2013 Illawarra Folk Festival General artists Applications have closed. But youth artists & multicultural dance groups can still apply until 10 August.

'Frank the Poet - A Convict's Tour to Hell': ABC Radio National Hindsight will broadcast a documentary about the convict poet Francis MacNamara on Sunday 5 August at 1pm. Frank's poetical battle with the tyrants of the day; his importance as a poet whose verse was largely recovered from oral sources - his fellow prisoners. Produced with the help of Bob Hodge, Hamish Maxwell-Stewart, Les Murray, Bob Reece & Maeliosa Stafford; & a new generation of singers & songwriters who have recently recorded contemporary settings of his poems on their CD 'Banished Now From My Native Shore' released by Stobie Sounds.

Kate McLurcan's three Choirs are about to begin, with The Songs of Eric Bogle:

North Sydney Community Centre.  Mondays 7.45-9.15pm - 8 wks from 23 July.  Course Fee: $135. Bookings: 9922 2299
Circle Cafe, Darling St, Balmain.  Wednesdays 7.30-9pm - 8 wks from 25 July.  Course Fee: $120. Bookings: 0412 771 394
The Tramshed, Narrabeen.  Thursdays 7.30-9pm - 8 wks from 26 July.  Course Fee: $120. Bookings: 0412 771 394

Come join a joyous choir & discover the glorious variety of his songs. Eric is a prolific writer of sensitive, political, & very funny songs. A CD with the 19 tracks to be covered is available at $10 when booking, so you can get to know the songs! Concert for family & friends on the last night - with special guests. No experience needed. All voices warmly welcomed! (Free 'Eric Bogle in Concert' film screening on 21 July.)  Kate 0412 771 394.

Salsa dance classes. New term starting. Calle Salsa teaches Cuban style salsa in a fun & relaxed way. As well as one on one partner dancing we specialise in Rueda - lots of fun dancing in a 'wheel' or circle with called moves & partner changes.  The Lewisham Hotel, 794 Parramatta Rd - look for the big Cuban flag out the front. 7.30pm Cuban Salsa (or Casino). 8.30pm Cuban Rueda. Free social dancing from 9.30pm with DJ.  Live band Musica Linda plays on last Wednesday of month, 8.30-11.30pm, $10 entry.  Classes $15 casual or $120 for 10 week term. 0417 426684

Peter Hicks (Tas.), presenting the Matthew Brady Story - a fabulous hour long song cycle about the early Van Demonian bushranger, who led large gangs of former convicts on raids against the colonial establishment in the 1820s until his capture & execution. He learned bushranging skills as a member of Irish fighting force 'the Devil's Own'. Derring-do, seafaring sagas, sieges - with surprising resonances for today's economic times. Peter (song author), his nephew Connor Hicks (fiddle, vocals; ANU Conservatorium student) & Julie Barnes (narration, vocals).  Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club, Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby.  8pm (doors 7.30).  $15.  BYO drinks, nibbles. Tea, coffee provided.  Candle lit, tables can be booked, Barry Parks 9807 9497.

Balmain Bush Dance, with Ryebuck, caller Margaret Bolliger.  (NOT 14 July, as on website, & p.12, June 'Mulga Wire'.)  Sydney Secondary College, Balmain Campus, 25 Terry St, Rozelle.  8pm-12.  All dances taught.  $17, $14, $12, incl. supper.  Don 9642 7950

Free screening of 'Eric Bogle - Live at Stonyfell Winery' - just under 2 hours long. As Eric prepared to give up international touring in 2009, it was opportune to record a concert in Australia. 21 songs include ‘Now I’m Easy’, ‘Singing the Spirit Home’ &, of course, ‘And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’. On stage he is joined by his long time playing partner John Munro, guitarist Peter Titchener, Emma Luker (violin) & Jon Jones (percussion).   Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights. 7pm. Singalong included.  Bring some supper to share.

Woody Guthrie Tribute with Peter Hicks (Tas.) & band. Woody, born 100 years ago, wrote ‘This Land Is Your Land’, ‘John Henry’, ‘So Long It’s Been Good To Know You’, ‘Worried Man Blues’ & so many more, that influenced later folk writers. + Mark Gregory, noted folklorist, will tell a little about Woody’s life & music. + Claire Roberts - local legend, singer songwriter; & local singers.  Illawarra Folk Club, City Diggers, cnr Church & Burelli Sts, Wollongong. 7.30pm.  $15, $10, Youth (12-16) $5, under-12 free. Info: 1300 887 034.

Mic Conway's National Junk Band. A wonderful night of Jug Band Blues, Jazz, Swing, Cabaret, New-Vaudeville, Comedy, Juggling, Fire-Eating ... etc, presented by Captain Matchbox himself, Mic Conway, & his fabulous band.  The Empire Hotel, 103A Parramatta Rd, Annandale (cnr Johnston St).   8pm.  $20, $15. All tickets at the door. Children allowed with a parent. Good food at reasonable prices.  9557 1701

Lawson House Concert. Peter Hicks, with 'The Mathew Brady Story' (see Friday, above).  Bookings, Greg & Lynne 0414 842 575

BMC Dance Workshop. 15th Anniversary Dance Party. Visitors & present & past members welcome. Join us to dance a wide selection of dances presented by John Short & New Currawong Band.  Pennant Hills Community Centre (lower, air conditioned hall), Yarrara Rd. 7.30-10pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860

Song & Tune Session with John Broomhall. Wongawilli Community Hall.  8pm. $3, children free. Includes a light supper. All welcome. Acoustic musicians welcome to join in with sheet music provided.  Dave 0409 57 1788.

Penny Davies & Roger Ilott - for over 30 years, writing & singing songs that are truly Australian. Millions of Australians hear & love their songs every week on Ian McNamara's 'Australia All Over' ABC Radio show.  Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights.  7pm.  Entry by donation ($25, $15). Audience numbers limited to 50 so book early! Wayne Richmond 9939 8802

Penny Davies & Roger Ilott. Penny's voice combines elements of Linda Ronstadt (passion, warmth) & Sandy Denny (folk credibility, depth). Plus Roger's brilliant musicianship & arranging/production skills - & their songwriting & perfect song selection. They have released 16 albums since 1983, & their songs have featured on bestselling ABC albums Australia All Over Volumes 1 & 2, Macca's Sunday Best, etc.  + Chloe & Jason Roweth. Original, traditional & contemporary Australian bush & traditional styled music in dynamic, fresh arrangements featuring two vocals, guitar & mandolin. Their latest CD 'A Voice that was Still' was awarded the National Film & Sound Archive's 'Best Folk Recording 2009' at the National Folk Festival. (Replacing Lyrebird, who will appear in September.)   (1 hour each.)  The Loaded Dog, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, upstairs, 79 Johnston St.  8pm.  $15, $13.  BYO, supper available.  Sandra 9358 4886,

The 5-Lands Experience. 5pm, FREE drum circle.  Concert from 6.30pm, The 5-Lands Band, with their improvisational groove.  8pm, Laura & Susie, two sisters (from the amazing Chaika band) who write & perform their own music. Laura’s complex & storytale piano compositions range from the epic to the light-hearted & weave flavours of Joanna Newsom, Regina Spektor & Tori Amos into her own unique lyrical & musical style. Susie’s gentle, uncomplicated folk melodies are influenced by such as Joni Mitchell, Kate Rusby & Kate Bush. With piano, guitar, accordion, violin & percussion they're a 5-piece duo.  The Rhythm Hut, Unit 7, 141-145 Erina St, Gosford.  $10.  4322 5971

Engadine House Concert with Penny Davies & Roger Ilott They are launching their new CD 'Boomerang Bay' on this mini tour of NSW & will be singing songs from this new collection as well as songs from their long performing history. Their albums can be ordered through good music shops, downloaded from CDBaby or purchased via their website.  2pm.  Yummy home-made afternoon tea. Suggested donation $15/$20.  Booking essential: Margaret 9520 6180, 0403 936 785

YASS:  Fred Smith, with 'Dust of Uruzgan'.  Oddfellows Hall (Kim Nelson's Gallery), upstairs, 67 Comur St. 7.30pm.  Door price $20 (under-15 free).  Judy 0419 498 362.  (See Fred's web site to book for gigs in early August in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra.)

GOULBURN:  Fred Smith, with 'Dust of Uruzgan'.  Goulburn Club, 19 Market St.  8pm.  Tickets $15. For details, 0407 240 635

CANBERRA:  Badja River Band. + Coolfinn Mac, + guest Nina Haysler.  The Merry Muse (Monaro Folk Society), Canberra Southern Cross Club (The Bowlo), McCaughey St (cnr Condamine St), Turner.  7.30pm.  $17, $14, MFS $12, under-16 free.  Eileen 0412 127 882. 

NOWRA:  River Music. Kate Rowe & Ryan Morrison. Kate's songs contain powerful stories & fascinating topics. Catchy melodies, beautiful singing, endearing onstage presence; a warm, funny & moving performance for all ages. With cheeky, romantic Perth songwriter Ryan Morrison, best known as 'the Lightpole guy' in The Spooky Men's Chorale. + Aaron Strickland, acoustic folk singer, songwriter & musician from the South Coast. Songs with strong environmental, political & social messages, insightful lyrics.  Nowra Golf Club, Fairway Drive, North Nowra.  7.30pm.  $20, $15, Youth(12-20) $5, Kids free. Come early for a meal from the bistro. Enq, bookings: Andrew or Alison 4447 5663, 0418 436 224. Tickets at the door, or to get the best seats, book online (online booking fee of 30c per ticket).

YOUNG:  Fred Smith, with 'Dust of Uruzgan'.  Art of Espresso, 35 Main St.  7.30pm.  Tkts: $20, available from venue or M&M’s Music.  Megan 0410 635 578

CANBERRA:  Dancers’ Dance: aimed at intermediate to advanced dancers, who should be familiar with all the bush dance basics - some Contra, Ballroom, Square Dance, Irish and/or Scottish will come in handy too. A mix of well known, interesting, new & some more difficult dances, with experienced callers, incl. Roger Gifford, Colin Towns, Mark Simmons, Roni Giacobetti, Jim Williams, & Kate Armstrong.  All Saints Church Hall, Ainslie.  8pm. $18, $16, $14.  Please bring a plate for supper.  Mark Simmons 6223 4245 (business hours).

QUEANBEYAN:  Shenanigans. And a mini reprise of the Pat Drummond tribute with Humbug & Craig & Simone Dawson. THEN … Pat Drummond, Geoff Drummond & Fred Pilcher reunite after many years to bring you The Toot Whistle Plunk & Boom Band!  The Artists Shed, 14 Foster St (behind Magnet Mart off Yass Rd).  2-5pm.  Entry by paper note donation. Enjoy a glass of wine, wonderful artworks, great music - & lovely rustic surroundings!  Ros 0438 768 754.