Bush poet remembered in verse
ONE of the country’s original bush poets – Francis MacNamara, aka Frank the Poet (above) – died in Mudgee 150 years ago this month and his verse will be revived at City Diggers in Wollongong this Friday.
Well-known folklorist Mark Gregory will be bringing Frank the Poet’s poems to life at the Illawarra Folk Club’s August concert. He will be accompanied by Gulgong author and singer/songwriter Bob Campbell as well as singers Alan Musgrove and John Broomhall.
Frank the Poet was a trailblazer for the bush poets who followed, including Henry Lawson, Banjo Paterson and CJ Denis, however he died young, at age 50. Largely unheralded, he is an important historical character in our convict past.
Also on the program on Friday will be new group AMP (Anne Lehman, Mark Holder-Keeping and Perla Fefey).
The concert starts at 7.30pm and entry is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
* The Illawarra Folk Festival is a finalist in Category 4 (Festivals & Events) at the 2011 South Coast Tourism Awards to be announced on August 17. To vote in the People's Choice Award, go to http://www.awards.southcoast.net.au/vote.asp?bid=37. Voting closes on August 10.
