G'day Mary,

Bill Arnett, mentioned above by Sandra, would be a fine contact for Canberra/ACT folk events ... once he surfaces, after spending all Easter running a major performance venue, based on his Merry Muse Folk Club, at the (Australian) National Folk Festival.

Bill's direct e-mail is: bandb@effect.net.au and he can certainly tell you what is happening at the Merry Muse ... and various other doings in Canberra as he posts a (~ weekly ...) newsletter on upcoming events. Unfortunately, I have just cleared my inwards of actioned files - and thus don't have the latest. If one comes in within the next week or so, I will forward to your work e-mail, given above. (Proportionately, there is much more 'folk' activity in Camberra ... being the National Capital ... and thus a 'Government' town ... there isn't much else to do than entertain yourself!)

Helen's link for NSW Folk Fed should cover the state quite well ... and St Albans is a pretty little folk festival of 20+ years standing. It would be nicer if the drought broke (before your friend went there, of course) and there was water in the river ... but it's a lovely old town - 68 kilometres / 42 miles from Sydney - as the crow flies ... but a lot further if the crow's driving along the twisty hill roads to (and from) Wisemans Ferry!

It's probably a good 2 hours' drive - and not really good for someone working out a hire car/van with inside-out steering (right-hand drive). Some 'Catters would be heading up from Sydney - but I've opted to do other things this year.

Are there any specific interest areas for your friend? This could help in suggesting suitable events and venues.

Regards,

Bob Bolton