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