Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?

Subject: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 01 Apr 14 - 08:56 AM

How could I forget to post my annual thread - it's about 2 weeks to Easter & we barely have time to decide where to meet!

The program (subject to changes!)

So first the old favourite - Hrothgar's Hymn singing session 9.30 to 11 on Sunday - the best singing session @ The National - a bit irreverent for the churchgoers - but magic when the choir singers & shanty singers are there!!

It's Australia's oldest folk club the Bush Music Club's 60th anniversary & the club is well represented with Songs & Tunes workshops as well as daily classes for children in the Kids Fest. We'll also be presenting the Australian Songs sessions on 2 days,

Another place Catters can meet will be the John Dengate memorial Concert on Saturday evening

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 01 Apr 14 - 05:29 PM

Me, I'll be there! and Himself too, of course. We're leaving to drive down next Wednesday, 9th, to visit our son and DIL (both Canberra residents now) and because we are both working prior to the festival.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 01:53 AM

I'll be there again - never seem to meet anybody though. Perhaps this will be the year. (Mal)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 03:38 AM

come along to the BMC song sessions - you'll recognise me by my yellow BMC nametag. Bob Bolton will be there, & JennieG & BruceD will probably be around, too as will other singing Ozcatters.

Diamond Jubilee Singing Workshop, Friday 12.30-2.00, Session Bar

Join in singing the songs collected and published in "Singabout", the Journal of Australian Folk Song, published between 1955 and 1967. Musicians and singers will workshop a selection of songs from complimentary copies of the "Singabout Selected Reprints".

-----------------------------
Australian Songs Sessions, 12.30-2.30 Saturday & Monday, Session Bar

Join BMC members Chloe & Jason Roweth, Margaret Walters & Rob Willis & others as we continue the tradition established by the late & sorely missed Dennis O'Keeffe. BYO songs.

-----------------------------

we also have a Dance Tunes Workshop - Saturday 5.30-7pm, Acoustic Lounge

As part of our Diamond Jubilee celebrations the Bush Music Club presents a Dance Tune workshop based on dance tunes in the classic "Bush Dance" folio, known universally as "The Blue Book", first published in 1984. Participants will receive a complimentary CD & tune booklet.

-----------------------------

if you know any kids we'll also be at the KIDS FEST Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday – 1-1.40pm Kids Tent
Plus 30 min spot in Saturday's Showcase concert

Sapling Sessions

Sessions are not just for adults! Four daily sessions of collected tunes, fun songs and an opportunity to handle a wide variety of instruments.

Bring an instrument or just yourself and find out about the dog that doesn't bark, the phone that doesn't ring and the cutlery not for eating. At the Sapling Sessions you will enjoy playing collected tunes with experienced Bush Music Club performers.

High energy and lots of fun! Music provided - 16 years and under
All levels welcome from beginners to advanced and those who do not play …..…yet!

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Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Bruce D
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 05:16 AM

Still yet to make-up my mind on coming up,

I've got the time off, but I'm open to better offers (ie a multi day Kayaking trip),

Bruce D

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 07:08 AM

Also doing a session called "Hearts on Fire" - songs of Motivation and Inspiration at 7.00 pm on Sunday.

Suggestions for songs and singers welcome.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 08:16 AM

Bruce - kayaking is better than singing?

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 05:39 PM

Sounds interesting, Roger! Will have to think about songs....

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 05:41 PM

Thanks for the session details Sandra, there appear to be a lot more opportunities there than in the last few years.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 08:02 PM

there are lots more

Thursday night - welcome chorus session, Bohemia Bar 7-9.30
Rounds on Friday morning 11.30 to 12.30 with Bernard & Eleanor Carney
Contemporary Australian songs session - Session Bar Sunday 12.30-2
Singing Sessions 9-11pm in the Song Room 0 including s Memorial to Len Neary
Acoustic Lounge each night

lots more in the Song Room & Acoustic Lounge

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 02 Apr 14 - 08:50 PM

I'll be there, as always. There's always so much on, I don't get to many of the singing sessions. Gerry Myerson

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Apr 14 - 02:15 AM

From: Sandra in Sydney

......"Bruce - kayaking is better than singing? ".....

well I enjoy the exercise (and I really need to do some), and the company from paddling, while Kayaking doesn't match up with the Nationals Sunday church service for singing.

I did come to Sydney for last weeks Bush Music Club dinner so I caught up with some friends, but ended up missing a good day for Paddling in Melbourne.

So I'm open to offers on activities for Easter.

Bruce D

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 03 Apr 14 - 03:04 AM

decisions, decisions...

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Bugsy
Date: 03 Apr 14 - 07:54 PM

Warm vibes being sent from WA. Unfortunately (for me) I won't be attending AGAIN this year. We're frantically saving our pennies for our first trip Back to UK for 20years. Including a trip to the Battlefields on the Somme. However, ONE DAY (before we head off to the big FF in the sky) we WILL make it back to the NATIONAL!

Cheers and HAVE A BALL!

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 02:06 AM

I'll let you save for a trip back to the UK before you save for one to the National.

see ya one day

sandra

3 of my grandmothers brothers fought at the Somme, one died a year later at Passchendaele - they were all original Anzacs (= fought at Gallipoli)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Hagman
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 02:59 AM

Wish we could join you too, but the tyranny of distance vs the window of opportunity does not allow.

Pity - looks like it's M. Carthy's only gig - not coming to Melbourne, by the look.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 08:17 PM

On today's Radio National's Music Show Martin Carthy was interviewed & said he is only doing the National.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Notferjo
Date: 04 Apr 14 - 09:42 PM

I'll be there late Wednesday. Will be morrissing most of time but the singing sessions sound great. Definitely hard to decide where to be when.

Hope you get to check out the WA performers as it's WA's year!

Looking forward to this one and catching up with those who I catch up with. See you at the singing! and music!

Rosie

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 01:46 AM

& dancing

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Apr 14 - 09:07 PM

Thanks Sandra,
I really would have liked to get there this year. I's been quite a while since We got there last, but we need to concentrate on funding this next trip home.
My paternal Grandfather died in France on the second day of the Battle of the Somme. We're going with my Brother and his wife to visit his grave.

We've found a fantastic B&B whith is right next to the battlefield and you can see the Cemetry from the bedroom window, and the B&B owner is a bit of a WW1 buff and is taking us on a tour of the battle etc. I'll let you know how it went when we get back.

In the meantime, have a wonderful festival and have one(or two) for me.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Hagman
Date: 06 Apr 14 - 12:10 AM

Thanks, Sandra. Yes, heard the Carthy interview as well. Am considering the 10-hour drive.....

Interview is here for listening/downloading -> http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/musicshow/martin-carthy/5369650

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Apr 14 - 07:22 AM

Bugsy - have you read your grandfather's records on the National Archives site??


Hagman - see ya if we see ya!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 07 Apr 14 - 09:10 AM

rise again! rise again!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Bugsy
Date: 07 Apr 14 - 09:39 PM

No Sandra, my Grandad was in the British Army. The "Buffs" East Kent Regiment.

I wrote a song about him and my Grandmother, who never accepted his death and waited for him to return until she died in the '60s.

Maybe one day we'll meet and I can sing it for you.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Apr 14 - 09:41 AM

I'll look forward to it.

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Bruce D
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 02:29 AM

Well, bit the bullet and made a decision, as no better offer ie a kayaking trip came up (I still need the exercise. I will be coming the the National.

Have booked a Hotel off site for 4 nights and paid for my Tickets. Now what else to do for the rest of the time off ?


Bruce D

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 03:06 AM

(more) decisions! decisions

see you somewhere @ The National

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 04:18 AM

We arrived in Canberra a few hours ago, it was raining.......been raining since with more to come, which will settle the dust and make tent pegs easy to hammer in the ground!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Bruce D
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 08:21 AM

The Long term weather forcast says it should be fine over the Easter Weekend.

Bruce D

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 09:27 AM

fine is fine but I want to know how cold I will feel at night - do I need my long-but-not-particularly-heavy coat, or my warmer fleece jacket? Naturally I will be bringing my possum (NZ merino wool + possum fibre = toasty warm) cardigan, waistcoat, gloves & beanie, & of course my thermals, but ...

decisions, decisions ...

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 04:48 PM

Good luck with the pegs Jenny. I was told that the performers area last year appeared to be your usual dirt surface but had a layer of bitumen a few centimeters below the surface.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 06:06 PM

Mal, we're in our little caravan near the stables, the ground is soft here.......we're volunteers, not performers. Just plebs, that's us!

Sandra, nights are going to be 10-11 for a few days, gradually getting down to single figures. It's sunny right now but showers are forecast later.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 10 Apr 14 - 09:15 PM

The weather is never less than perfect at The National. Sometimes it's perfect for ducks, sometimes it's perfect for polar bears, but it's always perfect for someone.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Apr 14 - 02:42 AM

perfectly said, Gerry

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 11 Apr 14 - 10:01 PM

Good spot Jenny. I expect to arrive on Tuesday and hope to find a spot with some other Brizbanites along the oval fence a bit along from you.
Good Gerry, perfect weather for Qlders would be appreciated if you can put a good word in thanks.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 13 Apr 14 - 07:45 AM

Another glorious day in paradise, aka Canberra......worked a double shift in the office today, I am knackered, being officially a retired Olde Pharte I'm not used to working a full day any more.

The camping area is getting busier, but is still a long way from filling up. The festival site is coming together, it's always interesting watching it develop, and today I heard that Pete The Coffee Man will be setting up shop soon!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 13 Apr 14 - 10:13 PM

tonight I'm handing over some of my camping gear to a mutual friend (Ralph) who will be joining you tomorrow, Jennie

my new driver has a smaller car than my previous driver, Bob Bolton & my summer camping gear filled it! So with an 80% down quilt & heavier clothing, I'm dividing the load.

sandra (heavy camper who always looks in amazement at those who can camp with the contents of a big backpack)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: GUEST,Denis McKay
Date: 14 Apr 14 - 12:17 AM

I will be a non-starter this year. It is getting a bit too expensive for us pensioners.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 14 Apr 14 - 06:34 AM

Denis, that's why we volunteer.....because if we didn't we wouldn't be able to afford to come, and we both like the feeling of being involved in making it all happen.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Bruce D
Date: 14 Apr 14 - 08:12 AM

As a full fee paying folkie to the National, how many of you guys am I'm paying for each year.

Bruce D

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 14 Apr 14 - 10:41 AM

I'll second that!

sandra (early bird paying ticket holder who had a performers ticket last year & in 2012)

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Tangledwood
Date: 14 Apr 14 - 05:22 PM

Bruce, thanks to all those volunteers you are paying less for your ticket than you would be if the festival had to hire staff.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Apr 14 - 03:20 AM

If the festival had to hire and pay staff - I don't think there would be a festival at all.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Klavdivs
Date: 15 Apr 14 - 12:14 PM

Only days out from the Nash, news has come that one of the real wits and beautiful voices of the Aussie folk scene -Paul Lawler ( Lawls) has succumbed to cancer.
I expect there will be a thread devoted to Paul so I won't pre-empt that by saying any more. It's a sad week for his passing. Spare a thought for his gracious partner ( and singing mate) Richenda. Lawls, you were totally unique.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Apr 14 - 05:41 PM

Paul & Richenda's website

Paul's blog Australian Folk Music and Australian Folk Singers and Musicians

Focusing on Australian folk music, Australian bush ballads and/or Australian folk musicians.

RIP, Paul, condolences to Richenda & their families & friends

sandra

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: GUEST,SqueezeMe
Date: 16 Apr 14 - 06:23 PM

Sad news indeed.

Just to clarify Sandra's post above, Australian Folk Music and Australian Folk Singers and Musicians Blog is not Paul Lawler's blog site, but belongs to another "Paul" who may or may not wish for his full name to be recorded here. It is, however, an excellent site and does contain a post profiling Paul and Richenda here

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Apr 14 - 06:08 AM

oops!

sandra (blushing)

ps the National was great, apart from aches & pains from lotsa' walking & sitting on hire-company stacking chairs. Lots of great singing sessions, including those BMC ran, fun with the music sessions for kids (madness - our junior & "adult" presenters all wore onesies - wot a photo opportunity! Several dozen kids had a great time playing collected tunes, some for the first time, others had been playing for a number of years.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 24 Apr 14 - 07:29 AM

Best singing festival for years.

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: JennieG
Date: 24 Apr 14 - 07:04 PM

It was indeed, Roger!

Subject: RE: Ozcatters @ 2014 National Folk Festival?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Apr 14 - 10:37 PM

my only regret is I did not get my customary photo of Roger & his lovely wife Anne in their ball costumes. Anne, of course always looks elegant in whatever she wears, but Roger really scrubs up well when he is formally attired!

and I have several pics of Jennie's famous ukulele & it's beautiful strap, plus her lovely hairclips!!

sandra (soon to return to sorting NFF pics - only 300 t go!)