A tale of two folk clubs

THE LOADED DOG and TRADEWINDS FOLK EVENTS.

A tale of two folk clubs 1990 -2015

Two weeks ago, while cleaning up after the painters had finished, I came across a faded copy of a sequence of events sheet.  Sandra Nixon, current ‘Minder’ of the Loaded Dog Folk Club in Sydney had nailed me down and made me recall the events and guests I had organised (along with the Loaded Dog itself) all those years ago.  It is down as having opened its doors Saturday 27^th September 1990.

Here I am, twenty-five years later, having just put the final (??) details together for the opening of TRADEWINDS FOLK EVENTS  next month on 30^th January 2015 coming up.  I am just as nervous obviously, but I am also intrigued to ponder the differences between then and now.  Why not the same model again?

I had arrived in Sydney, from the North of England, still in the grip of Thatcher’s reign of Terror, in 1985.  I returned for a year to sell up, then came, in a state of gratitude and bliss, to settle in 1987.  Largely unwelcome in the Sydney folk scene I decided to take the passive way round the problems, and found a British-style folk club.  On a morris trip to Melbourne, playing concertina for the Sydney Morrismen, I came across the pub known as The Loaded Dog.  I became much amused by the tale of the two men, the stick of explosive, and Nemesis in the shape of a playful dog.  So I pinched the name.

Among the principles I worked with were:

No More Pubs!  - there are not the back rooms there used to be. Landlords are voracious and will double book you without blinking.  Sound bleed is an awful problem, and number 97 is always needed in the snack bar, and more.

Nice halls are hard to come by, and cost rent, so reluctantly I was going to have to go commercial. 

Music will always go to where music is –look around.  Avoid the seedier places however cheap, ‘cos people won’t go.  Forget the places with too strong a religious or political connection as it will spoil the atmosphere.  Not too posh either, as the carpets and curtains will muffle your music.  Parking space is important too.

Atmosphere is not a dirty word!  It doesn’t take much to make a difference.  For TRADEWINDS I have some lovely candle goblets, and we can soften the atmosphere in other ways. 

In spite of Sara Lee having made a takeover of the world’s taste buds, people appreciate a bit of home baking, and we did!  Three of us baked cakes and made savouries every Dog night.  This nearly paid the rent.  In other places they charge membership fees, which covers a lot of financial ground, but I have never been a fan of that.

Alcohol has never been a problem.  Most folkies are not in the first flush of youth and can largely be left to self-regulate.  Let them drink wine! And those awful dip things if you wish.  We will have café-style seating for your convenience.  Just take away your empties chaps!.

Most people know I have been Bookings Officer for Newcastle Hunter Valley Folk Club for a few years.  Although I have made a few changes, I reluctantly came to the conclusion that I was pushing in a way that they felt contrary to their identity.  So about Easter last year I assessed all factors and decided I had one more big push in me.  By this time I could see a ‘hole in the market’ and knew some wonderful people that would help me fill it.  Time will tell, but:

     The nice hall I needed was THE DUNGEON at Adamstown Arts.  The Uniting Church Minister, Dr. Rod Pattenden, has given us a wonderful and supportive welcome there.  Providing patrons behave themselves (you will! won’t you?)  you may bring your own drinks and nibbles.  Take away your empties please.

      We will still be a non-profit making venture, although quite a lot of money has been needed to start it all.  I am about to broach the third thousand dollars of my own money in set-up costs.  Please don’t object if I ask commercial rates for things like coffee and cake. 

     We are, however, rich in talent.  Peter Allsop and Nicola Ross have hearts like lions, as well as making superb music together.  Peter will be front-of-house man, as well as taking over organisation of sound.  Nicola is doing website, photography and other things.  Adrian Hill has done website, and may be persuaded to sing.

     My musical sidekick, Michael Fine, will not be able to come every month, but will generally look after money and administration details.  Michael is highly valued by me for his lovely guitar work and the fact that he uses his great voice in harmony, as easily as lead vocal.  I love singing and will still be trying to warble as they nail down the lid on my box.  Until then I will do Bookings and look after the kitchen side.  We need more help, but experience has taught me that the right person will come forward in their own time.

We can do nothing without the artists.  In sympathy I noted Kavisha Mazzella saying, that at the end of every night you are unemployed.  The least we can do is provide an appreciative atmosphere, and the best financial deal we can manage. 

So that’s what we promise folks!!  We will try the best we can to make this venture a vibrant part of the Newcastle music scene, at a very affordable price.  After Bob Fox in March, we will settle down to the 2^nd Friday of the month.  There are already, some interesting plans for April  -  all on the website folks.  www.tradeswindfolk.com    

Check in regularly to see what’s coming.

Carole

Cap In Hand in October

Cap in Hand 

 ...is a talented folk duo comprising “Dave Spira” and “Nigel Walters” (also of Wheeze and Suck Band).  These guys have proven their popularity with festival audiences and demand exceeds supply, as they rarely travel outside of their area.  Their first CD is due for release soon and is well overdue.

Dave and Nigel both play exquisite finger style acoustic guitar in a range of open tunings. They write many of their own songs and tunes with a wide mix of light and shade as well as ensuring ample opportunity for rousing audience participation.

They are both fine musicians and entertainers. With influences including Nic Jones, Martin Simpson, Simon Fox and Bill Mize their music ranges from traditional to contemporary. Come along and enjoy the delightful interplay between Dave’s dexterous finger style guitar and Nigel’s fine singing and multi-instrumental (guitar, mandolin and cello mandolin) playing.

 Cap in Hand offer all the ingredients for a fine evening’s entertainment and will be at the Newcastle Folk Club on Saturday October 6th.

 The support act on that night is local award-winning songwriter Maureen O’Brien who has just released her 6^th album.  Her music – a hard-to-define blend of contemporary folk/blues/jazz -  is played by numerous community radio stations across Australia.  Every song has a story and many are wrapped in a giggle.   They’re warm, human, reflections on contemporary life.

BUKHU  - A Thoroughly Modern Mongolian.

Traditional instruments and Throat Singing at its best

(aka Bukhuluun Ganburged) www. horsefiddle.com/ 

He’s an interesting man in anyone’s language.  You get the impression that anything capable of making a sound will be co-opted into his arsenal; supporting the most ancient of music or the newest of his tunes and songs with equal ease.  What he can do with a mobile phone ring tone, used to have to be supplied by two or three members of a band.

Added to his beloved Horse-fiddle, a completely ancient traditional instrument, he may use other, unnamed stringed things, a jews harp maybe, or all sorts of electronic wizardry, and then his voice as well.  More layers than an onion?

The voice intrigues me most.  He uses it as we would, vaguely baritone and mellow. (not thin and reedy like some oriental singers).  Then, with no warning other vocal sounds emerge interwoven with everything else he’s doing.  He explains there are four main tones possible in throat singing, from a high shimmer – like Northern Lights, but in sound, then on down to a bad, bad grumble.  He’s a natural teacher and tells you how to do it.

With a twinkly sense of humour, he makes himself understood in slightly halting English, obviously enjoying the interaction.  He is a new Aussie and his version of Waltzing Mathilda was so simple and loving it brought a lump to my throat.  Do come and see him.  For this man there are no barriers or divides – just music; and it’s great!

 

Bukhu performs on 1^st September 2012 at 7.30pm for the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club  at WESLEY Centre Hall, 150 Beaumont St. Hamilton – opp. The Exchange Hotel

Also on the night, to support the multicultural theme, will be the lovely young dancers from Marie Claire’s award-winning “Voyage of Irish Dance” school.  Additionally Bill Wiseman who is well known for his love of Irish Music especially the hauntingly beautiful Irish airs on whistle will also complete the lineup. 

Locked In With the ‘Lifers..’

One of the reasons I love this place is because as an ex-Sydney-sider -  where I was underwhelmed by the number of people who were actually involved in folk music - I found a thriving folk community here in the Hunter.   There is continuity that goes back to 1967 here in Newcastle which is worthy of recognition. 

And this is the main reason for our focus at the Folk Club in August on our Life Members  - we're calling it Locked in with the Lifers.
 

This will be quite a pleasant sentence to serve since our Life Members are made of the finest stuff, and are good company to boot.

This is their night when they get to sing, say or play, or get someone else to do it for them.  The Club has a reasonable accumulation of talented and dedicated members since we appoint two a year, and this is our way of saying “Thank you”.  The Folk Club has been serving the Newcastle Area since 1967, in one incarnation or another.

You can expect a fair degree of informality since these people know each other very well, and there will be no standing on ceremony.  Not all members become ‘Lifers’ and not necessarily because of their performance skills, so they are entitled to ask for someone else’s  voice to do it for them.  For newer members of the club, or members of the community who are keen to reflect on the last 55 years of local folk in Newcastle, here is an opportunity to travel down memory lane with members who have lived the journey.

As well as the concert, we will have a sticky bun tea for fun, and some photographs and memorabilia to ponder over.  This is the Newcastle area at its best, and the Club would not be here without the selfless dedication of these people.  Join us for a warm, friendly evening of songs, poems, stories and ‘craic’ – it will be one to remember. Oh, and I will be making a special cake - with a file in it!

 Catch the Lifers on:

4^th August 2012, at 7.30.

Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club, Inc.

Wesley Centre Hall, 150 Beaumont St.  Hamilton.

For more Information:  Carole Garland, Bookings and Publicity Officer, 02 4929 3912

Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club, Inc.