Workshops

Songs / Poems of Country & Conscience with Luke Robinson 

Saturday 11:15 - 12:15 pm at the RSL

Using some of their original songs/poems and other selected works as examples, they will discuss songs/poems on social justice and environmental issues, our influences and inspirations, approaches to writing songs/poems on these themes, and the broader role of music/spoken word in addressing these issues.  Target audience is adults/older youth, current and prospective songwriters/poets or listeners with an interest in songs/poems on social justice and the environment.

Building Musical Bridges between Cultures with Chris Finnen 

Arrive with your own skills and accumulated knowledge and be prepared to add a variety of new guitar ideas to your mix — strengthening your writing, improvising and playing skills.  The notes you play need to have a place to be, with strong rhythmic content, punctuation, light and shade, and creative dynamics. When you play, you are telling a story — and the construction of that story is in your hands.

Above all, sing what you play and enjoy what you play. No need to bring an instrument. Sessions will be filmed, allowing me to provide much more useful information and feedback. The video will be available on the Fleurieu Folk Festival

website.

Saturday 11:45 - 12:45 pm at the Yurt

Pub Choir style workshop with The Terribly Loud Choir

Saturday 12:30 - 1:30 pm at the RSL

We will teach the audience a song in three- part harmony in 45 minutes. The members of The Terribly LOUD Choir will already know the song and can support the audience in learning the parts quickly. Our director has a great deal of experience in these types of workshops from previous sold-out Fringe events in Adelaide. 

The participants will perform the song at Pete’s Bar at 2 pm on the Saturday. 

Skiffle workshop with Kev Smiff 

Saturday 1:00 - 1:45 pm at the Yurt

Born in the 1950’s in the south of England growing up with music constantly playing. Dad bought me a guitar on my 11th Birthday and I learned it  through the 60’s and started my semi pro life at 17 having put together a  resident Rock’n’Roll trio playing 2 to 4 nights a week. 1971  moved up North to Manchester playing solo and then a trio in the clubs of Greater Manchester and Liverpool. Fortunate to have come through 30 years of the best music scene from Skiiffle to Rock’n’Roll, Middle of the road 70’s and early 80’s before heading off to Sydney then Adelaide.  Made some connections in the local Rock’n’Roll scene as well as a new pathway to Folk Festivals where I remain close to many players in these scenes and added an Alternate Bluegrass band to my CV as well as a Skiffle Duo.

Come and have some fun learning how to play Skiiffle. 

There’s a Song in That with the Tuck Shop Ladies 

Saturday 1:30 - 2:30 pm at the RSL

Write a song with the Tuck sSop ladies - “There’s a Song in That!”  In this brand-new, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants (if you’re wearing them) workshop, Sam Lohs and Rosie Burgess will turn your suggestions into a song — right then and there. They make no promises about the quality, but they do guarantee plenty of laughter, joyful chaos, creative tangents, and at least one freshly minted, totally improvised, potential banger by the end.

Plucking Patterns with Sally's Ukulele 

Saturday 3:00 - 4:00 pm at the RSL

How to bring your own creativity in to working out your own plucking patterns. It’s easier than you think! We will then be arranging a couple of well-known songs with different plucking patterns to bring unique sound to your playing. 

Beginner level

What to bring: 

• Your own ukulele

• Music stand 

• Pen/pencil and notebook

Harp Demo and Q&A with Christine Morphett

Sunday 10:30 - 11:30 am at the Yurt

Come and see the Harp played close up. Ask the questions you’ve been burning to know. With decades of experience playing here in Australia and throughout the world Christine will share her knowledge and experiences.

Poetry Sharing with Caz Williams

Sunday 10:30 - 11:30 am at the Yurt

Caz Williams has completed her Masters in Creative Writing and has perform at a live music club in Balhannah, been published in various anthologies including Something in the Blood, If Only They Could Talk and Tales From the Upper Room. Cas has run poetry gatherings at the Fleurieu Festival for a few years now; her sessions/workshops are very flexible depending on who turns up and what they want to do — read out favourite poems, discuss poetry and related issues. She likes to encourage original offerings and is happy to discuss them a bit more if desired. 

Play fiddle and love to sing? with Gleny Rae Virus 

Sunday 11:15 - 12:15 pm at the RSL

Learn how to best use the fiddle to accompany your vocals; using drones, chords and counter melodies. Golden Fiddle recipient Gleny Rae will lead you through a number of techniques and styles of fiddle accompaniment, including a gospel tune and a John Hartford song.

60-minute workshop. Ideal for intermediate/advanced players.

Choonbacker with Austral 

Sunday 12:30 -1:30 pm at the RSL

Learn how to listen out for chord changes in a Celtic music session and provide rhythm support.

Its core focus includes: 

• Session Listening: Teaching participants how to listen closely and actively pick up on fast chord changes during a live Celtic or traditional music session. 

• Rhythm Support: Providing practical strategies for delivering solid rhythm backing using acoustic stringed instruments like the bouzouki, mandolin, or guitar. 

Beginner to intermediate

Stage Craft with Nick Vulture 

Sunday 1:45 - 2:45 pm at the RSL

Do you want to perform better. Nick shares his tips on playing live. Learn about stagecraft and how to use it. With 30 of playing and curating live music in Australia Nick shares his knowledge. 

Nordic workshop with Pining for the Fjords 

Sunday 1:45 - 2:45 pm at the RSL

Learn some of the basics of some types of Finnish and Swedish tunes, and difference and similarities with Celtic music. All instruments welcome, although emphasis will be on stringed instruments.