News!

The Calendar is an independantly run page. it is not sponsored or supported by the WA Folk Federation. We will still continue to support all acoustic music in all forms. As such we will continue to provide this service to the Acoustic Music performers and lovers of acoustic music in WA and beyond.

So if you want to have your event included or if you run an open mic night or a club just send the info to the email link below in text format, it makes it a lot easier to cut and paste the info into the calendar (image and pdf files do not always allow this), if you are sending it to the WAAN weekly email drop then Cc this calender with your info as well and increase your exposure.
If you use this calendar I suggest you bookmark it in your browser for quick access. If you have a web page then please add a link to this site and I will return the favour on the cave of links.

Nannup Music Festival 2014 Applications for performers is now online at the festival website. Go to www.nannupmusicfestival.org and follow the links to the performers page.

FolkWorld Fairbridge Festival Expression of Interest FolkWorld Inc. is seeking expressions of interest for the position of Artistic Director (AD) of the FolkWorld Fairbridge Festival. The incoming AD will ideally join the FolkWorld team in the role of Assistant AD in September 2013, and will take over the full AD role following the 2014 festival in April. The successful applicant will combine a strong artistic vision with a passionate interest in folk, world, traditional and roots music and related art forms. The position requires highly developed skills in written and verbal communication, strong administrative skills and a commitment to delivering results to strict timelines. Familiarity with the major Australian folk festivals (Woodford, the National Folk Festival, Port Fairy etc.) will be a distinct advantage. Responsibilities include overall artistic vision for the festival, act selection and program scheduling, funding applications to state and federal arts funding bodies, and liaison with the rest of the festival organising team. A more detailed description of roles and responsibilities is available from the FolkWorld Inc. office on request.
Interested parties should contact program@folkworld.com.au with a brief statement of reasons for interest in the position and a current CV.

Juice Singer-Songwriter Bali Retreat Looking for new inspiration and ideas for your songwriting? Want to add authenticity to your performance? Join award-winning wordsmith and half of Doris from 3-9 Nov for a week of creativing, writing, performance skills and voicework. Special tutor performance coach Richard Lawton. Request a brochure by emailing jcornes@iinet.net.au

The Quest Folk and World Music Songwriting Competition FolkWorld Inc. takes its role in nurturing young talent seriously. The Quest Folk and World Music Songwriting Competition for young people is now in its second year and is open to all high school-aged Western Australians in two age group categories: 12 – 15 and 16 – 18. The winners of each category will receive the opportunity to perform at the 2013 FolkWorld Fairbridge Festival. Last year’s winners Jennifer Renee and Seeds of the Sea appeared at the 2012 Fairbridge Festival, and we are happy to announce that both acts will be returning for the 2013 festival.
This year’s Quest will be even bigger and better thanks to sponsorship from FolkWorld Inc. and Zenith Music who are hosting this year’s workshops, heats and finals. They have also kindly donated first and third raffle prizes: ¦First prize is $1000 worth of goods from Zenith Music ¦Second prize is two weekend tickets with camping to the 2014 FolkWorld Fairbridge Festival courtesy of FolkWorld Inc. ¦Third prize is a beautiful ukulele. Tickets are on sale at The Quest workshops, heats and finals, in-store at Zenith Music, and at the 2013 FolkWorld Fairbridge Festival. The raffle winner will be drawn at the 2013 festival.
Entry to the competition is free and entries close Friday 22 March 2013. If you have any queries or you would like to receive posters and flyers to place in your local school, cafe or youth venue, please contact the festival office: event@folkworld.com.au or phone 08 9246 3311. To enter The Quest’s 2013 competition, please click on the link to the PDF form below. Save this form to your computer and complete the fillable form you have saved. Print the form, make sure you sign and date and tick that you agree to all the terms and conditions before sending to:
FolkWorld Inc. PO Box 2023 Marmion WA 6020

Musician's baggage on Qantas, Virgin etc... There has been a flurry of comments on the Ausfolk list of late which is of interest to all Musicians who need to fly around the counrty or further. Thanks to all who have contributed to this compilation, I have taken the notes and posted the relevant bits, If I have missed anything relevant please email me via the links from this page. One point to note is that you need to be a member of a nationally recognised group to recieve the benefits, Examples are APRA, Folk Alliance (FAA), WAM, MEAA/Musicians Union and probably a few others who may be affiliated.

(From Dave Hyams) For those interested in the musician's luggage issue, as discussed a few weeks back, here's the official media release from Qantas - it's not on the Qantas website, but posted online on the WA Music Industry Association (WAM) website at: http://www.wam.asn.au/Portals/0/docs/AMIN/QANTAS-MusicianAdditionalBaggageAllowance.pdf There's a phone number and two email addresses on it - and it is recommended bthat you take the letter with you for check-in.
Qantas has its carry on policy for musical instruments on its website: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/carry-on-baggage/global/en#jump1 if your instrument is within size limits, you should be allowed to take something else on. I've not had a problem with this for a while, but then, consistency has never been Qantas' strong point! I dont believe they have ever put the extra musician's allowance for checked baggage up on their site.
(from Marina Hurly) As far as I am aware the one bag with Virgin policy has been going since May. With virgin musician baggage policy you get 3 bags with a maximum of 32 kg. Here is the procedure: 1. Join a musicians union or similar - folk alliance etc. 2. Book your flight 3. About 1 week before your flight send an email to Music@virginaustralia.com and tell them your reservation number, musician union membership no and ask for the increased allowance. They will make the changes on your booking and confirm by email. Last time I did this they even gave my bags priority and they came out first.
(from John McAuslan) In answer to all the traffic this morning on extra baggage deals for musicians, these allowances do exist but only for members of Folk Alliance (or another nationally recognised music body). This policy has been in place for over a year, our web site clearly states the procedures that should be taken if you wish to receive this allowance. Its not complicated and it does work. Marina and Chanel have it mostly correct but the policy is on the FAA web site is for Virgin. If you follow the procedure and there’s a problem, then you should let us know and I will contact the Virgin officer who looks after this stuff.


ASA at Tunesmith's Cafe Mike Cardy has announced that ASA has re-established a presence in Western Australia with Tunesmith's Cafe aligning with the ASA's Wax Lyrical. I have been appointed as the Regional Coordinator for Western Australia. The Australian Songwriters Association is Australia's pre-eminent song writing association and proudly presents the annual Australian Songwriting Contest, which this year has more than $30,000 of prizes. This song writing contest is the largest competition in the country and provides industry exposure for all finalists along with the great prizes.
The Australian Songwriters Association has a lot to offer people who create original music in Australia, from the grass roots amateur to experienced and published songwriters. Along with a whole range of services the association offers:
• A regular magazine that makes an enjoyable, informative read, and keeps members updated on various ASA Performance Opportunities, CD Reviews, Australian and International Song Contests, Industry Seminars/Forum Reviews etc. The publication also contains general information relating to Songwriting and Songwriters, and ASA members are often profiled or reviewed.
• Representation at music industry forums and seminars, to represent members. The association obtains important and relevant information to relay to ASA Songwriters, and are always seeking funding and appropriate networks to assist and unite our members with the community and the music industry in general.
• Communication with other songwriters, either on the internet or at live events in a supportive atmosphere. It creates opportunities for collaboration and networking. It also provides members with an avenue to come into contact with top songwriters and industry professionals, to assist their own growth and inspiration.
• Performance Opportunities - a nationwide network of Wax Lyrical, GAS gigs (Gigs Across Societies) where we work in with other songwriting bodies, special industry Showcases and well deserved Gala performances at our prestigious National Songwriting Contest Awards, offer many levels for our members to hone and present their work in the live environment.
• Song Feedback Service: Songwriters and Lyricists can now send in recordings of their work to the National Office of the ASA, and receive feedback from respected Music Industry professionals. This service is available all-year-round, though it can be done at the same time as entering the Australian Songwriting Contest. The price is $33 per song for members or $44 for non-members (or a single fee of $22 for Lyrics only).
ASA Membership applications are available on line through the website at - Click here to be taken to the registration form. The association is also on Facebook - go to ASA Facebook. In due course you will see the familiar ASA logo displayed at our Tunesmith's Cafe nights at Legends Bar in Attadale. I am keen to build the network of songwriters across Western Australia and across Australia. Please feel free to contact me if you know of songwriters coming to Western Australia who are looking to participate in an open mic night, or who might be travelling east and who we can refer to our colleagues in the east. I also encourage song writers to explore the Australian Song Writers Association website and consider the benefits of becoming a member. For example, getting profiled in the magazine can be a great way to get exposure across Australia to coincide with the release of a CD.
Tunesmiths Cafe (Incorporating Wax Lyrical - Australian Songwriters Association), Legends Bar, Hislop Road Attadale 7.30pm Wednesdays To book a spot - Mike Cardy - 0413 677 084 or mikecardymusic@iprimus.com.au.• Makk Eenhoorn - 0412 096 435 or tunesmithscafe@iinet.net.au

The National Country Songwriting Competition The National Country Songwriting Competition for unreleased material is now open and entries may be made online via the TSA Website via CONTESTS Section of the TSA website or go to www.songcentral.biz/tsa where at the one site you can join the TSA pay your membership via paypal, load your songs and lyrics and receive the TSA members discount on entry fees for the Song Competition. Conditions of entry are in the CONTESTS section of the TSA website tsaonline.com.au, Entries Close 30th September 2012. The Competitions for released material, the Song Salute and New Songwriter Awards are also open. Entries for these are via Post and these Competitions Close 16th October 2012 the entry forms are in the CONTESTS section of the TSA website, PDF download. The TSA has two workshops planned for Tamworth festival 2012 Tutors are Doug Bruce for the Tuesday 9-3 workshop Jan 22nd and Paul Bonner Jones for the Thursday workshop 24th Jan (time to be announced for Thursday). These workshops are extremely helpful for not only the art of songwriting but also the all important "contacts & marketing" as both Tutors have international contacts and experience. So get writing!!! Your TSA Team.

We are now hiring – Promotions Coordinator FolkWorld Inc (formerly Fairbridge Festival Inc) is seeking a Promotions Coordinator to join a dedicated team of employees and volunteers to raise the profile of this well-established, family-friendly organisation dedicated to folk and world music. The position requires someone with an innovative approach to marketing who writes attention-getting media releases, including the sourcing of excellent photos, and is able to build on existing media relationships to develop strong partnerships with appropriate media channels.
The role includes: ? promotion of Fairbridge Festival ? already established smaller events and ? developing events, on an annual basis. Responsibilities ? design and placement of display advertising, social media, mail-outs, e-mail bulletins and web-based marketing, and ? liaise with the publications coordinator on all aspects of posters and associated flyers.
Candidates who have been to the Fairbridge Festival and evidence a passion for traditionally based music and community arts will be preferred. This part-time contracted position will suit someone who prefers to work from home. FolkWorld Inc is a not-for-profit organisation and some volunteer hours are included as part of the role. Further information Contact Woody Shurman on 9246 3311 for any queries regarding this position.
Job application Please submit your resume and a cover letter telling us why you are perfect for the job to: Email: event@fairbridgefestival.com.au or Post: FolkWorld Inc, P.O. Box 2023, Marmion WA 6020. Applications close 5 pm Friday 3 August 2012.

Musical instruments Needed "Melville Friends of Hatolia (Timor Leste) Inc is seeking pre-loved but no longer needed musical instruments for children in Hatolia. Our Friends group is working closely with a school and the teachers have asked for musical instruments so that they can include music into the children's school day. The instrument must be in working order so please no broken instruments. If you can include an instruction manual or the first book for your instrument that would be wonderful. Unfortunately any instrument that requires power is no good as electricity is unreliable in Hatolia. If you can help please email wendy.corrick@iinet.net.au. I will be able to collect if necessary."

Kulcha | Artist Callout AUGUST/SEPTEMBER SEASON 3 AUGUST – 30 SEPTEMBER 2012 Kulcha is seeking expressions of interest from culturally diverse musicians and performing artists to appear at our club in Fremantle. We can offer competitive performance guarantee rates, profit-share incentives and special venue hire deals. Email your expression of interest by FRIDAY 11 MAY to programming@kulcha.com.au
Be sure to provide the following information:
• Name of act
• Contact name
• Contact number
• Number of performers
• Short description of performance
• Genre
• Any links to online recorded/audio-visual material
• Attach any mp3 files to your application
• Attach a recent relevant biography
If you’re unable to email the information, you may post your material to: Programming Kulcha PO Box 1555 Fremantle WA 6959.
All acts for the August/September Season 2012 will be assessed and confirmed by the Kulcha programming team in June. Previous applicants are welcome to reapply

Virgin Australia gives travelling musicians a break! APRA members are now able to start taking advantage of a more musician-friendly baggage allowance thanks to a special industry deal developed between Virgin Australia and the Australian Music Industry Network (AMIN). The new initiative addresses the ongoing problems musicians face when travelling with musical equipment - being baggage restrictions and high excess baggage charges. We hope the new Virgin Australia baggage allowances will have a positive impact on the ability of Australian artists to tour more often and more cost effectively.
What's On Offer
Virgin Australia is now offering the music industry a baggage allowance of 32kg (across three pieces of checked baggage) for individual artists - with an additional 32kg able to be purchased in advance for just $15. This baggage allowance is available on Virgin Australia-owned and operated domestic services only and must be booked or pre-purchased at least 48 hours prior to departure. This offer applies to all new bookings and cannot be provided in retrospect, and Virgin Australia will not refund normal baggage charges already paid.
This offer is available to APRA & AMCOS members, as well as musicians who are members of other Australian music bodies. For more information on the offer and the booking process - head to the Member Benefits Section on the APRA website. (Let's hope that Qantas also come to the party)

WAM OPEN MIC GUIDE What's the best way get back on track or start your musical career? Practice your performance, then get out there and show your stuff. Let's face it, there's no experience like real experience!
Open Mic, Jam & Improvised Music Sessions are not just a fun night out - they're an important way to get involved in the music scene. Whatever your style of music, you can trial ideas and craft important performance skills. Gain experience, confidence, inspiration, feedback, advice, or find other players/writers to work with, by getting involved with your local music scene. Head to wam.asn.au/openmic for the full listing of what's happening throughout WA... you may also want to sign up to our Open Mic Mailing List too!

WELCOME WEST TV - CHANNEL 44 In our last publication, WAM reported that Perth is to be the first community station in Australia to commence digital broadcasts, with new community licensee West TV. We are now pleased to confirm that new Perth Community Digital TV Station, West TV, will commence 'test transmission' on channel 44 from Monday 15 March. Local, free to air content is anticipated to hit our screens from Saturday 10 April. Visit the West TV website at www.wtvperth.com.au - call the station on (08) 9221 5355, or email info@wtvperth.com.au

Seeking WA Music Recordings. We have started a collection of Western Australian music with the aim to collect a copy of every music recording, DVD, CD, cassette or vinyl produced in Western Australia, or recorded by Western Australian artists. The task is way beyond our budget and staffing resources, but nevertheless, has produced a collection of more than 4000 items to date. I am interested in acquiring copies of your recordings to add to the collection. We naturally would be pleased to receive a donation of your recordings, however we are also happy to purchase them if you get in touch with me for details. Antoinette Carrier, Librarian, Collection Development, State Library of Western Australia, Ph: (08) 9427 3286

NEW PERFORMER'S GUARANTEE at KULCHA in 2010 Hi everyone - we're pleased to announce that from January 2010, KULCHA will be introducing a guaranteed performance fee for gigs at the venue combined with a profit share incentive. The option to hire the venue for your own shows and take all door sales is also available. To inquire about performing at KULCHA and discuss the two options, contact our Program Manager, Alexis Courtin, on (08) 9336 4544 or email programming@kulcha.com.au

Acoustic Gig possibilities - "Hello people, I have spots available at The Swan Lounge, North Fremantle for acoustic performers on Sundays. This is for solo performers or people from bands that want to play an acoustic show. Please get in contact with me if you are interested and I can arrange a date for you. Email mmmperth@gmail.com for more info. I also book bands on Wednesdays and Saturdays at The Swan Lounge if that is more your type of thing, feel free to email me about those bookings also. Thanks, Steve" Let me know if there is any other info you need to know. Thanks, Steve

DIGITAL RADIO Are you an artist or in a band and want exposure on digital radio? Radar Radio is passionate about undiscovered music, so get on it! Digital radio is a new and exciting way for listeners to tune in to current, and new, radio stations. Digital radio launched during May 2009 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth! This new technology offers digital sound quality and a stack of other enhanced features. To pick it up you'll need a digital radio receiver, or you can stream stations like Radar Radio online 24/7. Visit www.radarradio.com.au - call (02) 9375 1544 or email info@radarradio.com.au

ROYALTY LOST & FOUND Composers and songwriters, do yourself a favour and check out the list of outstanding royalty payments awaiting collection at Australia's two major licence/royalty collection agencies (there are a few well known Folk people on these lists) . If you are not registered with at least one of these organisations, and publicly perform &/or sell your own recordings of original works, you are potentially missing out on live performance &/or mechanical recording royalties! The Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) current list is available here. For more about the APRA & AMCOS, visit www.apra-amcos.com.au call (08) 9382 8299 or contact wa@apra.com.au The Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) current list is available here. For more about the PPCA, visit www.ppca.com.au call (02) 8569 1100 or contact ppca.mail@ppca.com.au