Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I havent been before Kit - but Ive heard its a blast. I'm looking forward to it - but at the same time not because I have to play at it and everytime I think about it I feel like I'm going to vomit...very nervous:(
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
If there was a gig on and then a session started up they'd tell us to stop playing....even if we were no where near the gig. They'd say things like 'The session doesn't start until 8pm' How lame, you cant tell people when and when not to play tunes at a festival. They obviously wanted all the musicians to go and buy tickets into the gig. Also there was only one pub where we could have sessions, at one point there were two mammoth session on at the same time in the same pub, one session was around 50 people...it was hideous. Ended up having a party at the house we rented and ditched the festival for the last night everyone turned up including the guest musicians from Ireland. Have a feeling that it was a pretty quiet night in the festival that night. That was the only bright spot.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I know kevin..have done for 30 years - it isnt fixable. Apart from the fact that the town is just awful for a festival... The one he had at Jindabyne was better - nicer atmosphere - more than on pub for tunes.
I'm afraid that that festival is just horrid - and everyone I know who was there agrees.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
One of the great things about Gundagai is that the whole town has got behind the Festival. It adds a lot to the atmosphere when everyone in the town is working to make it a good event.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Yes, the pub sessions were fairly chaotic, and a lot of the people standing around weren't interested at all in the music, they were just there to drink, so there was a huge amount of noise over the music as well.
Some of the bar staff seemed to be getting more than a little impatient for the festival to finish by the end of the weekend - I guess they wanted their bar back so they could watch the footy on the flatscreens. That kinda town I think.
As far as I could see, very few of the locals attended the concerts at the Workers Club either. Apparently there was advertising material sent to all the schools in the region, but not one responded and no one showed up. It's a very tough call I think getting Irish music up to a profile in a lot of areas in Australia. Seems to be all Wiggles, rugby league and cricket.
We took the kids to a Wiggles concert in the same club a few months later, and it was packed to the rafters, lucky to get a ticket to get in. People came from everywhere around.
Hmm, maybe Kevin should get the Wiggles along.
There was a delightful session in the Workers Club on I think it was the last night (or second last) with all the trad musicians whom we all know from Sydney, Melbourne and environs. You even had a Bishop sitting there playing along, I notice from Kevin's website. All this and heaven too!
That was a good session, but again, the bar staff looked as though they thought we were all aliens, and wanted to close the bar off and go home. I just find it very amusing when some of the country bar staff hear an Irish accent. You can see them going through all these mental gymnastics trying to find an answer or explanation for this!
It's worth going for things like that.
Gundagai should be interesting. That's smaller than Goulburn isn't it? How wonderful!!
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
DD Goulburn's a much bigger place and suffered in the past from having the Hume Highway staked through its heart. Mind you, they are probably complaining they don't get as much business now the bypass is in.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Yes, there's no escaping that. It's a pretty dour sort of town I find. The bypass is great (the highway, not the operation), don't have to drive through the town anymore - just sail right on past to Canberra - or Gundagai.
Anyone driving there, I'm pretty sure you go through a little place called Bookham (on a track winding back past an old fashioned shack on the road to Gundagai). Watch your speed there, the name of the town says it all, I understand.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
How long is the drive from Canberra to Gundegai?
Am still trying to get things together to make the trek across the Nullarbor (by plane of course).
When does the real action/sessions kick off? I am trying to get over on a red eye flight Wednesday night.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
It's all starting to sound gold plated. Must make some drums and tippers. Is there a nice old country pub to stay at?
Are you serious Donough? flying in from WA.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
gold plated drums and tippers, mcknowall! Brilliant.
The pubs look ok but they might be a tad noisy until ungodly hours.
Love the country pub breakfasts eh. Can't beat em. (unlike the bodhrans of course).
I'd definitely choose Gundagai over Goulburn, if I could only get to one festival. But thanks DD for reminding me of that memorable session on the last night at Goulburn worker's club.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
McKnowall, yes I am flying all the way from Perth; see you there.
Dave thanks very much for the offer of the lift.
I am flying in on the Thursday and will head straight down to Gundegai that day. Hope to meet you down there.
Yes that means I have got it all together finally and I'm going!!!
Am staying at the Sovereign Motel.
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Well, looks like I'll be there as well. I reckon the famous zina
should have a booth where she sells autographed printouts of
her Session profile page in a choice of colourful frames.
Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
So who is going to Gundagai? Or is it too early to ask?
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by zepherin
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Lateintheevening, Sirnose, Orson Carte, Zina Lee and myself. Not sure who else is on this board.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Cool. And do you also go to Majors' Creek?
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by zepherin
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Which one is Majors creek? Sounds familiar.....
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Just outside Braidwood in November. It's another small festival.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by zepherin
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Oh yeah -- I was at that one about 10 years ago. Nice little festival. Will have to check it out.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I could be tempted, tell me more I'm sure the committee would love the plug.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
They're giving us the drum about it, mcknowall.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh is headling - as well as his group sshhhh!......more info here
http://www.turningwave.org.au/News.htm
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
And here's the Major's Creek link:
http://www.musicatthecreek.com/
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by zepherin
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Can't wait! I was very cut to miss last year's, won't make the same mistake again.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by kjay_bc_box
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I havent been before Kit - but Ive heard its a blast. I'm looking forward to it - but at the same time not because I have to play at it and everytime I think about it I feel like I'm going to vomit...very nervous:(
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
boom boom, DD
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
But seriously what's it like in the vibe dept?
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
the kangaroo skins are great on the vibe!
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Are you going to have any of those three foot wide bodhrans for sale at Gundy, mcknowall?
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Would that be a Lam-dhran or a Bodhreg
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by Donough
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
The vibe is supposed to be very good, Ive only heard great things about it. But I guess it depends on who turns up in the end.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Lots of sessions.
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by zepherin
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I'm going to Gundagai
# Posted on August 3rd 2008 by camwebby
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
hmmm,, maybe, lots of sessions sound good.
Sure, if I turn up I'll bring a collection of bodhrans and tippers....beer money, yum
# Posted on August 4th 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I'm seriously considering it myself, McK.
Perhaps we could share a ride?
Eno
# Posted on August 4th 2008 by bc_box_player
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Now it is getting serious! Let's get that maybe up to a probably then we'll have to go.
# Posted on August 4th 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
See you in the Criterion or Lott's pub on the main drag.
# Posted on August 4th 2008 by dogbox
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I'm going to the Goulbourn one. I'm too mortgage-challenged to go to many
of these things.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Hup
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I went to golbourn last year - it was the worst festival I have ever been to in all my life....and Ive been to many.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Why was it the worst?
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
If there was a gig on and then a session started up they'd tell us to stop playing....even if we were no where near the gig. They'd say things like 'The session doesn't start until 8pm' How lame, you cant tell people when and when not to play tunes at a festival. They obviously wanted all the musicians to go and buy tickets into the gig. Also there was only one pub where we could have sessions, at one point there were two mammoth session on at the same time in the same pub, one session was around 50 people...it was hideous. Ended up having a party at the house we rented and ditched the festival for the last night everyone turned up including the guest musicians from Ireland. Have a feeling that it was a pretty quiet night in the festival that night. That was the only bright spot.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
...wow, that doesn't sound good. You must run into Kevin Doyle once
in a while; I've met him myself. That all should be fixable.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Hup
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I know kevin..have done for 30 years - it isnt fixable. Apart from the fact that the town is just awful for a festival... The one he had at Jindabyne was better - nicer atmosphere - more than on pub for tunes.
I'm afraid that that festival is just horrid - and everyone I know who was there agrees.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
One of the great things about Gundagai is that the whole town has got behind the Festival. It adds a lot to the atmosphere when everyone in the town is working to make it a good event.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by zepherin
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Yes, the pub sessions were fairly chaotic, and a lot of the people standing around weren't interested at all in the music, they were just there to drink, so there was a huge amount of noise over the music as well.
Some of the bar staff seemed to be getting more than a little impatient for the festival to finish by the end of the weekend - I guess they wanted their bar back so they could watch the footy on the flatscreens. That kinda town I think.
As far as I could see, very few of the locals attended the concerts at the Workers Club either. Apparently there was advertising material sent to all the schools in the region, but not one responded and no one showed up. It's a very tough call I think getting Irish music up to a profile in a lot of areas in Australia. Seems to be all Wiggles, rugby league and cricket.
We took the kids to a Wiggles concert in the same club a few months later, and it was packed to the rafters, lucky to get a ticket to get in. People came from everywhere around.
Hmm, maybe Kevin should get the Wiggles along.
There was a delightful session in the Workers Club on I think it was the last night (or second last) with all the trad musicians whom we all know from Sydney, Melbourne and environs. You even had a Bishop sitting there playing along, I notice from Kevin's website. All this and heaven too!
That was a good session, but again, the bar staff looked as though they thought we were all aliens, and wanted to close the bar off and go home. I just find it very amusing when some of the country bar staff hear an Irish accent. You can see them going through all these mental gymnastics trying to find an answer or explanation for this!
It's worth going for things like that.
Gundagai should be interesting. That's smaller than Goulburn isn't it? How wonderful!!
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Yes, exactly clog. I don't think that happens at Goulburn by any means - from what I hear.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
DD Goulburn's a much bigger place and suffered in the past from having the Hume Highway staked through its heart. Mind you, they are probably complaining they don't get as much business now the bypass is in.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by zepherin
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
It also suffers from visitors to the biggest maximum security jail in australia:(
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Yes, there's no escaping that. It's a pretty dour sort of town I find. The bypass is great (the highway, not the operation), don't have to drive through the town anymore - just sail right on past to Canberra - or Gundagai.
Anyone driving there, I'm pretty sure you go through a little place called Bookham (on a track winding back past an old fashioned shack on the road to Gundagai). Watch your speed there, the name of the town says it all, I understand.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
How long is the drive from Canberra to Gundegai?
Am still trying to get things together to make the trek across the Nullarbor (by plane of course).
When does the real action/sessions kick off? I am trying to get over on a red eye flight Wednesday night.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Donough
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Couldn't be much more than an hour or so.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Thanks DD
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Donough
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
I think the action doesnt kick of until friday night - but having said that, me, cors zina and john may go down earlier.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
It's all starting to sound gold plated. Must make some drums and tippers. Is there a nice old country pub to stay at?
Are you serious Donough? flying in from WA.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by mcknowall
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
gold plated drums and tippers, mcknowall! Brilliant.
The pubs look ok but they might be a tad noisy until ungodly hours.
Love the country pub breakfasts eh. Can't beat em. (unlike the bodhrans of course).
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
That's a pun of course.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
hi Donough
I'll be driving down from Canberra on the friday, early afternoon, if you're after a lift.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by Dave O'Neill
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Sorry to say the pub rooms were all booked out long ago - have a look at http://www.turningwave.org.au/Accommodation.htm for some options.
I'd definitely choose Gundagai over Goulburn, if I could only get to one festival. But thanks DD for reminding me of that memorable session on the last night at Goulburn worker's club.
# Posted on August 5th 2008 by dogbox
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
McKnowall, yes I am flying all the way from Perth; see you there.
Dave thanks very much for the offer of the lift.
I am flying in on the Thursday and will head straight down to Gundegai that day. Hope to meet you down there.
Yes that means I have got it all together finally and I'm going!!!
Am staying at the Sovereign Motel.
# Posted on August 6th 2008 by Donough
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Dave O - I would be interested in a lift if I get funding approval
from my "business manager"
# Posted on August 6th 2008 by Hup
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
youre staying at the same place as zina and john
# Posted on August 6th 2008 by bb
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Thanks for that info bb
See you there
# Posted on August 6th 2008 by Donough
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Well, looks like I'll be there as well. I reckon the famous zina
should have a booth where she sells autographed printouts of
her Session profile page in a choice of colourful frames.
# Posted on August 6th 2008 by Hup
Re: Gundagai Turning Wave Festival - 17 to 21 September
Hey hup
Let me know if you get funding approval.
Hope to make it to the session on sunday. Life's been getting in the way lately.
# Posted on August 6th 2008 by Dave O'Neill