The Billabong Band is the Victorian Folk Music Club's own performance group and is probably the longest established band in Australia playing traditional music for Bush / Colonial dances and for concerts. The line-up is variable and depends on which musicians are available at the time.
The Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival has hosted this event in Melbourne for over fifty years. It is one of the highlights of the Scottish Australian calendar and is considered the number one multicultural festival in the City of Maroondah and greater Melbourne.
This day-long celebration of Scottish/Celtic culture and heritage, held annually at Eastfield Park, Eastfield Rd in Croydon Victoria, echoes the original games that took place centuries ago in Scotland during the reign of King Malcolm III.
The VFMC Billabong Band will be performing from 10.30am to 11.15am as part of the day's entertainment in the Folk Tent.
Formed specially for the Port Philip Dance Festival, Easter 2025.
A celebration of dance and dance music.
Many genres of traditional dance music will be represented.
Details are yet to be finalised, but will be updated here as details are confirmed.
At this stage, we anticipate:
Morning and afternoon - dance workshops
Morning and afternoon - dance music workshops
Evening dance - A dance celebration of the dances and music work-shopped during the day.
The programme will feature examples from some of Australian/Colonial, English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Contra traditions.
Dance workshops: come and brush up your dance technique and dances that may be less familiar. Be prepared for the evening celebration of dance.
Your $25 dance ticket includes morning and afternoon dance workshops as well as admission to the evening dance.
Music workshops: The Port Philip Dance Band will play for the evening dance. Come and play along with them in the morning and afternoon sessions.
Your $20 music workshop ticket covers both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Blackberry Jam has performed for dances to the delight of many, many thousands of groups and organisations over the past 15 years.
An evening of dancing in the traditional style, featuring great live music.
Admission Pre booking on Humanitix: Members $20, Non members$25.
At the door: $30.
Box Hill Community Arts Centre
Melway ref. 47D11
BYO Mug and plate for supper to share
Tea and Coffee provided
Sessions are now at the Ringwood East Senior Citizens Hall.
Join our playing session most Tuesday evenings..
This week, an "all in" session evening where we all join in to play tunes, dance brackets and folk songs. We take turns to suggest the next item. Audience welcome.
Nerida Cuddy is an evocative writer whose songs reflect emotional depth, breathing the landscape of rural Australia. Described as "a central west Mary Black", her story-based concerts create space for connection and reflection, humour and fun. Nerida relishes performing live, but has also greatly enjoyed the chance to find a much larger audience via zoom & Youtube since 2020. In 2021, her 5th album, Woven, was released. She was a featured artist in ArtsOutwest's artist recovery concerts during 2022 and is looking forward to her first UK tour in 2023.
VFMC Monthly Concert
Admission charges from Feb 2024, VFMC members $11, Concession $13, General Admission $15.
The format of the night will be:
7.45 Concert starts
7:45pm to 8:45pm Spot Acts
8.45pm to 9.00pm Supper
9:00pm to 10.00pm Main Act,
This event will be live in the hall only. Admission by Humanitix ticket or cash or card at the door.
A recording of the concert will be posted on YouTube .
Tickets for recording $5 members, $6 noon members available on Humanitix.
The YouTube link will be emailed to ticket holders a day or two after the concert.
Melbourne's Leading English Country Dance Band.
Formed in 2005, Delia's Friends have rapidly become a key part of Melbourne's English Country Dance scene.
The VFMC has a family bush dance on the first Saturday of each month (excluding January). Dances are called so these events are suitable for all ages. A different band is featured each month and everyone is welcome.
Ringwood East Senior Citizens Hall
Melway ref. 50B8
Light supper provided. A plate to share would be appreciated.
No alcohol please.
The goals of the VFMC are:
to preserve, research and popularise our Australian Folklore Heritage
of traditional songs, music, poetry, prose and dance.
to encourage the creation of contemporary songs, music, poetry,
prose and dance in the traditional style.
to maintain forums where singers, musicians, reciters, dancers
and interested organisations may exchange information,
receive help and guidance for the understanding and promotion
of Australian Folklore.
Acknowledgement of Country
The VFMC acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands where we meet,
and supports the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
The official site of the Victorian Folk Music Club Incorporated (Reg No A2511Y)
ABN 28 668 156 704
