The Bairnsdale Country Music Club (BCMC) combined business with pleasure on Sunday, August 9, holding its Annual General Meeting before launching into another outstanding afternoon of live country music.
Visitors Frock ‘n Troll, (Gus and Sherri Olding), travelled from the Monaro Mountains and had the Lakes Room buzzing from the moment they stepped on stage.
Both classically trained musicians, the pair share a love of folk and country music and, after performing together for more than 30 years, have developed a unique and highly entertaining style of their own.
Gail and Lindsay Hammond brought with them a lifetime of genuine country music experience, while Peter Crawford, fresh from a Queensland tag-along tour with Graham Rodger, entertained with his ukulele, vocals and trademark warmth.
Max Curtis swapped his guitar for a gum leaf and whistled some ever-popular tunes, with support from the Backroad Boys, while Tasmanian visitors Gordon and Sue Badcock delighted the audience with their much-loved country duets.
The music continues at the club’s next Funday on Sunday, September 13, and everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy another great afternoon of live country music.
Headlining the program will be The Country Rocker, Bill Rowley from Traralgon.
Affectionately known as “The Man in Black,” Bill is a guitarist, singer/songwriter and winner of numerous awards.
Also making his debut on the BCMC stage will be Mark McCord, originally from Canada but now proudly calling Australia home, with a performance that promises something a little different.
Returning to entertain the crowd will be Elaine Fyffe and Peter Joyce from Sale.
Having honed their musical partnership over many years of performing together, the talented duo are always a welcome addition to the program.
Rounding out the afternoon will be the ever-popular and dependable Sonny Lambourn, whose extensive repertoire of well-loved country favourites is sure to have something for everyone.
So mark Sunday, September 13 on the calendar, bring along a friend and come and enjoy an afternoon of great music, good company and plenty of country spirit with the Bairnsdale Country Music Club.
The following is a poem written by member, Glenda Stapert:
SUNDAY FUNDAY
Another successful AGM has been done and dusted,
business all completed with no noses getting busted!
Lunch soon followed with much warm and friendly chatter,
soon the Fun Day will begin, the real heart of the matter.
Excitement’s slowly building, the expectation clearly showed,
at one pm exactly, the show got on the road!
The Backroad Boys hit their stride, no warming up required,
playing as one, timing down pat, their skill can’t be denied.
The acts that followed also, had talent by the score,
all present were happy, for who could ask for more?
A couple calling themselves by the name of Frock ‘n Troll
played and sang with spirit, and all their heart and soul.
Peter Crawford delighted with his warm and laid back style,
the Badcock’s from Tasmania entertained us for a while.
It is said a vintage wine just gets better with age,
so too Gail & Lindsay Hammond, up there on centre stage.
Half time comes around, that means a cuppa and a chat,
Lucky Door and Raffle tickets get drawn out from a hat.
Some received a trophy, or had a certificate awarded,
overwhelmed recipients were very warmly applauded.
The second half gets underway, each artist has another turn,
line dancers practise their moves, being very keen to learn.
Indefatigable Max, gives a lively performance,
coaxing a tune from a gum leaf, and yodelling with flamboyance!
All too soon the time has come, to say our fond goodbyes,
enjoying music with like minded chums; the time just simply flies!
Bairnsdale’s Country Music Club, held at the Bairnsdale RSL
every second Sunday at one pm, has got me under its spell!
