Festival dates 2012Friday 6 July - Sunday 8 July |
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Photos - 2011 Festival
Friday
Saturday
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Sunday
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Featured events - 2011 Festival
**********************Festival Highlight!****Book now, tickets selling fast*********************
Bushwackers and Bullockies Bush Band
The renowned Australian folk band, The Bushwackers, began life in 1971 as The Bushwackers and Bullockies Bush Band. Their first LP, The Shearer’s Dream, was recorded and mixed in two days in 1974. Now, thirty-seven years later, the members of that band are getting together to finally launch that album with a one-off show at the Newport Folk Festival. The line up will be: Dave Isom: Vocals, guitar; Dobe Newton: Vocals, lagerphone, tin whistle;Tony Hunt: Fiddle; Mick Slocum: Vocals, accordion, concertina; Jan ‘Yarn’ Wositzky: Vocals, banjo, bodhran, bones, spoons, harmonica, tea chest bass.
The concert
The band will play the fourteen album tracks as well as other traditional and original songs and tunes. Plus they’ll be regaling the audience with that other Bushwackers and Bullockies Bush Band specialty – recitations, and stories of their travels and origins. This will be a great night and a celebration of the music and the original recording of the Original, and Iconic Folk Band – The Bushwackers and Bullockies Bush Band! Not one to be missed!
Tickets
$27.50 - Online bookings via Trybooking (opens in new window).
Folk Festival wristbands do not give admittance to this concert, it is ticketed separately.
Book now, tickets are selling fast!
The Substation, Saturday, 8pm
Opening Concert and Welcome - Friday evening
A ‘Taste of the Festival’ opening concert including the official opening by
Hobsons Bay Mayor, Cr Michael Raffoul. Followed by a tunes session to be
led by Newport’s own Bush Orchestra, so bring an instrument along and make
a night of it.
Newport Bowls Club, Friday, 8pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Performers and events A - G (2011 Festival)
Gary Adams and Jimmy Williams
Gary and Jimmy first played together in the early 1980s in The Pete Best Beatles (see ‘You Tube
Pete Best Beatles-Alamein Train’). Gary has also been a member of The Whittle
family, Punter 2 Punter and The Clip Clop Club. Jimmy is a much admired
member of numerous bands in the Bendigo area including the late, great Maurice
Frawley’s last band, The Yardhands. Gary and Jimmy have been writing
and recording songs over the last 2-3 years and have an album of self penned,
roots-pop songs inspired by Louis Jordan, Jimmy Rogers, Nat King Cole, The
Pet Shop Boys and AC/DC among others.
Newport Bowls Club, Sunday, 2pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
The Baileys
The Baileys are Jessica and Tim Bailey, playing a variety of acoustic guitar
music from soul to rock and featuring Jess’s sweet vocals.
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 1:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Blow It Out Your Brass
Paine Reserve Stage, Saturday, 2pm
Entry: Free
Busker Stage
Never mind if you're not on the program - come along and entertain us! First in best dressed.
Paine Reserve, all day Saturday and Sunday
Entry: Free
Nick Charles
In a critically acclaimed career going back more than 25 years, Nick Charles
has released a dozen albums on major Australian and US roots music and guitar
based labels. Since his solo journey began in 1999 he has garnered substantial
critical acclaim for a series of releases beginning with My Place and
now his most recent albums, Closer to Home and Return of the Travelling
Fingerpicker.
Newport Bowls Club, Sunday, 4pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Choirs Festival
Choirs from all over the west will converge on the Substation for a 2-hour celebration of choral singing. Each choir will sing a few songs from its own repertoire and we'll really raise the roof by getting all the choirs singing together for a couple of songs.
The Substation, 2-4 pm, Sunday
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Laura K Clarke
Laura K Clarke is a Melbourne based singer-songwriter whose passion for
music reflects in every aspect of her life. Laura began playing guitar and song writing in her early 20’s, during which time her musical journey took
her not only across the performing arts spectrum, but across the world. From
London’s acoustic lounges to cabaret shows in Portugal, Laura performed
constantly while also working behind the scenes in production and venue
management.Upon her return to Melbourne, Laura’s drive and determination
resulted in performances at a range of events including the Royal Melbourne
Show and The Melbourne Fringe Festival. She also secured a number of solo
acoustic gigs at some of the city’s best known venues, including The Espy,
Ruby’s Lounge, Spencers Live and The Wesley Anne.
Laura completed a Diploma of Music Performance at Victoria University
in 2009 and also participated in vocal and song writing workshops
with some of America’s finest teachers and writers, including Renee Grant-
Williams, Wendy Parr, Pat Pattison, Steve Seskin and Mark Simos.
Laura is currently (2011) recording her debut EP and playing regular
solo acoustic shows around Melbourne. Never one to settle with where her
music has taken her, she is most definitely one to watch in every stage of her
musical evolution.
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 6pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Mick Coates and the Allnitelongers
The Allnitelongers have been performing their Johnny Cash show around Victoria & Tasmania for the past 3 years, and have turned heads with their authenticity everywhere they’ve played. All songs are sung in the same keys as Mr Cash, or lower, cos we can! This is no 3rd rate tribute, using the original Tennessee Three set up of electric & acoustic guitars, double bass and drums. If you take your Johnny Cash straight, you won't be disappointed!
Newport RSL, Saturday, 6pm
Entry: Free
Company C
This group of 10 young women had people literally dancing in the street when they played at Music On Mason in May, and we can't wait to see them again at the Festival. A bit of swing, a bit of jazz, a bit of pop and a lot of style!
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 2pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Dave Cosma
At times it’s zydeco meets Sun Records with a sprinkle of upside down guitar,
layered instrumentation and harmonies. Melbourne troubadour David Cosma’s
unique story-telling coupled with his unorthodox way of playing guitar, will
leave you musically satisfied though wanting more.
Paine Reserve Stage, Sunday, 11am
Entry: Free
Jan Dandridge
’Little Miss Country’ - Jan Dandridge and Band Play Popular and Original
Country Songs.
Newport RSL, Saturday, 5pm
Entry: Free
Footscray Gypsies
A gypsy band from Jen’s Music School in Footscray
Newport Senior Citizens, Sunday, 1:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Footscray Women's Circus Band
The Women’s Circus is a community arts organisation based in Footscray,
established in 1991. The Women’s Circus has a strong focus on creating
a safe, supportive and stimulating environment in which a diverse array of
participants can extend their skills, build confidence and have fun, and present
engaging, high quality public performances of social relevance.
The Women’s Circus Band is a group from the Women’s Circus with a
range of musical experience who come together under music group trainer
Naima Fine to learn and play all sorts of music. Our major performance
project each year is playing all the music for the massive Women’s Circus
full-cast productions – look out for our upcoming show towards the end of
2011!
Newport Senior Citizens, Sunday, 2:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Given Everything - Maurice Frawley (Film by Rueben Williams)
A celebration of Australian musician and songwriter Maurice
Frawley. Born in country Victoria, Maurice was a musician heralded by
his peers for his poetic and poignant lyrics, and highly regarded by younger
generations for his generosity and encouragement of their music. This is
his story.
Newport Community Hall, Sunday, 12:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Gypsy Djangoes
The Newport Gypsy Djangoes formed when several NFFC members pursued their mutual
interest in swing, especially in the style of Django Reinhardt and his quartet.
Since forming in 2007, they have played at festivals and other events in
the West. The group usually consists of Brendan Shearson, Rob Broatch, Greg
Franklin, Greg O’Leary, Michael Stewart and Steve Martin.
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, 2pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Gypsy combo
The Orkeztra, Footscray Gypsies and Klezmer Kollektive combine for 2 tunes
and 2 dances.
Newport Senior Citizens, Sunday, 3pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Gypsy jam (Join in!)
Informal jam session.
Newport Senior Citizens, Sunday, 3:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door.
Performers and events H - M (2011 Festival)
Vincent Hayes
Instrument maker Vincent Hayes presents his exploits in the far South with Sea
Shepherd. Talk and slides. From his blog:
...nothing prepares you for the ancient stillness and the meeting of the present with the still evolving past, when you sail into the crystal amethyst of Antarctica with the comic penguin, the playful seal, the endurance of the seabirds, and the majesty of the whales... I have experienced the horror of sailing along a path of intestines, flensed out of the dying whales and spewed out the back of the Nisshin Maru....
Newport Scout Hall, Saturday, 3pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Dave Home
Dave Home and the Urban Sprawl - Music from the Burbs.
Newport RSL,
Saturday, 8pm
Entry: Free
Jules Hutcheson
Jules Hutcheson is an independent solo artist based in Melbourne. She has
been captivating audiences with her groovy riffs and diverse collection of
acoustic tunes which draw on a blend of Jazz/ Bossa Nova/Blues/Funk. An
artist not to be missed!
The Substation, Saturday, 3pm
Entry: Free
Hollie Joyce
Hollie Joyce hails from Victoria’s south western coastal region of Ocean
Grove where she has been performing and making a significant impact upon
the music scene with appearances ranging from the local places such as Ocean
Grove's Nectar Bar, to the more heavy watched events such as the Queenscliff
Music Festival.
This self taught musician's witty, honest and down to earth lyrics are
complemented by her diverse, finger picking, chord slashing, slide sweeping
raw guitar style resulting in dynamic and soulful performances.You will find
this rising musician not only appealing to your musical taste buds but she will
also leave you with an infectious heartfelt smile on your face.
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 5:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Kastlemaine Klezmer Kollective
The KKK started as the result of a chance discussion at the back of a Macedonian
brass band workshop at the Roses Gap Music Camp. Two mandolinists
felt a little out of place and mused about building their own place. From that
seed grew a group now known as the Kastlemaine Klezmer Kollective. It is a
true Kollective rather than a group, or a band or an orkeztra. We try and meet
once a week to play tunes from Eastern Europe. Arrangement is minimalist,
relying upon the developing musical appreciation of the musicians. You will
never see the same faces on consecutive weeks. For a group with such a limited
committment to organisation or arrangement, we have a remarkable number of
acheivements. Foremost on this list is the number of local venues and popular
houses we have closed. The current tally stands at five (or is it six) across
Castlemaine and Bendigo. With publicans growing wary of our power to seal
their fate, we now supply our own venue. Today our gatherings are as much
about sharing food and wine and stories as they are about playing the music.
We have fun. We play tunes. Check out our web site and play the same tunes
as us... google ‘boomtock’.
Newport Senior Citizens, Sunday, 2pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Sean McLaughlin
Sean's performances are high energy and high quality. A solo acoustic guitarist/vocalist who grew up with Irish sessions all around him in the family home, friends' houses and at venues such as the Celtic Club. He has played at festivals such as Maldon Music Festival and many pubs and private functions with large audiences. Sean is well known throughout the Irish community playing with some of the countrie's great musicians. He will also be teaming up with Barry Walker to bring the Newport RSL's portion of the Newport Folk Festival to a fitting end.
Newport RSL,
Sunday, Noon
Men in Suits
Male vocal ensemble. In suits.
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, 5:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
The Mercurials
The Mercurials are a musical trio hailing from Melbourne, Australia that
has been performing since the start of the 2004. They draw on a number of
musical bases (including blues, folk, rock and classical) to produce a sound
that is a unique product of the Melbourne musical environment.
The group has been described as a ‘hip chamber group playing contemporary
adult music’. The group is composed of ARIA award winning guitarist
Andrew Pendlebury, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Mark Ferrie
and Adi Sappir, an adventurous, young cellist and vocalist. Each member
brings with them a diverse range of experience and influences to create the
Mercurials sound.
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, 3pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Mysterious Mose
Mysterious Mose is a jug band specialising in the goodtime music of the 1910-
1950’s including jug, blues, hokum, western swing & jazz. Expect classic
jug band instrumentation (including jug, kazoo & washboard), vocals & harmonies,
spiced with colourful costumes, cheer & cheek! Tap your toes, or get
up and dance!
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 3pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Performers and events N - S (2011 Festival)
Ian Nankervis
Classical guitar.
Newport RSL, Sunday, 4pm
Entry: Free
Newport Bush Orchestra (Join-in session)
The Newport Bush Orchestra has been running since early 2006. Under the
leadership of local musician Greg O’Leary, the Orchestra has developed an
impressive reportoire of Australian traditonal tunes. New members are always
welcome.
The Orchestra performs regularly at the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club
and has performed all over Victoria at festivals and special events.
The Newport Bush Orchestra runs on a number of principles that make
it different from a ‘classical’ orchestra:
- All musicians, of all ages, are welcome, whether experienced or just
starting out - There is no written music - all the tunes are learned by ear
- Any musical instrument is welcome, but traditionally ‘bush instruments’ are used, e.g. fiddle, guitar, tin whistle, mandolin, bass, washboard, accordion, banjo, stick and black kettle...etc
- The repertoire consists of traditional Australian dance tunes
Newport Bowls Club, Friday, 9:30pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Newport Gardens Primary School Choir
Paine Reserve Stage, Saturday, Noon
Entry: Free
Newport Lakes Primary School Band
Our band is made up of a cross-section of students from grades 1 to 6 and
some parents. It was formed a year ago, and in our short career we have
performed at various events, including the school fete, school assembly,
a local kindergarten, a local aged care facility, Music on Mason and the
closing ceremony of the Relay for Life. Our band consists of an eclectic
mix of instruments (all played with endless energy and enthusiasm!) and our
repertoire includes a wide range of music, from Beethoven to Batman.
This year our choir has grown to include more than 50 members (approximately
20% of the school population!) and includes students from prep
to grade 5. We enjoyed participating in the Bush Dance earlier this year, and
have since been busy preparing for performances such as Hobson’s Voice,
the Festival of Performing Arts, visits to local kindergartens and Christmas
concerts for local aged care facilities. Our repertoire has something for
everyone: classic hits, top 40, Australian songs, serious songs and some silly
stuff.
Paine Reserve Stage, Saturday, 1pm
Entry: Free
Newport Lakes PS Choir
This year our choir has grown to include more than 50 members (approximately
20% of the school population!) and includes students from prep to
grade 5. We enjoyed participating in the Bush Dance earlier this year, and
have since been busy preparing for performances such as Hobson’s Voice, the
Festival of Performing Arts, visits to local kindergartens and Christmas concerts
for local aged care facilities. Our repertoire has something for everyone:
classic hits, top 40, Australian songs, serious songs and some silly stuff.
Paine Reserve Stage, Saturday, 12:30pm
Entry: Free
Newport Strings
From beginnings as the Newport String Quartet, christened by Michael
and sounding very grand, we started playing a few years ago - Moira, Michael,
Nicola and Richard. The quartet grew, of course, out of the Fiddle and Folk
Club and we have played at a number of occasions, including a Carers Victoria
lunch, the opening of an Art Exhibition, the Williamstown Gardens Garden
Party, and as pre-dinner entertainment in the Williamstown Town Hall for the
Hobsons Bay Business Awards.
The quartet grew to the Newport Strings, joined variously by Suanna,
Laura, Olivia, Elizabeth, Sarah, Alannah and always augmented by Steve on
bass. We now have a regular 10am-11am gig at the 
Newport Artists Market,
meet once a month to rehearse and expand our repertoire and are in demand to
perform wherever and whenever we are found gathered with our instruments.
Jennifer Lund and Laura Sheridan, local instrumental teachers and choir
leaders, invite you on a journey through the melancholy passion of France to
the melodramatic flourishes of Spain at the Sunday concert.
The Substation, Saturday, 10am
Entry: Free
The Substation, Sunday, 11am
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Dennis O‘Keefe
Australians know Waltzing Matilda, written by out most popular poet Banjo
Paterson, as our most loved song and unofficial national anthem. What Australians
don’t know, is that their song is embroiled in a web of secrecy, violence
and a triangular love affair. Written at a pivotal socio/political time in
Australia’s history, Waltzing Matilda is as important to Australian culture as
events like the Eureka Stockade and the story of Ned Kelly. Dennis, considered
by many to be the leading authority on the origins of Waltzing Matilda,
is a permanent fixture, leading the Australian Traditional Song Sessions at
the Australian National Folk Festival in the nation’s capital of Canberra every
year. Don’t miss this fascinating multimedia presentation and release of his
new book The Creation of Waltzing Matilda, which is regarded to be the most
academic work ever produced on our National Folk Song.
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, 4:30pm:
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde
Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde (meaning: Gypsy melodies – musicians) is an
inclusive community orchestra based in the City of Darebin.
Pietro Fine, an accomplished composer, teacher and performer at the
time residing in Darebin City, founded the Orkeztra in September 2008. In
January 2010 the members took on the running the Orkeztra and have since
performed widely under the leadership of various regular guest conductors.
The Orkeztra provides an opportunity for people to meet and develop
musical and performance skills in a safe and supportive environment.
The Orkeztra’s repertoire is ‘non-western music’ including Klezmer
(Jewish), Middle Eastern (Arabic), Greek, Macedonian and other Balkan and
Romany (Gypsy) music. As this wonderful music is not part of mainstream
culture, through public performances the Orkeztra champions the values of
co-operation and appreciation of Australia’s many different music cultures.
There is a lack of music arranged for this type of ensemble so each
term new pieces are sought out. In 2011 the Orkeztra will be collaborating
with Kavisha Mazella and the La Voce della Luna women’s Choir and
introducing new compositions of Czech, Uzbek, Serbian and Greek origins.
The Orkeztra will be appearing at Newport Festival, and Zingaro Festival in
Malmsbury in addition to regular performances in Darebin.
Visit facebook.com/orkeztra for latest information
Newport Senior Citizens, Sunday, 1pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Richard Perso
Richard Perso doesn’t seem to have enough arms, legs or lungs to pull off such
a physically demanding performance but that doesn’t stop him from playing 3
didgeridoos, driving a weapons cache of 4 overdriven acoustic guitars somehow
managing to replace the roll of a drummer with little more than his 2 feet
while hollering like a 1920’s Blues man. At just 20 Richard has blazed through
over 50 festivals to critical acclaim.
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, 7pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Queer Fellas
The Queer Fellas, named after a schottische taught to them by the great fiddle
player Charlie Batchelor, perform dance music and songs from an era in Australia
when music, song and dance was central to people’s lives. The Queer
Fellas re-engage with the Australian tradition, performing material learnt
through personal relationships with accomplished older players and singers.
The Queer Fellas (Ada Nano, Barry McDonald and Cath Ovenden) will sing
and play fiddles, accordeons and guitars.
Paine Reserve Stage, Saturday, 3pm
Entry: Free
Red Cat
Red Cat perform a variety of popular and original contemporary
Folk/Country/Celtic inspired music. Luscious harmonies with powerful words
and music make this trio a stand out act. Kerry, Rob and Mike have played at
many festivals and venues around Australia to rave reviews and have quickly
become festival favourites. Red Cat are a brilliant trio who light up the stage
with their class and soul. Band members are: Kerry Dawson (Vocals &
Bodhran), Rob Carroll (Vocals, 5 str. Banjo, Guitar & Bodhran) Mike Daley
(Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica).
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, 6pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
The Red Herrings
A unique combination of Nyckelharpa, Fiddles, Accordion, Guitar and Double
Bass. The repertoire consists of modern and traditional tunes from Northern
Europe; an eclectic blend of Polska, Schottis, Hambo and the odd Waltz.
Sometimes some songs too!
The Red Herrings consists of up to 9 players and we have been playing
our music for over 6 years. The group performs regularly at various
Scandinavian Festivals in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 4pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Sean and Barry
Sean McLaughlin and Barry Walker get together to finish off the Festival in
style
Newport RSL, Sunday, 6pm
Entry: Free
Brendan Shearson
In my teens I fell in love with the sounds of blues and country music. I used
to go to folk-clubs to watch and listen and then go home and practice a lot. In
1969, I began playing at Frank Traynor’s club and also at the Outpost Inn. This
led on to playing and singing around the Melbourne coffee-house/acoustic
music scene throughout the seventies, eighties and early nineties. I played
many places - such as The Green Man, The Twilight Cafe, Fat Bob’s, The
Happy Frog & The Green Lantern, etc.
Whilst I was doing this my musical interests expanded to include jazz
and playing in groups, rather than just solo stuff. I have played and recorded
with The Radio Rhythm Orchestra, Django’s Castle (led by Doug deVries),
Andy Baylor’s Cajun Combo and The Moonee Valley Drifters.
At the moment, I’m playing in The Groovin’ Easy Orchestra (a jazz big
band with some great players), The Newport Gypsy Djangos, The Stardust
Trio and The Greg O’Leary Trio. I have some audio and video clips online.
Newport RSL, Saturday, 4pm
Entry: Free
Sitting Ducks
The Sitting Ducks, Gerry McDonald and Jonathan Ashley, bring the music of
the Appalachians to Newport. The Sitting Ducks play regularly around Central
Victoria. They will quite likely be supported by a tap-dancing puppet at some
stage.
Paine Reserve Stage, Sunday, 1pm
Entry: Free
One little duck (Gerry) also appearing at The Substation, 2pm, Saturday, free.
Ted Smith
Ted is a NFFC regular, whose intricate finger-picking guitar style and gently delivered
vocals have warmed the hearts of our audiences for many years now.
Ted draws his material from the blues, the country and beyond, and is not
averse to injecting some edgy humour into his act, just when you least expect
it watch out for the twinkle in this Liverpudlian’s eye!
The Substation, Saturday, 1pm
Entry: Free
Songwriters Showcase
The Incredibly Supportive Songwriting Group (run by our own Greg Jenkins
and Simon Kerr) is a collective of keen songwriters who meet once a month to
provide mutual support for songwriters.
Newport Scout Hall, Sunday, Noon
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Georgina and Isabel Stewart
Georgina and Isabel Stewart are a local duo whose sweet harmonies have delighted
audiences at various Newport musical events over the past 12 months.
They play a wide range of tunes ranging from current pop (Lily Allen), Australian
Folk (Paul Kelly) and music that harks back to the 60’s (Joni Mitchell
and the Beatles). This is their first festival playing together, and it has been
lovely to see their development as musicians and performers.
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 1pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Storytime with Jackie and Dharma
Jackie Kerin and Dharma Picking have been telling stories and singing
songs for children since they met at the Newport Folk Club. Their repertoire
includes, traditional and contemporary songs and stories as well as Japanese
inspired kamishibai (paper theatre).
Dharma and Jackie perform regularly at the Yarraville Festival, The Village
Festival Edinburgh Gardens and they appear on Tall Ted’s Storytime for
Channel 31 – a project for early childhood that is broadcast nationally and
overseas.
Dharma is the imagination behind Everlasting Books
Jackie is a writer and storyteller working in the oral tradition.
Newport Library, Saturday, 10am:
Entry: Free
Performers and events T - Z (2011 Festival)
The Tall Boys
Greg Hammond (guitar, vocals), and Steve Martin - (bass) play Greg’s originals
and covers
The Substation, Saturday, 11am
Entry: Free
Ulla Taylor
Pavement artist Ulla Taylor will make her artworks come alive as you watch. Plenty of chalk and pavement space for the kids to have a go too.
Saturday, Paine Reserve
Free
The Timbers
The Timbers are a high energy four piece band formed in Adelaide in
2009. Their driving rhythms will take you over, as they propel you in fast
forward to the gritty edges of roots, folk, and gypsy punk. Their explosive
start in the Adelaide music scene is worthy recognition of this bands ability to
marry exceptional musicianship with highly accomplished songwriting.
The instrumentation of this band is quite unique with vocalist and rhythm
guitarist, Simon Basey also playing the bass lines utilising foot operated bass
pedals and Benjamin Roberts on dexterous lead guitar, backing vocals, tin
whistle, stomp box and foot tambourine. The quartet is rounded out with the
beautifully crafted violin lines and subtle backing vocals of Sarah O’Brien and
the stirring rhythmic grooves of percussionist Craig Atkins on cajon, djembe,
congas, and didgeridoo.
Their style has a distinctive folk rock groove reminiscent of musical influences
such as The Pogues, Iron and Wine, The Mountain Goats, and
Mumford and Sons. Their high energy performances, relevance and musicianship
gives them the drive and determination to aspire to the accomplishment
of those mentioned as muses.
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, 8pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Transition Hobsons Bay
Musical instrument making and mask making for kids with Transition
Hobsons Bay. They’ll show you how to use things we’d normally throw away,
in a fun and creative way.
They’ll also be there from 11am both days with sustainability ideas,
advice and information.
Newport Library / Kids Zone, Saturday, 1pm: Improvised Musical Instruments
Entry: Free
Newport Library / Kids Zone, Saturday, 3pm: Children‘s Mask Making
Entry: Free
Newport Library / Kids Zone, Sunday, 11am: Improvised Musical Instruments (incorrectly listed as 10am on printed program)
Entry: Free
Newport Library / Kids Zone, Sunday, 12:30pm: Children‘s Mask Making
Entry: Free
Trugo (join in)
Trugo is a 'true blue aussie game' played on a grass court by hitting rubber rings with a wooden mallet from one end of the green to goal posts at the other.
The game was invented by Thomas Grieves of Yarraville in 1926. Inspired by the skylarking behaviour of fellow workmen at the Newport railway yards hitting train components around the workshop he devised a game he called Tru-Go.
This unique local sport of Melbourne is played in the suburbs of Ascot Vale, Brunswick, Footscray, Port Melbourne, Sandridge, South Melbourne and at the home of Trugo, Yarraville.
With the changing population in these areas and the traditional players of retired persons on the decline, Trugo needs new players to keep the sport alive. So come along and bring the kids for an opportunity to take part in this unique local sport of Melbourne.
Saturday 11am – 3pm, Paine Reserve
Entry: Free
Tuppeny Kit
Tuppeny Kit was formed through a shared passion for the traditional songs and music of Ireland and Australia.
Neil Jolly
(guitar, tenor banjo, mandolin, vocals, “jingle-jangle” percussion) has sung and played Irish and traditional Australian folk songs and tunes in various musical groups over the past 30 years.
Neil is also a popular Bush Dance caller throughout Melbourne and wider Victoria.
Mary-Anne Charles
(guitar, 6 string banjo, vocals) grew up singing the traditional songs of Ireland and Australia that were passed down through her family, and has performed as a solo vocalist for many years.
Tuppeny Kit have performed at previous Newport Folk Festivals and provided entertainment at various school, community and private functions, and heritage venues such as PollyWoodside and Como House.
Newport RSL, Sunday, 1pm
Entry: Free
Two Rose Black
After a successful appearance in 2010 Georgia and Garry Rose return, this
year with Pete Howell on Double Bass. 15 yo Georgia Rose is one of the
hottest young fiddlers around with a maturity beyond her years, playing hot
Celtic and Bluegrass tunes or weaving an accompaniment to Garry Roses’
eclectic songs about Hard times, Vampires, Castles, Russian immigrants and
more, that will have you laughing, crying, or singing along.
Garry Rose has for 30 years run the ‘Briagolong Bush Band’ who have
played at many festivals (Pt Fairy, National, Maldon, Beechworth). His album ‘LATE BLOOMINGS’ has been a great success with many songs becoming
favorites wherever they play .
Georgia Rose has been wowing audiences for several years with her maturity and flair. Although classically trained and regularly winning eisteddfods, her exposure to Celtic music from an early age means she has developed a love for all kinds of music which is evident in her playing. She often carries the lead duties for the Briagolong bush band.
Pete Howell who also plays with the Briagolong Band is a doyen of the
music scene, The Bass player of choice for many of Australia top performers
since the early 70s ( Marg. Roadnight, Dutch Tilders, Bushwackers, Whirling
Furphy’s and touring artists such as Josh White Junior)
Newport Bowls Club, Sunday, 1pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Barry Walker
Vocalist and Multi-instrumentalist
Newport RSL, Sunday, 5pm
Entry: Free
Grace Walker
I am a singer/songwriter. I mainly write my music in the pop genre, it is
similar to that of Taylor Swift, and at the moment it is all solo acoustic music
with vocals guitar and piano but I am working on getting a band together. I am studying Music Performance at Victoria
University. This course opened me up to a sound production course as
well and some of the students there are going to help me record my music and
make and EP. At the age of 9 I took up cello and performed in
a few different orchestras such as Margaret Sutherland strings which were
formed at the Victorian College of the Arts, and Fiddle and Bow orchestra
in San Diego California. When I began to concentrate on my vocals more I
joined Vox choir group in 2008. I have done other small gigs at pubs, RSL’s, and also performed in
the Young Artists competition at the Apollo Bay Music Festival in 2008
Newport Senior Citizens, Saturday, 5pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Willi High Stage Band
The Williamstown High School Senior Stage Band is comprised of students ranging
from years 8 to 12, and provides an opportunity for advanced music
students to perform big band jazz repertoire. Under the direction of
ex-student Will Salisbury, the band has taken part in many successful performances
and tours, including the Mt Gambier Generations in Jazz festival and
Canberra in 2009, and Mansfield in 2011. The stage band also provides a platform
for VCE music students to showcase their improvisational abilities, and
has seen many past students continue ontotertiary music studies and professional
music careers.
Paine Reserve Stage, Saturday, 1:30pm
Entry: Free
Bruce Williams and Friends
Multi-instrumentalist and singer Bruce Williams has performed throughout
Australia and internationally; with gigs ranging from Melbourne’s infamous
trio of pubs the Rainbow, the Prince of Wales and the Espy, to backstreet
bars in Istanbul and roadhouses in Virginia backed by Grammy nominated
honky-tonk guitar hero Bill Kirchen. He has been a regular guest artist on
ABC, 3RRR and 3PBS radio shows. Bruce was also a founding member of
successful roots rock bands The Turkeyslappers and The Diddley Daddies.
His guitar and mandolin riffs, combining elements of folk, country and blues,
can be heard on numerous albums.
Bruce’s old musical friends and Diddley Daddy band mates Greg Martin
and Chris Fogaty will join him at the Newport Folk Festival. Greg, one of
Australia’s top drummers (and no slouch on guitar), has toured with, Goanna
Band, the Bushwackers, Paul Kelly, Dire Straits and Cliff Richard to name a
few. Chris has shared the stage with BB King, Taj Mahal and numerous other
blues luminaries. He is well known for his soulful blues harmonica playing
with the Tuff Tones and Chubby Rae and the Elevators.
Paine Reserve Stage, Sunday, Noon
Entry: Free
Williamstown RSL Pipe Band
The Williamstown R.S.L. Pipe Band is one of
Australia’s oldest and most successful pipe bands and has been in continuous
operation since 1909.
Currently one of Victoria’s top Grade 3 bands, we are dedicated to the
preservation of piping and drumming, performing both traditional and modern
pipe band music.
Paine Reserve Stage, Saturday, 11am
Entry: Free
Thommy Wilson
The Substation, Saturday, Noon
Entry: Free
Woohoo Revue
Purveyors of punchy folk jazz, gypsy swing and manic tango, this multi-instrumental
monster is responsible for wreaking havoc upon dance floors
across the country.
Described as a ‘Balkan gypsy brass band, wild-west fiddle contest and a
roaring 20’s swing band all rolled into one’, this fiendishly talented sextet of
violin, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, bass and drums create an adrenalin-fuelled
on-stage celebration fit for dancing, drinking, and ignoring tomorrow.
Newport Bowls Club, Sunday, 5pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Words, Words, Words
WORDS celebrates our storytellers, poets and singer songwriters. We invite
you to join us for a casual lunch, relax and be entertained by Newport Club
wordsmiths and guests. This event is a chance to meet and connect with others
in the community who share a love of language and tales well told.
This event is supported by the Storytelling Guild (Vic)
Catering: Breizoz
Drinks at the bar. Tea and coffee available.
Newport Bowls Club, Saturday, Noon
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Youth Orchestra
Young students of Sarah Busuttil and Elysa Gretch gather to form the Festival
Youth Orchestra.
Newport Senior Citizens Centre, Saturday, Noon
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Workshops and join-in sessions (2011 Festival)
Australian Tunes with the Newport Bush Orchestra
The Newport Bush Orchestra has been running since early 2006. Under the
leadership of local musician Greg O’Leary, the Orchestra has developed an
impressive reportoire of Australian traditonal tunes. New members are always
welcome.
The Orchestra performs regularly at the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club
and has performed all over Victoria at festivals and special events.
The Newport Bush Orchestra runs on a number of principles that make
it different from a ‘classical’ orchestra:
All musicians, of all ages, are welcome, whether experienced or just
starting out
There is no written music - all the tunes are learned by ear
Any musical instrument is welcome, but traditionally ‘bush instruments’
are used, e.g. fiddle, guitar, tin whistle, mandolin, bass, washboard, accordion,
banjo, stick and black kettle...etc
The repertoire consists of traditional Australian dance tunes
Join-in session: Newport Scout Hall, Sunday, 2pm: Newport Bush Orchestra
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Introduction to Didgeridoo with Richard Perso
Richard Perso doesn’t seem to have enough arms, legs or lungs to pull off such
a physically demanding performance but that doesn’t stop him from playing 3
didgeridoos, driving a weapons cache of 4 overdriven acoustic guitars somehow
managing to replace the roll of a drummer with little more than his 2 feet
while hollering like a 1920’s Blues man. At just 20 Richard has blazed through
over 50 festivals to critical acclaim.
Workshop: Outlets, Saturday, 3pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Fiddle with Tom Walsh
At 80 years young, Tom Walsh is a living treasure of Victoria’s musical, and
fiddle heritage. Tom lives up in Trentham where he still farms the land, but
always makes time to play his fiddle, and to run a session at the Trentham pub
each month. Tom’s grandfather was a fiddler, and the playing has been passed
down to Tom, and on to his own family. The way Tom tells it, "My grandfather had an old fiddle, And couldn’t he make the melodies
flow, and often my cradle was rocked to the tune of rollicking Rosin the
Beau. So goes that old song; well my grandfather did play the fiddle but
I hardly remember it much as he died when I was just seven years old,
but I heard a lot about him from my grandmother, as he was my maternal
grandfather. My mother played the piano and button accordian and at times
when playing would recall another of her father’s tunes. He obviously had
an extensive repertoire. I learned them from her in my earliest years. Some
of them were Rosin the Beau which had the words Catalpa put to it in
Australia and The Year we Cut the Corn in Killiloo which became The
Drover’s Dream. Ring the Bell Watchman had words of Click go the
Shears nowadays. He considered music important and made sure his family
were taught music lessons despite living 12 miles from town and unmade
roads around c.1900..." (see full interview at Sean Kenan's website)
The Newport Bush Orchestra plays some of Tom’s tunes and so it is
with great delight that we are able to welcome Tom down to Newport for our
festival.
Outlets, Saturday, Noon
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Fiddle with Ewen Baker
Ewen has a relaxed and down to earth teaching style that gets the basics of
celtic style fiddling across to his students. His experience of moving from a
classical background to Irish fiddling gives him an insight into the needs of
players who aim to change their own style of playing. Ewen was an original
member of the Ploughboys, has performed in bands with Mary Black and
Ruby Hunter (among many others) and has recently completed a tour with local
singer and songwriter Shane Howard. Ewen also works with bowmaker
and luthier Atelier Puglisi and runs his own recording studio in Melbourne.
Workshop: Newport Scout Hall, Saturday, 5pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Guitar with Nick Charles
In a critically acclaimed career going back more than 25 years, Nick Charles
has released a dozen albums on major Australian and US roots music and guitar
based labels. Since his solo journey began in 1999 he has garnered substantial
critical acclaim for a series of releases beginning with My Place and
now his most recent albums, Closer to Home and Return of the Travelling
Fingerpicker.
Workshop: Newport Scout Hall, Sunday, 1pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Gypsy Fiddle with Sarah Busuttil
Classically trained violinist Sarah Busuttil is a graduate of the
Victorian College of the Arts. Having performed for over 15 years, Sarah has played in orchestras such
as The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and Melbourne Opera Orchestra,
The Chamber Strings of Melbourne & VCA Orchestra. Sarah is widely known
for her flamboyantly wild lead violin solos in Gypsy band The Counterfeit
Gypsies & The Wishing Well. She has toured Europe numerous times with
orchestras and bands and has performed alongside artists such as Joss
Stone, The Cat Empire, silverchair & Vanessa Amorosi. Sarah has performed
in prestigious music festivals such as Woodford FF & Port Fairy FF in
Australia and The Blue Balls Festival & Galway Sessions internationally.
Workshop: Outlets, Saturday, 2pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Gypsy Swing Guitar with Greg, Rob & Brendan
Rob Broatch, Greg Franklin and Brendan Shearson together bring you many
decades of guitar experience between them. Bring along your guitar for a
swingin’ workshop.
Workshop: Newport Scout Hall, Saturday, 1pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
3-part Harmony with Red Cat
Red Cat perform a variety of popular and original contemporary
Folk/Country/Celtic inspired music. Luscious harmonies with powerful words
and music make this trio a stand out act. Kerry, Rob and Mike have played at
many festivals and venues around Australia to rave reviews and have quickly
become festival favourites. Red Cat are a brilliant trio who light up the stage
with their class and soul. Band members are: Kerry Dawson (Vocals &
Bodhran), Rob Carroll (Vocals, 5 str. Banjo, Guitar & Bodhran) Mike Daley
(Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Harmonica).
Workshop: Outlets, Saturday, 1pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Life Drawing with Leonie Kervin
Leonie Kervin - Trained in Fine Art, a practicing artist and a passionate drawer.
Bookings essential. Call Leonie on 0410 261 403. Participants must be over 16yrs of age.
Newport Community Hall, Saturday, 2pm (incorrectly listed as 1pm on printed program).
Entry: TBA
Mandolin with Bruce Williams
Multi-instrumentalist/singer Bruce Williams has performed throughout
Australia and internationally; with gigs ranging from Melbourne’s infamous
trio of pubs the Rainbow, the Prince of Wales and the Espy, to backstreet
bars in Istanbul and roadhouses in Virginia backed by Grammy nominated
honky-tonk guitar hero Bill Kirchen.
Bruce plays mandolin with the Newport Bush Orchestra and has run a
number of mandolin workshops in the past. He also recently completed an
intensive mandolin workshop with Grammy Award winning mandolin player,
Mike Compton.
This workshop is open to players of all levels and will use two old
timey tunes to illustrate a number of key mandolin techniques.
Come along for a fun and informative session.
Workshop: Newport Scout Hall, Sunday, 3pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Simon's Bar (Join in)
Simon Leverton, joined by fellow Black Forest Rogues Mandy Murdoch (fiddle), Linda Dunstan (banjo/mandolin) and Zoe Hall (flute), will kick off a Celtic music session at the RSL, Saturday, 1-4 pm. Come along and join in, or just listen and enjoy. Feel free to start tunes off yourself too – the Rogues will kick things along, and welcome all session musos to join them.
Newport RSL, Saturday,
1pm
Songwriting with Greg Jenkins & Simon Kerr
Simon Kerr: After his first invitation as guest performer at a music festival in 2003, Simon turned much more seriously to song writing and now performs mainly original songs and instrumentals. He has written a large number of songs since then, drawing from a variety of traditions. His music encompasses, for the sake of labels, folk-roots, reggae, alt-pop, and strange Indian sounding music (world music!). He does have one country song as well, about, yeah, you know, bloke in love, gets dumped; had to be a country song!
Greg Jenkins: Greg’s performing career started early; he occasionally
sang unaccompanied (and uninvited) at ‘Show and Tell’ in primary
school. He has been accompanying himself on guitar since early high school
and has added a smattering of many other instruments since then.
He has been known to regale audiences with performance poetry, some
of it original. With his songwiting and performing in blues, folk and country
styles he aims to entertain, often amuse and gently inform.As ‘Sunny’ in the
comedy blues duo ‘Sunny and Cloudy’ he dispenses with the informative bit.
He is also a co-leader of ‘The Incredibly Supportive Songwriting Group’.
Workshop: Outlets, Saturday, 5pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Songs of Love &
Resistance with Rob Durbridge (Join in/perform)
Rob has been collecting songs of love and resistance since the folk renaissance
of the 60s... from traditional to contemporary, international and Australian.
Bring an instrument to this workshop and join in to learn classic popular and
rare songs, old and new, with more than a hint of message to them.
Newport Scout Hall, Saturday, 4pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Spoons with Anthony Carey
Anthony Carey is looking forward to running the spoons workshop. His
interest in the spoons dates back to when he was 6 years old. His neighbour
Chas Dorgan was the Drum Major with the Newport Workshop Band and
he was a spoons man. Anthony converted his interest into skill when in his
20s he used to go to the Old Melb Hotel where everyone played something
(including comb and tissue) so he went home and practiced. Since then he
has experimented with all sorts of spoons, has developed the ‘Anthony Carey’ methods (a la Suzuki method for violin) and is now primed to bring spoon
playing back to its rightful and respected placed at the musical table!
Come along and find out what the fuss is all about.
Workshop: Newport Scout Hall, Saturday, 2pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Yodelling with Terry Cole
Terry Cole is an accomplished actor, director, musician and circus performer.
He is a long term member of Circus in a Suitcase and the Famous Fratellini
Brothers and is also an inspirational workshop leader.
Terry has many years of experience as a performer and is well – known
and loved for his work both as a multi–instrumentalist singer/musician and as
a multidimensional circus performer.
He has performed (and yodelled) at Port Fairy Folk Festival(1994 –
2008), Many other Victorian Festivals over the years and countless gigs all
over the state.
Outlets, Saturday, 4pm
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Yoga/Pilates Fusion with Ann Carey
Ann studied yogalates under Louise Solomon 7 years ago in Byron Bay. She
lives and practises locally.
She invites you to experience the Eastern tradition of yoga within a Pilates
framework of core strengthening. Come centre yourself on the mat,
unravel some tension and re-energise for the remainder of the Folk Festival
program.
Please bring a yoga mat, cushion and rug or shawl. A limited number
of mats and blocks will be available for use in the studio on the day. The class
(upstairs in the Darren Williams Studio) will go for one and a quarter hours
including relaxation.
No experience required, can be adapted to all fitness levels and body types.
The Substation, Sunday, 9am
Entry: Wristband or $5 at door
Tickets (2011 Festival)
- All events at Paine Reserve are free
- All events at Newport RSL and Newport Library are free
- There is no entry charge at the Substation Artists Market
- All other events are $5 entry - tickets at door.
- Children under 5 free to all events except Bushwhackers concert
- Festival wristbands will be available for $20 / $10 concession. A wristband will give entry to all Festival events except the Bushwhackers concert
- Wristbands will be available at:
- Bowls Club
- Scout Hall
- Senior Citizens Centre
- The Substation
- ...and will be pre-sold at the Club Night on 24 June
- Wristbands will be available on Sunday 3 July for $10 / $5 concession.
Where?
Festival venues
View Larger Map
How to Get There
Trains run to Newport on the Werribee and Williamstown lines.
The 471 bus (Williamstown - Sunshine), the 472 bus (Williamstown - Moonee Ponds) and the 432 bus (Newport - Paisley) all stop very close to the Festival precinct.
Parking is available off Derwent St.
Festival venues
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Newport Bowls Club6 Market St, Newport
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Newport Community Hall13 Mason St, Newport
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Newport Library/Kids ZoneOff Paine Reserve.
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Outlets Neighbourhood House143 Mason St, Newport |
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Paine ReserveMason St Newport (next to Community Hall) |
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Newport RSL24 -28 Market St Newport (opposite Substation) |
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Newport Scout Hall8 Market St Newport (between RSL and Bowls Club)
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Newport Senior Citizens CentreOff Paine Reserve, Newport |
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The Substation1 Market St, Newport
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Theatre Research Institute busThe Theatre Research Institute, Newport, will bring the bus to Paine Reserve for the festival. The Institute, lead by Tomek Koman and the Angry Men, has a mission to explore life as an adventure though public theatre and musical experiences. What they do on the bus will be up to you! Your chance to be front and centre at the Newport Folk Festival. |
Volunteering
We need volunteers to staff the doors at some venues and assist with cleaning up and organisational tasks. Volunteers will receive a free Festival wristband, giving free entry to all events except the Bushwhackers concert.
Use this form to register your interest in volunteering. We will contact you to confirm your involvement.
Food
A range of food is available at or near the Festival:
Leroy's Cafe
In addition to their usual eat-in menu, Leroy's will offer a special take-away Festival menu. Take-away coffee and chai too.
Adjoining Paine Reserve.
Coffee Alfresco
Take-away coffee van, Paine Reserve.
Newport Bowls Club
French crepes all afternoon Saturday. Catering by Breizoz.
French meals for Saturday dinner (from 6pm, menu to be announced). Catering by Breizoz.
Greek barbecue Sunday 12 - 3pm.
The Substation
Coffee, cakes and snacks (Saturday 10am - 4pm)
Thoranee Thai
Eat-in and take-away Thai food. 19 Mason St
Seagull's Nest
Tapas, steak, seafood and more. Eat-in. 1 Mason St
Newport Sea Catch
Traditional fish & chips and hamburgers. 27 Mason St
Routley's Bakery
Pies, cakes, sandwiches and coffee. Eat-in and take-away. 33a Mason St
Pizza Train
Eat-in and take-away pizza, pasta, salads, coffee. 2/22 Mason St
Sammy's Bakehouse
Middle Eastern pastries, pies, bread, cakes and coffee. Saturday only. 1/22 Mason St
Kasim's Indian Cafe
Eat-in and take-away Indian food. 44 Mason St
Mamma Teresa
Pizza, pasta, Italian meals. Eat-in and take-away. 431 Melbourne Rd
Thanks
The Newport Fiddle and Folk Festival was made possible with funding and support from:
- Hobsons Bay City Council
- Cr Peter Hemphill
- Outlets Co-operative Neighbourhood House
- Newport Traders Association
- Wade Noonan MP