I'm off to Australia for a month in march/april. My plans are currently to fly into Sydney, and probably visit Melbourne (I see from the lists there are plenty of sessions in these two). Other than that my plans are rather vague, although I plan to stick to the east side. Anyone got any suggestions of places to go that might be good for Irish/Trad music, AND nice places to visit? I'd be particularly interested in smaller places in the countryside between Sydney and Melbourne, or in the north east maybe.
Ther's also a fair bit of music in Canberra outside of the festy season, and apart from that most of the music is based around the capital cities.
In terms of the North East, there is a smattering of players up there (including a CCE branch!) but you'd be better off talking to the players around Brisbane to get details. We Southerners are often too caught up in the intense Sydney-Melbourne inter-tune-dialogue to be up to date on the tune-movements up north.
The Aussie tune scene is fairly intimate, and you should be able to get contacts from people in Sydney or Melbourne to players in other areas. The afor mentioned National in Canberra is also a great place to meet players from all over Australia, with a decent smattering of NZer's thrown in.
and RE: the Sydney-Melbourne-inter-tune-two-party-dialogue? Melbourne's way the better tune scene ;o)
And a quick other thought... While in Melbourne you should make sure you get a dose of Paddy Fitzgerald, a mighty boxplayer and brother of the legendary Joe Fitz. Paddy runs Sessions on Thursday (the Corkman, Carlton), Friday (the Celtic Club, Melbourne City) and Sunday (the Normandy, Clifton Hill). I don't know if these are listed on this site (I'm writing this entry on the sly at work and don't have the time to check - sorry!) but email me and I'll get you more specific details if they arn't.
Noosa Irish music sessions, every Tuesday evening at Irish Murphy's bar. Noosa is about 1.5 hours north of Brisbane. Beautiful beaches, great surf, lotsa tunes. http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display/1025
Heya Zoukman2, looking forward to taking our east-coast-ness over to perth next year! - which reminds me, there are some savage players over the far side of the continent (where they talk funny) and if you (dmagee) are even THINKING of heading over there you should catch up with the masters themselves, Dougal Adams and Ormonde Waters.
(and thanks ceol, much appreciated! except the Celtic club session i was thinking of is the Friday one, not the old beginers wednesday one.)
I was in Sydney in October, and went to Durty Nelly's (Sunday) and Kelly's Bar (Tuesday)
Both are listed in here, and were a cross over of some of the same people, very friendly and welcoming.
I was only there for a short visit with family, but also went to Gosford (an hour or so north of Sydney) There was a smallish festival called CoastFest, which leads me to think there may be a bit of a music scene there, but I didn't have time to investigate.
Sir Nose!
Melbourne ALWAYS had the upper hand as far as the tunes go...Sydney has never had a dynasty like the Fitzie's or a Saint like Billy continuously pumping out the music.
Hope to see you in the session bar back corner in four months time
Well Dmagee you won't know what you're missing if you don't come over West to Perth. Maybe follow Sirnose and company over here after the National Festival in Canberra for our Festival in the West - Fairbridge Festival. http://www.fairbridgefestival.com.au/
Thanks SirNose for at least giving the West a mention and look forward to hearing you play over here as well as Zoukman & co.
Hi Tish
Will you be at the National in 2007?
Not sure if I will bother bringing the Worthy guitar with me as I'm not performing and my (very) modest fiddle skills might see me through a few sessions. It's just os much lighter to carry around.
I will indeed be at the National for the first time ever.
My Worthy will probably stay home too, cedar jumbo and all, it's more a fingerpicker than a strummer. I might not be bringing any instruments actually, but I'll be there.
NOOOOOoooo..Tish don't go to the National without an instrument. ...or at least a borrowed one lined up. Yep there are amazing concerts.....but the Session Bar buzzes with 1/2 dozen different sessions at once about 18 hours a day....and noone with a tune playing itch in any of their fingers could possibly spend any time there and NOT want to play in at least one of them.
Donough, don't forget that the instrument lockup is close to the session bar and you don't need to be a performer to use it. So you don't need to lug your guitar all over the site. Just ask at the festival office for directions (they don't put it on the map).
Hey strungup, I hear what you're saying ... but having worked real hard on fiddle for the first few years I had one, making ends meet since has precluded "discretionary" playing for a while now (like, when you do a 10-hour working day and then have 2-3 hours other music work to do when you get home, sort of thing) and changing that situation has a major impact on other folks besides me so it's not something to be done lightly ... I'm not going to annoy folks by being one of those perpetual beginners that everyone loves so much (not)!
I hear you Trish....but still think you'll find yourself wishing you had it with you.......then again....I'm probably robbing some poor instrument maker of one of those "I must have an instrument NOW" sales.
But there is plenty of listening, and Guiness to be had!
Tish - you gotta bring your fiddle. we can have some quiet tunes in the day and stuff! dont come without your fiddle.
Kenny - its funny you say that, ive lived in oz all my life and played tunes for 11 years - but Ive no clue who plays in adelaide and I dont think Ive met any musos from there - sirnose has though I think. Weird hey? But then - it is 2000km from me...or more probably.
PAGING DMAGEE ~ PLEASE!? ~ Keep a diary and don't forget to transfer your entries into the 'Comments' for the relevant sessions... Better yet, if they aren't already listed here under 'Sessions' ~ get someone to list them. Then I can start planning for our escape to those realms... I can dream can't I. Anyway, it would be great to hear how things go for you, good and bad... I've no doubt you'll be welcomed and treated well...
So, strungup, if I come sans fiddle, I better leave the credit card at home, eh?
OK bb, I'll try to do some homework 'tween here and there. Juts hoping the tender I'll be on by then doesn't decide to work all through Easter ... it's been known to happen. But I've made sure everyone outside work knows I'm not available for all the usual four days of Easter music stuff - I figure after 20 years straight I'm entitled to an Easter off!
I urge you all to come to Adelaide. You won't be disapointed. Check out sessions every Tuesday night 8 til late at the Daniel O'Connell, Tynte St North Adelaide. Or Friday night at the Governor Hindmarsh, Hindmarsh, starting about 10pm. There's also a beginner's evening at the Irish club on Monday nights, and dancing classes too! Who says nothing is happening in the city of churches?
I've always wondered about this City Of Churches malarky. I reckon Rome might have something to say about that discription. I believe they have one or two themselves.
Adelaide's a great place though. Lot's of good players.
I live in Hervey Bay, about 4 hrs north of Brisbane enroute via Murphy's Bar in Noosa as someone previously mentioned. We are right on the coast and the main "jump off" point for Fraser Island, the biggest sand island in the world and of course world heritage listed. It is a famous stop-over for back-packers enroute to Airlie Beach further up the coast. No. I don't work for H/Bay tourism, but I thought you might like to know where we are.
I play with a band called "Slainte". Mostly traditional, but with a few ballads/songs/this and that thrown in. Depending on what's requested etc. You know the score. We will be playing in Hoolihan's on the esplanade on St. Patrick's night, Mar 17th of course and again on 13th April 7.30 - midnight. You didn't mention where you were from or if you played an instrument, however you are most welcome to join us whatever you do. Those from Canberra who subscribe might know Mark Tandy, a great 3 row box player, our latest acquisition. Mark now lives in Hervey Bay and a permanent member of Slainte. Our gain.
OK. If it works in with your dates and you make it up this way, give me a ring - Tony Friel (ex Belfast) 07 / 41254652 and we'll see what we can do for you.
Good places for a tune in Australia?
Good places for a tune in Australia?
I'm off to Australia for a month in march/april. My plans are currently to fly into Sydney, and probably visit Melbourne (I see from the lists there are plenty of sessions in these two). Other than that my plans are rather vague, although I plan to stick to the east side. Anyone got any suggestions of places to go that might be good for Irish/Trad music, AND nice places to visit? I'd be particularly interested in smaller places in the countryside between Sydney and Melbourne, or in the north east maybe.
Cheers
D.
# Posted on December 20th 2006 by dmagee
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
January when 'Dow' is away...the mice will play...
# Posted on December 20th 2006 by ceolachan
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Kelly's Bar
285 King Street, Newtown,
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Tuesdays
Submitted on May 1st 2006 by Dow.
http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display/1311
# Posted on December 20th 2006 by ceolachan
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
National Folk Festival in Canberra from April 3--the best!
# Posted on December 20th 2006 by mcknowall
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Can't agree more McKnowall my man!
Ther's also a fair bit of music in Canberra outside of the festy season, and apart from that most of the music is based around the capital cities.
In terms of the North East, there is a smattering of players up there (including a CCE branch!) but you'd be better off talking to the players around Brisbane to get details. We Southerners are often too caught up in the intense Sydney-Melbourne inter-tune-dialogue to be up to date on the tune-movements up north.
The Aussie tune scene is fairly intimate, and you should be able to get contacts from people in Sydney or Melbourne to players in other areas. The afor mentioned National in Canberra is also a great place to meet players from all over Australia, with a decent smattering of NZer's thrown in.
and RE: the Sydney-Melbourne-inter-tune-two-party-dialogue? Melbourne's way the better tune scene ;o)
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by SirNose
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
And a quick other thought... While in Melbourne you should make sure you get a dose of Paddy Fitzgerald, a mighty boxplayer and brother of the legendary Joe Fitz. Paddy runs Sessions on Thursday (the Corkman, Carlton), Friday (the Celtic Club, Melbourne City) and Sunday (the Normandy, Clifton Hill). I don't know if these are listed on this site (I'm writing this entry on the sly at work and don't have the time to check - sorry!) but email me and I'll get you more specific details if they arn't.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by SirNose
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Noosa Irish music sessions, every Tuesday evening at Irish Murphy's bar. Noosa is about 1.5 hours north of Brisbane. Beautiful beaches, great surf, lotsa tunes.
http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display/1025
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by zookman2
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Since SirNose is in work and I've a few minutes, here's some further bits and connections from the Sessions list here:
The Corkman ~ Thursdays
Leicester Place, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Website: http://www.thecorkman.com.au
Submitted on December 26th 2005 by mikeyes.
http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display/1196
The Celtic Club ~ Wednesdays ~ Discontinued
Submitted on June 9th 2003 by Ptollemy.
http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display/380
The Normandy isn't listed...
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by ceolachan
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
National Folk Festival ~ April 5th - 9th, 2007
Exhibition Park in Canberra, Australia
http://www.folkfestival.asn.au/
I was curious, so why not share the link, eh?
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by ceolachan
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Heya Zoukman2, looking forward to taking our east-coast-ness over to perth next year! - which reminds me, there are some savage players over the far side of the continent (where they talk funny) and if you (dmagee) are even THINKING of heading over there you should catch up with the masters themselves, Dougal Adams and Ormonde Waters.
(and thanks ceol, much appreciated! except the Celtic club session i was thinking of is the Friday one, not the old beginers wednesday one.)
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by SirNose
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display/841
Good session every sunday in Canberra.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by woops
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
I was in Sydney in October, and went to Durty Nelly's (Sunday) and Kelly's Bar (Tuesday)
Both are listed in here, and were a cross over of some of the same people, very friendly and welcoming.
I was only there for a short visit with family, but also went to Gosford (an hour or so north of Sydney) There was a smallish festival called CoastFest, which leads me to think there may be a bit of a music scene there, but I didn't have time to investigate.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by veemayl
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Sir Nose!
Melbourne ALWAYS had the upper hand as far as the tunes go...Sydney has never had a dynasty like the Fitzie's or a Saint like Billy continuously pumping out the music.
Hope to see you in the session bar back corner in four months time
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Greenwiggle
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Well Dmagee you won't know what you're missing if you don't come over West to Perth. Maybe follow Sirnose and company over here after the National Festival in Canberra for our Festival in the West - Fairbridge Festival.
http://www.fairbridgefestival.com.au/
Thanks SirNose for at least giving the West a mention and look forward to hearing you play over here as well as Zoukman & co.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Donough
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Hi Donough!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Tish
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Hi Tish
Will you be at the National in 2007?
Not sure if I will bother bringing the Worthy guitar with me as I'm not performing and my (very) modest fiddle skills might see me through a few sessions. It's just os much lighter to carry around.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Donough
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
os = so
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Donough
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
I will indeed be at the National for the first time ever.
My Worthy will probably stay home too, cedar jumbo and all, it's more a fingerpicker than a strummer. I might not be bringing any instruments actually, but I'll be there.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Tish
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
NOOOOOoooo..Tish don't go to the National without an instrument. ...or at least a borrowed one lined up. Yep there are amazing concerts.....but the Session Bar buzzes with 1/2 dozen different sessions at once about 18 hours a day....and noone with a tune playing itch in any of their fingers could possibly spend any time there and NOT want to play in at least one of them.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by FiddleFancy
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Only 18 hours? do you sleep or something
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by mcknowall
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
To tell you what I do the other 6 hours a day would give away WAY too much
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by FiddleFancy
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Even Tommy Cathy sleeps occasionaly at the National. Yes it's true, I heard him snoring.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by woops
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
I swear I've seen Dave de Santi sitting upright, playing his accordion AND snoring at the same time at about 5am on a number of occasions!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by FiddleFancy
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Donough, don't forget that the instrument lockup is close to the session bar and you don't need to be a performer to use it. So you don't need to lug your guitar all over the site. Just ask at the festival office for directions (they don't put it on the map).
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by woops
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
strungup, Shouldn't you be practicing your new american fiddle tunes instead of spending time in front of the computer?
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by woops
Can't play anywhere without your teacher checkin up on you.......
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by FiddleFancy
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
fraid not
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by woops
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Hey, I made a smiley!!!!!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by woops
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Hey Sirnose, No doubt the melbs scene is good., but it isnt too bad in sydney you know. I know you miss me....you do, just admit it!!!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by bb
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Hey strungup, I hear what you're saying ... but having worked real hard on fiddle for the first few years I had one, making ends meet since has precluded "discretionary" playing for a while now (like, when you do a 10-hour working day and then have 2-3 hours other music work to do when you get home, sort of thing) and changing that situation has a major impact on other folks besides me so it's not something to be done lightly ... I'm not going to annoy folks by being one of those perpetual beginners that everyone loves so much (not)!
I can still drink Guiness and listen, though.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Tish
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
What's the crack in Adelaide these days ? Hmmm....never been to Canberra. I wonder.............
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Kenny
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
I hear you Trish....but still think you'll find yourself wishing you had it with you.......then again....I'm probably robbing some poor instrument maker of one of those "I must have an instrument NOW" sales.
But there is plenty of listening, and Guiness to be had!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by FiddleFancy
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Tish - you gotta bring your fiddle. we can have some quiet tunes in the day and stuff! dont come without your fiddle.
Kenny - its funny you say that, ive lived in oz all my life and played tunes for 11 years - but Ive no clue who plays in adelaide and I dont think Ive met any musos from there - sirnose has though I think. Weird hey? But then - it is 2000km from me...or more probably.
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by bb
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
PAGING DMAGEE ~ PLEASE!? ~ Keep a diary and don't forget to transfer your entries into the 'Comments' for the relevant sessions... Better yet, if they aren't already listed here under 'Sessions' ~ get someone to list them. Then I can start planning for our escape to those realms... I can dream can't I. Anyway, it would be great to hear how things go for you, good and bad...
I've no doubt you'll be welcomed and treated well...
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by ceolachan
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
DMAGEE ~ Drop a line to Dow for places to visit in and around Sydney. He used to do tours don't you know...
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by ceolachan
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
So, strungup, if I come sans fiddle, I better leave the credit card at home, eh?
OK bb, I'll try to do some homework 'tween here and there. Juts hoping the tender I'll be on by then doesn't decide to work all through Easter ... it's been known to happen. But I've made sure everyone outside work knows I'm not available for all the usual four days of Easter music stuff - I figure after 20 years straight I'm entitled to an Easter off!
# Posted on December 21st 2006 by Tish
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
:-|)
# Posted on December 22nd 2006 by FiddleFancy
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
I urge you all to come to Adelaide. You won't be disapointed. Check out sessions every Tuesday night 8 til late at the Daniel O'Connell, Tynte St North Adelaide. Or Friday night at the Governor Hindmarsh, Hindmarsh, starting about 10pm. There's also a beginner's evening at the Irish club on Monday nights, and dancing classes too! Who says nothing is happening in the city of churches?
# Posted on December 25th 2006 by Ozbox
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
I've always wondered about this City Of Churches malarky. I reckon Rome might have something to say about that discription. I believe they have one or two themselves.
Adelaide's a great place though. Lot's of good players.
# Posted on December 25th 2006 by woops
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
G'day dmagee,
I live in Hervey Bay, about 4 hrs north of Brisbane enroute via Murphy's Bar in Noosa as someone previously mentioned. We are right on the coast and the main "jump off" point for Fraser Island, the biggest sand island in the world and of course world heritage listed. It is a famous stop-over for back-packers enroute to Airlie Beach further up the coast. No. I don't work for H/Bay tourism, but I thought you might like to know where we are.
I play with a band called "Slainte". Mostly traditional, but with a few ballads/songs/this and that thrown in. Depending on what's requested etc. You know the score. We will be playing in Hoolihan's on the esplanade on St. Patrick's night, Mar 17th of course and again on 13th April 7.30 - midnight. You didn't mention where you were from or if you played an instrument, however you are most welcome to join us whatever you do. Those from Canberra who subscribe might know Mark Tandy, a great 3 row box player, our latest acquisition. Mark now lives in Hervey Bay and a permanent member of Slainte. Our gain.
OK. If it works in with your dates and you make it up this way, give me a ring - Tony Friel (ex Belfast) 07 / 41254652 and we'll see what we can do for you.
Is mise
Tony Friel
# Posted on December 26th 2006 by friel
Re: Good places for a tune in Australia?
Hey Tony, Don't get too comfortable with Mark Tandy. We want him back!!!!
# Posted on December 26th 2006 by woops