The Sentimental Bloke (Newport Folk Festival)

[Stephen Whiteside]

Momentum is gathering in this year, the centenary of the publication of "The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke", by C. J. Dennis. On Saturday I had the great privilege and pleasure of attending the "The Sentimental Bloke" - performed by father and son team, Dave (the father) and Alan (the son) Davies, ably assisted by narrator Jackie Kerin, and violinist Nicola (whose surname I did not catch). The performance was part of the Newport Folk Festival.

Dave and Alan performed four poems from the book, "A Spring Song", "The Intro", "The Play" and "Hitched". The venue, the Newport Scout Hall, was great - very natural, with a slight 'olde worlde' feel. There was a good crowd in attendance, and they were very animated and highly appreciative.

The poems in "The Sentimental Bloke" are long and complex. To learn any of them off by heart is a significant feat. Dave and Alan recited two each, and with great feeling and passion.

I dips me lid!

[Neville Briggs]

I like the idea of the violin accompaniment. I think those sort of small hall presentations are very suitable for bush poetry or any poetry ( perhaps with the exception of the extreme slam type antics )

By the look of the rugged up clobber, it was a bit cool in the venue

[Stephen Whiteside]

Right on both counts, Neville!

[Catherine Lee]

Amazing - I so admire anyone who is able to do this! Looks like a wonderful event Stephen, thanks for posting these pictures. I think the violin must have been a very special touch.

[Stephen Whiteside]

Thank you, Catherine. I'm glad you appreciate them. Yes, it all came together very nicely.

[Shelley Hansen]

Looks like a lovely occasion, Stephen. We are really hoping to make it to Toolangi for the festival in October this year.

Cheers, Shelley

[Stephen Whiteside]

Yes, it was, Shelley - it felt a bit like a curtain raiser. I really hope to see you there!