Festival Program

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR FESTIVAL

One of the key elements in making Palm Creek Folk Festival successful is participation by the people who attend the festival. We love it if you join in either as a volunteer, a participant in the programmed workshops, as an entrant

PERFORMERS

An Clan
Born from the North Queensland Irish Associations “sessions”, An Clan (meaning ‘the family’ in Gaelic) features Irish and Scottish singers and musicians. The family are songsters and diddley-dee tune players who perform complete with Irish dancers.Back to top

Ange Takats
A gifted singer – songwriter heralding from the Sunshine Coast, her songs and gorgeous voice captivate an audience, weaving fascinating lyrics with raw emotion, and taking them on a journey, as she herself has experienced as a foreign correspondent and worldly traveler. Winner of the Lis Johnston Award for Vocal Excellence at the 2008 National Folk Festival, her performance is sure to reach directly into your soul.Back to top

Aul’ Grey Whistle
Celtic inspired music with driving rhythms, virtuosity & style. Michael Heytman, Andy Vann, Johnston Davidson and Megan Franklin are very talented local musicians who are sure to get your toes tapping to those jigs and reels.Back to top

Aquapella
Acappella world music which enthralls with its visual energy and sumptuous variety of harmonies, stories, rhythms and moods. This multi-award winning group is the current ABC FM Queensland Choir of the Year and we are proud to call them locals.Back to top

Bob Eden
With around 30 years of experience playing music both as a solo artist and as a member of a variety of bands , this “journeyman” has an extensive repertoire, expressive vocals and a driving rhythmic guitar style. He is particularly renowned for singing moving ballads and powerful songs of social conscience. Back to top

Cal Luder
A joyful singer – songwriter who always puts a unique flare into her solo performances of acoustic-folk and pop songs. Back to top

Dave Saxby
Focusing on a strong message of trying to change the world for the better, Dave is joined by Jenny Miller on guitar, producing a mix of soft, folky tunes with quick, funky riffs to get your foot tapping.Back to top

Dogz in Doorways
With Robin Towns on vocals and guitar and Glenda Jumelet on vocals and percussion, this Townsville duo love their music, their lives and each other! Performing covers and Robins original material, they will put you in the mood to cruise through the dayBack to top

The Edward Bassingthwaighte Trio
As a regular at the Townsville Folk & Acoustic Music Club, Ed performs soul stirring originals and passionate vocals. Joined by two more fine, local musicians, Davy Pincott on drums and Simon Lamb on double-bass, Ed is sure to show “verve” in this new trio line-up. Back to top

The Flumes
With lush, sometimes ethereal tones of electric harp, infused with breezy vocals, stylin’ bass & guitar and tasty rhythms, the Flumes smooth performance is sure to have their audience spell-bound. They have also been cookin’ up the soundtrack for the Woodenbong Fire Spectacular at this year’s Palm Creek Folk festival.Back to top

Flute Magic
Townsville’s community flute ensemble featuring the region’s finest flautists, performing famous music from the classics to lively Celtic tunes.Back to top

Frencham Smith
This unique collaboration blends Liz Frencham’s charisma and warm voice with the internationally acclaimed , thought – provoking songwriting of Fred Smith. With Frencham’s earthy charm and Smith’s sharp wit, these two consummate performers take their audience on a trip full of humour and heart through life’s little ironies. They are a major force on the Australian festival circuit.Back to top

Goodo & the Sexclastics
These guys are the epitome of the “good time band”. Led by John Goodson and featuring Leesa Barker, Stephan Beattie, Kayt Wallace, Doug Goudie, Dave Pincott and whoever else turns up on the night, the Sexies entertain with an energetic and comical set of original rocking songs that will get you dancing, if you stop laughing long enough.Back to top

Hannah Hartman
This young, up-and-coming, local singer – songwriter has been influenced by mellow folk/rock and acoustic styles and her performance is sure to be inspirational.Back to top

Hootenanny
What’s a festival without a bagpiper?! This duo of Scott Simpson and Michael Heytman will be sure to put enough energy into their performance of rowsing Scottish Jigs & Reels, to move even the most laid-back folks. Back to top

Humble Pine
Performing a mixture of his own original songs and contemporary covers, this solo project by local artist Samuel Tate Goudie is simple, lyrical and low key – offering a unique break from the hustle and bustle.Back to top

Jigger
When traditional folk collides with acoustic pop/rock, that’s where you will find Jigger. Featuring ex- Townsvillians and much loved artists Don Jarmey and Jamie Corfield, together with the brilliant singer-songwriter, Matt Kealley, this band from Brisbane shows off traditional and acoustic music at it’s best.Back to top

JigZag
One of Australia's most popular acoustic Festival bands, Jigzag are a gifted trio that's a must see on the festival circuit. They're wonderfully eclectic, energetic and thought provoking all at the same time. With warm 3 part harmony, fiddle, guitar and double-bass they were honoured with the 2006 National Folk Awards 'Best Live Act' and also 2006 most popular CD by Trad and Now magazine for 'Jigzag Live'. We are honoured to have them back at Palm Creek Folk Festival 2008 – so feel free to kick up your heels at their performances - we are sure you will want to!!Back to top

Jodi Pattinson
A regular at the Townsville Folk & Acoustic Music club open mic nights, Jodi showcases her wonderful talents as a singer-songwriter of original folky ballads, with her sweet and crisp voice and melodic guitar style.Back to top

Leni
“Leni” (Elena Peirano) is a very talented young lady who we think will go far in her artistic endeavours. Leni tells short comedic stories to introduce her original songs, showing exuberance, showmanship and musical talents beyond her years. A fresh and inspirational outlook for the future of folk & acoustic music.Back to top

Littmus
An up-and-coming local band featuring Richard Ryall, Bronwyn Todd and Jemma Green – their “acid test” performance showcases folk/pop originals with sweet refrains and harmonies that are sure to linger in your minds.Back to top

The Longshots
An energetic blues / roots band, for the last 2 years the Longshots have gathered in Byron Bay to record their double album debut. They are now ready to take it to the world. Catch their awesome live performance which is sure to be filled with raw energy!!Back to top

Lonnie Martin & Helen Rowe
With powerful vocals and evocative instrumentals, this duo from Brisbane, with over 20 years experience on the Australian folk scene, show-cases traditional and contemporary folk with an alt – country edge. You are sure to be blown away by their tight, strong and classy vocal harmonies – find your own voice and harmony at their singing workshop.Back to top

Lonesome Trio
Lonesome Trio is actually a two piece outfit boasting raspy vocals, harmonica and driving acoustic guitar from Ben Matthews, accompanied by attacking percussion by Joel Wilson, creating original, diveres blends of country, blues, roots and more. Recently making a big impact on the Townsville live music scene – this duos growing popularity can be attributed to their abilities to produce a rich band-like sound.Back to top

Meadowlark
Born in three different continents, the individual members of Meadowlark weave together a musical tapestry vibrant with the textures of their diverse backgrounds. You will hear everything from toe-tapping old time string band music, to lilting Irish fiddle tunes; from Celtic ballads to cowboy songs – all performed with shimmering harmonies and a dazzling array of acoustic instruments.Back to top

Melanie Hall Once more hosts our famous Poets Breakfast. With a string of awards to her name and her easy-going manner, audiences will roar with laughter and sometimes get misty-eyed as Melanie delivers her wonderful poetry. Feel free to participate! Don’t be shy, bring along any poem whether you have written it or not. This is a definite favourite at Palm Creek and guaranteed to make you feel fantastic ( even after the Guinness hangover!!)Back to top

Nick Charles
Nick’s performance has a strong emphasis on guitar-playing. He is renowned for his finger-picking instrumentals, country, folk and blues originals from his extensive recording and touring history. He is a regular feature columnist in the Trad & Now magazine and has been described by the Melbourne Age as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots & blues. Nick demonstrates a dynamic range within his performances, from powerful swing to delicate melody and everything in between. Also sharing his brilliant musical talents – his guitar style & technique workshop is a must for all levels of guitar players.Back to top

Patrick Kehoe
Patrick is a young blues musician strongly influenced by contemporary Australian Blues & Roots performers. He has created riff-driven blues of his own and accompanies himself on slide guitar, cojun box drum, harmonica and didjeridoo. He is a favourite of the Palm Creek Folk Festival and is steadily building an impressive reputation for his strong performances at other Queensland festivals. We look forward to seeing where his talents take him. Do not miss him!Back to top

Paul & Rose Longley
Paul and Rose produce a unique fusion in their performances between the traditional folk / celtic style and the incorporation of a variety of non-western elements and instruments (such as the Thai / Laotion Khaen, didgeridoo and hand percussion). An interesting and fresh take on the encompassing nature of folk music.Back to top

Perilous Pauline
Pauline Sherlock is a young singer – songwriter from Cairns who has been honing her skills studying at TAFE for the last few years, playing with other artists, concentrating on songwriting and developing as a solo performer. “More guts than glamour” says it all about Pauline, with a strong on-stage presence and a healthy dose of humour, she brings a passionate performance. Her songwriting style reflects the wisdom of experience, covering subjects both personal and political – be sure to catch her songwriting workshop for more inspiration.Back to top

Peter Dymond-Ramplin Peter is the eclectic performer in the style of ancient traditional musicians, poets and jesters. This year Peter hosts the Settlers Venue where he will delight old and young with his songs while playing a swag of instruments – lagerphone, spoons, banjo, guitar, bush bass, and button accordion. Together with guest performances from other festival artists (eg; The Pluckers, Melanie Hall, Mark Both, Syrup of Figs, Jigger, et al) Peter will impart his pride in the traditional Australian folk-lore and folk music.Back to top

The Pluckers
All the way from Mt Isa, the Pluckers bring to the festival a lively mix of Australian Bush, Bluegrass, Old-time Blues and Folk music, with some originals thrown in their for good measure.Back to top

Poms from Oz
The Pomeroy family trio of singers, Judy, Alan and Kathleen will delight with their delicious harmonies and wonderfully unusual songs. The Poms have travelled extensively through England, New Zealand and Australia, performing at a myriad of different venues and festivals. They will again be running the Festival Choir workshops and performance, so if you have ever had the desire to get up on the stage and be part of this spectacular choir, now is your chance! Back to top

The Pot Heads You’ll find this comical 'flower-pot' street theatre duo roving around the festival site. A colourful, light-hearted performance that will appeal to both young and old.Back to top

Rosie Burgess Melbourne singer-songwriter Rosie is quickly making a name for herself with her quirky folk tunes and intricate performance style. Stomp-driven folk and urban roots, her style is original and engaging. She has recently been awarded the Arts Victoria Touring Grant by the Victorian Government, we are happy to have her at this year’s Palm Creek Folk Festival.Back to top

The Shaun Dempsey Quartet
A high energy rhythmic folk band guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your butts on the dance floor! Also look out for the solo performance of Shaun with everything from funky originals to languid love-songs, and his unique lyrical style at his Songwriting workshop.Back to top

Songbird
“Songbird” Bonny Michelle Voss is a young lady with a lot of musical talent. Having sung since she was 4 years old and recorded her first album at age 14, Bonny has made an early, and promising start to her singing career and is steadily building up her repertoire of originals. A regular at the Townsville Folk & Acoustic Music Club’s open mic night, as well as other live music venues around Townsville, she is gaining a popular following at her performances.Back to top

Syrup of Figs
This effusive band of local performers aims to delight it’s audiences with their versions of contemporary acoustic / pop songs. Their fun outlook transcends to their performance style and is sure to get audiences singing along to popular refrains. Back to top

Tess Latu
A conglomerate of some great local musicians ( Tess Latu, Simon Lamb, Pete Clay, Ross Jorgensen, Joel Wilson and Judy Higgins) this talented band line-up is sure to get you on your feet with their original acoustic soul/reggae style material. So get your dancing shoes on – or take them off to kick up some dust!!! Back to top

Them three mates A band underpinned by the connection and raw energy that comes from good artists jamming together, them three mates (Bec, Ryan & Wade) will deliver simple acoustic / folk songs to their audience in an earthy and honest style.Back to top

Uncle Cuthbert’s Cantankerous Old Goat’s Puppet Theatre
John Goodson (“Goodo”) presents his “old-skool” puppet mayhem and madness in the popular “Punch & Judy Show”. The kids (of all ages) love it!! Get involved with his Puppet Making / Puppet show workshop, and become your own puppeteer!Back to top

Wattle ‘n’ Gum Wattle’n’Gum are the biggest bush band in the world! And that’s what we have them for – to host the Bushdance. A great bunch of musicians that will have you up dancing, toe-tapping and having a great time. They make it easy by calling the dance, so it doesn’t matter if you know what to do, you will be guided every step of the way. Lots of fun, gum, gum!Back to top

Whiskey Porridge Five musical friends who still get a kick out of band practice every weekend! The Porridge should be brilliant and sometimes they are! Wonderful vocal harmonies- covering many genres of music and playing the odd original, Whiskey Porridge are Glenda, Sophie, Robin, Laurie and John. With key-boards, rhythm guitar, lead and bass , flute, harmonica and percussion, this band will soothe your soul. Be sure to catch them as they kick off and host the Blues & Roots concert at the Jam Tin on Sunday night.Back to top

Woodenbong The Woodenbong fire tribe are set to produce one of the best fire shows that you have ever seen: a scintillating spectacular of sight and sound; educational, illuminating and entertaining. Stimulating for young and old alike, this performance is encouraging of emulation – and props and choreography are well within reach of any who wish to perform for their family & friends in the future. Be sure to get down to the performance site at dusk on Saturday evening to catch this breath-taking and popular event.Back to top

YOUTH FESTIVAL EVENTS

Free Creations
Free Creations invites you and your child(ren) to unleash your imaginations and create !! This year’s theme is Space is the Place. There will be many space oriented craft activities to try your hand at, from finger kite rockets to zany aliens, with your imagination in tow, the sky’s the limit!
Free Creations opens Sat and Sun at 9.30am, closes for lunch at 12pm, re-opening at 1pm for the afternoon session, which runs until 3pm. Back to top

Kids Yoga with Lisa Horten
(Sat & Sun)
Start your day with an amazing feel good, animal inspired yoga session with local yoga instructor Lisa Horten. Let Lisa show you how to limber up, relax and meditate as you contemplate the fun-filled day that awaits you and your child(ren) at the Kids Fest! Back to top

Space Craft with Leesa Baker
(Sat 10am)
Space Command calling all astronauts, aliens, space princes, princesses and super heroes- Come and join the creative madness as children design and make their own space outfits, including jetpacks, helmets and masks!! Or perhaps an alien makeover is more your style? Whatever your inspiration or aspiration we’ll help you unleash it on the world!! (insert evil laugh here) Back to top

Clowning and Acrobatics with James Loveday
for 8yrs +(Sat 11am, Sun 10am) Back to top

The Junkyard Orchestra with Goodo
(Sun from 9.30am)
Sunday sees the opening of the Junkyard, an awe-inspiring pile of rubbish that with a little ingenuity and a whole heap of noise will become musical instuments for you to play - thong-a-phones, squank-a-phones, thinga-ma-bobs, whatsy-whosits and more await you at the Junkyard!

(Sun from 1pm)
Now that you’ve created your musical masterpiece, let the creative craziness continue as Goodo and other guest artists teach you how to play your instruments……TOGETHER! There is much fun to be had and much noise to be made as the junkyard is orchestrated into a performance piece that will be played for your viewing and aural pleasure at the grand finale of the kid’s parade! Back to top

Lantern Making with Deb Hicks
Come along and create a space- inspired lantern with local artist Deb Hicks. Let Deb guide you through the ancient art of lantern making to our take on it! Recyclo- sci –fi-glow (of course that’s a real word!) lanterns.U.F.O or space oddity let your creation light the way for the space odyssy – The Kid’s Parade! Back to top

Build a Rocketship with Leesa
To infinity and beyond! Aimed at the younger space traveller this activity will have your child zooming across Palm Ck Fest in their very own cardboard Rocket ship. Then Leesa and her amazing team of astronauts (your children) will endeavour to build the Mother Ship, a glorious monstrosity of cardboard boxes to be used as a prop in the grand finale performance for the Kids Fest. Back to top

Picnic on the Moon
Bring yourself a picnic lunch and come down to the moon for some children’s entertainment, including music, storytellers, and the very naughty antics of Uncle Cuthbert’s most badly behaved puppets in the Punch and Judy Show!
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The Story Tree
The story tree is a place where children and their parents can relax, read a book together, participate in singing songs or listen to a story. While there will be scheduled events, The Story Tree will be open all hours of the day and the magic bookshelf will always be full. Feel free to read a story to yourself or to anyone else enjoying the magic of the Story Tree. Back to top

Twirling Sticks
Twirl with the masters! After creating your own magical interstellar twirling stick with space superhero Ruth Martian, learn how to twirl them like intergalitac champions with members of the Woodenbong Fire Tribe! Your newfound twirling expertise can be shown off in the Great Space Performance! Back to top

The Great Space Race
This is Space Command, calling all young space pilots! The Great Space Race will pit you against all the obstacles that the Solar System has to throw at you! Be the first to assemble and launch your rocket ship to save humanity from destruction and possibly win a prize or something too! Back to top

The Great Space Parade
After all the rockets have been flown, and aliens and spaceboys and spacegirls are roaming the festival… and after all the junk yard instruments have been built and the junk yard orchestra has become the greatest band in the universe – it’s time for the GREAT SPACE PARADE to show off your stuff! This year, the Great Space Parade will conclude with The GREAT SPACE PERFORMANCE – the greatest Space performance featuring Palm Creek kids ever!!! Back to top

WORKSHOPS

Laughing Yoga with Dave Bowtell (Saturday 9 – 10 am):
Start the day Saturday with a hearty laugh with Dave and others. You’ll be amazed at how good it will make you feel, and how infectious the giggles can be. Remember – “always look on the bright side of life!” Back to top

Songwriting with Perilous Pauline (Pauline Sherlock) (Saturday 9:45 – 11:00 am):
Pauline has studied music at Cairns TAFE and is a talented singer / songwriter whose original songs cover topics both personal and political. In this workshop she will give her insight into song composition and help you put a tune to your words and ideas. Perhaps you could even enter your new song in the Songwriting Competition. Back to top

Bodhran with Johnston (Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ):
The Bodhran is the driving drum beat for most Celtic tunes. Learn the skills to play this drum in reels, jigs, hornpipes, etc and participate in the jam sessions. If you already have a bodhran, please bring it along to the workshop. If not, you can still benefit from this workshop in finding out more about this drum and the beats and techniques used to play it. Back to top

Scottish Country Dance (Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00pm):
The Scottish Country Dance Association (SCDA) of Townsville meets regularly to teach and showcase their style of Scottish dance. Scottish Country Dancing is a group – based dance style and can be done by anyone (you don’t have to be a Highland dancer to join in with these dances!!!). Steps for each of the dances will be taught by members of the SCDA. So kick your heels up!Back to top

Find your voice with Lonnie Martin & Helen Rowe (Saturday 12:00pm to 1:00pm)
Lonnie and Helen are very talented in drawing out even the smallest voice from a shy singer. They will teach you techniques for breath control, voice production, tone and harmony and will have you singing your heart out in next to no time (your voice will never again to be confined to the shower!!!) Back to top

Bass with Taste with Frencham Smith (Saturday 1:00pm to 2:00pm) :
Liz Frencham and Fred Smith will demonstrate the art of tasteful musical accompaniment within duo and group performances. Exploring rhythm, timing, harmony, and much more, they will help musicians get the most out of their songs and tunes as performed on stage.Back to top

Festival Choir(Workshop Saturday & Sunday 2:00pm – 3:00pm; Performance Sunday 6:45pm – 7:15pm)
Coordinated by the Poms from Oz, Alan, Judy & Kathleen will teach you songs and harmonies for the Festival Choir performance on Sunday night. This choir welcomes all who love to sing and each year the Palm Creek Festival is always so very proud of it’s amazing sound. So lift up your voices and sing! Back to top

Guitar Styles with Nick Charles (Saturday 3:00 – 4:00 pm) :
This virtuoso of the guitar has a great deal of experience in teaching a myriad of playing techniques, including flat-picking, fingerstyles, slide guitar and general instrumental and song composition. A regular contributor to the Trad & Now Magazine with tips for playing guitar, all guitarists, regardless of playing level could learn a lot from this workshop. So, bring your guitars along – this is not to be missed!!! Back to top

Poetry with Melanie Hall (Saturday – 4:00pm – 5:00pm) :
This legendary bush poet can help you compose a poem, and show you tips for adding flare to poetry performance. Come a long with your pen and paper and any ideas you have for a good yarn. Then, perform your poem at the Poet’s Breakfast on Sunday morning – any age welcome. Back to top

Songwriting with Shaun Dempsey (Saturday – 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm) :
Shaun has an easy listening, contemporary style to his original songs. His charisma is reflected in simple yet meaningful lyrics. In this workshop, Shaun will impart some of his unique style into helping you with your song composition and performance. Feel free to take your songs to the stage in the Songwriting Competition. Back to top

Meditation with Edward Bassingthwaighte (Sunday 9:30 am to 10:30 am):
Rejuvinate your soul and contemplate the day with meditation on Sunday morning. Learn techniques for calming your mind and body and focusing your thoughts. You’ll feel relaxed and refreshed after this workshop. Back to top

Trouble in the Pacific with Fred Smith (Sunday 10:30 am to 11:15 am):
Fred has had a great deal of experience with the various community and current issues being faced by our Pacific neighbours. In this workshop he will relay his experiences in word and song, introduce you to the cultures of these communities and talk about the role Australia has played in the troubled times of these nations. Back to top

Worts and All Home Brew Workshop and Tasting hosted by Mark Both (Sunday 11:00 am to 12:00pm)
This workshop is always a favourite for those who like to brew their own beverages, and for those who like to taste them. This workshop looks at the philosophies, techniques, and influences of home-brewing on music and verse. This year we will be without the Village Brewery crew, so we are looking for entries of home brews (beers, stouts, ciders, ginger-beers, etc) from any interested brewer who may be attending the festival. We also welcome any songs or poems about brewing and drinking (particularly home brew) to be shared with others. A home-brew tasting will happen at this workshop and judgment of the best home-brew will be done by peer vote. So be sure to bring your best brews along to the festival!!!! Back to top

Celtic Tunes for Beginner & Intermediate musicians with Michele Govan (Sunday 11:15 am to 12:15 pm):
Bring along your instruments – tin whistles, violins, mandolins, guitars, flutes – they are all welcome at this workshop. Michele will teach you tunes in the style of “playing by ear” (ie; learning songs by listening to the sounds of the notes and phrases of tunes). She takes a step by step approach to teaching Celtic tunes and gradually increases the tempo as workshoppers get the hang of each tune. This is a definite for those who would like to join in tune sessions. Back to top

Non-Western influences in music making with the Langleys (Sunday 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm):
Paul & Rose Langley explore the influences of non-western instruments, tones, other elements on making music, demonstrating that folk music has room to incorporate these influences to produce a dynamic and unique sound. Back to top

Irish Dance with Megan Franklin (Sunday 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm):
The rising popularity of Irish dance troupes like Riverdance has led to a large interest in dancing to Irish tunes (particularly in pubs it seems). Learn the basic steps of Irish dance at this workshop, and how to put grace and fluency to your moves. Back to top

Songs of the Sea with Bob Eden (Sunday 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm):
Bob explores the influence of the sea in folksongs. Sing along with the many sea shanties and songs about sailors, fish, whales, the vast oceans, shipwrecks…… etc. Back to top

Songwriting Competition (General Section and Amnesty International Section)
(Day 1 – Sign up at 10:15 am Saturday – Competition from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm) (Day 2 – Sign up at 10:00 am Sunday – Competition from 10:30 am to 12: 15 pm)

The Songwriting Competition this year has two sections to enter into. The General Section is open for songs regarding any topic. The Amnesty International Section is open to songs of Social Justice / Human Rights.
We are very grateful to our kind sponsors, Arties Music Townsville and Amnesty International Australia for helping us with this competition at this year’s Palm Creek Folk Festival.

RULES of the Songwriting Competition
In the interest of fairness to others, entrants may only submit one (1) song each into the Songwriting Competition. This song will be able to be played by a maximum of two (2) people on stage.

PRIZES (to be awarded to winners at the Festival Choice Awards Ceremony on Sunday from 7:15pm to 7:45 pm at the Main Stage)

The General Section of the Songwriting Competition this year has been sponsored by Artie’s Music Townsville who have very kindly donated the prize of a BLACK Tanglewood TW28 CE - SN Cutaway, Electro - Acoustic Dreadnaught Guitar. This guitar is from the U.K.’s biggest selling guitar maker and is valued at AUD$369.00.

Amnesty International Australia has sponsored another section of the Songwriting Competition for songwriters who raise issues of social justice and human rights within their songs. This year, they are offering a first prize of $100.00 with T-shirts for runners-up. Back to top

Limerick Competition
Palm Creek Folk Festival would like to encourage those witty individuals who can take their experiences and musings on life….. and sum them up in a few short words, to enter the Limerick Competition. We keep a book at the Festival Shop of Limerick entries, and will judge them on Sunday afternoon. Winners will be announced at our Festival’s Choice Award ceremony on Sunday Evening (Main Stage 7:15pm to 7:45pm) and will receive a prize of $20 redeemable at the shop or bar – your choice!! Back to top

Blackboard sessions
(Signup for Saturday’s session from 10:15am to 11:00am at the Jam Tin. Blackboard Session runs from 2:00pm to 3:30pm)
(Signup for Sunday’s session from 10:00 am to 10:30 am at the Jam Tin. Blackboard Session runs from 4:00pm to 5:30pm)

Blackboard sessions are an important part of the Palm Creek Folk Festival as it provides the opportunity for emerging artists to perform in front of an appreciative audience, and get their talents known.
Palm Creek Festival 2008 will this year be awarding a prize to a stand-out emerging artists that has showcased their talents at the Blackboard Sessions over the course of the weekend.
In the interest of fairness to hopeful Session participants and to avoid delays with scheduled performance program for the Jam Tin, we ask that Blackboard Session artists perform only one (1) 15 minute set, and limit set-up / pack-down times. The Stage Manager will have the right to end any performances which go beyond these allowances. Back to top

Jam sessions
Palm Creek Folk Festival prides itself on being able to offer opportunities for muso’s and singers just to get together and “jam” with some of their favourite tunes and songs. These sessions are open to any interested folkies to join in, so bring your guitars, violins, whistles, flutes, banjos, bodhrans, mandolins, voices, lagerphones, spoons……. Back to top

There will be an early Breakfast Tea and Jam Session at the Jam Tin from 9:30am to 10:30am on Saturday. Then there will be two evening sessions around the Main Stage bar (Saturday 6:30pm to 7:30pm) (Sunday 6:00pm to 6:45pm). Also check the Settlers Venue Blackboard for Australian tune / song sessions during the weekend. Back to top

The Poets Breakfast hosted by Melanie Hall
The Poet’s Breakfast on Sunday Morning is always a very popular event for budding poets and audiences alike. We encourage anyone – young or old(er) – to bring along and share their poems, whether they have written them or not. The more poets the better!!! Back to top