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CHRISTMAS MAY BE OVER - YOU MAY HAVE ALL YOUR PRESENTS EXCEPT ONE AND IT IS TIME TO WELCOME 2025.
The Illawarra Folk Club is presenting its first concert of the year on the Sunday 12 January at the Railway Institute Hall at Thirroul in the afternoon at 3:30pm.
AND we snared iconic singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist specializing in the concertina Steve Turner from the UK who is on tour here in January. And to make it an extra special New Years gift we will also have on Mr. Bluegrass himself, Mark Ballesi playing with one of the most experienced musicians in the Illawarra
Quentin Fraser.
Make a New Years resolution to come because it will be easy to keep. The cost is just $20/25 and it is of course right on the station so you can catch a train) and if you want to hang around after the show Thirroul is well known for its eateries and drinkeries. And of course, we will supply afternoon tea with coffee and tea and a cake or whatever AND you can bring your own booze if so inclined and to stop you from being uncouth we can even supply you with a glass.
However, there is one catch the venue is fairly small so it is a good idea to get a ticket (see details below) or give us a ring if you are coming so we can save you a seat.
Steve Turner is a pioneer of highly sophisticated English concertina song accompaniments; he is a singer and multi-instrumentalist, playing mandolin and tenor banjo and accompanies himself on the concertina.
He has performed at folk festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the UK and toured America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Holland and Italy.
Steve’s performances are characterised by strong melodies and a warm connection with the audience.
"For me, in terms of song accompaniment, he is the foremost Concertina player of his generation - the master!" (Pete Heywood, Tradition Bearers records, editor of Living Tradition Folk Magazine)
“One of the best voices in the business” (Vic Smith, Folk Roots)
Mark Ballesi and Quentin Fraser have been friends and musical collaborators for over two decades. Across a variety of musical projects, they have played everywhere from cafés and festivals to weddings and bar mitzvahs. With a relaxed onstage rapport that reflects their long and enduring friendship Mark and Quentin will take you on a musical journey featuring original songs with the odd traditional tune included along the way.
Mark Ballesi
From busking on the streets of Wagga Wagga it’s been a long and winding musical journey for Mark Ballesi. Starting with his early days with art school Ska band Happy Accidents through to years as a solo singer-songwriter and decades spent exploring bluegrass and traditional country music. Along the way the one constant has been song writing and the pursuit of the songwriting adventure. All the time gathering and absorbing influences as diverse as the music of Joni Mitchell, Doc Watson, Nick Drake, Hank Williams and Randy Newman.
Quentin Fraser
Quentin Fraser is well-respected multi-instrumentalist who has toured extensively, both within Australia and internationally. Over the years, Quentin has played with many well-known artists across a wide variety of musical genres. A consummate instrumentalist, Quentin moves seamlessly between folk, blues, bluegrass, country and jazz and as a result, he is always in great demand on the festival circuit.
AND of course, you can spoil yourself Rotten by coming to our open mic session in the same venue at 7 pm on Wednesday 15 January, then our charity concert on Thursday 16 at Bulli's Heritage Hotel and on Friday 17 January it's the big one - the Illawarra Folk Festival from Friday to Sunday.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Thirroul Railway Institute Hall, Railway Parade, Thirroul,Wollongong,NSW,Australia
Tickets
