Miguel Heatwole's Frank the Poet + Bright Star Singers @ The Dog (no floorspots!)
8pm, Sat 11th February, 2012
Posted Thursday, October 13, 2011
Show starts 8pm with Bright Star singers (no floorspots!!) so don't be late!! Door opens 7.40.
Miguel Heatwole presents "Frank the Poet" A presentation of songs, verse and narrative of his life and times (1811-1861)
“My name is Francis MacNamara
A native of Cashel in the County Tipperary
Sworn tyranny’s foe
And while I’ve life, I’ll crow!”
Known to his fellow prisoners and his many admirers as Frank the Poet, he was an Irishman with a provocative wit and a stubborn inclination to refuse penal servitude. ‘Convicted by the laws of England’s hostile crown’, he arrived in Australia in 1832 and spent fifteen years under the lash in Sydney, Newcastle, and Van Diemen’s Land. Throughout the ordeal his defiance found a ready outlet in the many songs and poems he composed.
Miguel’s performance will give a detailed account of Frank’s life and will include his known works - many of which have been set to music. The result is a moving, rebellious and often humorous testament to a man whose skill with words made him an articulate champion of the wretched, and an important figure in Australian convict history.
I am a native of the land of Erin
And banished now from my native shore
I left behind my aged parents
And the girl I adore...
…Fellow prisoners be exhilarated!
And your former sufferings don’t bear in mind,
For it’s when from bondage we’re extricated
We will leave those tyrants far, far behind!
The irrepressible Bright Star Singers will be kicking off the evening with a bracket featuring their eclectic mix of folk songs from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Australian folk songs have a high profile with the Bright Star Singers. Traditional Henry Lawson ballads and songs by contemporary songwriters such as David O’Connor, Judy Small, Bill Bekric (a founding member of the choir), Mary-Jane Field and Graham Seal are a big part of the repertoire.
Annandale Neighbourhood Centre,
Back Hall,
79 Johnston St, Annandale.
Note: we will be using this Hall while the upstairs Hall is being renovated
Enquiries & bookings - Sandra (02) 9358 4886
