Folk Victoria About Us

About Folk Victoria

Who are we?
The Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria Inc has been active in folk and acoustic music in Victoria for over thirty years. The Society trades under the name of “Folk Victoria” and that is the name by which it has become popularly known.
Members pay an annual subscription fee of $20 which entitles them to regular mail-outs and to concession prices at Folk Victoria concerts and the monthly folk club night (which is currently in recess due to a lack of venue). The fee also helps to maintain the society, which is a non-profit organisation. Ten enthusiastic members signed up for the 2007/8 committee and many other volunteers assist at the various events. New faces are always welcome!

What do we do?
In addition to the general administration of the society, there are usually two main activity areas—a regular folk club night and special events such as dances and involvement in the Brunswick Music Festival.

Melbourne Folk Club
Melbourne Folk Club has operated in many 'homes' the last being the Emerald Room at the Clifton Hill Hotel. At present we are looking for a new venue and we are seeking a new group of people to operate the club. It generally operates as a concert night, commencing at 8.00 pm, with two or three acts providing the entertainment. We often attempt to leave time during the night for one or two short ”open stage” spots. Entry prices can vary according to the night, but generally no pre-booking of tickets is necessary.

Special events
The Special events group is involved in the running of a number of other concerts, involving high profile local, interstate and overseas artists. Many of these activities are organised in partnership with “Across the Borders”, the body responsible for the annual Brunswick Music Festival.

Folk Victoria is involved in organising one or two dances or balls per year, usually in conjunction with one or more of Melbourne’s dance organisations.

The society is also at times able to assist, both financially and physically, with special projects which are akin to its aims and charter.

email Jeanette

Artists wishing to enquire about performing at any of our music nights can do so by contacting Jeanette Gillespie.

Committee 2007 - 2008
Jeanette Gillespie (President, Newsletter Ed, Special Events)
Rick Sidgwick (Secretary)
Chris Bigby (Treasurer)
Rebecca Marshall (Membership & Email)
Denise Hibbs (Folk Club door manager)
Jamie Johnston (PA Manager & Special Events)
John O’Leary (Public Officer and Special Events)
Wendy Ealey (General Committee, Website)
Rick Osborn (General Committee)
Ray Hare (General Committee)