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Thanks so much to the Illawarra Union Singers for throwing yourselves into this gig. Not only for embracing the extras in the Choir For Change, but for sorting an extra rehearsal (particular thanks to Florence for conducting In My Shoes, and to Gerri for organiser the extra rehearsal), but also to Judy, Mairi and Di for organising the quilt raffle, and for those who billeted our Sydney comrades. You sounded great and performed really well, and it was lovely to be able to sing with you on In My Shoes (great work from Bella on the solo part – gorgeous.) Tolpuddle Man was really moving, and our final song We Shall Not Give Up the Fight really got the audience into the spirit of the night, well done all. More photos and info at the Boundless Plains website. Photos courtesy of Mostafa Photography.

Thanks to Gerri’s hard work to organize this great Art Exhibition fundraiser for farmers/drought relief. The Corrimal Leagues was the venue – concrete floor, tin verandah roof – lovely acoustics. Great job guys, sounding awesome. We sang Walk On, Shelter, we Shall Not Give Up the Fight.

When i got to work this morning it was lovely to see the emails flying around about the great singing that occurred on Friday night, and the grateful event organisers. Thankyou very much to Florence and Judy for conducting duties in my absence. Here’s what people were saying:

“Thanks a million to you and all the Union Singers for a fantastic performance last night. It was really uplifting to have you there, so sincerely thank you for all the practice and involvement on the night. Bravo” (from the organisers)

“When I was playing guitar I took the liberty of singing only the choruses of those songs. This gave me the opportunity to listen to everyone else sing. You were magnificent. I felt honoured to be in such company. There was a real sense of occasion, dare I say theatre about the whole thing, from Zlatko’s solo opening of the Internationale, to the last ringing vocal chord of Solidarity…Tremendous stuff.”

“It’s so lovely to have the extra voices – gives us the confidence not to bellow I think. Such a good idea by the Trio from down south to have Zlatkos dramatic start to the occasion and I thought Bread and Roses was just the best we’ve ever done!”

“It was a great night – we from the South thought we sang exceptionally well – but perhaps we are a little biased. Thought that our rendition of Bread and Roses would rate the best we have every sung and Sarah we were very good and sang it smoothly in time with Florence’s hand waving. AND everyone came in simultaneously together for the first chorus of Solidarity but I did notice the audience were a little behind the beat.“

20 at rehearsal tonight, sounding great. Well done Florence for conducting. You’ll have a great gig tomorrow.

How delightful it was for us to be invited to support the Queensland indie group “Laneway” in their national tour album launch. A gig at the Heritage Hotel, and Singongo accpeted our invitation to join us and make a solid 30 minute set. Shame I was in Cowra at the time, but you guys rocked on without me, power to you all.