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When:        Saturday 7th March 2009 Market:      10am in Railway Park     (51696355)   Music:         12pm onwards in Centenary Park  (51696243) Cost:           FREE (however donations gratefully accepted) ATM & Eftpos Facilities: Boolarra is a small town with a population of 400 people, so electronic facilites are limited. We do try our best to cater for the large influx on the day, but it would be wise to bring along cash to avoid disappointment.

2009 Performers

Click here to download Information Flyer

Click here to download Application Form

The Boolarra Folk Festival committee are extremely proud to have won Community Event of the Year Award at the Latrobe City 2008 Australia Day Awards. Festival Convenor, Ray Stewart (the hairy one at the back), delivered a fitting (and long)tribute to the community of Boolarra, in thanks for their continued support and hard work.

The 7th annual Boolarra Folk Festival will be held in beautiful Centenary Park. This is a relaxed festival, so come along and enjoy the calm, friendly atmosphere.

The Healing Tent will once again be held in Centenary Park, so feel free to come along for a relaxing Reiki session or enjoy some aromatherapy. The Kids' Tent will be in Centenary Park, with many interesting craft activities available to entertain the troops. This year there will also be a Teenagers' Tent, where free hairbraiding, nail varnishing and other wonderful activities and services will be on offer.	Another new initiative this year, is the introduction of a "Circus Skills" area, where you will be able to learn New Zealand Poi, Twirling, Diablo and Juggling. Then you may fulfil your dream of running away to the circus. We really would like to be able to keep it a free event, making it accessible to all, so please consider buying some of our excellent wines , T-Shirts, badges and programs, or you can make a gold coin donation during the day.	The Art, Craft and Food Market will be held in Railway Park from 10am. Many local artisans will have the opportunity to showcase the breadth of talent within the region.
Buskers are always welcome, so find a cool spot in the park...	or under the verandah of the "Old Pub"...	or just kick back, have a quiet drink and let the world go by.
Once again, we will kick off at noon with the School Kids' Drumming, under the direction of Steve Schulz...	then we will have 9 hours of  fantastic music...some from all over Australia...	and some incredible talent from Gippsland.

2008 Performers:

The Counterfeit Gypsies Back by popular demand!   In six years of performance, this hard-working, independent band has headlined events in many of Melbourne’s finest live music venues including Melbourne’s Spanish Club, BMW Edge Theatre at Federation Square, East Brunswick Club, The Evelyn, The Espy, Revolver, Northcote Social Club and a host of others.  In  November 2006, The Counterfeit Gypsies were invited to Birrarung Marr, a natural amphitheatre behind Federation Square in Melbourne to perform to an attendance of over 40,000 people for Greenpeace’s ‘Walk Against Global Warming’, while earlier that year, putting on shows at Melbourne’s Commonwealth Games and the National Gallery of Victoria.   The Counterfeit Gypsies are embarking on an east coast tour of Australia throughout December and January to launch their highly anticipated third album ‘Appropriate Footwear’, follow-up to their debut, ‘Music to Vacuum to' and second album ‘Wonky Donkey'.  Indie-cds.com describes ‘Wonky Donkey' as: 'Fast instrumental dance music that won't disappoint their existing fan base or anyone else looking to party with some good-time up-tempo Gypsy tunes … the overall effect is great and the dynamism and sheer enjoyment of playing that is clear in the band's live sets is well conveyed on this album.' The music of The Counterfeit Gypsies has also featured on soundtracks for short films ‘The Bowerbird' and ‘Seven Days with Seven Dogs', and animations ‘The Wasp Rider' and ‘Flutterby’, inspiring artists, music lovers and dancers across the country. http://www.thecounterfeitgypsies.com
The Go Set When singer/songwriter J. Keenan and bassist Mark Moran formed The Go Set in 2003, it seemed only natural to combine the elements of the music they had grown up on. Having both been brought up on everything from traditional celtic and folk music, to early seventies punk rock, and with a voice for political perspective and social conscience, The Go Set embarked on a unique musical journey. Combining the folk elements of the bagpipes, accordion, and mandolin, with distorted punk guitars and a rock n roll ethos, The Go Set created a sound and direction all its own...  "…trying to describe the sound of The Go Set is like trying to imagine Peter Garrett, The Pogues, and The Clash having a late night jam in a local pub with an endless supply of booze". Blunt Magazine (2005)  http://www.thegoset.com.au/index2.html
The Paesanos Overflowing with sincerity, heart, harmony and tradition, the band’s music, written predominately by Pete Cicciari, blends the genres of country, roots, and folk. The latter genre is filled with authentic character by the contribution and inspiration of Pete's father, Peter Ciani, a long time singer/songwriter and popular Italian vocalist. After being in Europe in 2005, writing music and discovering his roots, Pete has returned to the stage playing what he describes as an exploration in country, roots and southern Italian folk music. From being a Broken Arrow touring with Dan Brodie to fronting rock outfit, Indio Mau, it’s now just him and his Paesanos, performing laid back, upbeat and rustic tunes. The band members are abundant in musical depth and performance experience. From Pete’s deep vocals to a bangin’ double bass and the twang of a mandolin, The Paesanos produce a sound that is steeped in tradition, yet truly contemporary, thus allowing the music to resonate with a diversity of audiences guaranteeing free and thorough enjoyment! The Paesanos have developed a reputation for getting the crowd involved in their live performances. Whether it be through clapping, dancing, stomping feet or throwing a tambourine or two into the audience. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=117081759
Ann-Marita Singer/songwriter & country rocker Ann-Marita is all Norwegian...plus a little bit Swedish, American and Australian. A background in four countries on three different continents has given her a wealth of experience to bring to her music.  Her self-titled 2004 debut album garnered rave reviews, airplay on more than 200 radio stations worldwide, and a Sonicbids-sponsored trip to Berlin, Germany to perform at the 2006 Popkomm Festival. 2007 marked the release of her second album "Intuition", followed by a solo mini-tour of Canada and the U.S. where Ann-Marita performed in Toronto at Canadian Music Week, Austin during South By Southwest, Nashville during Tin Pan South, as well as her old stompinggrounds Iowa and Los Angeles. One of the tracks off "Intuition"; "State Line", has already made Ann-Marita a finalist in the 2007 Unisong International Songwriting Contest, and indie-music.com says about the album: "Bringing a punchy driving sound that recalls the Jack White-influenced rebirth of Loretta Lynn, there is a breath of fresh air being exhaled in the music industry, and we should hope that others follow suit."  http://www.annmarita.com/
Beltane Beltane formed at the 2007 Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance as winners of the inaugural Paddy O’Neil Scholarship. The award was designed to encourage young people to play and enjoy Celtic music. Beltane’s four members are all under 25, and bring a unique perspective and ear to the traditional music they play. As part of the scholarship, Beltane recorded a 6 track CD while at the Lake School, and where booked to perform at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Since then, they have set about amassing a faithful following at festivals such as the Port Arlington National Celtic Festival and the Koroit Irish Festival, among others. Beltane plays mainly traditional songs and tunes, but bring a contemporary feel and distinctive arrangements to everything they play. Its members come from a diverse array of musical backgrounds, including classical, music theatre and every rock and this gives the folk music they play a very characteristic sound. The band is still young, as are its members, but with youth on their side every note is filled with energy and enthusiasm.   Anne Gasko - Vocals and Bodhran Steve MacArthur - Guitar and vocals Michelle Doyle – Harp Jessica Hillman – Fiddle
The Molly Maguires The Molly Maguires are one of the oldest Folk Bands in Latrobe Valley. Their music is mainly Irish Folk music, which includes contemporary and traditional songs and instrumental jigs, reels, hornpipes and aires. They cover songs and instrumentals from bands like the Fury’s, The Dubliners, The Bothy Band, Christy Moore and many others. They also enjoy playing a small selection of songs by modern day Irish; Scottish bands and include Australian, American, and Galeacian tunes in their repertoire.
Salience Salience   is    a    three    piece   acoustic   band   based   in   Gippsland. The band is composed of Jack Negro (16) on lead/rhythm guitar, Daniel Nardino (17) on  lead/rhythm  guitar and Phoebe Trinidad (16) on vocals. The  original  members,  Jack  and Daniel, began playing together as an acoustic  duo in 2002.   In  2005,  Phoebe  joined  the  group  as  the  sole vocalist.  The  band  has  played at various gigs such as: Korumburra Folk Festival  special guests at Mirboo North Idol,  Monash University  & private functions.   Salience  has  recorded  a  demo  of  original  material that is distinctive yet engaging. Daniel Nardino – Guitar Jack Negro – Guitar Phoebe Trinidad – Vocalist
Grand Junction Grand Junction is a union of musical forces and styles. Multi-instrumentalists Strat and Lyndal have been performing in the folk scene here and over seas for a quarter of a century. They perform with seasoned Gippsland musicians Steve Schulz (percussion), Ray Negro (guitars/mandolin) and John Werner (bass), playing music from Australia to Asturias, Cape Barren to Cape Breton Island, and any where in between. Folk funk/world rage!!! Steve Schulz- drums and percussion. Ray Negro- guitars, mandolin and vocals. Lyndal Chambers- piano and button accordion, flute and vocals. Brian ‘Strat’ Strating- fiddle, mandolin, clarinet and vocals. John Werner- electric and upright bass and vocals.
The Grenadines The Grenadines are a four-piece originals outfit best described as a band   which fuses predominantly pop rock sounds from a past era with a range of blues, funk, reggae and country elements. The band has developed a sound representing the four individual performers, eclectic range of influences, styles and experiences. A number of Aboriginal and mainstream covers will entertain a crowd of all ages and musical tastes. The line-up includes Linc Yow Yeh (vocals/lead guitar), Brad Boon, (vocals/drums/percussion), Bill Skermer (vocals/bass) and Polash Larsen(vocals/rhythm guitar). http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=103484351
Celtic Rhythm Method Celtic Rhythm Method is a Gippsland band playing traditional Irish songs and tunes, Australian bush music, and a range of songs with Celtic roots and rhythm from other cultural traditions. Formed in 2005, this band entertains audiences at local pubs and at various community functions, but mostly plays for enjoyment. The lively foot tapping style appeals to all ages, evoking nostalgia in the young at heart. Their first recording, a ‘live’ CD in support of student services at Mirboo North Secondary College, was released at the Grand Ridge Brewery Artspit, Mirboo North in October 2006. Riding on the positive response from that album, the band is now in the process of recording a follow up to their sell-out debut. The band members are Wes Palmer (Guitar / Vocals), Elke Frank (Fiddle), Charlie Twomey (Guitar / Tin Whistle / Vocals), Fergal Allen (Bodhran / Vocals) and Rod Burney (Mandolin / Guitar)
Adagio   Adagio is a four piece acoustic act mixing piano, guitar, drums and three part vocal harmonies. Since the debut of the album "Fade Out Softly" the band has experienced a great response from the local community, using live performances and word of mouth to create a following and spread their music. Rohan Hayes and Dylan Berends, have been playing to music together for around seven years, with the introduction of Tania Lodge in 2005, and Rhys Brown later in 2007. The light acoustic music is considered easy listening, using catchy melodies and even more memorable words.   Dylan Berends - Keyboard/Guitar/Vocals Rohan Hayes -         Guitar/Vocals Tania Lodge - Vocals Rhys Brown - Drums
Barry Callister Barry performs as a solo acoustic artist in many venues, playing cover songs and his own original material.  He plays a diverse range of music and lends his own style to every song.  It has been said that sometimes during his live solo performances it is easy to forget that there is not a bass player and a drummer up there with him.Barry’s original music is a stirring blend of Rock, Pop and Spanish Flamenco.  He combines infectious rhythms, catchy melodies and evocative lyrics to bring forth an acoustic experience that uplifts and electrifies.  His songs stay with you long after the performance is over.  In a time of repetitive, manufactured music, Barry’s songs truly are a breath of fresh air.
Southern Collection Southern Collection was formed in 2005 by a group of Gippslanders who share a love of folk music. The group first performed at the Boolarra Folk Festival in 2005 and since then, has been playing regularly at functions around Gippsland. The band is passionate about playing uniquely collected Australian tunes as well as Cajun, Bluegrass, Old Time Ragtime, Appalachian, Irish and Scottish tunes. The sound is melodic with a strong rhythmic, rock sound. Southern Collection will delight the audience with its lively and energetic performance.
Rod Ladgrove In 2003, 20 year-old Rod Ladgrove began playing live music in Brisbane. Relying heavily on a back-catalogue of Beatles hits, Rod began by busking in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall. However, in 2005 Rod based himself overseas. Whilst working and living his way through London and New York, Rod began to mould his style, taking in spots at London's acclaimed Virtual Acoustic Club and Notting Hill Gate. Returning in 2006, Rod began releasing his work from a new hometown of Adelaide. Inspired heavily by the experiences and ‘aftermath’ of travel, Rod’s new songs worked as ‘stories’ in the folk tradition, whilst still maintaining a contemporary edge. His first single, ‘Lonely Old People’, received nationwide airplay on ABC radio, and was nominated for the Q ‘Song of the Year’ award in the folk category. ‘Van Nguyen’, the story of an executed drug trafficker, received play on the nationwide JJJ network. Rod followed up this success with a series of Sydney performances and folk festivals in September 2006, as well as playing at Adelaide venues such as the Grace Emily and Jade Monkey. With the release of ‘Snapshots’, Rod looks set to continue his rise in the Australian folk-rock scene. http://www.rodladgrove.com/
Henry's Men   Henry’s Men are a Gippsland based multi instrumental duo comprising of John "Corbs" Corby   (Guitar, flutes, whistles, bouzouki and vocals) and Vic Belcher (12 string Guitar, Citern, banjax and vocals).   Both Vic and Corbs have their roots in Irish Traditional music having played in various Irish pub bands such as: Tinker's Cuss, Fiddler's Rant and The Molly Maguires.  They have been performing together for the past ten years playing at pubs, clubs, festivals and private functions. They came together over their common love of Irish traditional music as well as Australian Bush Band music.  They play a combination of traditional Celtic and Australian songs and tunes, with a number of originals thrown in.
Taylor, Cupples & Boothman   Taylor, Cupples and Boothman made their debut at the 2006 Boolarra Folk Festival. They were greatly appreciated by the audience, many of whom commented on the beautiful and tuneful 3-part harmonies. They are influenced by bands such as Crosby Stills and Nash, The Beatles, America and Neil Young. All three members have had a great depth of experience in various other bands. Harmony vocals are the main focus of the group, with 3-part harmonies being sung by Danny Boothman, Andy Taylor and Terry Cupples.
The Brody Young Band The Brody Young band consists of three locals to Gippsland. They have been together for about 6 months, and have produced an innovative and original sound that will knock your socks off. Brody writes all the music and lyrics. Original funk, blues and roots are cleverly incorporated into their songs. They have developed a popular following in Gippsland, and have recently played in Bayswater, Fitzroy, Newborough and Yinnar for the Great Victorian Bike Ride. The Brody Young Band is currently planning to record a cd. Watch out for these young men…they are sure to have a great future! Brody Young - vocals, guitar Daniel (Butch) Negro - drums Brad Taylor - Bass Guitar.

(click on the link below to view the inaugural festival)

2003-The Inaugural Festival

Boolarra Folk Festival Committee:

Ray Stewart	Festival Convenor	51696275
Wendy Stewart	Assistant Convenor/Finance Officer	51696275
Rick Teychenne	Music Co-ordinator	51696243
Terry Cupples	Assistant Music Co-ordinator
Chelsea Stewart	Design & Merchandising Co-ordinator
Leanne Blake	Grants Officer
Regina Teychenne	Publicity Officer/ Webmaster	51696243
Rob & Marietta Herni	Art/Craft/Food Co-ordinators	51696355

Accommodation

If you would like to know more about the Boolarra Folk Festival, contact us via the form below...

Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors, without whom there would simply be no festival!

http://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/

http://www.internationalpower.com.au/

http://www.mdpictures.com.au/

http://www.etta-training.com/campuses/leongatha.html

Maryvale Electronics JW & HL O'Connor Transport Young Signs Fox Music, Trafalgar Russell Northe, Member for Morwell

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