Update

2010-08-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

Thursday 5th August 2010

Here it is people, my update on competing in The 14th Annual World Championships Of Performing Arts.

I was Flag Bearer for the Australian Tean at the Official Opening march (what an Honor)

I competed in four section (unfortunately there are no poetry sections) Acting Open, Acting Contempory, Acting Humerous and Variety Unasisted.

I won a Bronze medal for Australia in the Variety Unassisted Section

I made the cut to compete in the Semi Final

I was invited to audition for the New York Conservetory (USA's best Acting Academy)

Australian Team of only 18 members won over 80 (yes 80 awards, all Australia can be proud))

This was one of the best experiences of my life and I would not have missed it for the world, the pressue was enormous and at all times we were surrounded by thousands of wonderfully talented, singers, dancers, models, actors, musicians and variety acts from over 50 countries.

Australia can be very proud of their team with the 18 contestants exceeding expectations, I won't mention their individual names here without their permission, but they were a great bunch of people with a wealth of talent to boot. The Aussie Team and the Kiwi team formed an alliance and were superb in rocking up between their own performances to support each other. The supporters who travelled with us and our team management were supportive beyond belief and I firmly believe I have made some lifelong friends.

Contestants from other countries were in general, very friendly and supportive of each other and the whole event was conducted in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry. I have made great friendships with some peple from other counries as well.

Not many people, not even all the Aussie team knew what Bush Poetry was about, but after performing Bush Poems in all four of my categories I was blown away by the amount of spectators, contestants, volunter workers, and WCOPA staff who went to the trouble of approaching me to tell me how much they enjoyed what I did.

Due to the short time allowed on stage I had to write and learn four new bush poems in a big hurry. I was advised by well meaning people to take some of the Australianism's out of my work, as Americans especially, may not get the Aussie sence of humor. After much soul searching I decided to ignore this advise and stay true to my craft. My reasoning was that it was bush poetry that got me there in the first place, it was bush poetry lovers who supported me so generously in getting me to LA and I saw no sence in changing what I did to deliver more of what they were used to hearing and seeing. Did it work, well that is probably best answered by others, but I'm very comfortable with the fact that I presented Bush Poetry, Australia and myself in a good light and to the best of my ability.

I would love to return next year with the benefit of knowing exactly how the event is run, as I believe this would allow me to prepare better and raise the bar a little. I am proud as punch of my Bronze Medal, my invite to audition , but especially the random comments from people taking the time to come and tell me they enjoyed my work, and yes I got plenty of laughs so I guess they 'got' the Aussie sence of humor.

Being one of the older members of the team presented me with the oppourtunity to assist some of the younger team members from time to time and I found this one of the most rewarding aspects of the whole trip. These same youngsters, in turn, assisted me by infecting me with their boundless energy, enthusiasim and creativity.

I was delighted to be asked by the New Zealand team to attend their team dinner to perform a poem for them, I would love in the future to get the chance to visit their country and show them more of what bush poetry is all about.

Media coverage since returnig has been equally as supportive as before the event, with article in the Toowoomba Chronicle and interviews on ABC Radio, 4WK, 4AK and another with Bill Berrens on Good Morning Australia planned for 18th August.

One day off the plane from LA to unpack, wash and repack for the 14 hour drive to Ravenswood NQ, to Judge and entertain at the Qld Bush Poetry Championships. Was great to be back on the job in Australia, especially to perform with my good mate Neil McArthur, I'm fairly sure we may have produced a few more bush poetry fans with a lot of first timers coming up to both Neil and I to say how much they enjoyed the event. Hats off to our hosts Martin and Tracey Josslyn who provided great hospitality and a wonderful atmosphere. Neil and Colleen McArthur should tkae a bow too, as this is the second year they have organised this Championships and they have done a great job.

A few media commitments over the next couple of days, a chance to catch up with family, ring a few of those fantastic supporters who helped me get to LA and then down to Casino RV Village for a fun filled long weekend.

To my team mates, team director and the Aussie supporters, let me simply say you blokes are the best in the world and have etched a permanent presence in my heart.

2010-06-29T03:56:00.002-07:00

Update 29th June 2010

Where has the year gone, I can't believe it was early February when I last got the chance to update my blog.

February was highlighted by a trip to Ballarat Vic for the wedding of Shannon McArthur, middle sun of Neil and Colleen, Neil and Colleen proved the perfect hosts and Cindy and I had a great time, Shannon and Abbey's wedding was picture perfect.

March saw a return visit to the wonderful Tenterfield Oracles of the Bush Festival which I believe is the best, stand alone, poetry event in the country. Oracles have been very loyal to me over the years and it was a pleasure to write the poem for this years Local Legend, Rhonda Rovera. Murray Hartin, Peter Capp, John Major and myself made up the poets line-up and Kelly Fogarty habdeled the singing duties, winning a legion of new fans and handeling numerous technical difficulties, with sound, in her stride.

Flinton's yearly race meeting was run on Easter Saturday and was evrythink good about a romote race meeting, great characters, great fun and a good time had by all. I think we will be going back next year for another dose of country hospitality.

Boondooma Homestead Bush Balladeer week just continues to grow, thanks mainly to the efforts of Buddy Thompson and Lynn Bennett and a very loyal fan base. Always feels like your performing for a group of friends and is a very relaxed time. Great place to celebrate a country Anzac day as well.

Broxburn Bash was given a major overhaul this year and as always with change, came a fair amount of critisum, but the festival had been getting smaller over recent years and the committee showed courage to try something different and the results speak for themselves, crowds were way, way up and I believe there was still plenty of great country music for the traditional attendies to enjoy. Well done, I say and good luck for next year. I had a ball calling the Mechanical Bull Ride on friday night and the poets breakfast on Sunday with Peter Riddle.

A return gig at Miles show hosting the main stage entertainment and working in unison with Neil Stewart who was doing a great job announcing the ring activities. Miles is my birth place and once again I hope to be back there next year.

A couple of mid-week workshops at Highfields State School was a real highlight for me with dedicated teachers and a really bright and interested student body, no doubt one of the most enjoyable school jobs I've done yet, which is good as this is becoming a bigger and bigger part of my poetry activities. The kids never fail to surprise me with some wonderful, thoughtful ideas always emerging at the most unexpected moments.

Keith Jamerson and Alisha Smith invited me back to Bouldercombe for their second annual show, once again due to their efforts it was bigger and better than last year and I can't wait to get back there next year, relaxed and easy going with plenty of really professional artists to work with. It was at Bouldercombe that news broke about my inclusion in the Australain Team to contest The World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood USA this year (more about this later) and I was overwhelmed by the congratulatory messages and support shown by fellow artists and audience alike. Greg Dillon left me staggered and humbled when he came on stage to present me with a personal $500 donation towards my costs and threw the challenge to the rest of the audience to match it during the weekend, and bless their great Aussie hearts they came very close to doing just that. Thank you seems way to little to say, but it's all I have other than to promice to do my very best in USA.

A return to Casino Beef Week after about four or five years to what is always a fun event with the bush poetry always organised by Ray Essery at the Cecil Hotel, Greg and Nicki are such wonderful hosts and run a great pub, probably the best run pub I have ever seen, and if your looking for a great steak you just can't beat it. Ray and I were joined by John Lloyd and there was standing room only at all poetry sessions. We were invited to Paul George's propety for breakfast with a busload of visitors rom Sydney, we did a couple of poems and the boys spontaniously took the hat around when Ray told them of my Aust Team selection, you have just got to love Australia.

A quick trip back close to home to workshop and pefform for the students of Pittsworth State School, once again the kids were a joy to work with and I think I may have signed a couple of hundred autographs on the day. Thanks Mike.

U-turn and back down to Tucabia with daughter Kelly in tow to perform at Squatters Rest with Ray Essery and Bill Kearns and Kelly, great atmosphere and lovely hosts made for a fantastic evening and two encore's were called for during the night, both for young Kelly, if she keeps impressing audiences like this I will have to sack her from any of my shows, as she has a nasty habit of stealing the limelight. LOL. Always a pleasure to work with Ray and Bill who are great entertainers and even better blokes.

Back to sunny Queensland to perform at the Aust 4 x 4 Gathering hosted by the Pajero Club. Had a great time and Cindy and I were looked after like royalty, got to share the stage with Uncle Bob's Jug Band which is always a pleasure. Weather turned very nasty with below zero tempretures but it did little to dent the spirit of a great bunch of people. Worked as an auctioneer for a host of great items, kindly donated to the event, and people were kind enough to think I was a proffesional. Just goes to show what you can achieve with a big mouth and a small brain. Cindy had a busy weekend marketing her handbags, for those who don't know she is a consultant for a range of handbags which have interchanable covers, she has owned one for two years now and loves it, so jumped at the chance to become a consultant, been doing it just two months and has been in top three salespeople in Aust for both months. Give her a call if you have someone who is interested, same contacts as me.

Wandoan Camel Races with a young Gary Lowe joining me for the day, great fun day and well organised by the lovely Tammy Stiller and her team. Well done Wandoan we had a great day.

The rest of my news to date all focuses around my selection in the Australian Team to contest the 14th Annual World Champonships Of Performig Arts in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA in July 2010. I recieved my invitation to join the team with just two monthes to get organised and life has been a whirlwind ever since. Unfortunately every contestant has to self fund their trip, but we are encouraged to seek sponsorship and fundraise.

Two months is not enough time for most large businesses to consider this type of sponsorship, although Millmeran Power and RV Villages Aust Inc. both stepped up, so thank you to them. Cindy and I, with the backing of Millmerran Commerce and Progress Inc., organised a fundraising concert in Millmeran and Jan Holt and Wilma Cann and their committee organised another one in Chinchilla to help raise funds for me. Artists gave of their talents for free, businesses in both towns donated prizes for raffles and many individuals donated, cooked, sold tickets and helped in so many ways.

Cindy and I have been deeply touched by the eforts of these wonderful people and by the amount of people who turned up, on short notice, to support both events.

Rural media outlets like Win TV, Country Life, Pittsworth Sentinel, Clifton Courier, Chinchilla News and Goondiwindi Argus, ABC Radio and Manfred Vijars have been sensational in their support.

Many individual, both those I know and even those who have just seen me peform somewhere over the years, have donated varying sums towars my expences and it is impossible for me to find the words to express Cindy's and my gratitude to each and every one of them. Despite the recent fall in the value of the Australian Dollar it looks very likely that the support I have been shown will very neatly cover ALL of my costs associated with the trip. We will now only be out of pocket for the expences to have Cindy accompany me, which is way more than we ever could have hoped for in our wildest dreams.

To each and every person who contributed to this amazing effort, can I simply say from the very bottom of my heart that Cindy and I are deeply touched by the level of support we have recieved in so many ways. More than once during this whirlwind journey either Cindy or myself have been reduced to tears by the sheer magnitude of peple's generosity. The combined efforts and expresions of support have served to steel my resolve to compete to the very limit of my ability when I wear the Aussie colous in LA. Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU.

The good news continues, I have been asked to be the Flag Bearer during the Team March as part of the Opening Festivities, which I concider to be one of the greatest honours of my life.

Off to Capella this weekend, then July 11th Cindy and I will be climbing on the plane to take Australain Bush Poetry to the world stage, against over fifty other countries. I am proud to be the first bush poet to be picked in the Australain team, I am proud and delighted to be representing my country, prouder still to be asked to carry the Flag and oh so proud to be representing all the wonderful people who have supported me in getting to live my dream.

Cheers

2nd February 2010

2010-02-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

It's been a while so we have to go back to September 2009 to start this update.

The 5th September saw me conducting a writing and a preforming workshop for members of the Brisbane Valley Writers Group. They were a fantastic and enthusiastic bunch and I really enjoyed my day with them. As with all workshops I learnt a little myself and hope to have inspired others to either keep writing, start writing or to endeavour to work at improving the technical aspects of their poetry. Members of the group certainly did not lack in passion and I can see many great poems forthcoming from this group.

Back to Casino Village RV Resort for their National Camp Oven Festival for 11th, 12th &13th September, where I was roving announcer as well as bush poet. This event is completely different to the Australian Camp Oven Festival held in Millmerran and both events are worth a visit and have their own highlights. The crowd at Casino where a happy friendly group and willingly joined in all novilty events and the camp oven cooking competition where some amaing dishes were created. I personally was delighted to see a traditional corned meat meal come out the surprise winner.

Colleen McLauchlin and her sister Lorna again played host to a wonderful Poets Breakfast at Old Rainworth Fort just outside Springsure on 20th September. Ray Essery made the journey with me and Tom Oliver was agin on hand to help keep a very large crowd entertained. With the assistance of Darryl Haywood an a few other singers and muso's we were able to keep the crowd entertained until well after lunch and although Colleen was suggesting it may be the last annual show, I have a feeling we may be back next year, lets hope so.

It was great to see local poet John Watkins launch his first book at this event We have been watching John improve consistantly over the last few years and there is no doubt that he writes it how he sees it and his work is a real snapshot of rural Australia. I was happy that I was able to assist John through the process by pointing him in the direction of a good printer and pointing out a few pitfalls that can appear along the way.

Ned's Corner Roo Retreat hosted a gathering of men's groups from throughout the area and as always is the case at Ned's it was a very enjoyable and relaxed afair. I had a great time performing to an appreciative audience and by the way they all tucked into Ned's camp oven cooking I think they all went home very full and happy. Ned Winter certainly has not lost his touch with the camp ovens an always puts on a very entertaining display of cooking, yarn spinning and singing.

Next day it was off to Texs for their third and largest Country Music Roundup. This event seems to be on a winner with great facilities, great entertainers and friendly volunteers. On the poetry side of things I was once again aided by Jack Drake and Jim Brown who always produce the goods and a healthy amount of walkup poets on hand to add great variety to the two poets breakfasts.

My daughter, Kelly was once again one of the feature artists along with the likes of Shazza Leigh, Lindsey Butler, Brian Letton, Greg Bain, Pete Smith, Lana Ross, Geoff Gibson, Natalie Foley and a whole host of other great entertainers.

This two day event on the last weekend in September is quickly building a great reputation that not even those wild dust storms could dent this year, although a few singers and poets were heard at times coughing up Lake Eyre topsoil during their performances.

October started with a trip to Killarney on 4th for a poets breakfast with Marco Gliori, the breakfast went down very well with a sizeable audience and it is hoped that this emerging country music weekend can get enough support to remain part of the annual calader of events in South East Queensland.

10th October saw me travelling with daughter, Kelly to Toogoolawa for a charity concert to raise money for one of our many valued FM radio stations, these stations support not only bush poetry but a whole host of Australian singers and songwriters and it felt good to be able to give something back. Lynn Bennet arranged the weekend and although I could only attend the first day it was a huge success and will more than likely be happening again next year, please support it if you can.

Next day I was off to perform bush poetry and do the roving announcing for the Youth Enterprise Trust's annual Bush Fair at Tambourine, their major fundriser for the year. Continual rain throughout the day did little to dampen anyone's spirits and while it may have stopped a few people from actually coming, those who did come seemed to bond together and make light of the situation. All in all it is a great day for a great cause and is held annually around this time so it would be great if people could put it in their calander of events for next year.

Woodford Hotel launched their first Country Music Festival on 17th October with hopes and plans to run at least one a year. They have done an amazing job refurbishing the hotel and have wonderful staff on hand to make any visit there a pleasure. Shirley Friend and myself were engaged to perform at the poets breakfast which started things off at 8:00am. The crowd was pleasing for a first off event and Manfred Vijars and Wally Finch stepped in as walk ups to give us a poem each, one of the days sponsors showed more than a little talent when he respectfully asked to have a go. We rounded the Breakfast off by featuring rising country music star Kelly Fogarty who took just three songs to get a standing ovation from the audience and steal the show. It is hoped this event will continue as I believe it has great potential to grow.

I believe it is always important to remember where you have come from as a performer and never be to proud to give back to the community so on 28th October I ventured to the nursing home at Crows Nest where I was blown away by a very appreciative audience and wonderful staff who were very gracious hosts. I had a fabulous time and met some amazing people.

Bush Poetry tragic Jeff Close was kind enough to invite me to perform at the Highfields Historical Village Annual Bush Poets breakfast for the second time. While numbers were down a bit on previous years we all had a great time and I was abley supported on the day by Dan Thompson and Ned Winter with Elizabeth Thompson from the Brisbane valley Writers Group stepping up to the mark and accepting Jeff's invitation to feature an up and coming poet. This is a wonderful inovation by Jeff and I believe Elizabeth did herself proud and will be better for the experience.

Lex K was kind enough to ask me to organise the poets for Widgee Bush Balladeers Weekend at the end of the month and also invited my daughter, Kelly, to fill in at the last minute as one of the feature singers when the very popularLaura Downing had to withdraw. Once again we were overrun with walk up poets and had to serverly restrict the number of poems for each performer. Feature Poets were, Ray Essery, John Major, Jack Drake, Noel Stallard, Dennis Scanlon and myself. I think we may reduce the number of feature poets next year to give everyone more time on stgae. Kelly recieved some very encouraging comments about her singing, although freely admitting to not fitting neatly into the bush balladeer mould. One fellow performer went so far as to tell her she was the stand out performer of the weekend. Widgee continues to be a well organised and friendly weekend of great bush poetry and country music. I consider it to be a pleasure to do a fair amount of the compereing and to be introducing such talented performers to the stage.

Early November is always a great time for me as it involves one of my favourite Festivals of the year in Mud Bulls and Music, just north of Kilcoy this event combines great bush poetry, country music, 4 x 4 racing events and two nights of profesional bull rides. This year Neil McArthur and Bill Kearns joined me in the near new wine bar performance area where for the second year in a row we played to capacity crowds. This Festival just keeps on improving and if you don't mind camping out for a couple of days I can promise you a wonderful time can be had by all.

The weekend of the 21st & 22nd of November saw the Gidgee Coal Awards conducted once again at Pittsworth. I did a bit of compereing on both days and performed at the poets breakfast with Ray Esery and a host of walk up poets including Brian Weir, Ned Winter, Rodney Chrome, Aly and Rocket McRae to name but a few. Congratulations to all award winners on their success and well done to all finalists.

December was a write off as far as bush poetry goes as I went into Hospital on the Gold Coast on 2nd December to have spinal surgery. Five days in hospital were followed by a madditory stay of a further two weeks at the Coast before being allowed to travel home to Millmerran. At this stage every thing is looking good, my pain levels are down and I am being able to do more and more exercise each couple of weeks. The final results will not be know until Mid March to April 2010 but I am more than hopeful that I will be able to make serious inroads into the amount of painkillers I have to take by then. It was never a chance of 100% improvement but 70% to 80% is hopefully a realalistic target. Thank you to all those whop wished me luck and enquired about my progress through this time.

2010

This year started like most with Tamworth Country Music Festival, I had recovered well enough from my surgery to fullfill all my obligations and was happy with my performances and the crowds at all our shows. Jack Drake invited Ray Essery and myself to perform at a funtion at Dag Station outside Nundle which was very relaxed and well supported by local people as well as festival goers. Neil McArthur did his usual brilliant job running the Longyard Bush Poets Breakfasts and I filled in as compere on three days to give him a well deserved break, despite most venues sruggling with numbers this year the numbers for the Longyard Breakfasts were up on previous years. I did a day for Sam Smyth who does such a wonderful job organising the Poetry shows at North Tamworth Bowls Club and went along for a few impromtu performances at the tent that John Major and Ray Essery set up downtown. While Ray and John did it pretty tough due to the hot weather, I think every bush poet owes them a big thank you as they took bush poetry to people who in most cases had not heard it before and at times attracted audiences in excess of 100. I know for a fact that some of these people were then encouraged to attend other poetry events during the Festival, well done boys.

A flying trip back home to drop in at The Millmeran Australia day celebrations and perfororm one quick poem before heading to Toowoomba and perorming at Toowoomba regional Councils Aust day Celebrationat Picnic point. Thank God for all thr shade trees at Picnic point as it was a really hot day. The audienc was very receptive and it was a very enjoable experience.

That's all for now, I am gearing up for another busy year of performing and writing and with less back pain to deal with I am hopefull my performances will be bigger, better and more energetic than ever. 2010, bring it on.

31st August 2009

2009-08-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

G'day one and all, I apologise for being a bit slack with keeping this blog updated but things have been fairly hectic, with multiple gigs over the last month.

As you have probably already sussed out, this blog is now attached to my website which will hopefully add some more interest to the site. Since I last updated things I have had a third round of epidural treatments on my back, which is allowing me to cut down on my morphine intake by a considerable margin, which is great. These treatments will continue through until December, when I am scheduled to undergo an operation to replace one of my disc's with a synthetic one, the operation is major, but has great potential to reduce my chronic pain levels and I can't wait.

I have finished my stint of writing and performance workshops at Dalby schools and really enjoyed myself and got some really terrific feedback from both students and teachers alike.

I was once again engaged as roving announcer for the Tara Festival Of Culture and Camel Races which is run every two years at the Tara Showgrounds. This is a great little event and a credit to the small community of Tara that they can run and organise such a successful Festival.

This year they incorporated a Poets Breakfast and I was joined by Jack Drake and Dan Thompson. We had a ball and believe we were successful in initiating a few new people to the enjoyment on modern day Bush Poetry.

The Tara committee tries extremely hard to source entertainment from different cultures every time and once again did a wonderful job in providing a mixed and varied list of very talented performances.

Home just long enough to throw my dirty clothes through the door pick up Cindy and hit the road for my first visit to Anakie for their annual Gemfest. Perter Riddle, Merv Webster, Chris Webster and bush balladeers Buddy Thompson and Lynne Bennett joined me for a very relaxed poets breakfast on every morning of the Festival.

Cindy was in seventh heaven wandering around all the various jewelery stalls and assures me every thing she bought was a real bargain. We had a wonderful time camped at the Sapphire Footy Grounds and performing at Anakie, the people were great and I should say a very special thanks to Bec and Shane Hance who not only took us out to their lease to show us how to fossick, but slapped up a great roast meal at their bush camp. Keep an ear out for Bec Hance, she is a talented singer/songwriter and has just released her second album.

Once again headed south, dropping in at home just long enough to wash some clothes and then off to The Bushman's Heritage weekend at Casino Village RV Resort.

A friendly and relaxed three days of bush poetry in a beautifully maintained facility. Ray Essery, Terry Regan, Noel Stallard and Robyn Tesch assisted me very abley in delivering some wonderfully varied poetry (and an impromptue workshop) to appreciative audiences. A big pat on the back for Julie James for putting the whole weekend together. Hope to see everybody back next year and a lot of new faces for what is a great weekend and a stratigicly timed warm up for those travelling north to the Gympie Muster each year.

Exciting things are happening in the area of development across the energy rich Surat Basin and the Surat Basin Corporation is doing every thing it can to facilitate positive outcomes for all stakeholders in the region. I was honoured to be part of the corporate entertainment at their recent conference dinner and very proud to share the stage with legendary hose trainer Frank Green. Frank raised more than a few eyebrows with a wonderful display of horsemanship, on stage, at the Oakey Cultural Centre.

It was also my pleasure to be engaged to write a commissioned poem about the Surat Basin Corporation. Thank you to all those who took the time to come over and compliment me on this poem and my performance, this type of unsolicited compliment means the world to me and I appreciate it greatly. Rebecca Gleeson organised to get me to the event and was a pleasure to work with. For those who asked, I believe they will recieve a copy of my commissioned poem in their post conference pack, if you don't then don't hesitate to contact me and I can arrange to get one to you.

A weekend off to attend the wedding of Shane and Liz, two good mates of ours from the Sunshine Coast. My whole family was their as was Neil & Colleen McArthur's Clan an we had a great relaxed weekend. All the best to Shane and Liz.

The Australian Heritage Festival at Jondaryan engaged me to perform for a couple of days (and I donated another to this worthwhile attraction) which was great and helped to deaden the pain of missing the Gympie Muster for the first time in 15 years. I will be back next year refreshed relaxed and rearing to go. I hope all those who went had a great time as usual.

I spent Sunday 30th August in Pittsworth to support Sharon Smith, a local bush balladeer who was launching her debut album after winning Starquest at Tamworth this year. Sharon is a great country girl and deserves all the success that comes her way.

Lastley and probably most importantly I would like to let you all know that my daughter, Kelly Fogarty, a fantastic singer, has just released as a single, the song "Where The Brumbies Come To Water" on NFS 133 (compilation album). The song is included on my album "The Tartan Saddlecloth" and even despite my obvious 'proud dad' bias it is a fantastic country song. If you want to help an exceptional young Australian music talent then I would be so grateful if you could contact you favorite county music radio station and request they play the song.

Catch you next time.

Gary Fogarty

July 13th 2009

2009-07-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, it has been a while since I last updated my blog as there has been a lot of things happening in the Fogarty Household.

May 16th saw myself and my daughter Kelly as part of the entertainment package at the Wandoan Q150 celebrations. The good folk of Wandoan are always very welcoming and i think a good time was had by all.

Just two days rest and back down the road to the Miles Show to team up with my old mate, Murray Hartin, in my old birth town. Thanks to Bobbie Megaw and her crew for their help in what turned out to be a fairly frustrating day, due to rain interrupting the open air stage and a unscheduled switch to the pavilion. In true bush fashion everyone pitched in and made the most of the situation and managed to enjoy themselves despite the problems.

Keith Jamerson, bush balladeer of note, kindly invited me to an inaugural event he organised at Bouldercombe, just out side of Rockhampton. the weekend was a great success and Keith is already gearing up to run the event again next year, plenty of camping space available and he has kindly offered me a return spot in the show. a thrill for me to work for the first time with reg Poole on a show, I have been a fan of reg for more years than I care to remember and he is a great bloke as well as a great performer.

The end of may saw me organising two 4hour bush variety shows for the long running Crackerjack Carnival in Carina, Brisbane. The crew included Jeff Brown, Neil McArthur, Tom Lee Archer, Angela and Steven Maher(whipcrackers) and myself. Neil unfortunately was struck down by a very serious middle ear infection which stopped him performing on the second concert but everybody else filled in like true professionals and delivered a great concert. A special mention to Tom Lee Archer, who in my humble opinion, remains one of the most underrated performers on the scene.

A week later saw me off to my second Gayndah orange Festival as MC and Roving Announcer, this is a great festival that offers something for everyone and is held every second year. Unfortunately our parked Pajero was run into by a vehicle involved in an accident with another vehicle driving down the road, but luckily the damage was restricted to the bull-bar and Cindy and i could still make our way home. Lots of familiar faces in the crowd and i greatly appreciate all those who took the time to thank me for my efforts over the two days. I was able to scrap in just a couple of poems during a break in proceedings to keep the bush poetry flag flying.

NSW, here we come, and just after beating you in the first State Of Origin as well, talk about perfect timing. A Rural Engineers Conference saw me performing the corporate entertainment and delivering a customised poem to mark the Heritage Listing of the Grafton to Brisbane Standard Gauge Rail Link. Grafton is a beautiful town and the sunset over the Clarence river from our venue was simply awesome. What a great bunch of people to work with, Cindy and I had a great time and were made to feel very welcome.

Up at 3 am to hurry home to Millmerran to assist our local Historical Society with their Q150 celebrations. I little bit sleep deprived but the numerous interesting activities on the day assisted me in keeping my eyes open.

Teaching workshops to children on how to write and perform bush poetry is becoming a bigger, more important and most enjoyable part of my bush poetry journey and i happily accepted an invitation to spend five separate days in Dalby working with pupils of both Dalby South State School and Our Lady Of The Southern Cross Catholic School. I still have one day to go and it has been a very enjoyable experience interacting with some very talented students. The lasting benefits from these workshops rely very heavily on the teachers being able to reinforce the lessons learnt after I leave and I appreciate the strong participation from staff.

I spent my own primary school years at a very small school called Ryeford, just outside of Clifton on the darling Downs and was thrilled to be asked, as a past student, to return to the school for their annual sports day and to address the students on my school days and my life since leaving. I was given the honour of being official starter for the days races.

Roma has always been one of my favourite rural towns and i was delighted to accept an invitation from Tony Klien to return and provide the entertainment for the Zone Five Rugby League Welcoming Dinner. Some old faces from my own football days were in the audience and this great bunch of people should be congratulated for the work they do insuring young kids still get the opportunity to play rugby league at carnivals such as this. good luck to all teams competing, play your best and soak up what will be life lasting memories.

Okay I know, Or hope anyway that I look way to young to be a grandad, but my first granddaughter, Parker Jane arrived on 8th July, to the delight of brother Ty, mum Kelly and dad Gavin as well as Cindy and I, two very excited grandparents.

Cindy is just about to head off to Hawaii for a business conference, while i am wondering what to do at the end of August, as i am having my first break from the Gympie Muster in about 15 years. I will be back next year though and i am sure the rest of the poetry gang will keep the standard of the breakfasts sky high as usual.

Regards

Gary Fogarty

2009-05-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

May 13th 2009

After surviving another Tamworth Country Music Festival, and arriving home with another 'Golden Gumleaf' for Bush Poetry Album Of The Year, it looks like being another fairly busy year.

First off was a small gig at Jondaryan Woolshed's Monthly Brunch, I have performed a lot at the Homestead over the years, but this was the first time at this monthly event. It was a relaxing morning in the Woolshed itself and I got a great buzz to find out that their usual turnout of around 100 people was boosted to over 150 for the day. Another positive blow for Bush Poetry.

Chinchilla Melon Festival was it's usual vibrant, successful, crowded and entertaining self. Thank you to the Committee for once again sticking with me as their roving announcer and Poet's Breakfast organiser. Murray Hartin and Dion Cross (Chinchilla Local ) joined me as feature poets for the weekend, and from the comments received I believe it was a winning combination. Crowds for both Poets Breakfasts were way up and everyone recorded great product sales. Thank you to all walk up poets especially to the now local, Janine Haig, who contributed in her own unique style.

It was great fun to work closely with Murray Hartin again, Murray is immersed in the corporate performance scene in Sydney these days and it is all to rare we get to work so closely together. We must have done okay as representatives from Miles Show saw us on the day and have engaged us both for their 2009 Show on 19th May.

I once again got to compere the Saturday night concert which featured the finalists of Chinchilla's Got Talent, and was headlined by the amazingly talented Becky Cole. Becky certainly did not let her legion of fans down and delivered another energy charged performance. Becky is a joy to work with, she has an easy going nature and it is always a pleasure when I get to share the stage with her. If she is not Australia's leading female singer of any genre, then I would love to know who is.

The Yodeller's and Yarns Show at Redcliffe was held as a warm up for the Urban Country Music Festival, and for a first off show certainly delivered the goods to an appreciative and fairly sizable crowd at the wonderful Redcliffe Community Centre. Thank you to event organiser, Paul Wilson for inviting me to feature in and compere the show, as always it was great to work with Laura Downing and the other invited artists. Stay, tuned there may be more of these show to come.

Jumped quickly into the long suffering Pajero for a lightening trip to Winton to judge their massive Junior Bush Poetry Competition. The kids were a joy to listen to, while our hosts Graham and Louise Dean treated us like royalty for the two days. The Waltzing Matilda Centre at Winton and The Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach are now both stocking my CD's and Book.

Quickly back to Roma for Easter In The Country. It has been a good few years since I have performed at this Festival and it is great to see that they are still getting huge crowds. Worked with John Major, Merv & Chris Webster as well as balladeers Alan Luscombe and Ted Thompson. Roma has always been one of my favorite rural towns and it was great to be back there again.

Boondooma Homestead Bush Balladeers event was once again big, with crowds equalling last years record numbers, despite the economic woes. Buddy Thompson and Lyn are always a joy to work with and the crowd is amazing They are loyal, supportive and generously support not only myself, but all artists, with product purchases. Graham Rodger, who recorded my song "Rough Country Ringer" on his "The Fire Within Me" (Alum of the Year at the People's Choice Awards) Album, informed me the song is being played on radio in the Netherlands of all places.

Another annual pilgrimage, this time just down the road to The Broxburn Bash, just outside Pittsworth. I compered the Mechanical Bull Ride on Friday night, compered the Talent Quest with the assistance of Alan Peterson on Saturday and featured at the Bush Poets Breakfast with Ray Essery and Peter Riddle on Sunday morning. Numbers for the Breakfast are steadily growing and I would like to thank everyone for dragging themselves out of bed at such an early hour to support us. Thank you to the committee for all their support over the years. I would just like to take the time to thank Marion Dalgleish and Jim Laffin, who do such a great job attending festivals and setting up their product stall, selling balladeer music and bush poetry for a stable full of artists.

Next on the list I am off to Wandoan on 16th May to help them celebrate 150 years of Queensland as a State. My daughter Kelly will be joining me and doing a couple of half hour singing stints on the day along with other entertainers, so it should be a great day.

Regards

Gary Fogarty