El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts

Subject: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 07:56 AM

We are planning a trip to Australia towards the end of this year. Tentative dates: 17th December till 10th January. Purpose of the trip is to visit our son and his family, who live in Canberra, teach my (then) 2.5 year old grandson some naughty words, etc. Family stuff. Which means that within a week I'll be climbing walls. And in any case, we do have friends we'd like to visit in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. We'll probably do the first 2 by car from ACT, and the other 2 by plane.

John Thompson of Cloudstreet was telling us about Woodford (?) festival in Queensland. And I'd like to also visit folk clubs in the aforementioned cities - perhaps even get some gigs organised there?

I am looking for
a) advice - about where to go, which clubs are best, what places might be closed during Xmas (or even for the summer) etc
b) contacts for opportunities to meet with Mudcatters there
c) contacts for me to solicit spots or gigs at clubs (I can send them my standard promo pack of 1-pager plus demo CD).

Any help, folks?

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 08:00 AM

Also: I don't really want to cart my 12-string all the way from the UK; any ideas where I might borrow/steal/beg/(buy if nec) one?

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 08:58 AM

17th December till 10th January

Most Sydney clubs would be closed while you are here. Mine finishes 4th weekend Nov, JennyO's 1st week of Dec, our other club (Almost Acoustic where Cloudstreet have performed) 2nd week Dec. However, sessions are easily arranged! Maybe a house concert could be arranged, too.

There is only 1 club in Canberra - The Merry Muse & I dunno if it will be open either. Canberra Chris is a regular there.

There are several festivals around - Woodford in Qld (check out the Woodford threads) & Gulgong in NSW. Both are held over New Year & are very hot - Woodford is tropical & often wet Qld, & Gulgong is dry outback heat.

Check out Folk Alliance, our national site. It would have links for Woodford & Gulgong.

http://www.folkalliance.org.au/FAA_SiteMap.htm

Any chance of verying your dates?

PM me if you want more info.

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 12:25 PM

Maybe I'll go out when El G comes back then, perhaps there will be clubs open then!

I know a few of his songs anyway!!

I close my club for that period too.

Wont re-open till March 2005, this cold weather can influence human behaviour.

When I'm free I'll be able to do what I like and go where I please!!!!!

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Micca
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 01:53 PM

Sandra, Freda, Jenny O, get to hear this guy, he is a damn good singer and songwriter and an all round Nice person too, (and Vanessa is a real sweetie too), so if you can't arrange a gig or two, at least a House Concert would be a wonderful experience all round.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 06:40 PM

I second that Micca!!! El Greko is really worth hearing/meeting! This man shows his soul in his songs.....

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 07:31 PM

catch us 2nd an 4th Tuesday of the month at The King Harry St Albans, Herts Eng

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Valda
Date: 27 Jan 04 - 11:21 PM

Hi,
If you are looking for a list of festivals you may like to try
Folk Australia.
It has a festival calendar that shows festivals month by month with a link to sites where applicable.
I hope this helps.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 07:49 AM

we can certainly arrange a house concert - I can dob in several folkies who have houses!

Jenny's club is held in a coffee shop, & we also have the use of a good acoustic venue in Glebe (next suburb to the Dog). freda's backyard has a great Community Room used for choir practices & sometimes sessions & concerts - Charley Noble & Naemanson have sung there.

There are lotsa' venues & I'll get something going when I have more info.

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Joybell
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 05:27 PM

Nariel Creek is a great little festival. Held over Christmas and New Year. It's in North-east Victoria. It will be on the festival website. Very, very laid back though - not too many of the organized sort of activities. Also we will are out here on the West Victorian plains. Rugged coast on one side - wild mountains on the other. Not too much goes on here either but you would be very welcome if you'd like to visit. Joy

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: freda underhill
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 06:43 PM

hi El Greko

I have already heard one of your songs.. Andy Irvine sang it when he played in Sydney recently. I was very impressed, a beautiful song (tho'I can't remember which one now, only that i loved it)

I am on an email list for people who run folk venues in NSW. If you
send me a rave about yourself & times in oz, I will put it out to the list with a recommendation.

and I would love to have a session for you at home if you're in sydney.

Woodford is a huge festival in QLD - from 27th Dec to New Ys day. If you apply, it is an opportuntiy to see a huge range of Australian music, all on the one beautiful site. It is extremely well organised. check their website - there is another very recent thread about australian folk festivals - that has all the contacts.

If that's too far/too much, there is a quiet little festival of Australian folk music at Gulgong in NSW on at the same time. very traditional, in an old goldmining town. this is a gentle, laid back festival with lots of sessions. small enough to meet people.

Bill Arnett runs the Merry Muse folk club in Canberra - he is a lovely guy - drop him a line. His email is [e-mail]
you can tell him Amalina (me) gave you the email address.

The Harp Hotel in Sydney is a good venue and may be open at this time. The guy that does the music there is John Gallagher. If you mention Andy Irvine or get a rec from someone, or send him a cd, that would be a good place to perform. And they don't close down over Christmas. His email is [e-mail]

good luck & best wishes

freda

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Moses
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 07:34 AM

I have the pleasure and privilage of hearing George most weeks at Herga (Harrow) and Windward (St Albans). We get to hear a new song almost every other week! (How does he do it?). Humour, pathos, life and death, it's all there.   His songs reflect his soul. Catch him if you can when he visits - well worth coming out in all that heat.

I shall be in Sydney at the end of next week and will be in contact with Sandra, and hopefully get to one or two clubs or song sessions. Any concerts or clubs between 9th and 26th Feb 04 - let me know and I'll try to visit.

Moses

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: cloudstreet
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 07:51 AM

For what it's worth, we reckon El Greko is one of the finest song-writers we've come across in ages. We're just happy we'll be back in Oz to see him.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 08:03 AM

John & Nicole - will you be at the National? Any new album/s on the way?

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 29 Jan 04 - 09:50 AM

Hello Fred   


The song Andy Irvine sang was probably 'Empty-Handed', which begins

'Again the rains are late this year...'

about a farmer facing bankruptcy because of the drought and how he reflects upon his failings while feeling responsible for those about him.

Not a bad chorus either

'Its not the setting sun that makes my face look red
You rich may never understa-a-and it
And if I walk as if my shoes were made of lead
Its the shame of coming back home empty-handed

Before you become too saddened with the tale, there is a 'part two' sequel in a song due out on his new CD being launched this March.

Anyone in Devon U.K may like to know that he is appearing on Sunday 15th Feb at the Folk on the Moor Folk Club near Wotter near Plymouth.

But not alone!!!


Well he is my backing group!!!!

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 04 - 06:45 AM

Moses

Thurs 4 - JennyO's folk club @ Gladesville
Wed 11 - Shanty singing on the James Craig @ the Maritime Museum
Fri 13 - concert @ The Harp, Tempe
Sat 14 - concert @ Almost Acoustic, Rozelle
Tues 17 - Riverview Folk Club @ Balmain

looks like we'll have to get a session going Friday 20 - both freda & JennyO have held sessions in the past! (hint, hint)

will these be enough? Or do your family expect to see you sometime?

I get to all these venues on public transport - The Museum is next to the CBD, the others are inner city suburbs.

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Moses
Date: 30 Jan 04 - 07:23 AM

Sandra in Sydney

Many thanks for info. Will try to get to at least some of them. Looking forward to being in Sydney - it's been 25 years!!
It's been snowing here!

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 30 Jan 04 - 08:04 AM

It's almost midnight here, & as always I have the fan on. Today was hot & humid, tomorrow will be the same.

enjoy your snow. We saw a bit of in today on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald (www.smh.com.au). As much as humidity pisses me off, I wouldn't want to live in a snowy place.

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 04 Feb 04 - 07:12 PM

Thanks to all for the response...
So far: I am booked at the Merry Muse, Canberra, for the 17th December; and at the Almost Acoustic Club, Sydney, for the 18th December (thanks Sandra and Margaret!). I could stay in Sydney another day, if needed, I'd like to see the place anyway (chance for the 19th, Freda, if you wish).
And I plan to be in Brisbane 27-29 December or so (thanks for the contact Hrothgar). Melbourne probably 3-4 January. Adelaide most likely 6-8 January....

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: nutty
Date: 05 Feb 04 - 01:56 AM

Remember ..... you have to be home in time for Helmsley, George (28th - 30th Jan 2005)

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 05 Feb 04 - 03:16 AM

In the diary already, Hazel

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 05 Feb 04 - 06:13 AM

so I better wait till mid Jan before going out!!!

Pitter Patter

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Harry Basnett
Date: 05 Feb 04 - 01:08 PM

Canberra and Sydney are in for a treat...fine singer/songwriter and all-round nice guy with an excellent taste in malt..

And Vanessa's a sweetie...

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 07:44 AM

I'm holding my breath waiting for Moses to bring the demo CD so I can listen, it must be this weekend!!

But I'm currently listening to a newly purchased CD, so I can probably survive.

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 08:35 AM

Sandra, look after Moses for me please.

El G puts Bogle to shame!!!!!!

Do enjoy his words and melodies.
Guam deserves to get one.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: JennyO
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 08:52 AM

Good grief, I only just found this thread. All these goings on and I've been a mushroom! Sandra, I am sending you a PM about the 20th. There could be a problem.

Jenny

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Moses
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 09:49 AM

Sandra

I should arrive late Sunday night. Will phone you probably Monday and hope to get to the Shanty singing at the Maritime Museum on Wednesday.

Look forward to seeing you all.

I'm off line now until I get to Oz.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 12:05 PM

does this mean 'Jet Plane' gets revived tonight??

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 01:10 PM

Moses-

Hope you make the shanty session aboard the Craig. She's a beautifully renovated 1870's bark and the crew are enthusiastic about singing and learning sea songs.

Give my regards,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 06 Feb 04 - 01:23 PM

Give them "Rum, not ale" and "Deadeye Sound", Christine - spread Les's good word.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 07 Feb 04 - 09:25 AM

I did Jet Plane at 11.15 gmt followed by Early Mornin' rain

It was cold there at nine, saturday morning French Row
The chilling wind froze me to my toes
But my spirits were high and I thought of you
as I stared at the sky and thought 'There she goes.'


Liverpool Stan from St Albans was on the same plane!

If those two had met.

The whole plane would have been a gig

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Moses
Date: 08 Feb 04 - 08:32 PM

Hi Guys

I'm here safely. Looking forward to Wednesday at the James Craig. What time? - I'm guessing about 8pm??

I'll bring El Greco's demo CDs.

See you soon

luv to all here and back home

Moses

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: JennyO
Date: 08 Feb 04 - 09:19 PM

Hi Moses,

I'll be at the James Craig on Wednesday. Really looking forward to meeting you and also looking forward to hearing El Greko's CD's. Any chance of a copy?

BTW, the James Craig session starts at 7pm, altho I may not make it for the beginning. But Sandra should be there from the beginning.

I am sending you more details in a PM.

Jenny

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: GUEST,Cllr at work
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 08:02 AM

For those reading this on the Oz'er side. can I just add my comments.
After hearing El Grecko once I booked him at the first opportunity. I am working out what the ealiest date I can book him again. I have also arranged for george to do a gig at the prestigous Ampthill Music festival (which is predominatly classical) to represent what is currently best on the Folkscene. He is a wordsmith, and excellent performer and a gentleman. Cllr at work

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 08:15 AM

Wotter On Sunday

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Zorg
Date: 09 Feb 04 - 06:36 PM

Hello my lovely glad you got there ok
had a wonderful night with Dave Sealey see youn soon Zorg

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: freda underhill
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 07:18 AM

hi el greko - 19th dec sounds fine for a session at my place, if you're still in sydney.

and oses - I'll see you tomorrow night!

best wishes

freda

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 07:30 AM

Moses & I are meeting at the James Craig tomorrow - check out Charlie Noble's pics to see the ship & the earlier singing session when he, JudyB & Naemanson were here in November. http://home.gwi.net/~ipbar/

It's a great place to sing - the designers & builders might have thought the hold was built for carrying stuff from point A to Point B, but it really is a perfect acoustic space. And the deck's not a bad place to sing a shanty, too. And the shanty crew are ok, too. A good night will be had. And I will get El Greko's sample CD.

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 08:56 AM

The 19th for a session at your place is on, Freda - thanks! Pls PM me details (phone, address etc).
Please ignore Breezy's comparison with Eric B - he's a very enthusiastic publicity manager. I think he's angling for payment...
Have fun with Moses! And if you want copies of the demo CD, feel free to run them off the ones Moses has (I only gave her 3...).
If everything goes to plan, album No 5 should be released late October - we can have a mini-launch in Sydney perhaps...

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: JennyO
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 10:07 AM

Yay, a mini launch. That sounds like a good idea!

Unfortunately, El Greko, you will be too late for my folk club (North By Northwest) in December, but it sounds like you might be around for one of our famous BBQ's in January, if you would like to come.

Charlie and Brett came to one in November (and they are still recovering - just joking), and the weather didn't behave very well, but by January it should be stinking hot, like it is now, and we can sit in the shade of the big tree, have lots of long cool drinks, cook dead animals and play music. Would Saturday 8th Jan be a good date for you?

Jenny

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 10:56 AM

Saturday 8th Jan is a definite "maybe", Jenny; I will need permission from the Hampshire Goddess for that, as we'll be leaving from Canberra for the old country on Monday 10th...Still, if I am a good boy and promise to get back Sunday morning my son might not file for filial divorce (it's fashionable nowadays isn't it)...We'll see, I'll get back to you on that.

Moses, Vin is on in Sydney on the 4th March, if you're still around you might go and heckle him for us and make sure he does F&G (he said he'd spread the good word).

The trouble with all this is I'm getting excited (down boy!) and I have another 10 months to wait - aarghh!

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 11:10 AM

no I truly would rather listen to E G's songs than E B's

I know a good thing when I hear it.

Moses will be back by then.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Moses
Date: 10 Feb 04 - 07:17 PM

Papa-G

Sorry, I have to leave Sydney on 28th Feb otherwise I wouldn't have missed Vin for anything.

Looking forward to tonight on the James Craig.

Will be on line again by weekend.

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Feb 04 - 07:55 AM

We had a great night on the deck of the James Craig - under the big awning, later in the evening sheltering from the downpour!

John Warner led us in a few shanties, the James Craig's very own band played (they had a DOUBLE BASS!! - my favourite instrument) a few songs, then we had supper down below, then back on deck for a session.

The rules are sing, request a song, or pass on the belaying pin to the next person & as Gavin passed it to me to start the evening I passed it to Moses almost before he finished explaining what to do.

So she started with a song by wazzit (you know who he is, the postman who rarely gets to anything so writes lotsa songs) & it had a great chorus & the evening started very well. The chorus was about a ship that went down with all hands on the Goodwin Sands, or whatever they're called, you know the one.

Lotsa' great singers sang lotsa' great songs, there were lotsa' great chcoruses to join. Folks walking past & other folks sailing past in ferries seemed impressed with the singing. Mudcatters JennyO, Freda Underhill & Chicky all sang, Mudcatter Chris Maltby also passed, dunno why as unlike me he can hold a tune & has sung at sessions before.

Suddenly it was 9.30 (kicking out time) but half the crowd wouldn't leave, they kept singing & the crew started closing down around them!

Moses & her family, & Chris & I left them at it.

I have been listening to El Greko's demo & I like it,but naturally it's not enough.

I also had Pete Morton's CD waiting when I got home (he's appearing at the Dog in March) so altogether it's been a great night for live & recorded music.

sandra

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Feb 04 - 08:42 AM

The song is "Deadeye Sound" by les Sullivan, Sandra. Chorus:

So pull boys together, pull boys pull,
Haul upon the mizzen and the fore
(and not as some at first thought "upon the miserable fore")
And the frigate (not "frigging") Armageddon was lost with all its hands,
It took the ground at Deadeye Sound, on the Northern Goodwin Sands.

Cracking chorus, isn't it?

As for the demo CD - if I had enough to satisfy you wouldn't want me there, I'm no fool!
I think.

Jenny, the BBQ on the 8th Jan is off, I'm sorry to say. She Who Must Be Obeyed thinks that I should be with my son and grandson on the last weekend before we leave them...(she's right of course, and she's not twisting my left arm as I write this with the right hand. Not at all).

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: JennyO
Date: 11 Feb 04 - 09:08 AM

Yes, excellent night on the James Craig. "Deadeye Sound" went down very well. One thing a lot of us noticed was that when the rain started pouring down and we had to huddle in closer, the harmonies sounded noticeably better.

What I'd like to know is, what is it about visiting mudcatters that makes it rain here? We had the mother of big storms tonight. On the way home it really got going. The sky was filled with lightning, and the streets turned into rivers. It was very exciting. I enjoyed it, and so did my garden.

Excitement is building about the shanty festival in March. They are hoping that although the performers this time are donating their services, that they might do well enough to offer payment to performers next year - maybe even invite some OS people over. Charlie and Brett, I hope you are pricking up your ears!

El Greko, sorry that the 8th Jan doesn't suit you. However it is a long way off, and that date was just one I plucked out of the air. If I made it earlier in the week, say the Wednesday or Thursday, would that make it more possible?

Jenny

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: breezy
Date: 11 Feb 04 - 12:45 PM

is that the song that begins

'Hard on   ...... an ill wind blew a gale'

    ?

Its Les's rain dance song !

Subject: RE: El Greko Down Under Xmas 2004 - contacts
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Feb 04 - 04:59 PM

Will have to confirm a midweek BBQ nearer the time, Jenny - the 7th is Russian Xmas (daughter in law observes it) and we'll be in Adelaide for that. If we fly there (rather than drive a Turago with all of us there and back), Wednesday 5th might be OK for me to come to Sydney, returning on the 6th to catch the plane to Adelaide. But I won't know the precise details for some time yet. Monday 3rd or Sunday 2nd would be easier to schedule. We'll talk again...