Frances Folk Gathering February 26th, 27th and 28th, 2010
| February 26, 2010 | to | February 28, 2010 |
February 26th, 27th and 28th, 2010
Newsletter February 2010
The Frances organising group would like to take this chance to wish everyone a great 2010!
The turn of another decade means we are now the ripe old age of 11, the magic age when many of us would have started our journey into high school.
So what have we learned that we are putting into practice as we head into our next stage of maturity as a Gathering?
We’ve reflected on the great opportunities that workshops have offered Frances-goers over the years, so this year we continue with vocal and instrumental workshops (for performance, as well as fiddle and guitar this year), or try your hand at poetry or dance. Ever fancied writing a song? Now is your chance to find out how to start.
As the original vision for the Gathering was to encourage the next generation of musicians to love folk music, we are remaining focussed on the FutureFolk (young and older) amongst us. There are some wonderful new opportunities available this year. There is an Art workshop dedicated to painting a big picture around the theme “rhythm landscape”, as well as a Recorder workshop, with take-home instrument, and a Drum making and playing workshop.
One of the new moves is that FutureFolk will now be located where the competition tent has been in previous years. This gives the younger folk a special space of their own. This marquee will include the Junior competitions, workshops, Learner’s encouragement and lots of opportunities for meeting others and having fun! Make sure you don’t miss out!
Like everyone who performs at Frances, FutureFolk get the chance to play in the Fruits of Frances Concert which takes place on Sunday morning before the magical Mixed Grill – and after we have all been truly lifted by the Scots pipes.
The blackboard is shining and waiting for the chalk to put your name in lights. We look forward to hearing you. This year the Opening Concert will see a couple of last year’s rising stars from the competitions in 2009 performing and supporting one of our surprise invited guests. Don’t miss out on offering your support and on being amazed!
Saturday night will see a range of acts performing in the competition tent (hosted by the South Coast Folk Club) for those not tied up watching Bandemonium. Late night Saturday sees options of Andrew Clermont and friends or Weighbridge rocking you along.
The Hills Folk Club is hosting their ever-popular Friday and Saturday evening singing sessions, not to be missed in the Dining Room.
The Competition Marquee this year is opposite St Bronca’s Cathedral, on the main street up from the store
This year there’s the addition of a very popular Duet and Trio category in both the Open and Under 18 categories, replacing the Open Fiddle of previous years. This bridges the gap between solo competitions and Bandemonium, which itself promises to provide us with great Saturday evening entertainment in the main marquee.
Also this year we are producing a live recording of the Junior competitions, Learner’s encouragement and Bandemonium. CDs will be free to winners, and available for purchase to others from two weeks after the event. So you will be able to have a live recording for your mates and family.
There is even some free studio time on offer for a couple of lucky winners!
There remain a few vacancies for entry in the competitions, especially for youngsters and for instrumentalists. Go online and see what you can find!!
And there’s Art Show – have you thought of submitting one of your works – or do you know someone who should? It’s easy – just go online (www.francesfolkgathering.com.au) to apply. 
The Art Show is in St Bronca’s Cathedral this year and we appreciate the work that goes into this. The main reason for the move is that Frances Dances continue to grow in popularity and those ankles need the wooden floor of the hall – so there’s more dance this year too!
Don’t forget to check the program and information desk on arrival for info updates especially as workshops, events and sessions do move house and times occasionally.
Check out the T-shirts – there’s a limited supply!
Our Tenth Birthday was successfully captured as a triple DVD for just $25 and a similar deal will be running this year – how’s that for value?
Camping is as ever at the Oval, and don’t forget your steak or sausage at the Bowling Club Opening Night Barbecue on Friday at 6 pm.
This year has seen challenges for many Australians as the economic recession took grip and the Gathering’s funding had been hit heavily (we’re 40% down).
The Gathering has been busy finding ways of allowing our great event to continue unaffected as much as possible not only this year, but in subsequent years.
Consequently we have had some new sponsorship offers from businesses in Mount Gambier, comprising a heavily subsidised recording, instruments for workshops and even a look at greenhouse gas emissions generated at the event.
All this in addition to the ongoing wonderful support of the Frances Pub, the Multicultural Education Commission, ArtsSA, Country Arts SA, and Coopers.
Of course this wonderful weekend would just not be possible if it wasn’t for the goodwill and hard work of the Frances Community. We thank you once again.
It is a little early to advise you “weather” to pack your t-shirt or your “t-hermals”, but we can say that you will receive a warm welcome, wonderful music and new friends, as well as those you get to see and spend time with at this special place and event.
Drive safely to Frances, we will see you there…..
Frances Coordinating Group.
