Wongawilli – Live at the Local

Pubs have the been the lifeblood of Australian towns since European settlement. Many towns grew around the establishment of ‘snuggeries’, shanties, saloons and sly-grog tents. Over the years the pub became a location for a yarn, a song, colourful language, folklore creation and the great Australian tradition of shouting. The pub became known also as ‘the local’ and ‘the office’.
The Jamberoo Valley, situated west of Kiama on the South Coast of NSW, used to have four pubs last century. This was to service the large amount of timber-getters and farmers in the area. The only remaining pub is now known as the Jamberoo Pub, but originally was the Commercial Hotel and was established in 1857. It is a family oriented pub and still an integral part of the village of Jamberoo. It has long been associated with presenting Australian bush and folk music over the years.
The band plays regularly at Jamberoo Pub, and ‘Live at the Local’ was recorded over two nights in May 1999.

Wongawilli – Live at the Local

The band:

Jane Brownlee Fiddle
David De Danti Accordian
Tania De Santi Piano
Graeme Murray Vocals, Whistle, ercusssion
Reg Murray Banjo, Mandolin
Chloe Roweth Vocals, Mandolin
Jason Roweth Vocals, Guitar

Artist Info
Wongawilli and the Wongawilli Colonial Dancers have been ambassadors of the tradition of social music and dances of Australia’s settlers for the past 10 years. They have been passionate in preserving this tradition and heritage through lively, colourful and entertaining performances. The songs and music performed by the band relate the struggles, achievements and experiences of Australia’s many diversified settlers. The unique musical style includes acoustic instruments and authentic material from older performers. Also available as a cassette TN479 $10

About the artist: “This ensemble is highly regarded in the field of interpreting authentic Australian traditional music, song and dance as a performance art. The group is recognised in Australia as a leading force in the revitalisation of our folk traditions” – Warren Fahey AM.