G'day one and all, I apologise for being a bit slack with keeping this blog updated but things have been fairly hectic, with multiple gigs over the last month.
As you have probably already sussed out, this blog is now attached to my website which will hopefully add some more interest to the site. Since I last updated things I have had a third round of epidural treatments on my back, which is allowing me to cut down on my morphine intake by a considerable margin, which is great. These treatments will continue through until December, when I am scheduled to undergo an operation to replace one of my disc's with a synthetic one, the operation is major, but has great potential to reduce my chronic pain levels and I can't wait.
I have finished my stint of writing and performance workshops at Dalby schools and really enjoyed myself and got some really terrific feedback from both students and teachers alike.
I was once again engaged as roving announcer for the Tara Festival Of Culture and Camel Races which is run every two years at the Tara Showgrounds. This is a great little event and a credit to the small community of Tara that they can run and organise such a successful Festival.
This year they incorporated a Poets Breakfast and I was joined by Jack Drake and Dan Thompson. We had a ball and believe we were successful in initiating a few new people to the enjoyment on modern day Bush Poetry.
The Tara committee tries extremely hard to source entertainment from different cultures every time and once again did a wonderful job in providing a mixed and varied list of very talented performances.
Home just long enough to throw my dirty clothes through the door pick up Cindy and hit the road for my first visit to Anakie for their annual Gemfest. Perter Riddle, Merv Webster, Chris Webster and bush balladeers Buddy Thompson and Lynne Bennett joined me for a very relaxed poets breakfast on every morning of the Festival.
Cindy was in seventh heaven wandering around all the various jewelery stalls and assures me every thing she bought was a real bargain. We had a wonderful time camped at the Sapphire Footy Grounds and performing at Anakie, the people were great and I should say a very special thanks to Bec and Shane Hance who not only took us out to their lease to show us how to fossick, but slapped up a great roast meal at their bush camp. Keep an ear out for Bec Hance, she is a talented singer/songwriter and has just released her second album.
Once again headed south, dropping in at home just long enough to wash some clothes and then off to The Bushman's Heritage weekend at Casino Village RV Resort.
A friendly and relaxed three days of bush poetry in a beautifully maintained facility. Ray Essery, Terry Regan, Noel Stallard and Robyn Tesch assisted me very abley in delivering some wonderfully varied poetry (and an impromptue workshop) to appreciative audiences. A big pat on the back for Julie James for putting the whole weekend together. Hope to see everybody back next year and a lot of new faces for what is a great weekend and a stratigicly timed warm up for those travelling north to the Gympie Muster each year.
Exciting things are happening in the area of development across the energy rich Surat Basin and the Surat Basin Corporation is doing every thing it can to facilitate positive outcomes for all stakeholders in the region. I was honoured to be part of the corporate entertainment at their recent conference dinner and very proud to share the stage with legendary hose trainer Frank Green. Frank raised more than a few eyebrows with a wonderful display of horsemanship, on stage, at the Oakey Cultural Centre.
It was also my pleasure to be engaged to write a commissioned poem about the Surat Basin Corporation. Thank you to all those who took the time to come over and compliment me on this poem and my performance, this type of unsolicited compliment means the world to me and I appreciate it greatly. Rebecca Gleeson organised to get me to the event and was a pleasure to work with. For those who asked, I believe they will recieve a copy of my commissioned poem in their post conference pack, if you don't then don't hesitate to contact me and I can arrange to get one to you.
A weekend off to attend the wedding of Shane and Liz, two good mates of ours from the Sunshine Coast. My whole family was their as was Neil & Colleen McArthur's Clan an we had a great relaxed weekend. All the best to Shane and Liz.
The Australian Heritage Festival at Jondaryan engaged me to perform for a couple of days (and I donated another to this worthwhile attraction) which was great and helped to deaden the pain of missing the Gympie Muster for the first time in 15 years. I will be back next year refreshed relaxed and rearing to go. I hope all those who went had a great time as usual.
I spent Sunday 30th August in Pittsworth to support Sharon Smith, a local bush balladeer who was launching her debut album after winning Starquest at Tamworth this year. Sharon is a great country girl and deserves all the success that comes her way.
Lastley and probably most importantly I would like to let you all know that my daughter, Kelly Fogarty, a fantastic singer, has just released as a single, the song "Where The Brumbies Come To Water" on NFS 133 (compilation album). The song is included on my album "The Tartan Saddlecloth" and even despite my obvious 'proud dad' bias it is a fantastic country song. If you want to help an exceptional young Australian music talent then I would be so grateful if you could contact you favorite county music radio station and request they play the song.
Catch you next time.
Gary Fogarty
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 13th 2009
Hey everybody, it has been a while since I last updated my blog as there has been a lot of things happening in the Fogarty Household.
May 16th saw myself and my daughter Kelly as part of the entertainment package at the Wandoan Q150 celebrations. The good folk of Wandoan are always very welcoming and i think a good time was had by all.
Just two days rest and back down the road to the Miles Show to team up with my old mate, Murray Hartin, in my old birth town. Thanks to Bobbie Megaw and her crew for their help in what turned out to be a fairly frustrating day, due to rain interrupting the open air stage and a unscheduled switch to the pavilion. In true bush fashion everyone pitched in and made the most of the situation and managed to enjoy themselves despite the problems.
Keith Jamerson, bush balladeer of note, kindly invited me to an inaugural event he organised at Bouldercombe, just out side of Rockhampton. the weekend was a great success and Keith is already gearing up to run the event again next year, plenty of camping space available and he has kindly offered me a return spot in the show. a thrill for me to work for the first time with reg Poole on a show, I have been a fan of reg for more years than I care to remember and he is a great bloke as well as a great performer.
The end of may saw me organising two 4hour bush variety shows for the long running Crackerjack Carnival in Carina, Brisbane. The crew included Jeff Brown, Neil McArthur, Tom Lee Archer, Angela and Steven Maher(whipcrackers) and myself. Neil unfortunately was struck down by a very serious middle ear infection which stopped him performing on the second concert but everybody else filled in like true professionals and delivered a great concert. A special mention to Tom Lee Archer, who in my humble opinion, remains one of the most underrated performers on the scene.
A week later saw me off to my second Gayndah orange Festival as MC and Roving Announcer, this is a great festival that offers something for everyone and is held every second year. Unfortunately our parked Pajero was run into by a vehicle involved in an accident with another vehicle driving down the road, but luckily the damage was restricted to the bull-bar and Cindy and i could still make our way home. Lots of familiar faces in the crowd and i greatly appreciate all those who took the time to thank me for my efforts over the two days. I was able to scrap in just a couple of poems during a break in proceedings to keep the bush poetry flag flying.
NSW, here we come, and just after beating you in the first State Of Origin as well, talk about perfect timing. A Rural Engineers Conference saw me performing the corporate entertainment and delivering a customised poem to mark the Heritage Listing of the Grafton to Brisbane Standard Gauge Rail Link. Grafton is a beautiful town and the sunset over the Clarence river from our venue was simply awesome. What a great bunch of people to work with, Cindy and I had a great time and were made to feel very welcome.
Up at 3 am to hurry home to Millmerran to assist our local Historical Society with their Q150 celebrations. I little bit sleep deprived but the numerous interesting activities on the day assisted me in keeping my eyes open.
Teaching workshops to children on how to write and perform bush poetry is becoming a bigger, more important and most enjoyable part of my bush poetry journey and i happily accepted an invitation to spend five separate days in Dalby working with pupils of both Dalby South State School and Our Lady Of The Southern Cross Catholic School. I still have one day to go and it has been a very enjoyable experience interacting with some very talented students. The lasting benefits from these workshops rely very heavily on the teachers being able to reinforce the lessons learnt after I leave and I appreciate the strong participation from staff.
I spent my own primary school years at a very small school called Ryeford, just outside of Clifton on the darling Downs and was thrilled to be asked, as a past student, to return to the school for their annual sports day and to address the students on my school days and my life since leaving. I was given the honour of being official starter for the days races.
Roma has always been one of my favourite rural towns and i was delighted to accept an invitation from Tony Klien to return and provide the entertainment for the Zone Five Rugby League Welcoming Dinner. Some old faces from my own football days were in the audience and this great bunch of people should be congratulated for the work they do insuring young kids still get the opportunity to play rugby league at carnivals such as this. good luck to all teams competing, play your best and soak up what will be life lasting memories.
Okay I know, Or hope anyway that I look way to young to be a grandad, but my first granddaughter, Parker Jane arrived on 8th July, to the delight of brother Ty, mum Kelly and dad Gavin as well as Cindy and I, two very excited grandparents.
Cindy is just about to head off to Hawaii for a business conference, while i am wondering what to do at the end of August, as i am having my first break from the Gympie Muster in about 15 years. I will be back next year though and i am sure the rest of the poetry gang will keep the standard of the breakfasts sky high as usual.
Regards
Gary Fogarty
May 16th saw myself and my daughter Kelly as part of the entertainment package at the Wandoan Q150 celebrations. The good folk of Wandoan are always very welcoming and i think a good time was had by all.
Just two days rest and back down the road to the Miles Show to team up with my old mate, Murray Hartin, in my old birth town. Thanks to Bobbie Megaw and her crew for their help in what turned out to be a fairly frustrating day, due to rain interrupting the open air stage and a unscheduled switch to the pavilion. In true bush fashion everyone pitched in and made the most of the situation and managed to enjoy themselves despite the problems.
Keith Jamerson, bush balladeer of note, kindly invited me to an inaugural event he organised at Bouldercombe, just out side of Rockhampton. the weekend was a great success and Keith is already gearing up to run the event again next year, plenty of camping space available and he has kindly offered me a return spot in the show. a thrill for me to work for the first time with reg Poole on a show, I have been a fan of reg for more years than I care to remember and he is a great bloke as well as a great performer.
The end of may saw me organising two 4hour bush variety shows for the long running Crackerjack Carnival in Carina, Brisbane. The crew included Jeff Brown, Neil McArthur, Tom Lee Archer, Angela and Steven Maher(whipcrackers) and myself. Neil unfortunately was struck down by a very serious middle ear infection which stopped him performing on the second concert but everybody else filled in like true professionals and delivered a great concert. A special mention to Tom Lee Archer, who in my humble opinion, remains one of the most underrated performers on the scene.
A week later saw me off to my second Gayndah orange Festival as MC and Roving Announcer, this is a great festival that offers something for everyone and is held every second year. Unfortunately our parked Pajero was run into by a vehicle involved in an accident with another vehicle driving down the road, but luckily the damage was restricted to the bull-bar and Cindy and i could still make our way home. Lots of familiar faces in the crowd and i greatly appreciate all those who took the time to thank me for my efforts over the two days. I was able to scrap in just a couple of poems during a break in proceedings to keep the bush poetry flag flying.
NSW, here we come, and just after beating you in the first State Of Origin as well, talk about perfect timing. A Rural Engineers Conference saw me performing the corporate entertainment and delivering a customised poem to mark the Heritage Listing of the Grafton to Brisbane Standard Gauge Rail Link. Grafton is a beautiful town and the sunset over the Clarence river from our venue was simply awesome. What a great bunch of people to work with, Cindy and I had a great time and were made to feel very welcome.
Up at 3 am to hurry home to Millmerran to assist our local Historical Society with their Q150 celebrations. I little bit sleep deprived but the numerous interesting activities on the day assisted me in keeping my eyes open.
Teaching workshops to children on how to write and perform bush poetry is becoming a bigger, more important and most enjoyable part of my bush poetry journey and i happily accepted an invitation to spend five separate days in Dalby working with pupils of both Dalby South State School and Our Lady Of The Southern Cross Catholic School. I still have one day to go and it has been a very enjoyable experience interacting with some very talented students. The lasting benefits from these workshops rely very heavily on the teachers being able to reinforce the lessons learnt after I leave and I appreciate the strong participation from staff.
I spent my own primary school years at a very small school called Ryeford, just outside of Clifton on the darling Downs and was thrilled to be asked, as a past student, to return to the school for their annual sports day and to address the students on my school days and my life since leaving. I was given the honour of being official starter for the days races.
Roma has always been one of my favourite rural towns and i was delighted to accept an invitation from Tony Klien to return and provide the entertainment for the Zone Five Rugby League Welcoming Dinner. Some old faces from my own football days were in the audience and this great bunch of people should be congratulated for the work they do insuring young kids still get the opportunity to play rugby league at carnivals such as this. good luck to all teams competing, play your best and soak up what will be life lasting memories.
Okay I know, Or hope anyway that I look way to young to be a grandad, but my first granddaughter, Parker Jane arrived on 8th July, to the delight of brother Ty, mum Kelly and dad Gavin as well as Cindy and I, two very excited grandparents.
Cindy is just about to head off to Hawaii for a business conference, while i am wondering what to do at the end of August, as i am having my first break from the Gympie Muster in about 15 years. I will be back next year though and i am sure the rest of the poetry gang will keep the standard of the breakfasts sky high as usual.
Regards
Gary Fogarty
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 13th 2009
After surviving another Tamworth Country Music Festival, and arriving home with another 'Golden Gumleaf' for Bush Poetry Album Of The Year, it looks like being another fairly busy year.
First off was a small gig at Jondaryan Woolshed's Monthly Brunch, I have performed a lot at the Homestead over the years, but this was the first time at this monthly event. It was a relaxing morning in the Woolshed itself and I got a great buzz to find out that their usual turnout of around 100 people was boosted to over 150 for the day. Another positive blow for Bush Poetry.
Chinchilla Melon Festival was it's usual vibrant, successful, crowded and entertaining self. Thank you to the Committee for once again sticking with me as their roving announcer and Poet's Breakfast organiser. Murray Hartin and Dion Cross (Chinchilla Local ) joined me as feature poets for the weekend, and from the comments received I believe it was a winning combination. Crowds for both Poets Breakfasts were way up and everyone recorded great product sales. Thank you to all walk up poets especially to the now local, Janine Haig, who contributed in her own unique style.
It was great fun to work closely with Murray Hartin again, Murray is immersed in the corporate performance scene in Sydney these days and it is all to rare we get to work so closely together. We must have done okay as representatives from Miles Show saw us on the day and have engaged us both for their 2009 Show on 19th May.
I once again got to compere the Saturday night concert which featured the finalists of Chinchilla's Got Talent, and was headlined by the amazingly talented Becky Cole. Becky certainly did not let her legion of fans down and delivered another energy charged performance. Becky is a joy to work with, she has an easy going nature and it is always a pleasure when I get to share the stage with her. If she is not Australia's leading female singer of any genre, then I would love to know who is.
The Yodeller's and Yarns Show at Redcliffe was held as a warm up for the Urban Country Music Festival, and for a first off show certainly delivered the goods to an appreciative and fairly sizable crowd at the wonderful Redcliffe Community Centre. Thank you to event organiser, Paul Wilson for inviting me to feature in and compere the show, as always it was great to work with Laura Downing and the other invited artists. Stay, tuned there may be more of these show to come.
Jumped quickly into the long suffering Pajero for a lightening trip to Winton to judge their massive Junior Bush Poetry Competition. The kids were a joy to listen to, while our hosts Graham and Louise Dean treated us like royalty for the two days. The Waltzing Matilda Centre at Winton and The Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach are now both stocking my CD's and Book.
Quickly back to Roma for Easter In The Country. It has been a good few years since I have performed at this Festival and it is great to see that they are still getting huge crowds. Worked with John Major, Merv & Chris Webster as well as balladeers Alan Luscombe and Ted Thompson. Roma has always been one of my favorite rural towns and it was great to be back there again.
Boondooma Homestead Bush Balladeers event was once again big, with crowds equalling last years record numbers, despite the economic woes. Buddy Thompson and Lyn are always a joy to work with and the crowd is amazing They are loyal, supportive and generously support not only myself, but all artists, with product purchases. Graham Rodger, who recorded my song "Rough Country Ringer" on his "The Fire Within Me" (Alum of the Year at the People's Choice Awards) Album, informed me the song is being played on radio in the Netherlands of all places.
Another annual pilgrimage, this time just down the road to The Broxburn Bash, just outside Pittsworth. I compered the Mechanical Bull Ride on Friday night, compered the Talent Quest with the assistance of Alan Peterson on Saturday and featured at the Bush Poets Breakfast with Ray Essery and Peter Riddle on Sunday morning. Numbers for the Breakfast are steadily growing and I would like to thank everyone for dragging themselves out of bed at such an early hour to support us. Thank you to the committee for all their support over the years. I would just like to take the time to thank Marion Dalgleish and Jim Laffin, who do such a great job attending festivals and setting up their product stall, selling balladeer music and bush poetry for a stable full of artists.
Next on the list I am off to Wandoan on 16th May to help them celebrate 150 years of Queensland as a State. My daughter Kelly will be joining me and doing a couple of half hour singing stints on the day along with other entertainers, so it should be a great day.
Regards
Gary Fogarty
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