Folk Federation of Tasmania Inc

24/06/2025

What is this tea duelling of which you speak?
I'm glad you asked. It's a noble sport, supposedly carried out according to strict rules but executed with much hilarity. See https://steampunk.wonderhowto.com/how-to/become-tea-duellist-0140892/
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mFp9nZ5NB8
If you'd like to try your hand, or just watch and cheer, come early at 7pm for our Steampunk Ball this Saturday night, at St James Hall. There will also be much dancing to wonderful live music by the Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble, with all dances taught and called by David "Oddsocks" Wanless. No dancing experience or partner required. All ages and identities welcome.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/682310837961515/
Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/steampunkball25

22/06/2025

The Folk Federation of Tasmania committee are pleased to announce that we have the capacity to increase our support of the folk community by increasing the amount available in the Folktas Grant. We are now offering up to $1,000 for individuals or groups to apply for. This is also a reminder that the closing date is 31st July:

12/06/2025

Folk music at Dark M**O winter feast tonight, including Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble

The Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble will be playing two sets at the Dark M**O winter feast at Princes Wharf tonight, one at 6:10pm and another at 7:40pm.

See https://darkmofo.net.au/winter-feast/music for other music at the feast.

On that night, the schedule lists: Ajak Kwai, Claire Anne Taylor, Vardos, Tiff Norchick, Fred Pribac & Romak, You, Me & The Sea, Xixa, The KoraMusika Trio, Sasha Gavlek, Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble, Pacifica Sound Collection, Maloya Horizon, Les Coqs Incroyables, Martine Holliday, Ilyas Hussain, Bruny Island New Orleans Jazz Band, Mambo Afro Trio, Spinnabago, Anna Wang, Southside Steppers

Vardos are a wonderful group playing Balkan music. Fred Pribac and Roman Astra are playing eastern European dance music at 5pm and 7pm in the feast hall.

Gather by fire and gorge yourself on a rich program of music and performance from Lutruwita and beyond.

31/05/2025

If you want more Balfolk after the great fun dance last night, we have another one tomorrow, with another wonderful band.

Balfolk (lively French) dance, Monday 2nd June, with La Voie de Wallaby.

Revel in a night of great live music and joyful dancing, at our Balfolk dance, with the driving and inspiring fiddle and accordion tunes of La Voie de Wallaby.

Caller: David Wanless

7:15 for 7:30-9:30pm
Couples dances and formation dances - all dances taught.

St James Hall, 462 Elizabeth St, New Town (off Rupert Avenue just up the hill from Augusta Rd, enter behind church)

A night of lively, fun Balfolk (French) folk dances, lead by David "Oddsocks" Wanless, still inspired by the joy of Le Grand Bal de L'Europe at Gennetines in France.

Joyful music, many smiles and a good workout.

$7-15 at https://events.humanitix.com/balfolk or at the door.

All dances taught.
No dancing experience or partner required.
All ages and identities welcome.

Monday Night Folk Dances - 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, Feb-Dec except Easter weekend.

FOLK FEDERATION OF TASMANIA INC
www.folktas.org/balfolk
[email protected]
03 6273 2127
Facebook: dance folk tasmania
Instagram: folktas

https://www.facebook.com/events/1787106335189317/

31/05/2025

Klezmer + Balfolk Dance Party tonight - 7:15 at St James Hall.
Exciting live music by Westringa Circus (Rachel Myers, fiddle, Dave McNamara, accordion, Tom Walwyn, bagpipes and flute, and Fred Pribac, double bass), with lively Eastern European and French dances called by David "Oddsocks" Wanless. All ages and identities welcome. No partner or dancing experience necessary. Info: folktas.org/klezbal.

Here's a snap of folk enjoying a Freylekh at an earlier party.

29/05/2025

From: Emily Sheppard
Subject: Maloya percussion/singing workshops
Hi folks,

We have a wonderful young artist, Euphemia Sautron, visiting from Reunion Island, on residency in Australia for three months. She's offering maloya percussion and singing workshops in Moonah on Sundays, starting this week.

Maloya is one of two major genres of music from Reunion Island, originating from African and Malagasy slaves and Indian indentured workers on the island during French colonisation. It's a music of resistance and rebellion, and was considered such a threat to the French state that it was banned from the 1960s-1980s.

Euphémia will guide you through learning some traditional songs from Reunion island. The workshops will include tuition on playing the traditional instruments and rhythms of Maloya (including rouler, sati, piker, kayamb), and singing in Reunion Creole.

The workshops will take place on:
Sunday 1st June
Sunday 8th June
Sunday 15th June
Sunday 22nd June
Sunday 20th July
Sunday 27th July
Sunday 3rd August

The location will be in Moonah, address sent to ticket holders a few days before the event.

$40 per workshop or $240 for season pass (one workshop free).

No prior musical experience necessary, and instruments provided.

Limited places available (12 per class).

Get your tickets here.

Best,

Emily

29/05/2025

Hobart Shanty Session
The next Hobart Shanty Session is on 7-8.30pm Tuesday 3rd June at the Hobart Brewing Company, in Evans St, Hobart.

Hobart Shanty Sessions are a free, rollicking good time open to all.

How it works:
- The first couple of shanties will be led by experienced seadogs, to get everyone into the swing of things.
- After that, anyone can have a go at leading a shanty. The evening's shanty master will wander around with a belaying pin, and if you want to lead let them know. If you're given the pin, you're next!
- We believe that shanties are for everyone! It doesn't matter what gender, sexuality, race, or religion you are. It doesn't matter if you can't carry a tune in a bucket. All are welcome.
- Please support our venue by coming early and purchasing an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage or two.

Greg Dutkowski
+61 0408238495

27/05/2025

26/05/2025

Westringa Circus having fun at our rehearsal recently - how many keys can they fit into one tune, and how many instruments can Tom play in one piece?

See them in full flight with a night of wonderful Klezmer and Balfolk (French) dance music this Saturday, 31st May.

All dances called. No dancing experience or partner required.

https://folktas.org/klezbal