Another Friday Night Together

After a fine meal of wonderful Indian curries, Ballina's Uke Bewdies kicked off a great evening of entertainment with three old favourites beautifully played and sung. 

Their leader, Ebony Quinlivan then changed to guitar and entranced the audience with finger picked tunes and a delicate piece on African thumb piano. 

Family band, Fiddlesticks followed with exquisitely performed instrumentals featuring superb violin playing by the two young daughters of Angus Ferguson (on double bass. Nick Repin played nylon string guitar to round out the sound. The hall felt like it was used to this kind of music. The audience certainly appreciated it. Before the break, colleagues of Michael from the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service sang a farewell for him which was a parody of "Surfer Girl". "We will miss you surfer, Mickey G."

Todd Yourell from charity of the month: Child and Adolescent Special Programs and Accommodation talked of the work they do in assisting children in this area who can no longer live at home.

After coffee, tea, cakes and chat, Rod Sims delicately played and sang  some Neil Young among other favourites. 

The Travelling Elderberries lived up to their "Bad boys of Bangalow" reputation with lots of self-referential back slapping, humorous parodies and outrageous wigs and dress. The audience clapped and sang along. 

Young Brendan Wheeler in his second appearance at TUF showed how to play and sing with flair and conviction, cheered on by his mates. The audience appreciated a fine performance with warm applause.  

Bernadette on harp and Angie on violin ranged wide, with a blues, "LondonderryAir" (Danny Boy) and another traditional piece. They were joined for the blues number by guitarist Brad Jones, who then went on to perform a set of his own on , finishing with a rollicking singalong jam of Bob Dylan's "Knocking On Heaven's Door".

All in all a wonderful night. $550 was raised for our charity. Thanks to the audience for willingly donating.

There are pictures in the gallery.

Friday May 9, we feature comedy, hip hop and storytelling among other things. 

Check out the program.

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