Country Dancehall Project
Live band and classic bush dances
Bushdancing & Live Country Music
There's nothing quite like a night in a country hall, full of live country music, laughter and a floor full of dancers. The Country Dancehall Project rolls into Malachi Gilmore Hall for a night that takes everything great about a classic Aussie bush dance and gives it a modern country kick. Calling the dances is "Padre" John Healey, who's been at it for 40 years. He'll walk everyone through the classics, the Heel n Toe Polka, the Gallopede, the Hokey Pokey and a Virginia Reel with Strip the Willow, so grandparents, grandkids and everyone in between can take a turn on the floor together. But instead of Waltzing Matilda between dance sets, you'll get live music from the next wave of Aussie country talent. Come see how the Country Dancehall Project is keeping the bushdance culture alive and kicking.
Oberon Rotary is firing up the BBQ out front - think steak sandwiches, sausages, onion, soft drinks - dinner is sorted. You are also welcome to bring your own food in and please note there are limited tables set up so there is plenty room to dance. Please do bring a sweet plate to share with everyone for Supper Break. No BYO drinks, alcoholic or non alcoholic.
The evening's program
- 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Doors Open with Rotary BBQ (Fundraiser for Oberon Rotary)
Doors Open for dinner hour - Oberon Rotary is cooking steak sandwiches, sausages, onion - all the classics. Buy your dinner from them and raise monies for their good works in town. You are also welcome to bring your own food in, please note there are limited tables set up so there is plenty room to dance. Please do bring a sweet plate to share with everyone. The Malachi foyer bar is open all evening - strictly no BYO drinks, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. There will be non and low alcoholic beers and soft drinks for sale, plus local wines.
- 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
First Set- Bushdancing and Live Country performances
A six piece live band with all the fun of a bush dance mixed with live songs performed (while you catch your breath!)
- 7:30 pm - 7:50 pm
Supper Break
Bring a plate of sweet things to share with everyone. Free Tea and coffee station
- 7:50 pm - 9:00 pm
Second Set - Bushdancing and Live Country performances
See the evening out with more fun entertainment for all ages, boots encouraged!
Lineup
"Padre" John Healy
“Padre” John Healey most recently of Simply Bushed began calling bush dances at the age of 16 years at Old Sydney Town Woolshed in the heady days building up to the Bi-Centenary when it seemed that everyone in Australia that had an acoustic guitar started a bush band! Now 40 years later he has called more dances than had hot dinners and is still one of the younger ones in the bush dance calling trade… So the time has come to afford some youngen’s the same opportunity he had.
Kelly Winning
The Country Dancehall Project is joined by musician and apprentice caller Kelly Winning, who is learning the craft of dance calling through John's mentoring program.
Keelan and Zach Ruston-Walkom
Brothers Keelan and Zach Ruston-Walkom from Bathurst bring great harmonies, and exceptional guitar playing. The boys will bring their own country favourites and to start learning the Bush Dance trade!
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
