WOW  what a fantastic weekend.  As Mr Samaranch would say of the Olympics, "The best ever" we could say the same about the White Cliffs Music Festival. The glorious day-time weather had everyone in a great mood; the town was decorated out with colourful Bali flags flapping in the breeze; the volunteer organizers were quietly going about their business getting organised and everything ran to schedule...pretty well. 

 

The street party was extremely well attended with most people eating prior to coming but for those who were still peckish the sausage sizzle satisfied the hunger pangs. As the night progressed the temperature dropped and by 10 p.m. we were ready to call it a night although a few propped on the pub verandah and played for a little longer.

 

The workshops were wonderful... covering the many and varied aspects of music related topics. Attendances were excellent and even the professionals learnt something from their colleagues. It's just so great that these musicians are prepared to share their talent and encouragement with young and old. Thanks to all the presenters for putting in a huge effort.

 

The concert was something else. The broad range of musical genres covered everything from rock n roll to bluegrass, jazz, country and western as well as choral singing. Thank you to all the performers for your wonderful input throughout the weekend. The town is still buzzing.

 

Poet's breakfast...what else can you say but huge fun. What talent we have in this little town of ours! A big thank you also to our visitors who hopped in and entertained us as well.

 

The church service was a new addition this year and will be on the agenda for future festivals. Thanks Reverend and the choirs for making that so special.

 

Well done guys and gals for a terrific weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone back here on the 17th - 19th of May 2013.

 

 

 

The award winning White Cliffs Art & Music Festival 2010 was our inaugural and highly successful event at which performers presented many of their original compositions. Artists at the White Cliffs Music Festival 2013 will offer original, new works yet to be or recently released and almost all will have available C.D.'s for purchase.

 

Winner of the Central Darling Shire Council's Australia Day Award for best event in White Cliffs in 2010.

 

Congratulations to Anne Baker for your  Central Darling Shire Council's Australia Day Award 2013 for your input into the Music Festival over the years, and other Community based involvement.

 

 

 

Megan currently resides in Cobar, NSW and still teaches piano, singing and the guitar. She aims to inspire people through music and believes that there's music in everyone!

Originally from Dubbo, NSW, Megan began learning the piano at the age of 8 years old. She began teaching her first piano student at the age of 15, and completed 8th grade AMEB at the age of 16. Megan completed year 12 music at school in year 10, with 96% in music performance. At the age of 17 she completed her Associate Music Diploma of Australia. Megan has conducted and played in various performances at the University of Sydney from 2005-2009. Her versatility will inspire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The songs we sing are mainly acappella (unaccompanied), with two or three part harmony. The type of music we sing includes:

    * songs promoting reconciliation and social justice,

    * traditional trade union songs,

    * songs from other countries,

    * songs including material written by choir members focussing on issues that impact particularly on our local community, such as the need to care for the environment and the Darling River.

 

 

The Long Gone Daddies play a mix of classic country, old timey and bluegrass music.
Keith Lugton on guitar, mandolin and vocals
Barrie Price on bass, vocals and vocal harmony.
The LGD's are part of "The Downtown Pickers" who you may remember from last years Festival who play only bluegrass music.
Due to health problems this year, the DTP's head singer Rud Nielsen has had to step down, so the LGD's are keeping the flag flying for the DTP's with their mix of music played accoustically around a single microphone in old time radio show music, that is typical for bluegrass bands.

 

 

                                         Bold, powerful,smooth and  dynamic, his career has included five Australian tours with country touring legend Brian Young with much television exposure in the documentary series entitled 'On The Road With Youngie', on SBS. Royden will be performing once again in New Zealand

the week prior to our festival. On previous tours he received standing ovations to packed venues. Recently, his American tour in August 2012 took him to Los Angeles, New york and Las Vegas. Royden is also very honoured to have performed for the Prince of Monaco in Sydney on his last Australian trip.

 

 

 

 

 

Kate Osman is an experienced performer who grew up close to White Cliffs and now lives in Warwick, Queensland.  She is a regular performer in her local area and has performed in the Red Desert Live concert in Broken Hill.  She has participated in a number of talent searches including Optus Gympie Muster, Caboolture Urban Country Music Festival, S.A. Awards, Telstra Road to Tamworth and Toyota Star Maker.  In 2008 Kate recorded a CD which included ten of her own songs and hopes to launch her new CD at the White Cliffs Music Festival.  She can be heard at www.myspace.com/katessound

 

 

The Major Miners, founded in Broken Hill,

have currently seven members (4 Australians, 2 Germans & 1 Irish).

They play a wide variety of tunes, but they specialise in up-tempo festival-style music - capable of everything from chart classics, funk grooves and soul, swing/jazz and current dance hits / radio top 40. On one night they might be playing completely 1950s rock n' roll, and on the next night, only 80s hits, or a mixture of everything- you really have to see it live to understand!

Depending on the band configuration, they typically play Guitar, Drums, Bass, Trumpet, Sax, Trombone, Piano, and Vocals. 
The Major Miners pride themselves on a style and song-list that aims at getting everyone up and jumping!

They are looking forward to their next visit to the White Cliffs Music Festival and spending more time at 'The Eagles Nest'.

 

 

 

Twyce is a true performer with an incomparable stage presence. He captivates audiences with his funny stories, rhythmic playing and memorable lyrics. He will have you laughing, tapping your toes and singing his songs all the way home.

Having won multiple awards for his songwriting, Twyce was inspired to record his infectious new album Simple Things, which has been described as having ‘that O Brother spirit of good acoustic music.’
(Ron Adsett- Country Update)

 

Twyce Daily is based in Melbourne and is about to release his third album. Genres include country, folk and roots music.

 

 

 

On Sunday at 11.30 at the Community Hall. Some of the singers from the Broken Hill Community Voices will join the Saint James Singers with lively music. The Rev. Brian Ford is a pretty up-beat character so you're in for a service with a difference.

 

 

     Street Party: walk up concert of local talent. See Bluey on the pub veranda to put your name down. Commences at 5.30 p.m. White Cliffs Sporting Club sausage sizzle available.  White Cliffs Outback Store will also be open for meals and snacks. Check their blackboard for specials.    

 

     Friday Lantern Parade and Lantern Spectacular -fund-raiser for

'The Starlight Foundation' sponsored by the White Cliffs CWA,following the Street Party at approx 7:30 p.m.

Lanterns will be available for sale from the  Outback Store veranda prior to the parade or see a committee member in the week prior to purchase and decorate before-hand.

 

      Friday Night Dance Party and Show with Royden Donohue, and Kate Osman  $10.00    Students $5.00  Commencing at 8:30 at the White Cliffs Sporting Club. Bar will be open.

 

      Saturday Evening Concert $20.00 Food and drinks available.

      School students  $5.00

      

      Poets' Breakfast   $15.00 includes breakfast.

      Children under 12  $5.00

 

      Each workshop - gold coin donation. Workshops will be held at the CWA rooms, National Parks Meeting Room, at the Church and the Hall.

 

      Community sing-along and jam session, 6.00 p.m. White Cliffs Sporting Club. Come and enjoy an all-in-together wind down to the weekend and snacks. Bar will be open and light snacks on sale.

     

Please note: Limited catering available. Snacks will be available throughout the day from the General Store, The Red Earth Opal Cafe and Showroom and some light snacks will be available from the Sporting Club stall. The motel also does coffees and meals but you need to book in.The Poet's Breakfast is fully catered and included in the price.

 

 

Festival organisers are members of the White Cliffs Sporting Club Executive Committee plus other interested members of the public.

If requiring further information we can be reached on the following:

 

Contact: Anne Baker: annebaker1@gmail.com

              Enid Black: blacke@activ8.net.au

           Dick Wagner: dicksherylwagner@activ8.net.au

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.30  

      

10.30       Clogging -a cross between tap dancing, line dancing 

               & Riverdance at the hall - Judith Gellie 

 

11.30       Harmony Singing - World Music, Broken Hill Community Voices at St Mary's church in Church Street ( behind the school ).

 

12.00        Bluegrass / Country. What's the difference? - Downtown Pickers/Long Gone Daddies  National Parks meeting room.

  

1:00         Songwriting Inspirations  - Twyce Daily  National Parks Meeting room.

 

 2.30        Choir practice, St Mary's Church. Everyone welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

There will be a break for tea where light snacks and drinks will be available. Soft drinks will be available in the front foyer throughout the night. Tea and coffee available from the supper-room.

 

 

 

11.30 a.m.  Church Service with the Rev. Brian Ford

 

1.00 p.m.:   Light lunch, White Cliffs Sporting Club.

 

6:00 p.m.    Sausage Sizzle & Salad  with open jam session.