About the performers
Here's a little about some of the performers. Please expect this to grow as we get to know you!
Barbara Jeffrey
Barbara combines classical training with folk influences to create her own unique sound. Her album 'From My Daddy's Shoulders' includes traditional folk songs and original songs which reflect the beauty of the natural environment and celebrate the heroism of ordinary people.
Barbara has performed at many venues throughout Australia and her music has been played on various community radio stations. Her Celtic Harp combined with vocals, blend together superbly. (Click on Barbara's CD Cover photo on the left, to go to her website!)
Barbara performed on the 18th of August 2013 and was just fabulous.
Barbara has performed at many venues throughout Australia and her music has been played on various community radio stations. Her Celtic Harp combined with vocals, blend together superbly. (Click on Barbara's CD Cover photo on the left, to go to her website!)
Barbara performed on the 18th of August 2013 and was just fabulous.
Phil Young
Phil is a passionate musician, songwriter and supporter of original music, its creators and performers. Based in Melbourne, Australia, he has been involved with music in many forms for over forty years, including working in commercial and community radio, touring professionally as a bass guitarist, song writing, mixing live and recorded sound, running song writing contests and founding an amateur musicians group. Rewards for his efforts include a category win in the Australian Songwriters Association song writing contest in 1994 and a first and third in a similar contests at the Peninsula Folk Club in Frankston, Victoria.
Phil’s brilliant songs, quirky humour and masterful performance will charm and delight everyone. He is a local gem whose familiar face and gentle presence belie the exceptional talent and accrued wisdom of a musician and who has spent a lifetime exploring and expressing his craft. (Click on Phil's photo to go to his website!)
Phil performed on the 17th of November 2012. Thanks Phil!
Phil’s brilliant songs, quirky humour and masterful performance will charm and delight everyone. He is a local gem whose familiar face and gentle presence belie the exceptional talent and accrued wisdom of a musician and who has spent a lifetime exploring and expressing his craft. (Click on Phil's photo to go to his website!)
Phil performed on the 17th of November 2012. Thanks Phil!
Old Dogs
Melbourne musicians: Tim Hannan, John Salter and Peter McErlain team up to provide a musical feast which is varied as the background of each of these musicians. Tim Hannan is a leading member of the Berwick and District Folk Club and launched a debut album of original songs in 2012. John plays keyboard and Peter plays more instruments than I can count.
There's a touch of Peter Allen, a litle bit of Aussie Country and lots of original flavours as well. Old Dogs performed for us in 2013 and will be the main act on Saturday, the 15th of February 2014. Thanks Old Dogs!
There's a touch of Peter Allen, a litle bit of Aussie Country and lots of original flavours as well. Old Dogs performed for us in 2013 and will be the main act on Saturday, the 15th of February 2014. Thanks Old Dogs!
Journey Bound
Journey Bound is a versatile musical vehicle that likes to cover lots of different genres in a single bound. Musical favourites are picked from everywhere, including gospel, folk, pop and even a little bit of rock.
Travelling in Journey Bound are: Wendy Snook, Sharon Start, John Wilson, Maurie Richardson and Mark Lindsay. Between them they play everything from bass recorder to autoharp. Their music is a "moving feast" and whilst occasionally delving into serious topics, aims to be uplifting and positive. (Click on the photo to go to the band's website!)
Travelling in Journey Bound are: Wendy Snook, Sharon Start, John Wilson, Maurie Richardson and Mark Lindsay. Between them they play everything from bass recorder to autoharp. Their music is a "moving feast" and whilst occasionally delving into serious topics, aims to be uplifting and positive. (Click on the photo to go to the band's website!)
The Jam Tarts
"Three vibrant and entertaining women singing all the favourites from the 50's, 60's and 70's, plus a few originals - all with their own unique "Jam Tart" flavour! Featuring guitar and ukelele, a little bit of humour and whole lot of harmony."
Dominic Finlay
An acoustic powerhouse for the new wave of singer songwriters”
COUNTRY TIMES
"More than just another songwriter"
TIM WARDYN
“If ever a man can put musician in his passport, it's Dominic Finley”
BERWICK AND BORDERS GAZETTE
After writing close to 400 songs and releasing three solo albums, British singer-songwriter, excessive tea drinker, and Australian migrant, Dominic Finley is currently working on his next release –in-between playing countless solo gigs, where audiences can expect self-penned songs of great diversity, laced with tall stories and one-liners!
COUNTRY TIMES
"More than just another songwriter"
TIM WARDYN
“If ever a man can put musician in his passport, it's Dominic Finley”
BERWICK AND BORDERS GAZETTE
After writing close to 400 songs and releasing three solo albums, British singer-songwriter, excessive tea drinker, and Australian migrant, Dominic Finley is currently working on his next release –in-between playing countless solo gigs, where audiences can expect self-penned songs of great diversity, laced with tall stories and one-liners!
Ken Nicol
Ken Nicol is an exceptional
musician. As a guitarist, he is one of the most skilled and exciting players
anywhere today; as a singer he is capable of evoking wide range of emotions
in his audience; and as a songwriter he demonstrates these abilities in
his clever and well-crafted material.
His music covers the spectrum from blues to rock, effortlessly taking in folk, jazz, ragtime, ballads and more along the way.
In the early seventies he formed the band ‘Nicol & Marsh’s Easy Street’ with Pete Marsh, and it wasn’t long before they landed their first major record contract.
They went on to produce four albums to widespread acclaim on the CBS and Polydor labels, the last one being recorded in Los Angeles.
This prompted Ken to make his home in the US where he played gigs as a solo acoustic performer, and as lead singer and co-songwriter for the band ‘Versailles’.
Ken returned to the UK from LA in 1989, and once again began working the club circuit as a solo performer, going on to produce the albums: “Living in a Spanish Town”, “Two Frets from the Blues”, “Clean Feet – No Shoes”, “The Bridge”, and more recently: “Thirteen Reasons”, all released on his own M.V.S label.
In 1997 Ken joined The Albion Band as lead guitarist and singer, writing much of the band’s material himself and co-writing with Ashley Hutchings. They produced four albums in this time: “Happy Accident”, Before Us Stands Yesterday”, “The Christmas Album” and “Road Movies” on the Topic record label.
In December 2002, he successfully joined forces with the legendary folk-rockers Steeleye Span on their UK ‘Reunion Tour’, and due to its great success, his collaboration with the band continued for a further seven years.
Ken is to embark on a tour of Australia in 2014, promoting his latest album ‘Historic Events and Other Subjects’. The show also features an opening set from Dominic Finley –a British session musician, singer songwriter, and Australian migrant…
His music covers the spectrum from blues to rock, effortlessly taking in folk, jazz, ragtime, ballads and more along the way.
In the early seventies he formed the band ‘Nicol & Marsh’s Easy Street’ with Pete Marsh, and it wasn’t long before they landed their first major record contract.
They went on to produce four albums to widespread acclaim on the CBS and Polydor labels, the last one being recorded in Los Angeles.
This prompted Ken to make his home in the US where he played gigs as a solo acoustic performer, and as lead singer and co-songwriter for the band ‘Versailles’.
Ken returned to the UK from LA in 1989, and once again began working the club circuit as a solo performer, going on to produce the albums: “Living in a Spanish Town”, “Two Frets from the Blues”, “Clean Feet – No Shoes”, “The Bridge”, and more recently: “Thirteen Reasons”, all released on his own M.V.S label.
In 1997 Ken joined The Albion Band as lead guitarist and singer, writing much of the band’s material himself and co-writing with Ashley Hutchings. They produced four albums in this time: “Happy Accident”, Before Us Stands Yesterday”, “The Christmas Album” and “Road Movies” on the Topic record label.
In December 2002, he successfully joined forces with the legendary folk-rockers Steeleye Span on their UK ‘Reunion Tour’, and due to its great success, his collaboration with the band continued for a further seven years.
Ken is to embark on a tour of Australia in 2014, promoting his latest album ‘Historic Events and Other Subjects’. The show also features an opening set from Dominic Finley –a British session musician, singer songwriter, and Australian migrant…
John Boothroyd
John Boothroyd has been a very well known and respected singer and instrumentalist around Melbourne for many years, dating back to the 'Folk revival' of the late 1960's. He prefers the American Old Timey songs and tunes from the pre war 'golden age' of Country music, and lists performers such as the Carter Family, Delmore Brothers, Clarence 'Tom' Ashley and New Lost City Ramblers as his inspiration.
John plays guitar, and pre Bluegrass 'clawhammer' style 5 string banjo. Apart from solo performances, he has been a member of Chilly Strings String Band and until recently, the Appalachian Heaven String Band.
Audiences enjoy his variety of songs and tunes, and interesting song introductions. He recorded and released his first solo album "Still Rollin' On" late last year. The 17 tracks are a mixture of traditional songs and tunes, and original banjo and guitar instrumentals.
John plays guitar, and pre Bluegrass 'clawhammer' style 5 string banjo. Apart from solo performances, he has been a member of Chilly Strings String Band and until recently, the Appalachian Heaven String Band.
Audiences enjoy his variety of songs and tunes, and interesting song introductions. He recorded and released his first solo album "Still Rollin' On" late last year. The 17 tracks are a mixture of traditional songs and tunes, and original banjo and guitar instrumentals.
Sweet Ade
It’s a jazz/ragtime band, “trad” but non-traditional. It’s a recorder-led ensemble, “different”, quirky and entertaining. Inspired by the recorder playing of the late, great Australian multi-instrumentalist Ade Monsbrough, its repertoire includes many of Ade’s compositions. Added to the varied mix are ragtime, jazz standards, klezmer, folk and eclectic other material, mostly light-hearted and fun. The rhythm section is a classic New Orleans line-up of sousaphone, banjo and piano but with a prominent washboard input in addition to drums.
In the front line are four different recorders, a variety of reeds and a featured vocalist. But the multi-talented band members add interest and variety on ukuleles, piano accordion and additional vocals. The band members are: Marion Lustig – recorders Peter Mason – clarinet, tenor and soprano saxophones, vocals, recorder, ukelele Lisette Payet – piano, vocals, ukulele, piano accordion Chris Farley – banjo and vocals Joe Kenyon – sousaphone Richard Opat – washboard and drums Janet Arndt – vocals.
In the front line are four different recorders, a variety of reeds and a featured vocalist. But the multi-talented band members add interest and variety on ukuleles, piano accordion and additional vocals. The band members are: Marion Lustig – recorders Peter Mason – clarinet, tenor and soprano saxophones, vocals, recorder, ukelele Lisette Payet – piano, vocals, ukulele, piano accordion Chris Farley – banjo and vocals Joe Kenyon – sousaphone Richard Opat – washboard and drums Janet Arndt – vocals.
Tidal Moon
Classical/Celtic meet Country/Folk and what do you get? Barbara & José! Meeting at a local Folk club, these two perambulatory, musical, wayfarers kept constantly bumping into each other at various music venues and eventually decided to do something serious about it. So after a good reception at a Folk Victoria concert and several musical rendezvous, they've combined Barbara's Celtic harp and soaring vocals with the timbre of José's voice and guitar. The result is a sound akin to bringing the mountains to the sea, minus mudslides or any tsunami-like effects.
Occasionally a flute, stomp-box or bodhran get thrown into the mix, so the story can unfold from the sounds of 'calming sea waves' to the rumble of a 'Nashville bound locomotive'. Barbara's experience as a music teacher and orchestral flautist, harpoons José's Country-influenced Folk to produce a beast that would grab Captain Ahab's attention. We hope it grabs yours!
Occasionally a flute, stomp-box or bodhran get thrown into the mix, so the story can unfold from the sounds of 'calming sea waves' to the rumble of a 'Nashville bound locomotive'. Barbara's experience as a music teacher and orchestral flautist, harpoons José's Country-influenced Folk to produce a beast that would grab Captain Ahab's attention. We hope it grabs yours!
PIANOFORTE MUSIC COLLEGE SWING BAND
The band consist of students, past and present, teachers, and friends of the college. The ensemble group has been going since the year 2000 and has put on many presentation concerts for the college, charity events and also shares on a regular basis its music with retirement villages and senior citizen clubs, etc.
Andrew Deacon, head of the woodwind department at the college, has dedicated himself to the band as musical director from its inception. His love for jazz has certainly driven the band and its members over the years. Jeff Wood, the college founder and principal, underpins the band on the piano. Band members are: Jeff – Keyboard, Andrew - Sax, Kerwyn - Sax, Suzanne - Sax, Nathaniel - Sax, Peter - Trombone and French Harp.
Andrew Deacon, head of the woodwind department at the college, has dedicated himself to the band as musical director from its inception. His love for jazz has certainly driven the band and its members over the years. Jeff Wood, the college founder and principal, underpins the band on the piano. Band members are: Jeff – Keyboard, Andrew - Sax, Kerwyn - Sax, Suzanne - Sax, Nathaniel - Sax, Peter - Trombone and French Harp.
Nia Robertson
Nia Robertson is a storyteller first and foremost.
A daughter...a mother...a wife...a singer...a storyteller...
Nia is a storyteller. The songs she sings are representative of moments in her life that resonate with all... stories of life as a mother, wife and daughter, friendship and trials will captivate you with their simplicity. Her second album "The Woman I Am" delivers little pieces of her heart straight to yours.
A locally-based musician, Nia is very active not just in her own wonderful music but also in promoting many wonderful musicians, including celebrities and upcoming new talent through her house concerts and Storytellers sessions at The Tamworth Country Music Festival. Nia will be performing at FUN on September 20th.
A daughter...a mother...a wife...a singer...a storyteller...
Nia is a storyteller. The songs she sings are representative of moments in her life that resonate with all... stories of life as a mother, wife and daughter, friendship and trials will captivate you with their simplicity. Her second album "The Woman I Am" delivers little pieces of her heart straight to yours.
A locally-based musician, Nia is very active not just in her own wonderful music but also in promoting many wonderful musicians, including celebrities and upcoming new talent through her house concerts and Storytellers sessions at The Tamworth Country Music Festival. Nia will be performing at FUN on September 20th.
Christie Heart
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Singer/songwriter/author, Christie Heart, has woven a spell over audiences from Darwin to Melbourne. Twice winner of the Melbourne, Irish Festival Song Competition for outstanding vocals, her songs have won awards at Tamworth and received recognition internationally.
In 2012, Christie combined music and prose to produce the book with CD, Leave The Wake Behind, a powerful, story of love and loss and transformation, told in a full length novel intertwined with original songs. For more information, go to www.christieheart.com. |
Body And Soul
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Jan Blake's Body and Soul is influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Dianna Krall and other wonderful Jazz Singers from the past and present! The effervescent vocals, fluid piano interwoven with sublime flute riffs, held together by funky Bass and Percussion, will have your toes tapping and may even get you to your feet dancing!
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Mark Sergeant Trouser Gardner
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Mark comes from the combination of performing, singing, trumpet playing, writing and playing with various bands over the years, including a commercial release with "ResistingTemptation" by Bricks and Mortar as aired on RRR, PBS and JJJ in the mid 90's, as well as working alongside producer Brian Canham@ Metromix for his debut solo CD "The Great Divide EP" where the self titled song "The Great Divide" is played on every community radio station in Australia and was made no.1 on the AIRIT/AMRAP chart in May 2010, as well as being added to Valleyarm's Absolute Country compilation. Mark also continues to gain contacts and network amongst the music online and real world community and industry, gaining much well earned respect amongst his peers as well as working closely and assisting with various indie acts on brass arrangements and live shows. Mark enjoys adding some avante garde brass trumpet solos and arrangements but primarily songwriting and singing lead vocals. Mark has performed alongside Alan Barnes, Swannee, Chris Wilson, Neil Murray and Keith Potger from The Seekers.
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The Harmonics
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Featuring three part harmonies from Val, Peter and Barry, the Harmonics have been entertaining audiences since 2014. They have been performing around local clubs with a mix of folk, country and old hit parade favorites. They share a passion for harmony singing and would love to share their music with you. |
Edward Nass
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Music was not his first passion however Edward has pursued his new found love for music vigorously. Although a late starter, Edward released his debut CD in 2012 – Memories and Other Tales, which has been followed by his second CD, Doing Nothing. Edward has an art of telling stories in song from a life’s journey. They are about community, family, history and experiences to which everyone can relate – all in a narrative style.
There are serious songs with a little humour and silly songs with a message. His genre is mixed – Blues, Ballads and a little bit Country. President and co-founder of the Berwick and District Folk Club (BADFOLK), Edward supports music and the community spirit it brings. See www.edwardnass.com Mob 0418 535 264 Email - edward@edwardnass.com |
101 Built In Tunes Swing Band
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The band consists of students, past and present, teachers, and friends of the Pianoforte Music College. The ensemble group has been going since the year 2000 and has put on many presentation concerts for the college, charity events and also shares on a regular basis its music with retirement villages and senior citizen clubs, etc.
Andrew Deacon, head of the woodwind department at the college, has dedicated himself to the band as musical director from its inception. His love for jazz has certainly driven the band and its members over the years. Jeff Wood is the college founder and principal. Band members are:
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Sonyta Trahar
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Sonyta Trahar: Sonyta has been singing and performing since she was 6 years old, starting out in musical theatre and performing at school. 15 years on, she can still be found performing in local musicals, as well as gigging around Australia with a mixture of covers and original songs. This year she was fortunate enough to be picked to attend the Academy of Country Music that was held in January up at Tamworth, and was tutored by many great artist and professionals, including Lyn Bowtell, Catherine Britt and Kasey Chambers. Currently Sonyta is performing in 'The Addams Family Musical' with CPAC and 'Annie Jr' with BATS and has recently started her own singing school, 'Sunnyside Performance School'. |
Cadence
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“Cadence” is a five piece vocal and instrumental music group. Their material is selected from a wide range of styles, the sound is very much based around the vocal harmonies, presented in a "folk" style, and including many a’capella items. As most members bring extensive choral experience to the group, they arrange items to highlight the harmony parts, but also play a variety of instruments, to provide their own accompaniment including: acoustic guitars (6 and 12 string), bass, violin, keyboard, recorder, penny whistle, harmonica, and percussion. They do not charge for performances, but do accept donations, and sell CD’s to anyone interested at performances. |
Platform 9 3/4 |
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Platform 9¾ is a new Celtic group on the Folk Music scene melding the musical sounds of the three major Celtic influences to present an eclectic approach to Celtic music featuring wonderful vocal harmonies and supported musically by unique keyboard arrangements. Our music has a Welsh influence but also includes both Irish and Scottish songs.
The trio comprises Colin Edwards (vocals and keyboards), Sarah Anne Lynn (vocals) and Stephen Lynn (vocals) and release their debut CD, ‘Celtic But Mainly Welsh’, on December 8th last year. We were thrilled to receive the award at the Australian Celtic Music Awards in Glen Innes in 2015 for ‘Best Traditional Celtic Song of 2015’. |
Viki Mealings
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"Viki Mealings is the lead singer and guitarist of the Melbourne roots trio Brittle Sun. Brittle sun are known for their engaging, incisive live performances. They play extensively around Melbourne and have released two EP's." |
JiaGoS
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Three-part harmonies, acoustic guitars, and a hint of swing that underpins their performances; the JiaGoS' mission is to explore those bitter-sweet reaches where folk and rock and jazz collide. On the other hand, maybe they're just friends who simply enjoy singing great songs together. JiaGoS = Jupiter is a Garden of Storms. |
Sally Carter
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Sally Carter has performed in duos, trios and bands across Australia. Ranging from traditional celtic in Bhantre to Irish rock with the Dead Kilkennys to acid jazz with Leisure Suit Larry to stealing some bluegrass gigs with The Pigs, to name but a few, Sally loves to explore most genres.
Sally has also performed solo in various festivals, including Westbury Celtic Festival in Tasmania, Kilmore Celtic Festival, Gundagai Music Festival and Cygnet Folk Festival. Celtic, pop hits, bluegrass, country, and some stuff that falls between the lines is what Sally's solo gigs are about. Her hot pink violin is also a fiddle and can toss out some awesome celtic/bluegrass stuff as well as the classical pieces - Bach meet the Blueridge Mountains! Sally also writes songs, and is hoping to have her latest EP recorded by the middle of 2016. |
Jasmine Beth
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Jasmine Beth’s busy touring schedule takes her to folk clubs, festivals, pubs and cafes all over the world. In 2015, she completed her third annual tour of the UK and Ireland, playing 17 dates, including a support for renowned Scottish singer-songwriter Barbara Dickson at the Stratford-Upon-Avon Arts House. She has previously supported the likes of Mic Conway and Eugene Hideaway Bridges. Jasmine started playing classical piano at the age of 9, completing Eighth Grade (AMEB) with Honours at 17. At the same time, her parents introduced her to jazz, blues and folk music – from Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Cannonball Adderley to Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon.
Today, as a vocalist and guitarist, Jasmine draws on this wealth of knowledge in both her song writing and her unique, jazzy-bluesy interpretations of classics. |
Bernardo Soler
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Bernardo Soler award Winning Filipino Guitarist from Melbourne, Victoria, offering a selection of unique music that reflect the true Mediterranean culture: bossa nova, rumba flamenca, boleros (Spanish love songs), Latin and pop tunes. He has enjoyed enormous success in guitar competitions around the world. In October 1981, he won first prize in the "Concourso de Guitarra" from the Centro Cultural de la Embajada de Espana in celebration of La Semana de Hispanidad. November 1981, first prize in the "National Music Competition for Young Artist" (category A), Philippines. October 1982, Grand Prix winner at the Sixth Philippine Guitar Festival. November 1982, second prize in the Southeast Asia Guitar Festival, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. November 1987, first prize in the National Music Competition for Young Artist (category C), Philippines. November 1988 he represented the Philippines at the "Concourso Internacional de Ejucacion Musical Dr. Luis Sigall", held at Vina del Mar, Chile.
In 1994, he represented the Philippines at the "Primer Concourso Internacional de Guitarra Augustin Barrios", held in Asuncion, Paraguay. Throughout his student years he participated in master classes with famous guitarist, namely: John Williams, David Russel, Manuel Barrueco, David Tanenbaum, Stephen Rak, Leo Witozinski, and Timothy Walker. He has performed all over the Philippines, Indonesia, South America, and Australia. (Click on the image to go to Bernardo's FaceBook page.) |
Memory Lane
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MEMORY LANE - Jeanette and Andrew are an acoustic duo called Memory Lane who have been singing together for 4 years. They love singing in folk and acoustic clubs and perform easy listening music from folk, renaissance folk, pop, country and classical genres, all presented in their own unique relaxed style. Jeanette's soaring vocals and harmonies are complemented by Andrew's strong tenor tones, backed by Andrew on six and twelve string guitar. |
Interested in performing?
If you'd like to be part of the concert, go to the 'Application to perform' page and fill in your details. Let us know a little about yourself, your contact details, your act, what kind of support you might need e.g. one or more microphones, required stage space etc. Preference will be given to those who've made arrangements in advance.
Click on the quilted birds on the left to take you to the contact page, you can fill in all your details there!
Click on the quilted birds on the left to take you to the contact page, you can fill in all your details there!
