Friends:

You have not had Almost Acoustic updates for quite some time.  The reason
for this is that soon after Eastside Arts 'inherited' Almost Acoustic, we
have gone from monthly concerts to presenting concerts every Saturday night.
These are mostly in the folk/roots genre but there is the occasional jazz
and contemporary classical as well.

So - Almost Acoustic has not ceased to be, it has reorganised itself,
expanded and dropped its name!

Accordingly, this mailing list will shortly cease.  It has been suggested
that Eastside Arts subsume the list.  So you would receive monthly
newsletters from Eastside Arts letting you know what's on.  If you would NOT
like to be on the Eastside Arts list, please reply to this email with
"unsubscribe".  Many people will be on this list already, but we will deal
with duplicates ...

For now - here is info about Eastside Arts final gig for this 'semester' (we
are taking a break in July and a full new program is available on request).
Come along and enjoy the heart and soul of Alex Legg's fine music and
Francesca Sidoti, recent winner of the Lis Johnson Prize for Excellence in
Singing.  As well as this we will be launching next season's program.  Come
and be part of the celebration.  And remember - Folk Federation members pay
only $10 - what a bargain!


EASTSIDE ARTS

Presents
Almost Acoustic
Alex Legg
8pm, Saturday 30 June

+ Francesca Sidoti

Eastside Music Café¹s final gig until August is a winner!  Scottish-born,
now Melbourne based, ALEX LEGG returns to Eastside Music Cafe. His
hammering, percussive guitar and earthy, blues-tinged songs has been slowly
building up a storm with four songs in the Australian Top 10 Roots Charts
and one song, 'Heaven Help Me' covered by Johnny Neel, at Number 2 on blues
charts around the world.

The support act for the night is young and upcoming songwriter Francesca
Sidoti who won the Lis Johnson Award for vocal excellence at the National
Folk Festival.

Eastside Music Café is on the site of the Paddington Markets

  395 Oxford St Paddington (Church Hall)
Doors open 8pm.  Music starts 8.15pm
The venue is licensed and finger food and snacks are available
$15/$12 and $10 for NSW Folk Fed members
  Bookings: 9331 2646  bookings@...
Free car parking ­ Gordon Street church car park.

www.eastsidearts.org.au
Eastside Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Arts NSW and
the City of Sydney and the support of the NSW Folk Federation

EASTSIDE ARTS

Presents
Almost Acoustic
beaches visits the Œburbs
8pm, Saturday 14 April

Eastside Music Café welcomes three exciting performers
from the Northern Beaches:

Selalu (the artist formerly known as ³The Swadlings²)
Selalu is a three-piece band performing original songs that draw on folk and
country roots featuring vocals, harmonies, 12 string, acoustic guitars, bass
and mandolin. They take their audiences on a journey with a diversity of
songs that are lively and melodic. Their ballads are touching and moving.
Trevor, Kathleen, and Tully combine their talents to form the Selalu sound.
To date they have performed at venues at the National Folk Festival in 2005
and 2006, Majors Creek Folk Festival 2006 and at various folk and acoustic
venues, concerts, and hotels in and around Sydney.


Mothers of Intention
The Mothers of Intention is a spirited four-piece band sharing a love of
music and an enduring friendship. With vocals, guitars, fiddle, mandolin,
recorder, bodhrans and doumbek.  Our extensive repertoire includes a vibrant
mix of Celtic, folk, original and folk-inspired covers.  From Irish
standards, soulful ballads sung in three-part harmony to fast jigs and reels
and slow airs. An eclectic mix of music to dance or listen to.


  James Lange

James was born in 1992 and has been playing guitar since he was 10.  He has
played in a number of bands.  As a solo artist, James debuted on the streets
of Manly as a busker and after a very successful win at the annual Manly
Wharf Big Youth Busking competition he has gone on to open for Angus and
Julia Stone at the Mona Vale Pittwater Art festival, opened the  Councils
Art Exhibition at Avalon and warmed up the crowd at last years 24/7 youth
film festival at Warriewood.



Eastside Music Café is on the site of the Paddington Markets

  395 Oxford St Paddington (Church Hall)

Doors open 8pm.  Music starts 8.15pm
The venue is licensed and finger food and snacks are available
$15/$12  Bookings: 9331 2646  <bookings@...>
Free car parking ­ Gordon Street church car park.

<http://www.eastsidearts.org.au/>
Eastside Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial support of Arts NSW and
the City of Sydney and the support of the NSW Folk Federation

ANOTHER OUTSTANDING WEEK AT THE HARP - INCLUDING PETE SEEGER'S GRANDSON!

The influx of great international folk/roots acts continues - the
reason being that they are all here for the Folk Festival season,
Port Fairy, Blue Mts, The National, etc.
AT THE HARP, TEMPE, Ph. 9559 6300:

THIS THURSDAY MARCH 29.  CHRIS SMITHER(USA)   8PM.     $30.
    With support: Brett Hunt.        HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

CHRIS SMITHER is one of America's foremost  Blues/Roots Singer/
Songwriter Guitarists.                    <http://www.smither.com/>
He has a critically acclaimed new album "Leave The Light On" - the
fastest selling album of his 40-year career.  A song from this album,
"Origin Of Species", made No. 42 in Rolling Stones' "100 Best Songs of
2006".

New Orleans born, Smither is known for his brilliant, yet understated,
fingerpicking blues guitar, his intelligent, wry lyrics and his voice -
"equal parts gravel and molasses".  Bonnie Raitt calls him "my Eric
Clapton" and has made his song "Love Me Like A Man" one of her signature
tunes.  Diana Krall is among the many others to have also recorded this
song.

"Chris Smither mines that great, dark crossroads where folk and blues
intersect.  The flash is in his fingers and his world-weary voice."
Don't miss him!

THIS FRIDAY MARCH 30.  THE FAGANS with NANCY KERR(UK).  8PM. $20; $15 conc.
Australia's foremost extended folk family in their annual reunion gig
at The Harp!

THIS SATURDAY MARCH 31.   THE MAMMALS(USA)    8PM.    $25; $20 conc.
incl. PETE SEEGER'S  GRANDSON.             <http://www.themammals.net/>
           VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

SENSATIONAL HIGH-ENERGY "SUBVERSIVE ACOUSTIC TRADITIONALISTS"

From the USA, this dynamic contemporary "old-time" string band with a
rock rhythm-section, and strong anti-Bush politics,  includes PETE
SEEGER'S grandson, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, and JAY UNGAR'S daughter, Ruth.
Pete Seeger is a "living legend" of the American folk scene, regarded by
many as the "Father of American Folk".  Jay Ungar is a legendary
old-time fiddle-player who wrote and performed "Ashokan Farewell", the
Grammy Award winning theme music for Ken Burns' "Civil War" TV series.
The Mammals are carrying on Pete and Jay's traditions, but putting their
own contemporary stamp on them.

"The Mammals redraw the boundaries of old-time music with breathtaking
musicianship and a delicious sense of mischief - they play with
volcanic, champing-at-the-bit energy, sweetened by a sublime sense of
space. Their political songs show similar flash and fury, tempered by
smart wit and warm-hearted populism. The Mammals play old-time string
band music the way Jack Kerouac wrote novels - with an abandon born of a
deep understanding of structure and form.  Their sound is wild,
mirthful, and masterful."  Boston Globe

"When The Mammals took the stage at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in
Nashville in September, it was easy to mistake them for a bluegrass band
... instead all five musicians attacked the old fiddle tune at once,
hooting and hollering, pushing the beat and improvising simultaneously.
They sounded like an inspired garage-rock band using hillbilly
instruments."  New York Times

To listen:  <http://www.newsouthfolk.com.au/mammals/clips/>


THIS SUNDAY APRIL 1st.   KEVIN BURKE(Ireland) & GED FOLEY(UK).
7PM.    $25; $20 conc.   THE CREAM OF CELTIC FOLK!

Kevin & Ged are two-fifths of PATRICK STREET, Andy Irvine's other band.

Kevin Burke is one of the true legends of Irish music. Performing with
long time accompanist and singer, Englishman Ged Foley they form one of
the perfect partnerships in Irish Traditional music. Over the last 30
years Kevin's fiddle style has influenced literally thousands of young
musicians worldwide. His inimitably silky, lyrical style was a
cornerstone of legendary Irish group The Bothy Band. Today he sparks
such Celtic super-groups as Patrick Street and The Celtic Fiddle
Festival. Burke has recorded with artists as diverse as Kate Bush, Arlo
Guthrie, Paul Brady, Tim O'Brien and Doug Dillard, and has released a
string of solo recordings. He is also a highly regarded and passionate
tutor of traditional Irish fiddle music.
<http://www.kevinburke.com/html_home.html>

Ged Foley hails from the NE of England and was a dynamic musical force
in many great traditional bands such as The Battlefield Band, The House
Band, and more recently with Kevin in Patrick Street, and the Celtic
Fiddle Festival. A gifted singer with an eclectic repertoire of songs,
his guitar style exhibits both driving energy and great delicacy and
complements Kevin's fluid style perfectly.
<http://www.gedfoley.com/>

THIS SAT 3 MARCH 8PM.                 $25; $20 conc.
THE HARP, 900 Princes Hwy, TEMPE (Ph. 9559 6300).

VIN GARBUTT(North of England) - ONLY SYDNEY SHOW!

Legendary "Geordie" Singer/Songwriter/Storyteller/Comedian.

    "Garbutt's blend of outlandish humour and powerful songs (usually
     self penned) turns a live performance into an emotional roller
     coaster ride. Not for him, songs of loves lost or the navel gazing
     of other songwriters. Whether he is singing of industrial workers in
     Britain, chemical weapons in Iraq, toxic sprays in New Zealand, or
     human embryo research, he grasps many a nettle that others would
     rather avoid. Share his opinions or not, one has to respect his
     diversity, intensity and integrity. These songs move the hardest of
     hearts. " - The Real Groove

<http://www.vingarbutt.com/>

UPCOMING FOLK EVENTS AT THE HARP, 900 PRINCES HWY, TEMPE (PH. 9559 6300)

=--------------------------------------------------------------------=

THIS SUN 4 FEB:

RORY MCLEOD(UK).     7PM.   $25; $20 conc.    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Also a big hit at the Illawarra Festival as well as Woodford was
Rory McLeod, who makes a welcome return to The Harp for his last
gig before heading back to Scotland the following day.

Rory McLeod, the London-born, Scotland-based, world-travelling
"one-off one-man-band with soul and poetry running through his veins",
is back in Australia after a five-year absence.

He has a natural troubadour's talent for weaving magical, musical,
storytelling spells accompanied by his own solo orchestra of
distinctive instruments, guitar, harmonica, trombone, spoons,
finger-cymbals, tap-shoes, etc.  His harmonica-playing is exceptional.

Rory is a musical Gypsy, his eccentric melodies are infused with
influences from Flamenco to Blues, through to Celtic, East European
and Calypso rhythms creating a unique style of music and songwriting.

An ex-circus clown and fire eater, Rory has played harmonica and
guitar with MICHELLE SHOCKED, ANI DI FRANCO, BUTCH HANCOCK, MICHAEL
FRANTI, TOWNES VAN ZANDT, with the West-African guitarist ALI FARKE-
TOURE and TAJ MAHAL; and Madagascan group TARIKA.

     <http://www.rorymcleod.com/>

=--------------------------------------------------------------------=

FRI 9 FEB:

ANDY IRVINE(Ireland).  8PM.  $25; $20 conc.    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Andy Irvine has been hailed as "a tradition in himself." Musician,
singer and songwriter, Andy has maintained both personal integrity and
highly individual performing skills throughout his 40-year career.
From Sweeney's Men in the mid sixties to the enormous success of
Planxty in the 70s, to THE Irish super group, Patrick Street, in the
80s, Andy has been a world music pioneer and icon for traditional
music and musicians.

In 2002 Andy drafted some long-time musical friends and formed his
"dream band" for a one-off tour of Australia. Calling themselves
Mozaik, reminiscent of the earlier cross-genre group, Andy was joined
by Donal Lunny, Dutch guitarist Rens van der Zalm, Hungarian bagpiper
Nikola Parov and American fiddler Bruce Molsky.  They had so much
fun they did it again in 2006.

Andy Irvine occupies a unique place in the musical world, plying
his trade as archetypal troubadour, with a solo show and traveling
lifestyle that reflects his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie.
Few others can equal his repertoire, Irish traditional songs,
dexterous Balkan dance tunes, and a compelling canon of his own
material that defies description.

     <http://www.andyirvine.com/>

=--------------------------------------------------------------------=

(* Not an Almost Acoustic event - this announcement is a service
for our email list subscribers for a small number of events we
think you'll also enjoy.)

Saturday 3 February 07
Almost Acoustic
MAL WEBB + Dog Walking Backwards
Doors open 8pm
$15/$12
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!!
Bookings and info: 9331 2646 or bookings@...

MAL WEBB is a Melbourne-based unique vocal gymnast, multi-instrumentist
[sic] and songwriter.  He is eclectic, ebullient and even educational.

Mal Webb uses a world of vocal techniques and writing styles and plays
guitar, mbira, slide trumpet, chromatic harmonica, a loop recording pedal
called Derek and the audience ... a lot.

A founding member of the Oxo Cubans, Sock and Totally Gourdgeous, he plays
sometimes with The Cat Empire and Bomba and did the music for the Lano and
Woodley TV show and Wogs Out of Work. Mal played mbira and sang "Eagle Rock"
with Ross Wilson on John Safran's Music Jamboree on SBS and did mouthdrums
and stuff for Kaya on the X Factor (Channel 10).  His latest album is Three
Cheers for Peace and Quiet and his website is www.malwebb.com

Ani DiFranco said "You're a freak!" after Mal played support for her.
Freak?  You be the judge!

But wait ­ there¹s more!  Sydney-based vocal quartet Dog Walking Backwards
(³the wags of the a cappella scene!²) will kick off the night with their
strange and twisted songs of spurned love, the health sector workforce and
Sydney sewerage system.



EASTSIDE MUSIC CAFÉ
Eastside Music Café is at 395 Oxford St Paddington, 2021 (the site of the
Paddington Markets).  Why not sample some of the licensed café¹s fine snacks
and beverages?  This is an all-ages venue and families are welcome.  There
is wheelchair access.  You are welcome to use the Paddington Uniting Church
car park in Gordon Street, just next to the church.

Eastside Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial contribution of Arts NSW
and the City of Sydney and the support of the NSW Folk Federation.

www.eastsidearts.org.au
www.myspace.com/eastsidearts

WOODFORD COMES TO THE HARP!

Some of the leading acts from the Woodford Folk Festival, which has
just finished in Southern Queensland, come to The Harp this weekend.

>-----------------------------------------------------------------<

THIS FRIDAY 5 JAN    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GIG!                    8PM
$25; $20 conc.

KRISTINA OLSEN (USA) + KAYA

One of the world's most dynamic & entertaining Folk/Blues/Roots
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarists returns to The Harp.
<http://www.kristinaolsen.net/>

Her special guests are exciting young female acappella quartet, Kaya.
<http://www.myspace.com/thekayaladies>

>-----------------------------------------------------------------<

THIS SATURDAY 6 JAN    VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GIG!             8PM
$25; $20 conc.

RORY MCLEOD (UK) + TONCHI               <http://www.rorymcleod.com/>

Rory McLeod, the London-born, Scotland-based, world-travelling
"one-off one-man-band with soul and poetry running through his veins",
is back in Australia after a five-year absence.  He has a natural
troubadour's talent for weaving magical, musical,  storytelling spells
accompanied by his own solo orchestra of  distinctive instruments,
guitar, harmonica, trombone, spoons, finger cymbals, tap-shoes, etc.
His harmonica-playing is exceptional.

Rory is a musical Gypsy, his eccentric melodies are infused with
influences from Flamenco to Blues, through to Celtic, East European
and Calypso rhythms creating a unique style of music and songwriting.
An ex-circus clown and fire eater, Rory has played harmonica and
guitar with MICHELLE SHOCKED, ANI DI FRANCO, BUTCH HANCOCK, MICHAEL
FRANTI, TOWNES VAN ZANDT, with the West-African guitarist ALI FARKE-
TOURE and TAJ MAHAL; and Madagascan group TARIKA.

>-----------------------------------------------------------------<

THIS SUNDAY 7 JAN       $15; $12 conc.                          6PM
A Very Special International Folk/Blues/Roots Triple-Bill

DAVID ESSIG(Canada), PENELOPE SWALES(Victoria) & ANDY WHITE(Ireland)*

Incisive songwriting meets the searing slide guitar of the Delta Blues
and the high lonesome sound of Bluegrass in one of Canada's great
original Roots performers, David Essig.  <http://www.davidessig.com/>

Penelope Swales is one of Australia's most powerful singer/songwriter/
guitarists, with her songs and stories ranging from the very personal
to the very political.               <http://www.penelopeswales.com/>

Andy White was born in Belfast, but has now settled in Melbourne,
although he spends much of his time touring the world.  "With the
political edge of the young Bob Dylan, the romance of David Gray and
the Celtic influences and lyricism of The Waterboys", an Andy White
concert is a special experience."         <http://www.andywhite.com/>

Andy White has not been at Woodford - all the others have.

>-----------------------------------------------------------------<

COMING UP
=========

THUR 11 JAN: JODI MARTIN
Another star of Woodford, the delightful Jodi Martin.
<http://www.jodimartin.com/>

THUR 18 JAN: MARY GAUTHIER & STEVE YOUNG(USA)   Only Sydney Show!
<http://marygauthier.com/>        <http://www.steveyoung.net/>

TUES 23 JAN: "COMPADRES", JAMES KEELAGHAN & OSCAR LOPEZ (Canada)
<http://www.keelaghan.com/>       <http://www.oscarlopez.com/>

>-----------------------------------------------------------------<

For the information of Almost Acoustic subscribers... Almost Acoustic
events resume at Eastide Arts in February and we have a great line up
booked for the coming year (but not always on the traditional second
Saturday of each month.

Hello there

The lovely Christina Mimmocchi who now does the bookings for Almost
Acoustic had this great idea for a concert of three distinctive
female unaccompanied singers - and she's called it "The Naked Voice"
concert. And it's happening this Saturday (14th October) at the
Eastside Music Cafe*

Tickets are $15/$12 , Doors open 8pm. The venue is licensed
and food is available. Bookings recommended - 9331 2646 or
     <bookings@...>

Here's a run down of the three (fully clothed) vocalists:

Silvia Entcheva has been singing since she was nine years old,
performing all over Europe with the famous "Le Mystere Des Voix
Bulgares".  Silvia came to Australia from Bulgaria in 1994, and has
performed with the Martenista Choir, as a soloist, as a trio with a
band, and with an acapella trio.

She has performed at many folk festivals in Australia - where I'm
sad to say I've missed her, being too narrow minded to check out the
world music concerts!  Her latest CD is "If I were a Bird" about
which Rhythms Magazine said "A voice of immeasurable beauty...."
and I can vouch for that.  I recently saw Silvia in a concert at the
Seymour Centre - and she's utterly captivating!
                                      <http://www.silviaentcheva.com>

Virna Sanzone has a musically and culturally diverse background with
her Sicilian father and Armenian/Chaldean mother. Her specialty is
jazz. She released her first solo album last year and has recently
returned from Europe and the UK where she's been performing and
recording.  I haven't seen or heard Virna yet, but I'm expecting
something sensational.

Tony Backhouse writes of Virna:
"She not only has a beautiful voice but is an accurate, skilful
and passionate singer...an outstanding soloist with thrilling
improvisational skills and the rare quality of being a good
listener..."                         <http:// www.virnasanzone.com/>

and then we have yours truly -
Margaret Walters - born in Australia with a Scottish mother and
Lebanese father, but sadly - Dad's only cultural input was in the
food department!  Traditional English folk song is a never-ending
source of inspiration and pleasure - though I also enjoy singing
traditional Irish, Scottish, American and Australian material - and I
love the powerful songs of contemporary writers like Jez Lowe and John
Warner.  I've recorded two albums with John Warner and my latest solo
- "Power in a Song" - came out three years ago.

I _do_ want to tell you about the VERY new CD with John and the rest of
the Roaring Forties - Yarri of Wiradjuri - <http://www.folkjohnwarner.com>

Quote from Simon Heywood in an English regional folk mag::
"her voice carries a weight of experience and powerful emotions with
unforced dignity"                   <http://www.margaretwalters.com/>

The idea with the Naked Voice concert is that we each perform a set
and include something that involves the others.


Also appearing that night - guitarist Anthony McGloin who plays a
wide range of musical genres, with acoustic fingerstyle the current
main focus; he has an engaging and witty presentation.
                                    <http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mcgloin>

* The Eastside Music Cafe takes place in the hall behind the Uniting
Church at 395 Oxford St Paddington - aka the site of the Paddington
Markets.  Free car parking - Gordon Street Church car park. Good
public transport. Map on <http://www.eastsidearts.org.au/>

Hope to see you there!

Cheers
Margaret

THIS FRIDAY 29 SEPT.     8PM     $25; $20 conc.
KRISTINA OLSEN(U.S.A.) + ANDY WHITE.

One of the world's most dynamic & entertaining Folk/Blues/Roots
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarists.         <http://www.kristinaolsen.net/>

With special guest Belfast-born singer/songwriter Andy White.
"With the political edge of the young Bob Dylan, the romance of David
Gray and the Celtic influences and lyricism of The Waterboys", an Andy
White concert is a special experience."   <http://www.andywhite.com/>



THIS SUN 1 OCT.   2.30PM TO 6.30PM .   $16; $12 conc.; $5 Kids.
PAT DRUMMOND - "30 years without a real job" - final show of a series
of three. Afternoon show, kids welcome.

"Country/Folk's foremost storyteller celebrates '30 years without
a real job', revisiting songs from over 30 years of writing and
performing."  Pat is a very entertaining, charismatic and quite
political performer.                    <http://www.patdrummond.net/>

Not ONE but TWO Almost Acoustic gigs this month!

Please come along and be part of the fun!
Doors open 8pm. Music starts 8.15pm
Bar open.  Food available.
$15/$12

Saturday 2 September (that's THIS Saturday)
Fellowship of the Strings
+
Cantorion

Since its formation in 2004 the Fellowship of the Strings has breathed new
life into nearly every genre of music. Expect to hear Kiss, Abba, the Moody
Blues, and other ghosts of the rock 'n roll past re-arranged (folk-ized).
Discover traditional favourites given a new and distinctive sound. Hear the
rare combination of folk harps, hammered dulcimer, and percussion embellish
the captivating voices of sisters Ingrid, and Tahlia Racz.  Sit back and
enjoy a fabulous visual and listening experience!
+ a cappella magic with Cantorion choir led by David Westmore



Saturday 9 September
Karl Broadie
+
Jakalene Extreme

Karl Broadie, a Sydney-based Scotsman, found his way to Australia back in
1997.   A debut album, Nowhere Now Here (2003) and a follow-up EP
Everybody¹s Gold (2004) earned this displacedpoet/lyricist/troubadour,
global recognition and a reputation as a very fine craftsman of songs.
Reviews in MOJO, UNCUT, RECORDCOLLECTOR, HARP(USA), AMPLIFIER(USA)
Rhythms(AUS) all praised Broadie¹s unique ³sweetly cracked² voice and drew
songwriting comparisons to the finest of the Americana/Alt-Country genre;
Dylan, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, Neil Young and Wilco. He recently won
first prize in the Roots/Americana section of the International Songwriting
Competition, of which one of the judges was Tom Waits.
+ Indigenous contemporary rap by Jakalene Extreme - she says it like it is!

PLUS COMING UP
Friday 15 Sept
Mic Conway's National Junk Band

Saturday 16 Sept
The Fifth House / Sway

Tuesday 19 Sept (7-9pm)
"Singing from the Souls of Your Feet" workshop with Frankie Armstrong

Friday 22 Sept
The Rhythm Hunters featuring Rendra Freestone

Eastside Music Café is on the site of the Paddington Markets 395 Oxford St
Paddington
Tickets $15/$12
Doors open 8pm. The venue is licensed and food is available
Bookings recommended ­ 9331 2646 or bookings@...
Free car parking ­ Gordon Street Church car park. Good public transport.
Map on www.eastsidearts.org.au

Eastside Arts acknowledges the generous financial assistance of Arts NSW and
City of Sydney.

8pm Saturday 12 August 2006

"The Temple Project" - music from the time of Jesus
* Kim Cunio & Heather Lee *

Stone Gallery on Oxford
(Paddington Uniting Church)
395 Oxford St, Paddington

The hit of the 2004 Melbourne Festival, "The Temple Project" was
broadcast live around the country, stopping even the 7pm news! A one
off show of this beautiful music is in Sydney for one night only.
This is a night of spiritual music you will have never seen before.

In 70AD the Second Jewish Temple was destroyed, resulting in a
terrible loss of life and the destruction of hundreds of years of
living culture.  Just what would have music of that sounded like?
Kim Cunio and Heather Lee, along with Tunji Beier (percussion) and Llew
Kiek (strings) recreate the music of that monumental era in a project
originally commissioned by the Melbourne International Festival.

Kim Cunio's new works echo ancient sounds of the oldest surviving
Jewish oral chant from Iraq and Yemen and music played by a fine
ensemble.

Doors open 8pm    Tickets $20/$15 Wheelchair access.

Stone Gallery on Oxford (Paddington Uniting Church) is at the site of
the Paddington Markets.

Bookings recommended - 9331 2646 or <bookings@...>
Free parking: 24-28 Gordon Street Church car park. Buses from Sydney CBD.
Map and more information on <http://www.eastsidearts.org.au/>

Eastside Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of
the NSW Ministry for the Arts.

8pm, Saturday 5 August 2006
Eastside Music Cafe

Calling all a cappella lovers and lovers of a cappella.

Blindman's Holiday is celebrating its 20th year with a release of a
new CD "About Time".  It IS about time - both in the "is marching on"
sense and also playing with different time signatures, as is the
group's wont.

The CD has been receiving a fair bit of airplay on ABC radio of late.
Julie Howard on Classic FM said "extraordinary range - a real rainbow
of musical sounds."  The group also performed recently on Late Night
Live.  Alistair Hulett, who suggested the group perform his song
"Behind Barbed Wire" which is on the CD describes "About Time" as
"a very fine album indeed".

The album itself is a brief round-the-world ticket, vocally speaking,
as well as featuring some songs about our own back yard.

The four Blindies - Linda Marr, Clarita Derwent, Christina Mimmocchi
and Helen Rivero are joined on the recording by percussionist Jess
Ciampa and bass clarinet master Paul Cutlan as well as a guest
appearance by past member Maria di Marco.  Thanks to an Australia
Council grant we have been able to work with the wonderful Greg White
whose production mastery has left a powerful stamp on the album's sound.

We're about to take off to Singapore and Brunei so this will also be
a farewell Sydney gig.

We hope to see you there!

Eastside Music is at the site of the Paddington Markets 395 Oxford St
Paddington
Tickets $15/$12
Doors open 8pm. The venue is licensed and food is available
Bookings recommended  9331 2646 or <bookings@...>
Free car parking - Gordon Street Church car park. Good public transport.
Map on <http://www.eastsidearts.org.au/>


Eastside Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of Arts NSW
Blindman's Holiday's project has been assisted by the Australian Government
through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

8pm Saturday 8 July 2006                      Tickets $15/$12

Almost Acoustic @ Eastside Arts presents:

*Collector* - first ever Sydney gig! -

playing distinctive arrangements of collected Australian music

Out of Central NSW comes Collector with its special brand of
corrugated-iron folk-rock.  Featuring Jason and Chloe Roweth
(formerly "Us Not Them"), Jim McWhinnie, Roger Hargraves,
Bill Browne, Mike Martin and Jason Neville

PLUS:

*Sydney Trade Union Choir*

Eastside Arts is at the site of the Paddington Markets.
Good public transport.  Free car parking - Gordon Street
Church car park.  Doors open 8pm. The venue is licensed and
finger food and snacks are available.

Bookings recommended - 9331 2646 or <bookings@...>

More information on <http://www.almostacoustic.org.au/>

Eastside Arts gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance
of the NSW Ministry for the Arts.  Almost Acoustic is supported
by the Folk Federation of NSW.

Saturday 10 June, 8PM, $15/$12
Eastside Arts, 395 Oxford St, Paddington
Parking available - entrance in Gordon St

Pat Drummond's "The Chess Set"

A night of music and theatre that might leave you thinking that our
world is more than just black and white.  There are two sides to
every story in The Chess Set, a show which has been described as a
"ambitious, provocative and political".  Pat Drummond plays not one,
but two characters: the white knight versus the black knight - which
will prevail?

Pat Drummond is a renowned singer-songwriter who in 2003 was inducted
into the Hands Of Fame at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
English folk legend Ralph McTell has said of Pat: "His presence on
stage is both energising and awesome".  Pat has performed The Chess
Set at music festivals around the country to rave reviews. For more
information, visit <http://www.patdrummond.net/thechessset>

Also playing on the night will be Christine Wheeler (vocals, guitar,
Irish flute) and Cliona Molins as Freshwater.

Soup and cake available.  Licensed bar.

Presented in conjunction with the NSW Folk Federation

EASTSIDE ARTS NEWS  -  May 2006

Yes!  Eastside Arts is back!

Friday night World Music Café starting up in June (details to follow).
Almost Acoustic and Club A Cappella are back once a month.
Jazzgroove presents four special concerts by some of Sydney's best
(August/Sept).

But for now, we are pleased to let you know of some upcoming events.  Come
along, spread the word, bring your friends.  As always, your support AND
your feedback are vital to us.  Be seen here - and be heard!


SPECIAL CONCERT THIS FRIDAY at The Harp Hotel, Tempe
(NOT AT EASTSIDE ARTS as previously stated)
Greg Arnold (ex Things of Stone and Wood) ­ solo acoustic show to coincide
with the launch of a new song "Close My Eyes", recorded for International
Red Cross Day <http://www.redcross.org.au/>.
PLUS rising star Chloe Hall with James Hazelden on cello.
Visit <http://www.theharp.com.au> for details.

COMING UP IN JUNE
Saturday 10 June (8pm) ­ Pat Drummond presents ³The Chess Set².
(plus Christine Wheeler and Cliona Molins)
Presented in association with the NSW Folk Federation $15 / $12 (hall)

An ambitious, provocative, political and theatrical presentation of
the issues and ideals that divide us and bring us together.
The white knight vs the black knight -­ which will prevail?
     <http://www.patdrummond.net/thechessset>


Saturday 17 June (8pm) Club A Cappella
Entry by gold coin donation (hall)
Featuring: Unaccompanied Baggage, the Honeybees, Ecopella,
Glory Bound Groove Train, Ecopella, never on a Sunday and much more!


TUESDAY NIGHTS
All-welcome all-ages choir Never On A Sunday rehearses 7-9pm in the church.
Eclectic folk repertoire sprinkled with warm-ups and vocal technique.
Regular performances.  Parents with participating children (6 years and up)
are especially welcome, as are those ever-elusive tenors and basses -
(church)


OTHER CONCERTS AT EASTSIDE ARTS
Eastside Arts has two excellent venues for hire for concerts and
events.  We are pleased to support the following concerts:

3 June ­ Australian Gaelic Singers (church)
16 June ­ flute recital by Jane Cavanagh (church)

more details coming soon on <http://www.eastsidearts.org.au/>



THE REST OF THE YEAR
There¹s more to come, but for the moment we can confirm the following:

Sat  8 July    - Collector (Australian folk)
Sat 15 July    - Misa Criolla, by Argentine composer Ariel Ramírez
Sat 12 August  - Fellowship of the Strings (harps, harps, harps)
Sat 19 August  - Stuart Davis and the Lounge Quartet (voice + strings)
Sat  9 Sept    - Karl Broadie (sensational songwriter)
Sun 10 Sep 4pm - Sydney Omega Ensemble "Music Meets Art" series
Sat 16 Sep     - Club A Cappella: The Fifth House & Sway
Thu 12 Oct 6pm - Sydney Omega Ensemble "Music Meets Art"
Sat 14 Oct     - Naked Voice concert featuring Margaret Walters,
                  Sylvia Entcheva and Virna Sanzone, together and solo
Sat 21 Oct     - Vocal sensations The Idea of North + Dog Walking Backwards
Sat 11 Nov     - Alex Legg (Melbourne)
Sat 18 Nov     - Mara! and Martenitsa Choir
Sat  9 Dec     - end of year extravaganza



For more information and bookings
please contact 9331 2646 or <info@...>
Eastside Arts is at 395 Oxford St Paddington (site of Paddington Markets)
All ages welcome
Free parking in Gordon Street church car park
<http://www.eastsidearts.org.au>

Carol Hirt, Arts Manager
Christina Mimmocchi, Project Coordinator
Justo Diaz, Musician in Residence

Almost Acoustic is supported by the Folk Federation of NSW

On Wed, Apr 12, 2006 at 08:57:14AM -0000, Almost Acoustic wrote:
> Mollys Revenge (USA) + support TBC
> Saturday April 22, 2006
> 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
> Event Location: Eastside Arts - Paddington
> Street: 395 Oxford Street
> City, State, Zip: Paddington NSW
> Phone: 9698 2206
>
> Notes:
> Details of performers and booking information can be found at
> <http://almostacoustic.org.au/>

Due to certain slackness by the maintainer of the Almost Acoustic email
list this calendar entry and it's associated automatic reminder wasn't
deleted when the gig was cancelled due to the issue over event licenses
at Eastside Arts....

But now the good news:

1) the event license for Eastside Arts has been renewed by the City Council
    for 3 years, which means that Almost Acoustic concerts will start up
    again soon. Stay tuned for details; and

2) tonight at the Harp you can see the wonderful Colum Sands from Northern
    Ireland - I saw him a couple of times at the National and he is worth
    making a trip to Tempe to see (to be sure); and also

3) tomorrow night (Friday) at the Harp is a concert by the incomparable
    Dick Gaughan from Scotland. He was also at the National - he has an
    enormous repetoire so his Harp concert will surely be different from
    the ones you may have seen last weekend.

regards,
Chris

Not an Almost Acoustic event, but one we think you will enjoy...

The Fagans with Nancy Kerr Saturday 1st April 2006 - 8PM THE FAGANS A concert featuring all the Fagans (Margaret, Bob, James and Kate) and Nancy Kerr has become an annual treat for Harp goers. Three top draw acts in one show on April 1st. Be captivated by sublime fiddler and singer Nancy Kerr (Northumberland) and homegrown bouzouki wizard James Fagan on their annual pilgrimage from the UK, with their fourth CD “Strands of Gold”. Thrill to Kate Fagan's voice and songs with their beautiful, heart-stopping take on country-roots folk. Kate is currently touring her already acclaimed debut CD “Diamond Wheel”. And raise your voices and your glasses as the stirring 5-part harmonies of The Fagans envelope you in their unique and powerful sound. Their latest CD "Turning Fine” is fast becoming a classic. This is a must-see highlight of the Sydney acoustic music calendar. The Fagans: “The quintessential family band - best trad style harmonists in Australia” - Steve Barnes, director, Fairbridge Festival, WA. “Some of their harmonies are awesome; strange notes appear and float through the chords as if by unearthly invention” - Graham McDonald, Canberra Times. Nancy Kerr and James Fagan: “The telepathic and sympathetic interplay between Kerr and Fagan never fails to amaze” - Pay the Reckoning, USA. “Kerr & Fagan have that magic quality of stage presence” - Warren Robinson, director, Goderich Celtic Festival, Ontario. Kate Fagan: “Kate Fagan has a solo act to rival the best, both vocally and instrumentally” - The Living Tradition, UK. “This time Kate Fagan stole the show… she showed a highly individual voice both in the lyrics of her own songs and the delivery of them.” - Andi Ross and Justin Murphy, ABC Radio. The Harp, 900 Princes Highway, Tempe Phone: (02) 9559 6300

In line with Almost Acoustic's policy of informing people on our
mailing list about select folk music events in the Sydney area -
we are using the mailing list to tell you about a few concerts
coming up at:

THE HARP - 900 Princes Hwy, Tempe - Ph. 9559 6300

Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies                 <http://www.jezlowe.com/>
Saturday 4 March 2006 - 8pm

$25/$20 conc.

"Geordie" singer-songwriter, Jez Lowe is a remarkable song-smith
using wit, warmth, sensitivity, and keen perception, to paint
colourful portraits of ordinary people with ordinary lives who may
come from Northeast England, but through Jez's eyes and verse become
universal characters.

Best known for his songs describing the mining culture, society and
people of his native country, is a busy performer in high demand,
with annual tours to the United States and Canada and frequent
tours to Australia and New Zealand.

Lowe is joined by his band The Bad Pennies, fiddle player and
singer Kate Bramley, multi-instrumentalist Andy May on pipes,
piano, accordion and whistle, and newcomer Sean Taylor on bass
and percussion.

For more information - see <http://www.jam.org.au>

The Harp doesn't accept bookings. Doors open 7:30. Food available.

Support act: Margaret Walters with John Warner

NOW - because Eastside Arts' Entertainment License may not be renewed
until June, some of the Almost Acoustic and/or Eastside Arts gigs
planned for the next few months have had to be shifted or cancelled.

Specifically, the following are shifting to The Harp (same dates)

The Wailin' Jennys             - Saturday 25 March, 2006
Judy Small / While & Matthews  - Saturday  8 April, 2006
and Greg Arnold                - date not yet confirmed

Other events have been cancelled outright.

Note: Frankie Armstrong will still be performing in the Paddington
Uniting church on Saturday 18 March - her concert is in keeping with
the usual program offered to the congregation and the support act is
the choir which rehearses in the church.

Margaret

PS If you are able to lobby City councillors to renew the entertainment
    license for Eastside Arts, please contact Christina at
    <christina@...>

Happy New Year to supporters of Almost Acoustic.

Here's a brief run down of some of the concerts lined up for 2006. We
are hoping to have more than one a month - so expect some variations
from the previous "2nd Saturday of the month" dates.

No concert in January - we suggest you try out the Harp on 14th
January instead and see Andy Irvine!
But note: Eastside Arts is having a workshop with Peggy Seeger on
Saturday afternoon 29th January (more below)

18th February:  Nancy Kerr and James Fagan (opening act from Lyrebird)

18th March: Frankie Armstrong (opening act from a special choir performing
                              arrangements of songs made popular by Frankie)

8th April: Judy Small  (opening act from Chris While and Julie Matthews)

22nd April:  Molly's Revenge (Irish band from California) Others TBC



Peggy Seeger in 2006!
2-4pm, Sunday 29 January in the church (followed by afternoon tea)
     $20 / $15 Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford Street Paddington
Free car parking - Gordon Street Church car park. Good public transport.
Map on <http://www.eastsidearts.org.au/>
Bookings recommended - 9331 2646 or <bookings@...>

Eastside Arts is privileged to be able to present Peggy Seeger, all
the way from the US, on this international tour which coincides with
her 70th birthday. Peggy will present a two hour workshop/presentation
on women's songs in both traditional and contemporary songwriting
and the image of women in traditional Anglo-American songs. Expect
lots of stories and songs from Peggy's wide experience, audience
participation and lots of room for questions.

We expect this workshop to sell out quickly.  Book now to avoid
disappointment.

For more on Peggy Seeger, visit <http://www.pegseeger.com>

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Margaret Walters
www.margaretwalters.com

A VERY SPECIAL NIGHT OF FOLK/BLUES/ROOTS

KRISTINA OLSEN (USA) + KRIS DEMEANOR (Canada) + ANN VRIEND (Canada)

Kristina Olsen is one of the world's most entertaining and dynamic
Folk/Blues/Roots Singer/Songwriters. She is a fine instrumentalist -
acoustic guitar, steel-bodied slide-guitar, saxophone, concertina and
piano, as well as a powerful songwriter with a big raunchy blues voice.

"Kristina Olsen not only reduces grown men to quivering wrecks with
her songs, she also knits socks between sets... That's talent for you."

Kris Demeanor is an outstanding singer/songwriter with quirky,
intelligent lyrics, catchy melodies and an engaging stage-presence.

Ann Vriend is a delightful young jazz/folk singer/songwriter/pianist,
with a rich, powerful voice, poetic lyrics and grooving melodies

HARP HOTEL, TEMPE(Ph.9559 6300)    THIS SAT 5 NOV.  8PM    $25/$20 conc.

<http://www.kristinaolsen.net/>
<http://www.krisdemeanor.com/>
<http://www.annvriend.com/>

(Not an Almost Acoustic event - this announcement is a service for AA email
  list subscribers for a small number of events we think you'll also enjoy.)

Dear Friends,

I have just received an urgent plea from Carol Hirt, the Manager of
Eastside Arts - the arts program of the Uniting Church at Paddington -
where we have been holding our Almost Acoustic concerts since July. Carol
says that there is a meeting early next week which will be discussing the
change from the Eastside Arts holding a temporary licence to a more
permanent arrangement.

Carol is keen to convey to the leadership of the State Body of the Uniting
Church and the leadership of the local Presbytery what people feel about
Eastside Arts holding an On-Licence (Theatre) alcohol licence. This
On-Licence (Theatre) allows Eastside Arts to sell alcohol at ticketed
events only - prior to the concert with food and then mainly at intervals -
they do not sell after the concert.

Carol is urging people who have attended events at the Music Cafe - whether
Almost Acoustic, Cafe Carnivale or Club Acapella - to send a message of
support before the end of the week - email: <carolhirt@...>
And even if you haven't attended such events, but like the idea of being
able to enjoy musical events along with friends over a convivial drink, we
would appreciate your support.


Here is some wording suggested by Carol. Please include your full name and
snail mail address - note the variation in wording if you have/have not
attended events and adjust accordingly. Of course, feel free to put your
own slant on it.

To the Moderator, NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia and the
Chairperson, Sydney Presbytery, Uniting Church in Australia

I support Eastside Arts gaining an On-Licence (Theatre) to use in
conjunction with selected concerts at the Paddington Uniting Church Hall.

I have attended (or I believe) Eastside Arts are well run, and conducted in
such a way as to preserve the good order of the neighbourhood.

Full Name, Postal Address, (signature if you're faxing it)

If you can help - please do so now. Carol says there is a meeting early
next week and they want to have the documents ready for that.

Please FAX messages of support back to Carol on this number - 9331 4864 or
email them to: <carolhirt@...>


Carol has prepared a couple of petitions - one for people who have actually
attending one of our Music Cafe Events - and the other for people who
haven't but still want to support Eastside Arts obtaining it. Carol would
be very grateful if you could print out these forms and get as many people
to sign the petitions as are interested - email her for a copy of the
petitions. And fax the completed forms to her on 9331 4864 as soon as you can.


As Carol says: "it is about the music and the musicians - not the alcohol!"

Any questions - feel free to call Carol!
Carol Hirt, Manager, Eastside Arts  Phone 02 9331 2646
<http://www.eastsidearts.org.au>
PO Box 379, Paddington 2021
Eastside Arts is a Community Cultural Arts Centre and a program of the
Paddington Uniting Church

Here's an extra reminder about Almost Acoustic's fabulous opening
night at Eastside Arts - the Uniting Church Hall where the Paddington
Markets take place -

     395 Oxford St, Paddington - Saturday 16 July. From 8pm

The guests you'll know by now: Mic Conway and his National Junk Band;
plus Gary Brown and friends.

If you haven't already done so, please AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT by making
reservations - call: 9331 2646 or <bookings@...>

Numbers at Eastside Arts are STRICTLY limited to comply with licensing
regulations - you are likely to miss the concert if you don't book!

If you haven't been to this venue before, please check the website:
<http://www.paddingtonmarkets.com.au/getting_there.php> to check the
public transport options.

If you're driving, the Church car park is in Gordon Street adjacent
to Newcombe St; check it in your Street directory (UBD Map 16, J3)

The venue is not available for preparation for the concert until
6.30pm because of the Paddington Markets. With sound checks etc
it is likely that doors won't open until 7.50pm at the earliest.
Rug up in case of a delay!

The music stops no later than 10.45pm - don't worry, we'll still
fit as much music into the program as always - we mustn't upset
the neighbours.

Snack food will be available at reasonable prices. There will be
wine and beer on sale.  (Sorry - no BYO.)

BOOK NOW!