace Claremont.
Plenty of parking. Drinks at club prices.
Entry $5.00
contact 9271 1018 or 9284 2512.

— Contra Dance (Monthly)(not confirmed)
The dancing is 2-5pm
St Margaret’s Church Hall, 58 Tyrell St, Nedlands WA 6009
Contra dance is a great chance to meet new people and get some exercise set to amazing music from our live Mega band. An American version of a bush dance, or Ceilidh the dances are easy enough for beginners to join in immediately but varied enough to keep experts interested (with plenty of space for improvisation so bring your best Cajun/tango/? moves) Bring a water bottle, wear light casual clothes and comfortable shoes. Or just come and listen to the great music and watch the swirling dancers.
We usually meet on the Second Sunday of the month, but for exact dates check www.facebook.com/perthcontra (you should not need to have a facebook account to see this page)
More info: Alison Scott ex.carrot@gmail.com 0426 410 561

Monday 10th February
— SHANTY CLUB (2nd Monday monthly)
at 19:30 Clancy’s Fish Pub Fremantle, 51 Cantonment street, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
The irresistable song of the Siren calls you back to the SHANTY CLUB. First the Shanteasers and now She Shants. There’s a revolution going on! or… is it a mutiny? Of course the Lost Quays will manfully weather the storm and try to keep the shanty club ship on an even keel. What could go wrong? Come on down to Clancy’s for a rollicking good evening of shanties. Community singing at its best! All are welcome.

— English Music Session (normally 2nd and 4th Monday) (not confirmed)
All welcome start 7:00 pm
Irish Club, Townshend Rd, Subiaco
No charge (and very reasonable drinks prices!)
It is an open-to-all session – – bring along your instruments and tunes and join in, listen, learn, teach English country music (mainly).
Contact Terry Sweet 0413 800 020 terrysweet47@gmail.com

Friday 14th February
— Wanneroo Folk Club (2nd Friday Monthly)
A Double header night again with WA Favourites Jane and the Rain and from the UK Dan Walsh.
Launching their 1st EP of original songs and featuring the soaring vocals of local songstress Jane Cornes and a bunch of articulate melodic originals, Jane and The Rain deliver so much more than just good music.
Returning to our shores for another visit UK Banjo player Dan Walsh BBC Folk Awards Best Musician nominee Dan Walsh combines ‘virtuoso playing and winning songwriting’ (MORNING STAR). Describing what Dan does is no easy task but at the heart of it is British, Irish and American folk music delivered with a healthy dose of funky grooves – all performed with his unique and dazzling take on clawhammer style banjo helping to challenge all preconceptions about the instrument. Add to all that poignant songs, astonishing musical departures and lively humour and the result is a truly memorable live show which has wowed audiences across the world from intimate seated rooms to huge dancing crowds in festival fields.
Admission will be $10.00 ($8.00 for WAFF members).
Dorchester Hall, cnr Dugdale and Dorchester St, Warwick
Email: John Ralph
Web: www.wafolk.org.au

17th February
— Monday Supperclub (Monthly) .
I have now filled all but one of the slots for our 9th year of Supperclub music, and am delighted to confirm that we will be starting the year on 17 February with Mel and Nikki of Jones of ARK, surely one of the funniest gal duos around. I haven’t quite got around to updating the bookings website yet, but plan to have it up and ready for bookings before the new year – i’ll be sure to let you know.
Other musical highlights for Supperclub in 2020 include Enda Kenny (with brother Ken Kenny reprising his spoken word support role), The Wayward Earls (featuring Rod Vervest and Peter Grayling), Kings and Queens, the Helen Townsend duo, Gypsylou and Carus Thompson. So much to look forward to in our quest to support quality independent music!
I am also exploring a new musical venue in Bassendean. The Cork and Bottle is an independently owned bar with a lovely atmosphere and comfy couches, which offers interesting grub and booze. Even Neil the beer snob finds something worthwhile to sip on here :). We may from time to time host an act at the C&B during the year under the “Monday Supperclub Xtra” banner – watch this space :).
Bookings and info: https://www.juicecreativ.com/monday-supperclub.html
Supperclub is a not for profit endeavour and all monies go back to the artists.
Bookings and info at the supperclub website –https://www.juicecreativ.com/monday-supperclub.html
Dome Cafe, Railway Parade, Maylands WA
Enquiries 0414 862 306 jcornes@iinet.net.au
6.45 pm Guests seated • 7 pm Spoken word • 7.30 pm Dinner • 8.15 pm Music • 9 pm Coffee

February 21st
— Rory McLeod (UK)
Fremantle Workers Club, Fremantle Park Centre, 36 Ellen St, Fremantle, 8pm
Rory McLeod will be the first overseas performer at the Freo Workers Club’s fabulous new home on Fremantle Park. Rory has a talent for weaving musical, storytelling spells. accompanied by his own bizarre solo orchestra of distinctive instruments including harmonica, guitar, trombone, tap board and spoons.
Tickets are only $20 for members and $25 for guests and you can buy them here: https://www.trybooking.com/BHMJD
Doors open at 6pm and meals will be available to purchase before the concert.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/540234920159377/
Contact: Don Whittington 0400 201 441. freoworkers@iinet.net.au

28th February – 2nd March 2020
— 31st Nannup Music Festival
There are so many incredible and diverse acts coming to join us; from the precious Archie Roach, to festival favourites like Kallidad and Hussy Hicks. Stunning acts from Scotland: Fara, The Langan Band and Brighde Chaimbeu. The East Pointers from Canada and Jenny Mitchell from New Zealand. And of course from Australia – urban, regional and remote. There are so many special acts that it’s impossible to begin; acts that may make some squirm or others excited, some to lay and listen to in the warm sun, and others to get up and dance to. We love that our audience differs in age and desire; and the program is made for everyone. New discoveries and old favourites…
And then of course our workshops. Arts and crafts, yoga or dance, songwriting, singing, kids activities. As you may know the Environment and Mental Health are important to us, so we will be sure to have some discussions and hands on activities happening too. Nannup is a place of letting things go and enjoying in some magic and wonder together – hopping into the Nannup bubble and blissing out for a few days. CAN NOT WAIT to immerse in it all with you!
All will be revealed on our website on 1st November. Our online ticket sales open on 1st November 2019.
We will again be offering four releases. Once a release sells out, the next one opens. Remember there will be a limited allocation for each release, so jump in early to avoid disappointment. Our 2019 event did sell out and we urge you to take advantage of our early releases.
Glamping sales will also open on the same date. Day tickets (Saturday or Sunday) go on sale on the day. We don’t offer concession tickets, but our ticket prices have remained the same for a third year in a row. We’re holding off any increase for as long as we can, as we love and appreciate our ticket holders. Children 12 years and under get free entry to all venues and there is plenty of free programmed entertainment on offer. We do accept Companion Cards.
Jump on the website (http://nannupmusicfestival.org) for more information and don’t delay booking accommodation if you’re not camping or glamping with us. The Nannup Visitors Centre will be happy to help.

Friday 6th March 2020
— An Australian Folk Night
7.30 PM Start. The Irish Club of WA: 61, Townshend Rd. Subiaco.
Featuring: Bob Rummery and Loaded Dog, Scott Wise, Sean Roche, Phil Beck, Richard Collins, and many more.
This will be a charity fund raising night For Bush Fire Relief and is proudly supported by The Irish Club of WA; and The WA Folk Federation.
If you are interesting in performing, or assisting in any way, contact any of those listed below. Please note the list of performers is fast growing and spots will mostly be limited to 2 songs/ 10 minutes. Also, to avoid duplication, it would be good to know what you’d like sing or recite.
Tickets will be available soon.
Colin Smiley: 0400 275 974, Phil Gray: 0404 629 125, Rob Oats: 0418 908 899.

Friday, 20th March – Sunday, 22 March, 2020
— Nukara Music Festival 2020
The Nukara Music Festival takes place in a natural amphitheater setting surrounded by towering River Red Gums. Set in a unique bush setting on Nukara Farm in the scenic Chapman Valley, this boutique music festival has been successfully running and growing for the past fourteen years.
Nukara comes alive the third weekend in March every year with the festival attracting local and international blues, roots and folk artists performing on two big staged areas. With the addition of unveiling local talented musicians guests will come alive with 8 hours of music under a billion stars.
Come and join us for a weekend of awesome music, great vibes and groove the night away.
https://nukarafarm.com.au/nukara-music-festival-2020/

10-12 April
— Albany International Folk n’ Shanty Festival 2020
Events will be held all over Albany with live Folk and Shanty music and maritime history with activities to interest the whole family. The entire festival is free but we will be raising money for WA based charities. Like and follow our Facebook page for more information https://www.facebook.com/albanyshantyfest/

17 Apr – 19 Apr 2020
— Fairbridge Festival 2020
Your favourite camping music festival returns to the idyllic surrounds of Fairbridge Village for three days of sun, music, family, camping and fun times!
The program team are currently putting together a knockout program of music, dance, family and kids activities and workshops for you to enjoy!
SAVE THE DATE – Early Bird Tickets go on sale MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2020
Every year, over 100 world class acts from around the globe and closer to home gather at the historic Fairbridge Village. With 13 stages, integral children’s and youth festivals, music, comedy, dancing, street theatre, markets, camping and workshops this is a family event not to be missed. Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra, is a unique self-contained site where kids are free to express themselves. Western Australia’s premier world and folk music event is loved and eagerly anticipated by thousands. Living on site, with the festival at their fingertips, patrons become one big family for the weekend. This is a festival like no other in WA and is still incredibly affordable.
http://www.fairbridgefestival.com.au/