WA Folk Music and Dance Calendar

If you see TBC next to an event then check with the contact before going.

23rd July
— Merriwa Acoustic Music Club (usually monthly 4th Tuesday)
Rauoriwa Phillipps volunteered to lead us in ‘Hey Jude’ during our next club night. As you know Rauoriwa is a great singer and accomplished ukulele player who interprets songs in a unique and very musical style. This should be a treat for the club night and something to anticipate. Attached you will find the song sheet (with ukulele chords that I think work for guitar also). As it always is good to practice before performing, I thought you might appreciate receiving this early.
Merriwa Acoustic Music Club (MAMC) is normally held every 4th Tuesday of each month at Jenolan Way Community Centre in Merriwa (very near the end of the highway north with lots of safe parking). MAMC has a simple ‘sing around’ format with each participant getting to preform two songs (or whatever it is you do… poem, dance, etc.) each cycle through the group. Everyone from complete beginners to accomplished performers are welcome. All types of instruments are also welcomed as is almost any style of music (bluegrass, folk, pop, rock, and more). We additionally have a featured club member lead the group in trying out and learning a new song together each month. MAMC has a purpose for fun, learning, encouragement, and in it’s small way – community service. If you would like to know more write: Oakyfolky@msn.com.
Also… just a reminder that our “Song Writing Workshop” will be Saturday 6 July from 1 PM until 5 PM. Mark your calendars. It will be very affordable for club members. More details will soon follow.

26th July
— Folk and Shanty Club. (Monthly, last Friday)
Albany King River Hall 7pm-10pm
“The Albany Folk & Shanty Club” is hosted by “Amity Rogues ” on the last Friday of each month. Open mic night where you are invited to sing shanties, folk, traditional, recite poetry, play some tunes…and everything in between. Admission is $5/person, $10 per family, to help pay for the hire of the hall. BYO drinks and nibbles. Free hot drinks available. Family friendly

— World Music Cafe.
Hindustani Classical Concert with Ambi Subramaniam (Indian Violin) & Praashekh Borkar (Sarod)
World Music Café presents a special Hindustani Classical Concert featuring touring Indian violin maestro Ambi Subramaniam and Sarod virtuoso Praashekh Borkar, with Gurpreet Singh on Tabla, plus the quality Celtic duo Rob Zielinski and Manuela Centanni, at the Mt Lawley Bowling Club Function Room on Friday 26 July 2024. Crowned “the new king of Indian violin” (The Times of India), Ambi Subramaniam played WOMADelaide 2024 and is touring to Perth to perform a high-quality duet concert of classical Indian Hindustani music with renowned Indian sarod player, Praashekh Borkar, accompanied by Gurpreet Singh on tabla. The son of legendary Indian musician and guru Dr L. Subramaniam, Ambi has been studying violin from an early age. He has won multiple distinguished Indian music awards and performed at many prestigious concert halls across the world. Perth-based Praashekh Borkar is one of the world’s leading Indian classical sarod players of the younger generation and regularly performs concert tours internationally. Gurpreet Singh is the founder of the Indian School of Performing Arts in Perth and an accomplished tabla player.
The opening set will feature accomplished Irish fiddler, Rob Zielinski and flautist Manuela Centanni performing their graceful blend of traditional tunes and original compositions.
“We’re delighted to present a unique concert showcasing the extraordinary musical skills of such high calibre artists across two different global music styles,” said World Music Café producer and facilitator, Jon Cope. “We are extremely grateful to Ambi, Praashekh, Gurpreet, Rob and Manuela, and the local Indian arts community, for helping to make this special World Music Café show possible,” he said. The World Music Café ‘Dinner & Show’ experience is enhanced by a delicious menu created by chef Tamara Rodriguez and her catering team, which will create fusion of Northern Indian and South American cuisine.
Established in 2019, World Music Café is a social enterprise that provides economic and social integration for our crew members of new migrant and refugee backgrounds. Described as ‘An Oasis of Integration in Our Country’ by the UWA Centre for Social Impact, World Music Café was a ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ finalist in the Australian 2022 Third Sector Awards.
Given shows often sell out, patrons are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Group table bookings are available.
Ambi Subramaniam Indian Violin Workshop – Sunday 28 July 2024, 2pm-4pm, at the Hillview Intercultural Community Centre, Bentley.
World Music Café is also presenting a special Indian Classical Violin workshop with Ambi Subramanium, offering a unique opportunity to intimately experience and learn from one of Indian’s finest violin musicians.
Limited capacity. Adult and Student ticket prices available. Workshop ticket bookings are separate to the concert performance and available at https://events.humanitix.com/ambi-subramanium-indian-violin-world-music-cafe-collaborations-workshop

27th July — The Grand Ball de Chidlow .(4th Saturday)
We now hold the Grand Ball de Chidlow on the 4th Saturday of the month, from 5:30pm to 9pm at the Old Chidlow Hall.
We also are begging to run a bal folk (French folk dance) event in Perth, not regularly yet, but the next one will be in the 8th June, 6:30-9:30pm at the north Perth Town Hall.
We have a Facebook page called Bal Folk Perth, which has all the details for any upcoming bal folks in the Perth region.
We have an email address for the above events which is: balfolkperth@gmail.com

Sunday 28th July
–Matilda’s music.(2nd and 4th Sunday)
Matilda’s music is now held at Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club. It is a great venue and Matilda’s has been warmly welcomed by the Hollywood Subiaco committee.
Matilda’s continues to be held on second and fourth Sunday of every month from 2-6pm.
Pay $5 at the door and share the love of making music. It’s an ‘open mike’ session, so if you fancy singing and playing to like-minded musicians, come along and put your name on the board. Or if you just like to see and hear people who love making music, please come along. Everyone is welcome.
Every Wednesday from around 4pm -6pm a group gathers for a very informal ‘jam’ session. Again, everyone is welcome.
Venue address: 42 Smyth Road, Nedlands Western Australia 6009
Enquiries: Trevor Perree 0416 968 994

August 4
— Robert Zielinski and Manuela Centanni, Irish Fiddle & Flute.
Excerpts from Robert’s Kiangardarup – TheTorbay Suite as well as traditional dance music from Ireland.
Darlington Hall, 1/3 Owen Road, Darlington WA 6070
Robert Zielinski and Manuela Centanni formed a duo in New Zealand three years ago, exploring the traditional music of Ireland and many of Robert’s original compositions inspired by the pristine Great Southern region of Western Australia’s remote south coast. They are known for their tone, their arrangements and uncanny unison playing where they explore the concept of the two instruments becoming one.
They enjoy sharing their music with people from all ages and backgrounds working from the belief that music is a universal language.
PURCHASE TICKETS
ONLINE: https://humanitix.com Go to ‘buy tickets online’ and follow the prompts to Darlington Concerts.
AT THE DOOR: Tickets can be purchased at the door but to avoid disappointment we strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. TICKET PRICING: Single tickets: Adult: $50 / Concession: $45 / Under 18: $25 Season tickets (5 concerts): Adult: $225 / Concession: $200
Tickets which have been held as unpaid will be sold after 2.45pm on the concert date.

9th August
— Wanneroo Folk Club.
Country folk Duo Sea Swallow is Bill Lawrie and Claire Moodie. Sea Swallow are known for beautifully crafted, lyrical story-songs and for the chemistry between Glasgow-born Claire Moodie and Fremantle lad Bill Lawrie. Sea Swallow started out playing in Broome pubs and some of their songs trace their travels from the shores of Roebuck Bay to the west of Scotland – a bit like the migratory bird from which they take their name.
Since 2020, Sea Swallow have released two albums and had series of nominations for song-writing awards, taking out the West Australian Music Best Country Song category in 2023 for the evocative “Down to the Wild Stuff Now”. Their second album “Creature of the Heart” was launched at Nannup Festival in 2024, and they were delighted to be invited to play at Wanneroo Folk Club following those performances. Recent time in Scotland has brought forth some new songs, to be premiered at Wanneroo
Doors open 7 pm for a 7:30 start
Tea & coffee provided, for other refreshment bring your own
Admission: $12 ($10 WAFF Members) Cash is preferred, Card facilities will be available.
Dorchester Hall, 2 Dugdale cnr Dorchester Ave, Warwick.
If you want more info please Email: wafolk@hotmail.com or check www.wafolk.org.au

Sunday 11th August
–Matilda’s music.(2nd and 4th Sunday)
Matilda’s music is now held at Hollywood Subiaco Bowling Club. It is a great venue and Matilda’s has been warmly welcomed by the Hollywood Subiaco committee.
Matilda’s continues to be held on second and fourth Sunday of every month from 2-6pm.
Pay $5 at the door and share the love of making music. It’s an ‘open mike’ session, so if you fancy singing and playing to like-minded musicians, come along and put your name on the board. Or if you just like to see and hear people who love making music, please come along. Everyone is welcome.
Every Wednesday from around 4pm -6pm a group gathers for a very informal ‘jam’ session. Again, everyone is welcome.
Venue address: 42 Smyth Road, Nedlands Western Australia 6009
Enquiries: Trevor Perree 0416 968 994

18th August
— Greenbushes Acoustic. (3rd Sunday) TBC
Greenbushes Acoustic has been operating since September 2020. We aim to bring more live acoustic music to Greenbushes in Western Australia.
From June 2021 during the colder months the group meets regularly on a third Sunday of the month at the RSL Hall in Greenbushes, between 1:30 and 3:30pm. This is a free acoustic music event with open mic opportunities. From October, during the warmer months, the group meets from 2:30-4:30 at Thomson Park in Greenbushes. Ring Lee on 0491 009 134 or Irma on 0466 640 455 for more information.

Friday 6th September
— Hills Folk Club.(1st Friday)
Hills Folk Club is held at Falls Farm Cottage on Neil Tonkin Park, Cagney Way, Lesmurdie at 8pm. Entry $10. Tea, coffee, milo & biscuits included at interval.
Contact Pauline Tonkin 92916026 paulinekevin@bigpond.com or Peter ‘Murph’ Murphy at murf2murf4@gmail.com
We will be taking a Winter Break in July and August so come and enjoy the best acoustic music in Town in warm Falls Farm while you can.

— WA Bush Poets & Yarnspinners Monthly Muster.
7 pm, TBC
The Auditorium, Swan Care Bentley Park, 26 Plantation Drive, Bentley WA
Contact: Bill Gordon billgordon1948@gmail.com Mob: 0428 651 098

Saturday 21st September 2024
— Mandurah Soiree.
Starting as usual at 2.30p.m., break at 3.30p.m.for coffee, tea, nibbles, and if you wish, your favourite libation, then re-commencing at 4p.m., and nominally finishing about 5.00. There will of course be the opportunity to hang around for those who want to join a “Jam Session”. Please let us know as soon as possible if you intend coming as a performer or as part of the audience, so we can get a rough idea of seating etc. Look forward catching up with you all. By the way, if you are unsure of the address, please email the address below, and details will be provided. We have to do this because the Soiree is held in a family home, and seating is limited. Please accept my apologies for the late notice, which was unavoidable due to some confusion on my part.
If you have any questions, please email or give me a call. We look forward to catching up with you all. email Ian ilo78333@bigpond.net.au

4 – 6 October
— The Nanga Music Festival.
2024 VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT, Fairbridge Village and Pinjarra Civic Centre
The Nanga Music Festival is pleased to announce new venues for 2024 at Fairbridge Village and the Pinjarra Civic Centre. The festival had enjoyed years of generous sponsorship from its previous venue, Nanga Bush Camp – but a change of ownership led to the need for a new home. Our new venues are thanks to the continuing support of the Shire of Murray and our new partner, Fairbridge Village. Friday’s opening night dinner and concert will be held at Fairbridge Village Dining Hall. The Pinjarra Civic Centre will seat up to 300 for the Saturday and Sunday programs, with its Lesser Hall hosting our traditional Listening Gallery and workshops. Meals at the Civic Centre will be catered for both days by Nimrod Kazoom.
Shared, mostly communal-style accommodation will be available at Fairbridge Village through our ticketing system. Various other accommodation options around the Pinjarra area will also be available, including the caravan park.
An exciting program of musicians and performers from WA and around Australia, and other familiar parts of the Nanga program will continue to feature in this transitional festival. Tickets will go on sale in mid-July. Watch out for another mailing from us to let you know exactly when and with full event details.
In the meantime, there is much work to be done. The NMF committee is proud to continue a tradition that started many years ago at Araluen.
We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who posted messages of support when the loss-of-venue announcement was made. We really appreciated the sentiment. Now, please tell your friends to join the Facebook event to keep up to date with developments.
See you 4 – 6 October in Pinjarra! https://nanga music Festival

16th September
— Guitarra .
Regat Theatre, Subiaco
Abstract Touring & Leslie Hinton proudly presents the highly anticipated collaboration of the world-renowned flamenco guitarist, Paco Peña, and Australia’s own virtuosos, the Grigoryan Brothers. Joining them on their 2024 National Tour is none other than flamenco master Rafael Montilla.
Prepare to be mesmerized by an unforgettable evening of solo performances, building up to a grand finale where all four maestros will grace the stage together. This is a must-see experience for music aficionados, promising an extraordinary fusion of talent and passion.
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=GUITARRA24

8th- 10th November
— Toodyay Bush Poetry Festival.
presented by the WA Bush Poets & Yarnspinners
WA Bush Poetry, performance Championships, Poetry Writing Workshop, Variety Concert Saturday night
Free entry to all events More info at: https://www.wabushpoets.asn.au/

15th – 17th November 2024
— Folk in the Forest .
Little Folk are excited to announce the dates for this year’s Folk in the Forest Festival at Banksia Springs in Dwellingup – Friday 15th – Sunday 17th November 2024. Pop it in your calendar today! Tickets will go on sale on Monday 20th May 2024 at 9am.
A great response from performers so far, but if you’d like to add your name to the list, you’re still in with a chance. Expect to hear the likes of Peter Bugden, Bernard Carney, Colleen Dixon (she used to be a Penguin), Iris Jones (with a new presentation) and fresh from their World Premiere Performance at Perth Concert Hall, Rob Zielinsky and Manuela Centanni. There will be a host of others!
A ticket for the weekend is only $70 until 30 September, $85 thereafter so to avoid missing out, visit our website as soon as you can, go to the Folk in the Forest page to find the Book Here button and take it from there. Accommodation prices remain unchanged – $50pp per night for beds in lodge and cottages, $25pp per night for camping. Further information for the festival will be available in the coming weeks.
Please contact us at folkintheforest@gmail.com.au.

WEST AUSTRALIAN FOLK FEDERATION INC.