Festival Features
In addition to the concerts there are a number of special events throughout the festival. Here’s a summary of some of them.
OPENING DANCE & PICNIC
Wednesday 6.30pm – Picnic, 8pm – Family Bush Dance, Grevillea Park
The natural setting of The Chapel in the Grevillea Park is the scene for the opening Bush Dance. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy the sunset and park. Bring the kids, dancing shoes or an instrument to join the acoustic dance band. All the dances will be called and walked through.
LUNCH ITALIAN STYLE
Thursday Midday-2pm Grandstand Restaurant
Enjoy a scrumptious lunch with the musical spirit of Italy. There’ll be pasta, sauce, lotsa panne (bread) and more to fill you tummy. Then enjoy the music of Italy with Zumpa and friends. A great tradition continues. Adults $15, Youth $7. Tickets available from the Festival Office from 10am on the day.
97.3 ABC Illawarra OPENING CONCERT
Thursday 4pm - 11.30pm - Slacky Flat Bar
Over 10 performers are in a rapid-fire concert displaying just a bit of what’s to come over the three days ahead. Admission for non-season pass holders is just a $5 donation at the door. All door and raffle takings go to our two charities; SCARF a group supporting refugees in the Illawarra and the Bulli Public School. The Bulli Show Society will provide a barbecue as well.
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
Thursday 6.45pm - Slacky Flat Bar
Held at the Thursday Night concert, the welcome will be performed by local aboriginal elder, Vic Chapman. Vic, who was also the first Aboriginal School Principal in NSW. He has a special affiliation with the Folk Festival through his late son John who for a number of years was a festival volunteer and attendee. Vic has done our ‘welcome to country’ for the four previous years we have been at Bulli.
THE GREAT GUT-BUSTING TRIPE DINNER & CONCERT
Thursday 6.30pm, Concert from 8.15pm Grandstand Restaurant
We are the only Festival to hold this great gastronomic and musical event and there are some who would say that that is just as well. Bookings are essential for this three-course gourmet treat we do let non-tripe eaters in for a plate of ‘Grey Sludge’.
THE SHED FOR KIDS
Friday 10am-5.30pm
Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm
Sunday 9am-5pm
The festival has always prided itself on its cultural children’s entertainment. There will be 31 sessions of music, dancing, storytelling, puppets, instrument making and fun.
THE BUSH MY LOVER
Friday 11.15am - Show Pavilion
John Broomhall explores through poetry and song the male virtues of mateship and the rough and tumble lives of bullockys, shearers, drovers, miners and itinerant workers.
YOUTH at the FOLKIE
Friday 4.30pm, Saturday 2.30pm THE FORUM
15 of our finest young musicians, songwriters and singers will showcase their talents in these great variety concerts. Come along and hear the next generation of folk performers
ALAN SCOTT MEMORIAL AUSTRALIAN CONCERT
Friday 5pm-11.30pm Grandstand Restaurant
Alan Scott was a great collector and interpreter of Australian traditional songs and was the first person invited to all our festivals until his untimely death. Each year we pull together some of his friends and those who are carrying on his traditions. If you are interested in our heritage this is a concert not to be missed.
UNDER BLACK SKIES
Saturday 10.30am - Black Diamond Marquee
“Under Black Skies” brings together some of the Illawarra’s notable folk musicians for the critically acclaimed documentary Under Black Skies, which documents the mining history of the Illawarra, in particular the local disasters that forged the character of the regions mining industry.
AVAGOODLAFF
Saturday 9.45am-Midday Show Pavilion
Folk Music and Song is not always doom and gloom and to prove it some of our artists show their funny side so that you can ‘AVAGOODLAFF’. Dingo’s Breakfast, John Dengate, Merri-May Gill, Frencham Smith, Bernard Carney and David Hyams, The Minglewood Mudcats and Nick Rheinberger will send you away with a smile on your face that will get you through the day - at least until the bar opens.
A SONG FOR ANNE
Saturday 12.15pm-2.15pm - Show Pavilion
Anne Fox was the first life member of the Illawarra Folk Club. She was a foundation member and was also President of the Club for a number of years. She was in at the beginning of the Festival when we held a preliminary event at Wilton in 1985 and our first festival at Jamberoo the following year. Sadly she died this year and this concert is our tribute to her. Performing in the concert will be her sons Chris and Michael with their band Rusty Hinges.
SONGS OF CLOTH & STEEL
Saturday 2pm - The Global Green
Telling stories and sharing songs from their different cultural traditions and experiences is a passion for the Illawarra Multicultural Womens Performing group. This group has become loved and well known in the local community.
COAL MINING FOLK
Saturday 2.30pm - Show Pavilion
A theme concert by Beeswing, our Novocastrian Friends. Bulli has a rich history of mining from disasters to strikes. So the spirits of the miners are all around the area. They will, for sure, appreciate their history being recounted in song by such a fine band.
PUPPETS TEATRO MATIJA SOLCE
Saturday 3pm, Sunday 2pm - The Shed
Matija Solce builds his puppets with everyday materials such as socks, plastic bags, tins and paper. Each material has different characteristics, which define the outlook of the puppet, its manipulation technique (marionett, handpuppet, etc.) and its character. His interactive workshop uses socks, gloves, paper, tape and other everyday materials to guide participants through his system of making puppets and the different ways the puppet can be animated.
A TRIBUTE TO MARY
Saturday 3.30pm-5pm - Show Pavilion
Mary, of course is Mary Travers of Peter Paul and Mary fame who died in September. A little bit of the light that still burns in old sixties folkies shut down when Mary Died. Relive the old PPM songs when Emma and Claire Roberts and other PPM lovers like Stewart Holt, Alan Musgrove, Mendala and The Borderers bring these days back to life.
SUNDAY MORNING GOSPEL
Sunday 8.30am - Nag’s Lounge
Emma Hannah and Tamnesia will be hosting a mighty fine gospel sing to celebrate Sunday. Grab breakfast and getting along to feel inspired and spiritual. If you love the Gospel Music of the 50s and 60s you’ll love this concert. Atheists welcome.
THOSE FIGHTING GUITARS
Sunday 9am-11am - Black Diamond Marquee
Five of the best guitarists clash when they come together in this concert. The ‘Young Bloods’ Daniel Champagne and Kim Churchill take on the earlier generation when they share the stage with Michael Fix, Victor Monasterio, and Ewan McKenzie.
FOLK FEDERATION of NSW 40th BIRTHDAY CONCERT
Sunday 10.30am-12.15pm Show Pavilion
The Folk Federation of NSW was formed in 1970 with the aim to present, support, and encourage the performance of folk music, folk song, folk dance and spoken word by providing through its magazine, Cornstalk Gazette, and its website www.jam.org.au an opportunity for artists, audience, groups, clubs and festivals to get together.
MARGARET REMEMBERED
Sunday Midday-2.45pm - Nag’s Lounge
Dr Margaret Carmen was a Bulli Doctor who passed away under tragic circumstances earlier this year. Her colleagues in the practice lead by Dr Julie Blaze decided to have a tribute to Dr Carmen and this concert is the result. One of the scholarships to the music school is also named after Margaret. Her daughter Jane Aubourg, a gifted musician, has been playing at the festival since we moved to Bulli and will perform in this concert.
UNION CHOIRS CONCERT
Sunday Midday - Global Green
With support from the unions and the South Coast Labour Council the choirs will again feature at the festival as they have done for the past 15 years. With choirs from Newcastle, the Blue Mountains, Canberra Sydney and our own local Illawarra Union Singers it promises to be one of the biggest line-ups ever
THE RAILWAY CONCERT
Sunday 12.30pm-1.45pm - Show Pavilion
A selection of new railway songs and poem, from the 32 entries submitted in the Railway Union’s Contemporary Railway Song and Poem Competition. The winner of the $1000 RTBU Competition will be announced. There will also be traditional railway songs from the Bush Music Club’s project to bring together a “work book” of about 50 Australian railway songs for bands and performers.
BEWARE THE GREEKS
Sunday 3pm-4.15pm - Show Pavilion
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts so the saying goes. Well you won’t have to worry about these Greeks because the gifts they bear are good music dance and verse. The South Coast Labour Council’s Arthur Rorris will be joined by Zorba’s Kefi, a great local Greek Band and Alan Musgrove and Thalia, a very fine poet of Greek descent from Melbourne.
POLITICS “AIN’T” DEAD
Sunday 5.30pm-6.45pm - Show Pavilion
Politics ain’t dead as the recent dispute over the ETS has showed. Folk music is about chronicling our times and that’s what our great collection of singers and musicians will be doing in this concert.
Participate
SUMMER FOLK SCHOOL
Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-6pm
With 30 workshops the Folk Music School aims to increase awareness of folk music traditions and provide opportunities for musicians of all ages to build on their skills.
POETS BREAKFASTS
Friday 9am, Saturday 8am, Sunday 8am Show Pavilion
This gives you a chance to air your favourite poem or recite or read your latest composition. It’s a free for all and everyone gets a go. Our Festival Poets Dingoes Breakfast Duo, Brian Bell, Zondrae King, Viv Sawyer David Meyers and Neil Morrison will of course lead it. Breakfast is available from the Fiddlers Café in the Pavilion.
BLACKBOARD CONCERTS
Friday, Saturday & Sunday - The Forum
The blackboard will be in full swing over most of the weekend at our new venue - The Forum. It’s another chance to have a go. See Dave Oliphant, master of ceremonies of the Blackboard and put your name down for a 20 minute spot. Already a number of performers, whose names appear in the programme have already done so but there’s still plenty of room.
HONEY EATER’S GROVE
Friday 3pm-5pm, Saturday 10.30am-7pm, Sunday 10.30am-3.30pm
High on the hill in the Grevillea Park is the secretive Honey Eater Grove. Here, surrounded by New Holland Honeyeaters and the magical Eastern Spinebills you can commune with the Australian Bush. Of course there will be Sensitive New Age Drumming Sessions led by Elemental Grooves, Obrobini and The Drop. It’s a BYO everything, but a great spot. Take your rhythm sticks, Festival Fans or just your percussive body and join in the primeval beat away from the hurley-burley of the poets and accordion players.
THE GREAT WOOLLY YARNS COMPETITION
Saturday 11.30am-1.15pm Grandstand Bar
Your chance to take out some of the great prizes on offer just by telling the odd tale or two. Truth is not an issue though laying claim to it is essential. Only one rule- all yarns must be no longer than five minutes or the gong applies. Hosted by Russel Hannah this competition is in its 20th year. Politicians are barred.
THE GREAT LIMERICK COMPETITION
Saturday 2.30pm-2.15pm Grandstand Bar
Bring along your favourite limerick - anything goes. Write one yourself and win a prize for the best original composition. It’s a lot of fun and a quite old poetic form (an easy one too). Hosted by Brian Bell.
WORLD’S LARGEST PENNY (TIN) WHISTLE BAND
Friday 5.30pm Global Green, Practice and Registration
Saturday 9am Global Green, Registration
Sunday 9am The Forum, Practice Registration
Sunday 4.30pm The Forum, Final Practice
Sunday 6.45pm Parade from Global Green
Sunday 7.15pm World Record Attempt, Black Diamond Marquee
Join the attempt at a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Penny (Tin) Whistle Band. The performance will include renditions of Click Go the Shears, Molly Malone and Irish tunes. Registration is $15 with all proceeds to Greenacres Disability Services. Register at the Festival Office or at the sessions.
DANCE TIME
GLOBAL GREEN
Instruction and walkthroughs will be provided.
Friday 7pm Irish Ceili
Friday 9.45pm Contra Dance
Friday 10pm Tango Time
Saturday 12.15pm Tango Workshop
Saturday 4pm Scottish Ceili
Saturday 6.45pm Old Time Dance
Saturday 8.30pm Bush Dance
Saturday 9.45pm Contra Dance
Sunday 2.40pm Serbian Folk Dance
Sunday 3.20pm Contra Dance
Sunday 5.30pm Tango Time
The Bridge Finale & Parade
Sunday 6.30pm Global Green
Join the parade and be part of the Festival Finale.
Sunday 7.15pm-8.30pm
Finale Black Diamond Marquee
This year’s festival will see the return of the parade and finale which “Bridges” the diverse and wonderful groups which make the festival and our creative community so special! Join the traditionalists David de Santi with members of Wongawilli, Big Snore Hammers, Zumpa and John Broomhall; the MCs Nick Rheinberger and Tia Wilson; the Guinness Book of Records Attempt with hopefully over 100 tin whistle players featuring with the wonderful Johnny Spillane; African drum and dance with Damion Stirling and Elemental Groove, Tribal Jewels and Cinnamon Twist School of Bellydance; participants from the Illawarra Folk Summer School; special guests and as many of YOU who would like to participate!
FINALE PREPARATION
Sunday 6.30pm Assemble at Global Green
Bring something to shake, rattle, blow or bang. There will be spare percussive instruments. The Parade will finish at the Black Diamond Marquee and form part of the Finale. There will be a number of groups – whistlers, Gypsy Brass Band, drummers and dancers. Try and attend some of the practices for each of these groups.
Friday 1.45pm & 9.30am
Instrument Making, The Shed
Make instruments with Mark Holder-Keeping and be part of the Parade.
Sunday 2pm
Drummers Practice, Honey Eater’s Grove
Drummers practice with Damion Stirling.
GYPSY BRASS BAND
Thursday 5pm Summer School Practice, Bulli Uniting Church
Sunday 10am Practice, The Forum
Sunday 5.45pm Practice, Nag’s Lounge
Sunday 6.45pm Parade to Black Diamond Marquee
Sam Golding will continue his Gypsy Brass Band from Viva La Gong. Enjoy the energy of Balkan / Gypsy tunes. Come along with your brass instrument – accordions are allowed, but have to be loud! Sheet music is provided but has to be eaten before the Parade.
LATEST NEWS
AUGUST 05, 2010
20 YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
2011 Illawarra Folk Festival Summer School – 12/13 January 2011
20 Youth Scholarships Available
Part of the 26th Illawarra Folk Festival to be held 13th - 16th January 2011, Slacky Flat, Bulli, NSW
The Illawarra Folk Festival is offering twenty youth scholarships to talented and enthusiastic young musicians (18 years and under) to attend the Illawarra Folk Festival Summer School.
The Illawarra Folk Festival Summer School gives musicians of all ages the opportunity to explore a broad range of musical traditions in an open and fun...
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