Central Coast Ukulele Folk & Festival 2019

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Hello and welcome,

With just over 5 weeks to go for our wonderful Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival 2019 our program is just about ready and we are excited to present to you a fabulous festival in 2019.

All our performers are ready and waiting and all our main acts are pumped.

Limited seats available for dinner show so book your seats and table for a fantastic evening of live entertainment and a yummy meal. Call Diggers on 4332 3399 to book your table.

Featured acts include

UKULELE DEATH SQUAD

After selling out their 2018-19 Adelaide Fringe season and European tours, The Squad returns to the Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival 2019

The Squad will offer Ukulele enthusiasts everything their nylon string hearts desire. The Squad are set to get more intimate at their workshop on Saturday afternoon and Saturday night The Squad are set to shake up the Ukulele world again with Fifty Shades Of Uke. It’s time to dust off your best leathers as the world’s most dangerous Ukulele show  will be Toe-tappingly dangerous. The Death Squad take 4 strings to a new and excitingly mind-blowing level.

Julian Ferguson | Baritone Ukulele

The wild half of the Uke Death Squad, Julian powers through shows with a husky voice, and the raw energy of a labrador on speed.  Having hit the music scene as the front man of global indie-folk band “The Coconut Kids”, he lets rip with his husky vocals and mad strums to create a unique sound that sits perfectly with Ben’s fast moving riffs. Yes, he’s been known to snap Ukuleles on stage.

Benjamin Roberts | Lead Ukulele

Benjamin Roberts came up with concept of The Ukulele Death Squad late at night while strumming his Banjolele deep into the wee hours of the morning. A guitar virtuoso having toured nationally with acclaimed Aussie folk band “The Timbers”, Ben puts the guitar aside and shows some serious Technical prowess on its four-stringed cousin. He’s the lead uke maestro of this duo.

Eamonn Burke | Bass Ukulele

His name is Eamonn Burke, the beast with the bass, we don’t let him have a mic very often, and for good reason. With his rough Irish accent and crooning singing voice of a Viking prince, he would steal the lime light. Don’t fool by his short stature, this little man drives the beat with his tiny instrument and holds the band together.

Reuben Legge | Saxaphone

Reuben Legge is an accomplished Jazz saxophonist, keyboard player and percussionist having completed his degree in Jazz and improvisation at the University of Melbourne.Reuben has played alongside and toured with many well known artists including Ollie McGill (The CatEmpire), The Teskey Brothers, Senegambian Jazz Band and more recently he’s been writing and touring with the Ukulele Death Squad.

THE LITTLE QUIRKS

It is said that something special happens when family members sing together. Central Coast trio Little Quirks are doing a lot to substantiate that theory. Sisters Abbey and Mia Toole joined their cousin Jaymi Toole in 2015 to form Little Quirks, a band in which they simply wanted to “write and play music that was fun to sing”. And listening to their lively brand of folk pop, it’s hard not to sing along with them.

Music was always a big part of life for the three girls who grew up not far from each other in regional NSW. They were literally surrounded by musical instruments from the start. Both parents and grandparents played in bands through the 70’s and 80’s, their uncle is the school music teacher, and a hit-laden record collection sat formatively on the shelf (everything from Led Zeppelin to Taylor Swift) so it’s not surprising at all that Abbey, Jaymi and Mia developed an early knack for writing a great hook. Having spent many an afternoon strumming songs al fresco on the veranda, the transition into a fully-fledged band was an easy one.

From busking at farmers markets they quickly leap frogged onto stages supporting the likes of Tim Rogers, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Alex the Astronaut, Jack River, Busby Marou, and Xavier Rudd. Their live show is staggeringly energetic for a young folk band. It moves from epic to sweet in a heartbeat drawing comparisons to the likes of Mumford And Sons, The Lumineers and First Aid Kit. The three work together in a lively fashion with drummer Mia pounding a relentless beat behind the rhythmic of strums and sways of Jaymi (mandolin/vocals) and Abbey (guitar/vocals). All three singing in blissful harmony.

JOHNNY DEVILSEED AND OLD MAN RUBES

Formed in late 2010 by guitarist Hayden Maskey and blues harpist Paul Rubie, Johnny Devilseed & “Old Man Rubes” have been doin’ the rounds about towns, constantly blowin’ the doors off venues, every time they perform.
With a huge repertoire of original songs ranging from the old timey era to the modern blues of today, their shows have been described by many as a, “full on, hardcore, foot to the floor, theatrical blues extravaganza!”

The Blues n Roots Duo has performed at many prestigious festivals up and                      down the east coast of Australia such as Vacy Blues N Roots Fest, The Re-Union                    Wollombi Music Festival, GosBlues and more.

Having opened for local and international acts such as, Dead Kennedys, Ash Grunwald, Johnny Diesel, The RumJacks and Claude Hay , Johnny Devilseed & Old Man Rubes have certainly carved a unique sound and reputation with their gravely voiced, fast paced, harmonica driven blues tunes.

In March 2014, the blues duo released their debut EP “John the Revelator” to much critical acclaim and with the recent release of their latest E.P “Woy Woy Bound” the Central Coast Based act is finding 2019 to be one of their busiest years yet.

Their playful interaction on stage seeps into the crowd with the help of some looped beats and basslines, this duo will have you tapping your feet and dancing from the very first number.

PAUL JONSON

We are delighted to introduce you to Paul Jonson.

Paul got his first guitar for his eighth birthday and only played guitars until he was 60 when he was sent a promotional uke from a company asking if he’d be keen to sell them.
Folks describe him as a Blues Ukulele Player Extraordinaire and a blues ukulele legend, and being retired from the corporate world he travels to share ukulele magic at international festivals. He uses unique resonator ukuleles, many of which he has built in his studio where 200+ ukes reside, to express the true feeling of the original blues masters, and plans on astounding any audience with the versatility of this humble four string instrument. Featuring blues, boogie, ragtime and traditional folk songs in a concert and/or workshop format to acquaint the keen ukulele players with finger picking, alternative strumming, chording and tuning techniques that express the feeling of these styles of music. He travels widely to share his particular brand and uke style out of a love for music. He has featured at many ukulele and folk festivals in his native New Zealand, as well as Australian ukulele festivals and recent travels in Europe included ukulele gigs in Italy and Spain. His passion for 4 stringed instruments has led to running an annual NZ Four String Festival in Kawhia with the inaugural guest Canadian Manitoba Hal, whom he toured with in November 2018 as a performer. http://www.singnuke.co.nz

CONNOR WINK AND SHAWN O’FRIEL

This amazing duo will captivate you. Connor has the voice of an angel and Shawns beautiful musicianship and regard for Connor is amazing. Shawn, an amzing musician in his own right prefers the light to shine on Connor.

Connor Wink is a young blind Singer, Songwriter and Ukulele Player from Newcastle, Australia.

Connor has a condition with his eyes known as Lebers Congenital Amaurosis, which resulted in Nystagmus uncontrolled eye movement, it’s gone from severe to mild and Connor has light perception and can recognise some movement in front of his face.

When Connor was two years old, he was playing songs that he had heard and liked on his toy piano. His parents realised that the ability to play by ear was a great gift and encouraged his playing. Later, when he was six, they set out to find a piano teacher to work with him.

By age 11, Connor had already recorded 2 CDs Sounds for Sight and Sounds for Sight: The Journey Continues at home with a 16 track mixer and sang and overdubbed own voice for backing vocals. By the time he stopped classical training, he had reached Grade 3. During this time, Connor transitioned successfully to singing, due to his ability to memorize lyrics and music combined with his acute hearing, pitch. and unique voice. For a short time, Connor dabbled with the guitar; but later, he discovered the ukulele.

He had found his place as an artist. His biggest musical influences have been the Bee Gees and Cher. He was fortunate enough to meet Cher back stage in Las Vegas in 2010, and she was gracious enough to listen to him sing. Cher also gave Connor some advice that assisted him with his audition for the performing arts high school that he still attends. Connor has also been fortunate to meet a number of other great solo artists, including Marcia Hines and John Paul Young.

Connor has been blessed with the presence of many amazing people in his life as well as the support of his local community. In appreciation, Connor spends several months a year busking for Variety The Children’s Charity. To date, he has raised, and will continue to raise, thousands of dollars, and he is excited about continuing his amazing journey.

Connor’s original songs are now available for purchase on iTunes and CD Baby.

MIRRABOOKA

Mirrabooka are a remarkable four-piece band of experienced musicians. Mirrabooka Band members have been involved in the music industry collectively for many decades and know how to please an audience. They have their own sound and you’ll be captivated by the awesome vocals & harmonies, the rhythmic songs and melodies of their originals catchy songs, and popular catchy covers.

This band has been performing together around the Central Coast and beyond venues plus headlining at many festivals, corporate functions, commercial and private parties, charity events, over the past 7 years. They are extremely versatile group. They are regulars at The Sails and Memorial stages at The Entrance and many of the Coast’s clubs and pubs. They are in demand for Ukulele and Folk Festivals because of their diversity in such places as Hawaii, Darwin, Cairns, New Zealand,  Central Coast Ukulele Festival, Blue Mountains and Tasmania. The band consists of two couples. The two lovely ladies share the lead vocals and harmonies, accompanied by the two guys’ rhythmic bass and solid drums and percussion adding to their catchy and unique sound and vocals. They write all their own material and original compositions. Mirrabooka are multi-instrumentalist and have a unique original sound of beautiful acoustic music made up with acoustic guitars, mandolins, ukuleles, djembe drums and bass, then throw in original songs with a great sense of humour and you have ‘Mirrabooka’. They can also set the dance floor on fire with solid upbeat dance music. Continue reading

Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival 2019 just 54 days to go (23-25 August)

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Only 54 days to go for our 8th CC Ukulele festival. So many acts and performers, workshops and much more. We’re excited.
The program is now underway with our venue, dates and rooms all confirmed. There is a chance we may add a Thursday evening to accommodate all our workshops and jams  so stand by.

For the Dinner/show please book now by calling (02) 4332 3399
Applications are now definitely closed and we are so excited to bring you our program,
a little taste of what’s to come..

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and more….

see you there!

The 8th Central Coast Ukulele Festival only two months away

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Our Central Coast Ukulele Folk Festival is only two months away. We have had a record number of applicants and interest in our wonderful friendly festival. We are looking forward in sharing our love of music and friendship with you soon.

Our program is underway and we appreciate your support.

It will be an exciting program filled with brilliant acts, workshops and blackboard events.

The dinner show is Friday 23rd August at the Pavillion room – Bookings essential.

Ring Diggers on (02) 4332 3399 to reserve your table.

The Diggers club is making room for us and all going well we will have an extra room to run workshops and showcase our acts.

Stand By as the program and much more information will be released soon.

cheers

Liz

 

Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival 2019 August 23rd – 25th

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We have  a fabulous line of of entertainers for you and its growing day by day.

Some of the amazing performers are:-

The Little Quirks

Ukulele Death Squad

Johnny Devil Seed and Old Man Rubes

Paul Jonson

Cameron Murray

Connor Wink and Shawn O’Friel

Mirrabooka and so many more… we will list you all shorty

Applications are closing….

There will be an open Mic

Blackboard or walk up area

Workshops include

The Ukulele Deather Squad

Blues by Paul Jonson

Bass Workshop

Singing workshops

Beginners workshop

Djembe and percussion workshop

and many more…

A full program will be coming shortly and bookings for workshops will be advertised here soon.

Our Dinner show will be exclusive acts and is gong to be a brilliant night of great food and entertainment, booking essential.

See you soon on the Central Coast

Cheers

Liz

 

CENTRAL COAST UKULELE FOLK FESTIVAL, AUGUST 23rd-25th 2019

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A hint of our amazing line up so far …..

The Little Quirks

Ukulele Death Squad

Johnny Devil Seed and Old Man Rubes

Paul Johnson

Cameron Murray

Connor Wink and Shawn O’Friel

Mirrabooka and so much more….

Featuring amazing ukulele collectives from around Australia, amazing poets and a hint of folk.

Dinner show, Workshops, concerts, open mic, blackboard events, market stalls.

All at the Diggers at The Entrance…

Performance places filling rapidily

contact centralcoastukuleleclub@gmail.com for further information

 

The 8th Central Coast Ukulele and Folk festival 2019 NSW Australia

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The 8th Central Coast Ukulele Festival and Folk Festival 2019

When:              23rd – 25th August 2019
Where:            Diggers At The Entrance
                          Central Coast Hwy, Long Jetty,  New South Wales,   Australia

We are excited to announce that our 8th annual Ukulele Festival (and second folk festival), now known as the Central Coast Ukulele Folk Festival, is on again in 2019.

This year we will another exciting year and we are holding this event all indoors and undercover for your comfort at The wonderful Diggers at The Entrance. International, National and locals acts will play LIVE share their stories and their wonderful music.

Relax and enjoy the atmosphere and live music from Friday night’s dinner show with exciting new acts from 6.30pm, Saturday and Saturday night from 11am-11pm, Sunday from 11am-5pm. There is great food from the three different restaurants, RSL priced drinks, plenty of parking and beautiful views over our beautiful Tuggerah Lakes and friendly staff.

August on the Central Coast is such beautiful perfect spring weather warm days and cools nights. There is an abundance of accommodation around The Entrance from 5-star packages to camping grounds and caravan parks in the area of The Entrance, Toowoon Bay, Blue Bay, Blue Lagoon Resort to name a few.

You can also ‘Stay and Play’ by booking the Ibis connected to the Diggers however get in early. Come and spend some time with us. You can enjoy our festival and enjoy the wonders of The Entrance, the lakes and beaches that the beautiful Central Coast has to offer.
The program is filling an application to perform forms are being sent out today.
This is a free event, only workshops will attract a fee.
The program will be available once all acts are in.

Friday 23rd night – Dinner Show bookings essential through the Diggers phone Tara or Diggers on 4332 3399
Saturday 24th workshops and live performances
Saturday night 24th – Super Jam – it will be the biggest yet followed by concerts and dance
Sunday 26th workshops and live performances

Workshops will include

* Ukulele workshop – beginners and intermediate
* how to change strings and ukulele care
* bass workshop – how to play bass beginners and intermediate
* Songwriting workshop
* a singing workshop
* picking and strumming
* Master class with riffs and lead lines
* Djembe
* Blues workshop

There will be wonderful stalls ukuleles for sale and much more…..
We have available
The Pavilion Room for – workshops
The Liquid Lounge (the main room) – main live performances we will provide first-class sound and leads.
The Barrel Bar – solo and duo and blackboard events, This was so much fun last year.
The Cafe – solo and duo and blackboard events

Anything is possible and we’d love you to be there!

Please tell your friends and thank you for keeping music LIVE

For applications to perform or any enquiries’ please contact
info@centralcoastukuleleclub.com or see below

Cheers Liz
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Happy 2019 to all!

Aloha wonderful ukulele players, long time no hear! We have been here just super busy.

All our classes are just about up and running after our successful trip to New Zealand. Thank you Ngaio and Opotiki for such a great festival.

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Ahh yes, I can hear you calling!

YES, we are having our 8th annual ukulele festival this year

The Central Coast Ukulele Folk Festival 2019 will be held at

Diggers@The Entrance

Central Coast Highway, Long Jetty,  NSW

Dates: 23rd, 24, 25th AUGUST 2019

*Friday 23rd for Dinner show plus workshops and jams

*Saturday 24th from 11am through to midnight

*Sunday 25th recovery day and a day full of acts

There will be workshops, stalls, live music from all genres, wonderful acts, something magic, open mic, blackboard events. Work in progress.

Applications to perform will be available soon

Applications for stalls will also be available soon

So mark the dates and stand by!

For any further information please email me at

info@centralcoastukuleleclub.com

 

Ukulele and Guitar classes for 2019

 

MONDAY LAKE MUNMORAH Colongra Bay Hall
Beginners class 9.30am – 10.30am
All Levels Class 10.40am-12.40am
Guitar for beginners 12.45pm -1.45pm
TUESDAY WOY WOY Sporties Club Main Room
All Levels class 6.30pm – 8.30pm
WEDNESDAY DIGGERS@ The Entrance Pavillion Room
All Levels Class 6.30pm – 8. 30pm
THURSDAY EAST GOSFORD Scout Hall Wattle Street
All Levels Class 10am-12pm
Beginners guitar class 12.15pm -1.15pm
FRIDAY Look for events
SAT/SUN Look for events

cheers

Liz

Just the Best

Our Central Coast Ukulele and Folk Festival was a brilliant success.

A huge thank you to everyone for your amazing support, sharing your music and love.

A huge thank you to The Nukes for the best ever and sadly last concert together. It was superb never the less and we are going to miss you terribly. We loved every minute and thank you so much for sharing so much of your music with us over the weekend.

Here a a few pictures courtesy of myself and Don Dennes. – Thank you Don.

Day/night 1.

Day 2 and 3.

 

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Thank you

 

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