Past performances – Live Music in Sydney’s Northern Suburbs

November 2023

Wayne Gillespie (guitar and vocals) and Rob Grosser (percussion) performed a formidable set of songs from a broad range of genres and many drawn from his recent album Frazz which is a terrific listen! Some of the stories were real eye openers, such as while busking in Paris and singing Leonard Cohen’s song That’s No Way to Say Goodbye, he noticed a listener in a fedora step forward and leave a very substantial payment. Yes, it was the song’s writer himself. Learn more about Wayne at his website, Famous Blue Raincoat.

We also heard floor spots from the Sydney Scottish Fiddlers and from Mike Williamson who sang the traditional song, She Moved Through the Fair.

October 2023

Our feature act this month was the talented CJ Shaw who brought us amusing, insightful lyrics and storytelling… all the elements that make folk music so compelling. CJ proved to be a talented performer and storyteller and captivated the audience with songs and poetry featuring personal and public events drawn from his experiences.

CJ Shaw at HKFC

We also heard floor spots from the also talented Ian Fretwell & Mick Scott, Alex Burger, Chris Keane and an unexpected performance from CJ’s surprised brother, Jonathan Shaw.

September 2023

Featured artists Pat Craigie and Maurie Mulheron followed a floor spot taken by Kara & Viktorija who performed instrumental pieces.

**Kara** & **Viktorija** performing music of music of Italian and Klezmer origin.

After the break we had another floor spot by **Margaret Walters** singing *Turn Around* by Brenda Liddyard, an anti-AUKUS protest song; performed a cappella.

Pat Craigie and Maurie Mulheron sang many original songs as well as an exploration of Dylan’s 3rd album *The* *Times They Are a-Changin’*. They ended with the the title song, adding a new verse: (the world still needs changing).

August 2023

Guest artist Rachel Collis followed an extended floor spot by Coolfin Mac

It was pleasing to have such a good turn-out and enthusiastic audience this month, with numbers back to pre-Covid levels again!

The evening began with an extended floor-spot from Coolfinn Mac. The trio features Pam Merrigan – guitar/whistles/vocals, James Palethorpe – fiddle and Chris Merrigan – guitar and acoustic bass guitar.

With the band front and centre and in full acoustic mode, we were treated to an engaging mix of traditional and contemporary songs and tunes. Highlights included Dougie MacLean’s modern folk ballad “Caledonia” and Anna McGariggle’s oft covered “Heart like a Wheel”.

There were traditional tunes aplenty too – and it was good to see that Pam still finds time to perform herself, given the extent of her involvement in nurturing folk music behind the scenes.

July 2023

Rare Treats at HKFC.

More coming soon!