tag:suzetteherft.com,2005:/blogs/16th-aug201316th Aug20132018-08-25T01:23:15+10:00Suzette Herftfalsetag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/53998372018-08-25T01:23:15+10:002018-08-25T01:23:15+10:00Aug 2018 - Sweetness after Grief, Songs of Hope and Seeds of Compassion<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>I hope you are enjoying the pleasant easing into Spring with the long awaited warmth filtering through the air. Today I got to sit in the sunshine by the beautiful Maribyrnong river and enjoy a meal with some friends and nursing colleagues of mine. I then wandered to Poynton's nursery to soak in the colours and the perfume of beautiful plants, but also to buy 6 metres of black netting. I need the netting to wrap around the plants that the possums have shredded. They are destroying my garden on a daily basis. Every new tender leaf or shoot is eaten, and I am frightened that my garden will not be filled with flowers over the coming months. I am determined to get the better of these pesky pests and have my garden filled with flowers. It reminded me of a Rumi poem on my calendar ...something about savouring 'the sweetness after grief', and I am determined to savour the 'Sweetness' that is coming my way. </p>
<p>There is a special birthday celebration happening on SATURDAY 25TH AUGUST. The Quiet Man is celebrating 20 years of Irish song and music at the pub in Flemington. Kathryn and I have been running the Singers' Session there for more than half that time, and we would like you to pop in and celebrate with us and The Quiet Man. We kick off the afternoon with song at 4.30pm and Drantan and the musos are on at 7.30pm... we will all join in for a 'hooley' till the late hours so you are welcome to join us at any time. Details are on the flyer and the pub is on Racecourse Rd in Flemington. If you intend staying for a meal, you are advised to book. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/02505c58d94c36c6ab58c3b5ea5e685fa59a14a5/original/qm-fbpost-irishfest.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Kathryn and I are also playing a special gig on Saturday 1st September @ 7pm at the Habitat Uniting Church in Canterbury. I will open the evening with a set of songs, Kathryn will then launch her new cd, which will see her debuting her original songs from her new cd "Songs of Hope and Haven". There will be a break for wine and some nibbles, and then Nancy Bates will close the evening with her set. Nancy is an Indigenous performer who has worked with Archie Roach. Funds raised from this concert will assist Nancy in a musical project with Indigenous women in prison as well as assist Habitat in providing for those experiencing domestic violence. Tickets can be pre-purchased through <a contents="TryBooking" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=396810&" target="_blank">TryBooking</a> or can be purchased at the door. This will be a very special evening and I do hope that you can join us. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/de55b575207d3c522cbaff1f2d15f0aae8d7502d/original/songs-of-hope-and-haven-final.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have also posted a new reflective poem titled 'Seeds' on my Soulful Heart site. It's about pullling up the weeds of Bitterness and sowing seeds of Compassion. I hope you can take some time to take a look at it here - <a contents="The Soulful Heart" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thesoulfulheart.com/2018/08/24/seeds/" target="_blank">The Soulful Heart </a> I also posted one about 'Choices' a couple of months ago... </p>
<p>For those of you who would like a holiday on the south coast of NSW, I am headed to Kiama to sing at their beautiful little festival on the weekend of 21st to 23rd September. This will be the first time I will be performing in NSW and will be driving up hoping to stop along the way and spread some musical joy. Hopefully, my car will carry me safely there and back, it will be one of the longest drives I have for a while...<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/e25d4896d298d7467f4d0744c11e92389ffbda4e/original/folk-by-the-sea-2018-artists.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to read through these musings and I hope I can see you soon at some event. The best way is to check my facebook postings here - <a contents="Suzette Herft" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/suzetteherft" target="_blank">Suzette Herft </a></p>
<p>May your days be filled with the 'Sweetness' of life, the scent of blossoms, the songs of hope and joy. </p>
<p>With love and appreciation of your support. </p>
<p>x Suzette</p>4:57Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/52012912018-04-25T20:36:33+10:002018-04-25T20:36:33+10:00Sept 2016 - The Sonoran Dogs<p>Hi Everyone, </p>
<p>Just a quick email to let you know that the Singers Session is on this Wednesday...yes, the 20th September. I have been laid low these last couple of weeks with a lingering cough and some troublesome times at work. I have been sustained by some quiet time and some good friends with a listening ear and wise words.... so thank you to those angels who have come in many disguises. </p>
<p>In addition to the session on Wednesday, I would like to ask you to support a gig that I am arranging on Thursday 24th November for my bluegrass friends from Arizona - The Sonoran Dogs. I had the wonderful opportunity to play with them and experience their hospitality in 2012 when I visited the States. So now, I get to return the favour. I will also open the evening for them, and then my good friend Pete Fidler will be showcasing his new album with his good friend and talented guitarist Jacob McGuffie. It will be a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday, playing music and enjoying your support of the music of my good friends. So please keep that day free - it will be at the wonderful venue The Spotted Mallard in Brunswick where I had my own cd launch last year. I will send you reminders as we get closer to the event. Please see the link for details and don't forget to book for a table and a meal -The Sonoran Dogs </p>
<p>Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you soon. In gratitude, I share this song with you - Send me an Angel. </p>
<p>Much love. Suzette x </p>
<p>To download the track "Send Me An Angel" for free, go to http://suzetteherft.com/dl and enter the code</p>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/52012272018-04-25T20:04:37+10:002018-04-25T20:04:37+10:00Song birds - Aug 2016<p>Hello my friends, </p>
<p>To celebrate two gigs that honour the song and the singing, I am offering you a free download of my song 'The Caged Bird Sings'. This song's title is the shortened version of the real title 'I know why the caged bird sings', which is the same title of the poem and the autobiographical book by Maya Angelou. She was an amazing woman whose story inspires me. </p>
<p>My song is my story but it shares a resonance with the poem. I sing because it gives me life... it is my very breath. I would shrivel up and die without a song, without singing. For many years I felt like a caged bird... singing gives me wings. For that I am filled with gratitude. </p>
<p>So why don't you come along and sing with me and the gorgeous Kathryn Clements (my dear friend) at The Quiet Man Pub, in Racecourse Road, Flemington on WEDNESDAY 17TH AUGUST at 8pm. Our singing sessions have earned a reputation of being the 'best session around' with a warm welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, so we hope you can join us on Wednesday. </p>
<p>I also have an absolutely delightful gig coming up on FRIDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER @ The Skylark Room at BURRINJA (Upwey), 8.30pm (Doors open 6.30pm) with some gorgeous women and very talented songbirds -Janette Geri, Tracey Roberts and Jo Jo Smith. </p>
<p>We had an opportunity to do this gig at Albert Park a few months ago to a great response. There was a wonderful spirit of fun and musical camaraderie which flowed over to the audience. We all share the stage in a round robin format, adding to each other's offerings, adding to the joy... We can guarantee you a wonderful evening of entertainment and inspiration. </p>
<p>Thank you again for your support and I look forward to seeing you soon. </p>
<p>Love, Suzette x </p>
<p>To download the track "02 The Caged Bird Sings" for free, go to http://suzetteherft.com/dl and enter the code 661e-bz3n </p>
<p>unsubscribe</p>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/51393212018-03-21T18:05:04+11:002018-03-21T18:05:04+11:00The year goes off with a Big Bang!!!<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>I started off the year thinking this would be my 'slow down' year... but instead, I've had a very busy time over the last few months - starting in January with the lovely little festival in Georgetown, Tassie... then in our own lovely town of Newstead... Somewhere in early Feb, my son and I headed off to Sydney, to view the Dutch Masters exhibition, plus see the sights. I am not that familiar with Sydney having only been on a weekend a couple of times, and Christopher hadn't been since he was a wee babe of 9 months. For me, the highlight was doing the walk from Coogee to Bondi... I loved it! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/42fcc7a2002ee647b5a73829920d33820b2fcaab/original/dsc01012-1.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>March is upon us and has nearly disappeared itself - but I did go to Port Fairy Folk Festival as a volunteer, and took with me Genevieve and a friend of hers. It was the first time she had been too since she was a babe and she loved it as much as I did (and do). My highlight was singing on stage with the amazing and humble Ben Waters Band (Ben is the best boogie piano player in the world, and has played with Jerry Lee Lewis and the Rolling Stones). He called me up to sing a song in the Shebeen - it was so packed with people dancing right up to the front of the stage. I reckon I sang to about 1000 people, who sang along with me to 'Ring of Fire'. Genevieve and her friend joined the lovely percussionist and got to play the tambourine on the stage while I sang. They had a ball! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/1bd50c5dfb16bcd724a78b3c8428a712e3620fbd/original/dsc01655.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I haven't had any time to post any photos of anything really on my Facebook site (for those of you who are on it), but I look forward to having some quiet time to do some catching up ... not sure when, as I am heading off to cyclone torn Darwin at Easter for a change from the National Folk Festival. The last time I was in Darwin, I celebrated my 31st birthday. </p>
<p>It has been quite a creative time too. I have written about 8 songs since December. Again, this newsletter was delayed because I got caught up writing a song after clearing up the dinner table. I had a line in my head when I woke up yesterday morning... and I quickly scribbled it down with a few others, delaying my morning routine, and rushing off to work a little late. And tonight, I pulled out the guitar to practise for my gig coming up on Sunday, but got a little musical riff in my head... put it together with the words, and two hours later... I have another complete song. So the creative juices are definitely flowing. No wonder I feel tired juggling work, home, music, writing... but I wouldn't swap it. I just need more sleep. </p>
<p>I have been to a lot of gigs too and caught up with a lot of friends and look forward to seeing many more new artists... So time to plug a few things that you might be interested in. </p>
<p>Starting off with the Quiet Man session (Racecourse Rd, Flemington). It is on tonight - Wed 21st Mar. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/49b4c49419273e02b8dcbbb713302985b8e6dd8e/original/kathryn-suzette2018.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> </p>
<p>Here is a photo of Kathryn and me celebrating St. Pat's day.Then on Sunday 25th Mar at 2pm, I get to share the stage with another beautiful, soulful singer-songwriter, Khristian Mizzi, who is receiving rave reviews, at another beautiful location - St Cuthbert's in Menzies Creek. Details are on the flyer. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/6c4a93d7a6b7b22a534294673d67370fa81a0471/original/km-sh.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I am so looking forward to it, and our host Steve Holmes, would like us to do a couple of covers together and has suggested some Leonard Cohen... It will be totally spontaneous, but I am looking forward to the collaboration with Khristian.</p>
<p>Finally, if I am in one piece after the Darwin cyclones, I get to visit a favourite little venue at the Peninsula Folk Club (Frankston Bowls Club) on Sunday 8th April. Details are on the flyer as well.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/1a8a85adcad44d1cf2fef63d8bcd7f20baf5364b/original/pfcapril2018.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have also been blessed with a few phone calls and will keep you posted about future gigs. I also have a couple of poems on my other website 'The Soulful Heart', if you are interested in reading, with a couple of links to songs. I have a couple of <a contents="poems" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thesoulfulheart.com/">poems</a> to add... If only I didn't need sleep!</p>
<p>So goodbye for now and I hope that you get some time to slow down and rest over Easter. Hopefully, I will get to see some of you at these above gigs or in the near future. </p>
<p>With blessings and love, </p>
<p>Suzette x</p>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/50110492018-01-07T23:32:10+11:002018-01-07T23:32:10+11:00JAN 1 2018 - BEGIN AGAIN<p>JAN 1 2018 – BEGIN AGAIN </p>
<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>I have a new poem for you that I posted on my new website solely for the use of my writings - which I have called The Soulful Heart - Distillations of a soul. </p>
<p>If you click on the link below it will take you to my poem on my website, (which also has a photo of a sunrise that I took in Morocco, on the Sahara desert, and a song of hope), all about beginning again. It seems an appropriate time to begin again on this the first day of the New Year. </p>
<p>I have a couple of festivals coming up in January - The Tamar Valley Festival in George Town Tasmania, on the 19th - 21st January, and the Newstead Music Festival on the Australia Day weekend of 26th - 28th January. If you know of anyone who might be interested in attending those festivals, please do not hesitate to pass on this email to them. </p>
<p>The Quiet Man sessions begin again in February - on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. I hope to see you soon. </p>
<p>If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please feel free to unsubscribe. </p>
<p>Wishing you a wonderful 2018. </p>
<p>My sincere good wishes and love. </p>
<p>x Suzette </p>
<p><a contents="Begin Again" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thesoulfulheart.com/">Begin Again</a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/bbf84587d2a060ee6e03081e750033bace18be68/original/dsc05705.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/50110342018-01-07T23:24:28+11:002018-01-07T23:24:28+11:00JULY 17 2017 - THE PILGRIM AND THE PATH TO BEAUTY<p>JUL 17 2017 – THE PILGRIM </p>
<p>On the personal news front - I’ve had my head down and hands to the grind stone, busily working full time over the last 5 weeks with another few weeks to go, as I am desperately trying to pay for for my overseas holiday and put some funds back into the credit card. It is my own little ‘Camino’ to Morocco and Spain. In 2012, I made a ‘Musical Pilgrimage’ to the US, visiting and singing in places that were dear to my heart. Now it is time for another pilgrimage - A pilgrimage of the Heart ( to become a 'Peregrino del Corazon’ as my Spanish lessons are teaching me.) </p>
<p>It is a time to fill my heart with Beauty and Joy. To be filled with the warm sun of the Sahara, the colours and sounds of the Fez markets, the exquisite beauty of the Alhambra, to feel the ground of the Camino through Galicia in Northern Spain…. My heart is ready for this, and I am enduring this bitter winter by holding this hope of the warmth to come. The preparation has not gone the way I had hoped - because in the midst of this, I have been carrying a foot injury, that has necessitated me seeing the podiatrist, getting orthotics, and burrowing into my much needed funds…. But as ever, I am hopeful that ‘All will be well’ and will be as it is meant to be when the time comes for me to leave. </p>
<p>This is something I wrote in my journal recently that anticipates this longing for me. </p>
<p>PATH TO BEAUTY </p>
<p>It has been a long and arduous journey… </p>
<p>A journey of walking through darkness </p>
<p>Walking through the narrow thorny way.. </p>
<p>I have despaired at times - </p>
<p>Given up. </p>
<p>Sat on the floor - lost! </p>
<p>Sobbing hard </p>
<p>Blinded by my pain, blinded by my tears </p>
<p>But the light called me on. </p>
<p>I don’t know how, </p>
<p>But I got up </p>
<p>again and again - </p>
<p>I walked with the pebble of Sorrow in my shoe. </p>
<p>I walked and walked... </p>
<p>I carried Grief </p>
<p>like a heavy pack on my back. </p>
<p>I didn’t know the road… </p>
<p>But I put one foot in front of the other. </p>
<p>I found a resting place or two </p>
<p>along the way… </p>
<p>A Japanese Bathhouse... </p>
<p>The healing hands of a masseuse… </p>
<p>Breaking down the hardening of my shell… </p>
<p>I didn’t want to get hard </p>
<p>I wanted my heart to stay soft. </p>
<p>Though I wept more not less </p>
<p>I chose to keep my heart of flesh. </p>
<p>I got to know my darkness. </p>
<p>And after awhile </p>
<p>I was not afraid of the dark. </p>
<p>I learnt to see in the dark. </p>
<p>I saw my shadows. </p>
<p>I learnt that I had to carry </p>
<p>my darkness with my light. </p>
<p>The two are one </p>
<p>Integrated, I am whole. </p>
<p>I am ready now </p>
<p>to walk again. </p>
<p>To begin my own ‘Camino’… </p>
<p>To take the pebble out from my shoe.. </p>
<p>To swap my heavy pack for a lighter day pack.. </p>
<p>I trust completely in the Path… </p>
<p>It will lead me - </p>
<p>And I will follow. </p>
<p>Because of the darkness </p>
<p>I have become the light. </p>
<p>I hold both together - in me. </p>
<p>Thank you for your attention and loving support of me and my music. </p>
<p>x Suzette</p>3:20Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/50110332018-01-07T23:19:53+11:002018-01-07T23:19:53+11:00FEB 13 2017 - TAMWORTH AND OTHER THINGS<p>FEB 13 2017 – TAMWORTH AND OTHER THINGS </p>
<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>I hope this New Year finds you well and happy. There has been lots happening even though we are only in the second month of the year. </p>
<p>On the personal front, my father was diagnosed with cancer late last year and had a major operation which he is still recovering from. He now faces 2017 with more news regarding the appearance of other cancers. I also lost a good friend to cancer last year too - Hugh McDonald, who produced my first 3 cds. His family are promoting a cause dear to his heart and are asking friends to support some research for The Peter MacCallum Hospital. <br>More information can be found at:https://foundation.petermac.org/your-dollars-in-action/hugh-mcdonald </p>
<p>On the Music front, I initially thought that this year was going to be quiet, so that I could spend some time catching up in the garden, pruning, weeding, feeding and planting... but the break was short lived. I started off the year performing at the wonderful Cygnet Folk Festival, in Tasmania. The weather was hot but the music and the people were wonderful. I had a great time, which included 'christening' my new guitar by spilling some champagne over it, sweating over it and giving it some heavy duty strumming over several sessions that I did, including one that went for 3 hours with the wonderful Pete Fidler. It was the first time that I felt my new 'rose' guitar had become an extension of me, so I was so sad that the airline lost my guitar on the way home. It took itself on a journey from Hobart to Melbourne to Perth and back. But now it is safe with me and has also travelled to Tamworth and back in near 40 degree heat everyday. </p>
<p>I have posted the details of my trip to Tamworth on Facebook, but for those not on FB, you can see a video of me on Peel Street (with my beautiful red 'rose' guitar) and some of my thoughts about Tamworth on the following video link on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Qr-Fs8v1A</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This is another silly video from the trip. We would stop along the way, and I would have to make up a song about the place where we stopped.<iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="iJajUtn_sXU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/iJajUtn_sXU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iJajUtn_sXU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/50110292018-01-07T23:12:54+11:002018-01-07T23:12:54+11:00OCT18 2016 – THE SOUTHERN STAR <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/7252a3b04fe8b70d0b92328cabf9d9db98abbf6f/original/dsc02769.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>On Saturday, I went up to Marysville. I went up to meet the man who has restored my beautiful Maton Southern Star guitar on two occasions. The very first time was in 1980. I was only young then, but my friend who had visited the factory to get his own guitar fixed knew that I was looking for a quality guitar and had asked if the broken down old guitar he saw in the window was for sale. This guitar, was being used by the guys at the factory to jam on. But, if there was a buyer, they would fix it up and sell it to me. Unknown to me at the time, Christopher Ffinch fixed it up and I became the proud young owner of my Southern Star. The second time, was in 2001, when my son who was 3 years old at the time, fell backwards, bum first onto it and the whole front of the guitar caved in especially where the deep crack in the centre had been. I was absolutely devastated. When I took it back to Maton, Patrick Evans from Maton, referred me to Chris, who was working out of Soundworks. Chris took one look at it and said... 'I know this guitar, I've repaired this before'... So, my beautiful guitar was brought back to life for the second time. Finally, I got to meet Chris yesterday after 15 years, through the wonderful medium of Facebook. <br>I am so grateful that there are wonderful luthiers who give life to instruments; the instruments in turn give life to the artists who make them their own, and the music that comes out of those instruments, gives life to those who listen to the music and are touched by it. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to play for Chris and his wife... so the life giving has come full circle. Thank you Christopher Ffinch for the gift you give us with your instrument making. My beautiful Southern Star has the stains of my tears and sweat and has been instrumental in every song I have written... My heartfelt thanks is not enough to thank you. X</p>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/39252362015-11-17T00:44:55+11:002015-11-17T00:44:55+11:00Endings and Beginnings - Nov 2015It's been a time of endings and beginnings over the last couple of weeks.<br><br>Tonight I went for a walk along the Maribyrnong River. As I was leaving my place, the sky was pink and there was a little pale fingernail moon in the sky. I walked along the river on the Flemington Racecourse side, enjoying the quiet evening. A few Vietnamese men were fishing, a few people were walking their dogs... but really, nothing much else was happening. I almost had the track to myself for most of the way. I saw the remnants of the Spring Carnival debris scattered on the public land surrounding the river. I crossed over the bridge at Farnsworth Avenue, from the Ascot Vale side to the Footscray side. More changes to Footscray Park. The light had faded now, and the moon was behind me and glowing brightly. Ahead of me was the sights and the lights of the city in the distance, making a pretty picture. Nothing remains the same. Change happens...in order to move on, you have to let things pass...you have to fully enter into the present moment. With each step, I was moving on... going home.<br><br>I thought about the last few days especially. My father-in-law has passed away. On Thursday, I will be attending his funeral with my children. On the previous Thursday, I had spent a special time with him. Just the two of us. He is the last link to what was an amazing heritage for my children. Phillip Francis Ryan's grandparents were Irish. His grandfather was Matthew Ryan, who arrived at the age of 20 (in 1857) from county Tipperary. He married a Bridget Hogan and they took advantage of the Lands Act, where large grazing leases were granted to settlers. They selected 300 acres of volcanic land on the Heathcote Road about 7 kms south of Colbinabbin.<br><br>His son Matthew (Phil's father) later ran a mixed farm in Wanalta, where a grandson still has half the original property to this day.<br>My children now grow up hardly knowing of this Irish heritage and were too young to remember the various reunions on the family property. With the passing of Phil, has gone a passing of an era of horse and buggy, Sunday evening music around the piano, the first car - the Studebaker...Things and experiences that belonged in another time and place.<br><br>On Friday, I will return to Sri Lanka for the first time in 43 years. My children and my 83 yo father will travel with me. It will be the first time my children will experience my Sri Lankan heritage; the last time my father will see his homeland and his two sisters. It will be a time to remember and make new memories and experiences different from the childhood ones I have carried over these many years. When I travelled in my late teens, I never wanted to go back....too many ghosts in the past. But now I am ready.... ready to integrate the old and the new. To let go of what I need to let go of and to embrace what will be in front of me, without the fear of the child hindering me, but hopefully with the joy and the anticipation of the child I rarely experienced in me.<br><br>So here's to new beginnings... to starting again. To seeds that have burst in the fire and fallen down in the ground of fertile ashes...ready to sprout again.<br>I am ready.Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/38474842015-09-09T20:28:39+10:002017-01-16T10:56:13+11:00CDs Launched at THE SPOTTED MALLARD to a packed house....It was a packed house at The Spotted Mallard on Thurs 27th August. Despite the rain and cold and the tram strike that happened during the day, the place was packed out by so many beautiful people. I was flying... I could feel the love surging between the audience and me like a beautiful wave...So many people with so many compliments about the songs, the atmosphere, the spectacular band in Patrick Evans and Pete Fidler.... So many compliments on Facebook and on my phone. I was on a high for days.<br><br>Brendan Bonsak took some beautiful photos...I will post some here. Thank you to everyone who came out to support me and Patrick launch both 'Farewell Angelina' as well as 'Roses'. My heart felt thanks. x<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/48d042157390371fa85d595f3b811a0198d6be38/original/img-2543.jpg?1441795398" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/fe0c0d408d678e1323f633cc50dc2d5a9411f21e/original/img-2552.jpg?1441795635" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/214c44317d5f74c8dba11bedeb166b0fdb29d774/original/img-2570.jpg?1441795956" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/84610d58c08e7c58a91a3d89774c97db74b70949/original/img-2608.jpg?1441796787" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/9c459bdf36b9142b3931b0545e4bf38068217a47/original/img-2618.jpg?1441797007" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/c4508b2ba5ab1b30931bcc797e12e4623b1dcd0b/original/img-2619.jpg?1441797027" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/436b427b8ad46f083c88a4c3e9be6a5e75a97e8b/original/img-2620.jpg?1441797053" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/b664d26190856e1f9d6f067a2209bf52521140d2/original/img-2636.jpg?1441797301" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/32bdeb174e3db5d75e8bfd84d0008f0d0bf1fe9f/original/img-2639.jpg?1441797351" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/a40cf61f62a900d2088fedc2491070b4bff437cc/original/img-2644.jpg?1441797620" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/d7c51f2732a9ecee845f407f966850d913a06c2e/original/img-2663.jpg?1441797727" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/8c93cd541461e7c60cf980411d7a08ab4c964e95/original/img-2703.jpg?1441798088" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/073f564fdc7dcfcaed30ceef1926efbd1e40ca01/original/img-2736.jpg?1441798359" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/937d3401e00b9f25d58d66b1a5cadac6d3908ceb/original/img-2740.jpg?1441798423" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/3118765b66d4f43f37fb286acec4718310be393c/original/img-2752.jpg?1441798570" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/b95d5c78093c7f00e418cb8f9ee0a71c583d7a3e/original/img-2772.jpg?1441798702" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/9331497c062ecd54307bfa9c679500d56c69dd46/original/suzette-herft-patrick-evans-cover-v2-www.jpg?1432192876" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/3650a398c21cde4d17df79a223ace052fcee96f3/original/cover-v2-1-www.jpg?1432188866" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><span style="color: rgb(165, 42, 42);"><span class="font_large"><strong>CD LAUNCHES!!!!!! <br>THE SPOTTED MALLARD<br>THURS AUG 27TH 8PM</strong></span></span><br><br><span class="font_regular" style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 42, 42);">I am excited to announce that I will be launching both my new cd's at <strong>The Spotted Mallard, 314 Sydney Rd Brunswick on Thursday 27th August at 8pm with Patrick Evans and Pete Fidler.</strong><br><br>The first set will feature the cd and show <em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><strong>'Farewell Angelina'</strong></em> with my dear friend and musical partner</span><span style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"> <strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Patrick Evans</strong>.</span><span style="color: rgb(165, 42, 42);"> <br>This newly released duo album is a musical reproduction of the songs taken from the show of the same name, focusing on the iconic duo of 60’s, <strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Joan Baez & Bob Dylan</strong>. ‘Farewell Angelina' was featured at The Port Fairy Folk Festival in 2015 and received a standing ovation and a full house.'<em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">The musical and vocal interplay are just fabulous'</em><br><br>The second set will feature </span><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">'Roses'</span></strong></em><span style="color: rgb(165, 42, 42);"> my new album of original songs. I will be joined by the talented cast of <strong>Patrick Evans</strong> and <strong>Pete Fidler. </strong>This<strong> </strong><span class="s2">new release is currently receiving rave reviews and was produced by award winning producer and guitarist <strong>Shane O'Mara</strong>. 'Roses' is a collection of songs from the highway of life... traversing grief and finding beauty... all amidst jangly guitars and atmospheric twangy telecaster sounds, echoing the mood of Patty Griffin and the guitar work of our very own Buddy Miller and Ry Cooder (Shane O'Mara). "<em>It sits well in the Americana genre with eloquent song writing and sublime vocals from Suzette Herft."</em></span><br><br>Details for bookings from The Spotted Mallard. http://spottedmallard.com</span></span>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/37388752015-07-05T00:20:16+10:002015-07-05T00:20:16+10:00BEAUTY FROM BROKENNESS – JULY 2015This is a story about the process of transformation… a journey from the place of Brokenness to Beauty. This story also happens to be the story of ‘Roses’ that were planted and came to bloom and is the theme of my new album. So I have decided to share this story with you and feature the songs from the album.<br> <br><strong><u>This is Part 1 and features 3 songs from my album.</u></strong><br> <ol> <li>THE FURNACE….</li>
</ol> <br>‘<strong><em>I Don’t Wanna Burn’</em></strong> …This is the opening track of my new cd ‘Roses’. ‘Roses’ is really a collection of songs from my journey over the past few years, where I have traversed from that place of being broken open to the place of Healing, and of finding Beauty along the way …<br> <br>No one wants to burn. No one chooses to burn, to suffer voluntarily. No one wants to live in a land of ashes and smoke, a land of total loss, grief and abandonment. I certainly don’t want to burn… to experience suffering… not willingly. But, I have been dragged into that land kicking and screaming…<br> <br>Why? I don’t know why. I often try and seek some meaning as to why? Why did this happen? I feel that if I can rationalize and find the reason behind it, then I will be able to bear the pain. When I don’t find meaning, I fear losing my sanity and at times my desire to wake up in the morning and face the day. I have never succumbed to this despair, but I certainly have entertained the thought of how easy it would be to leave it all behind. Yet, there is always a small flame, however precarious it might be to flickering out… there is always a small hope, a small belief, that this pain, that this furnace will ultimately burn the less than desirable parts of myself and leave behind some gold. That if I can endure this suffering, then the furnace will reveal what is golden, what is true, what is beautiful… It is this belief, this lone slender silver thread that keeps me burning with the desire to live fully and be transformed… to find some beauty in the ashes.<br> <br>I also understand that there can be no answer at times…. nothing logical to grasp… no amount of analytical reasoning to justify why I am in the here and now of my pain. This is where my rational mind is challenged to accept that some things cannot be known and that some things stay in the realm of mystery. To continually search for answers only perpetuates my suffering. And I don’t want my heart to become embittered or turn cold as stone.<br> <ol> <li value="2">GROWING ROSES IN THE ASHES….</li>
</ol> <br>So how to survive this? How do I survive this land of ashes and smoke? Some days I so not have any answers… or any courage to face the day. Sometimes it is just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and doing what is in front of me, taking each moment as it comes.<br> <br>This is what works for me… and in no particular order.<br>I have some <strong>good friends</strong> I can be myself with. I can talk, I can sob… and they just listen, allowing me to be with my pain. They are not frightened to be with me in my pain.<br> <br><strong><em>Writing</em></strong>. Lots and lots of writing…purging my thoughts, insights splashing onto the page with my tears… uncensored grief and anger… no one is meant to see or hear. Sometimes even lyrics of songs appear in the writing…and the songwriter in me always has to capture it, even if it is splodged with tears and I can barely see what I am writing through the tears.<br> <br><strong><em>Reading</em></strong>.. particularly something that resonates. Even though I crave for something deep and meaningful to heal the pain, I often find the fictional novel even better because it helps distract me from the pain and takes me to a new place in my imagination. So for a little while I can stop howling… the more engrossing the novel, the better… some relief for my swollen eyes and broken heart.<br> <br><strong><em>Music</em></strong>…I find that I am drawn to sad songs. I make a mix tape (now a cd) and listen to it over and over again. It makes me cry even more, but I figure purging the pain through tears must be good for healing. It works for me as singing is too hard… I can’t sing with a cry in my voice, when I am full of snot and tears… so listening is good.<br> <br><strong><em>Walking</em></strong>…When the thoughts and tears get too much… when my insides feel all knotted and agitated, and I feel I can’t breathe… then I walk. I am lucky I live near a river. So I walk with head down along the less frequented side of the river so no one can see my tears and swollen eyes. I like the way the cold wind whips my face and dries my tears. I like how my feet just fall into rhythm and I don’t have to think… just one foot in front of the other… I tell myself, that’s all I have to do with my life… one foot in front of the other… do the next thing to survive… that’s all.<br> <br>Being <strong><em>kind to myself. </em></strong>Giving myself permission to stay in bed or in my pyjamas all day long if I can… (Just writing this line gave me an idea for a song… and I have just scribbled some lyrics down…. What do you think of this?<br><em>Grief wears pyjamas all day long</em><br><em>She cries as she listens to all the sad songs</em><br><em>Grief doesn’t bother to answer the ‘phone</em><br><em>She hides and pretends that she’s not at home…</em><br>Verse 1 down, and I’ve also written 2 more).<br> <br>I allow myself the luxury of leaving a mess, no tidying up, no cleaning, no cooking, eating what is easy from the fridge or cupboard, drinking lots of tea (herbal) and alternating with drinking lots of wine, or some Baileys… enough to dull the pain and help with sleep.<br> <br>I burn candles, incense, scented oils, fill the house with flowers…. I force myself to go to a movie, or go out and listen to some music… I put the haemorrhoid cream on my eyes to decrease the puffiness from crying so I can face the world without drawing attention to my face.<br> <br>I treat myself to a massage. I have even tried a <strong><em>Japanese Bathhouse</em></strong>. There is something soulful and soothing about trusting your nakedness to the hot buoyant water, letting your tears mingle with the steam. Being stripped back to nothing… learning the lesson of ‘letting go’. Then I move to the sauna where I sit with the image of the furnace burning the less than desirable parts of me and leaving behind something more beautiful in its place. Then the soulful and healing experience of a shiatsu… the healing hands, releasing what needs to be released…letting go of destructive pain.<br> <br>And last, but not least <strong><em>Prayer</em></strong>. In my case, it is more like pounding the door of the heavens with my sobs and pleas to ‘<strong><em>Send Me An Angel’</em></strong>, or rather a host of angels to save me from the ocean swell of sorrow that drowns me. When there is no ground beneath my feet and I don’t know how to swim or survive the next swell…I pray in my desperation for an angel of grace to help me. Somehow I am heard and I survive to face the next swell.<br> <ol> <li value="3">EVERYTHING NEEDS BREAKING DOWN SO THE SEED OF LIFE CAN GROW AGAIN</li>
</ol> <br><strong><em>‘Planting Roses’ </em></strong>is the title track of the album and it contains this belief of mine, this slender silver thread of hope… that in order for us to grow, then we need to be broken open. The challenge is to stay open-hearted and not become closed and bitter through pain. But that is a topic for another time, and another song.<br> <br>Like everything, I also know that all things will pass. The desolation and wretchedness I feel will not last forever. There are swells that will overwhelm me from time to time and threaten to drown me… but the great swell has passed.<br> <br>(Conclusion of Part 1)<br> <br> 4:00Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/31623572014-08-29T21:12:04+10:002014-08-29T21:12:04+10:00Lighting Candles - 29th Aug 2014During this last week my workplace was informed that we will have to endure more cuts to our budgets for public mental health services in the near future. If this is true, it will add up to about 70 full time positions throughout our network which covers the north and western region of metropolitan Melbourne. Someone calculated that this amounts to about 12 positions for the Inner West service that I work for...<br>I don't understand how we can continue to aspire to provide a high level of care and treatment for our clients if these cuts go through. As it is, from the last round of cuts, I feel that we are providing a much more fragmented service which sees clients on the merry-go-round of discharge and re-admission, and a sub optimal level of care and treatment, despite the best intentions of the clinicians I work with.<br>This sense of hopelessness, reminds me of a song I wrote a few years back now, when I felt disempowered by what was going on with our treatment of refugees. Nothing seems to have changed, in fact, the situation is definitely much worse. We now have policies that detain unaccompanied (refugee) children indefinitely till the government waits for the senate to pass laws that will never make them permanent residents of our country...<br>In times like these, it is easy to feel disheartened and powerless to change anything, feeling that our small contribution is not worth anything, so we lapse into doing nothing because we feel overwhelmed by it all. I certainly feel this way at times. <br>When I wrote 'Light A Candle' many years ago, I remembered an Indian proverb that said - 'It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness'. I hope this song inspires you and me to not give up hope, to light a candle, so that collectively we can start a fire and as a people with voting rights, demand that our politicians look after the most vulnerable in our society...Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/31285492014-08-09T22:24:42+10:002014-08-19T22:00:25+10:00A Winter Season - August 2014<span class="font_regular">It has been a cold old winter. I have been in a personal 'winter of discontent' of sorts as well. It has been a time of feeling empty and barren just like the season. Mid June saw me recuperating from a knee operation and July from two bouts of a nasty flu type of virus that was circulating. I don't think I have ever been as sick as this before with a virus. The worst part was not having much voice at all. Not being able to sing was quite disheartening. Normally, even when I am feeling a bit down, I can put on a cd, or pick up a guitar and have a good sing and it usually makes me feel much better... but not so this time. It has even delayed the start of me working on my new cd 'Roses'....<br><br>Sometimes I find it hard to believe that life is moving in a forward direction (and not going around in circles) and that Winter is a necessary season for our souls, where we need to slow down, hibernate and replenish ourselves for the Spring which will come. It is an act of Faith to keep believing that everything will be alright and as it is meant to be. I found myself in a place where I was empty and had nothing to offer, nothing I could really control... and all I could do was to learn the art of surrendering to the Universe's good intentions for me. I am still learning. It is amazing how we think we surrender, but really we withhold something that we really don't want to give up. And just to gently remind me not to get carried away by any 'magical thinking'....and that learning to surrender is not giving away responsibility for my life and the actions that I take and do not take... I had a minor car accident. So there I go, bleeding money again... money I can't really afford to lose that needs to go towards a cd.... I certainly felt miserable about this and was beating myself up about my carelessness... till I decided that maybe the panel beater needs my money at the moment and that while I needed to learn a lesson, all was not wasted... somebody else will benefit from my finances.<br><br>In the last two weeks, I have felt the ever so gentle stirrings of green shoots. I even completed a song today after attending a funeral of one of my patient's yesterday. And maybe like Robbie Burns, I will be able to sing soon ....'Oh the winter it is past and the summer's come at last... and the small birds are singing in the trees..." My voice is now fully back this week and I am looking forward to a new session that my musical partner and I will be starting at The Ascot Vale Hotel tomorrow.<br><br>One of the things I did in my quiet time of recuperation was to listen to a wise woman and read another of her books. Maya Angelou died in June. I find her writings and her teachings so moving and inspiring. I had read her book 'I know why a caged bird sings' many years ago, during my first pregnancy. When she died, I found myself reading her poems again and watching her talk via YouTube. I wrote a song for her, based very loosely on her poem and more with what has resonated in me over the past few years, since leaving my marriage. I am going to try and post it with this newsletter and hope that you like it. It is recorded at home on my little hand held recorder. This will be the opening track for my new cd when I start recording. One of the things I learnt from her was about Courage. Sometimes looking at something whole can be very overwhelming, but it is the little steps, the little actions that we need to take everyday that makes us courageous.<br><br>I hope you enjoy the song, and if you would like to leave me some feedback, I would be most interested in your opinions. Also, I am looking at trying to finance this cd by pre-ordering the cd. If you are interested in helping me with this project, leave your email on the contact page with a note and I will add to my mail out that I will be doing soon.<br><br>Blessings and love to you all.<br>Suzette</span>Suzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/29841022014-05-31T23:20:19+10:002017-01-16T10:56:13+11:002014.... What a year already!Hello my friends,<br><br>Apologies for the long over due newsletter. Last year ended up being quite hectic for me. I moved house in late October and by the time I was organized and almost unpacked, it was Christmas. My new place is rather small but cosy. I had to give away so many things like books and old vinyl records that I didn't have room for. Don't worry.... I kept my favourites like Carol King's 'Tapestry'. <br><br>Before I knew it my January was filled with festivals. Chris, Patrick and myself had a wonderful time in George Town, Tasmania for the small but wonderful Tamar Valley Festival. I made lots of friends and spent a record 8 hours in the pub on the Sunday afternoon to the early hours of the morning, singing my heart out and entertaining the crowds. It was amazing. There was even a man, who threw away his walking stick and began dancing. Another highlight was the standing ovation I received for the Joan Baez Tribute Show.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/19f395586c62deb5b0f842a0fac774f113aba912/original/img-5227.jpg?1401538462" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>After Tamar, the guys flew home and I got a lift to Hobart and stayed with Roger Joseph and his family. Roger organized a concert for me in Hobart. I even appeared on the local ABC to promote the concert. It was a full house and a satisfied crowd, so Roger and I were very pleased. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/332525b36f9f8ac840a016b5a95292b9e0e87b06/original/img-5353.jpg?1401538539" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>I also got an opportunity to explore Hobart. It is such a beautiful city. Unfortunately, my knees didn't like walking up and down the hills too much, and my already torn meniscus in my right knee was aggravated. By the time I got to Newstead for the music festival the following weekend, I could barely get up and down the stage as my knee had swollen up quite a bit. Despite it all, we rocked the festival and got a glowing report in Trad an Now.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/90bae9e85a1197ae5c2cb1edf7a3b38ea2d7b0be/original/review-newstead-1.jpg?1401538286" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/5927318753c37eeb6c422f17a1e0f660bf33f8d2/original/yme-1649.jpg?1401538822" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>February was busy with practice and finalizing the cd 'Shining', which was a live recording from the Joan Baez Tribute show taken from the sound desk at Andrew Pattison's Burke & Wills festival in 2012. Graham Wilson carefully put it together over many hours of painstaking labour and Trevor Pearson provided the beautiful photo that was taken live at that festival. The Troubadour foundation assisted with getting the cd to production as I was skint after moving house.... the joys of being an artist.<br><br>March saw me again at Port Fairy Folk Festival, but this time as a performer with the band. Again, it was such a moving and amazing experience for me as an artist. We (the band) were well received and even earned a mention in Rhythms magazine on the festival.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/d479847748d2d7778b6afac595571d94ce7e69ff/original/rhythms-april-2014-75.jpg?1401539383" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>But the highlight for me was the standing ovations on both occasions at Port Fairy for the Joan Baez show. On the Sunday afternoon especially, St. Pat's Hall was overflowing with people....everyone stood up and applauded for what seemed an eternity. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the audience. The sound was fantastic, people were patient with each other and pointed out available seats, despite the stuffiness and the heat. I felt like I was in 'the zone'. It was like there was this magical link between the story, the songs, the way I was singing and the audience.... we were all connected in a magical sort of way.... Someone said it was as if I had 'channelled Joan Baez', which was very humbling. For the first time in my life, I have come away with this sustained belief in myself of me as an artist.... It was so amazing! I had wonderful other serendipitious moments too, jamming with diners at the Italian restaurant in town, in the green room with some wonderful young people and meeting so many wonderful people.... It still gives me a high just writing about it.... So thank you to Jamie and the crew for inviting me to perform at the festival. I cannot express enough my gratitude for the gift that I received from the audiences. <br><br>Even more amazing was the woman who was stage manager at one of the Joan Baez shows, who had a daughter in the States, who was good friends with Joan's son.... how serendipitious is that..... I believe that Joan has my cd's now at her home in California. I would have never dreamed that this would have even been a possibility at the start of the year... and now it is. I am so blessed!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/291668b6e8a05f333daa5e09619a5e021b252c9f/original/img-5433.jpg?1401540453" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I got another opportunity to present the show again at Burke & Wills Winery later on in March, the day before Peter Rowan performed....As many people were staying overnight on the Saturday for Peter Rowan on the Sunday, I started an impromptu session after dinner that went on till late. We all had a ball! I love getting people to sing. Everyone has so much fun... it is pure joy! I even got to hang out with Peter Rowan and sing with him over the next few days whilst he was in Melbourne. How lucky am I to be surrounded by such greatness.... what a humble man!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/e03b211b52a2619d4b231642fa85bfe4af820990/original/img-5610.jpg?1401541030" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I went with a friend of mine to the National Folk Festival, just as a participant and had a wonderful time as well. One of the highlights was leading a singing session in the session bar till 3am... and meeting Woody Mann. I can't believe how amazing life has been these past few months. I have begun to lay the ground work for my next cd, and I am pleased to say that Shane O'Mara will be producing it. I wanted to stretch myself a little bit, just a little bit more than the folk sound I have on the previous cd's. One of my favourite artists at the moment is Patty Griffin.... and I do like the production on her cd's, especially on her latest cd. So that is a type of sound that I would like to replicate on my new cd 'Roses'.... Now to raise the funds.... I will keep you posted on the details.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/109931/861150b5b1be988cf34baa46052734973eca6444/original/img-1140.jpg?1401542222" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br><br>So other than cd production, I also have the regular singing and songwriting sessions that I run once a month. I am after a new venue at the moment for the Songwriters' session as my local pub has become too popular in recent months and renovations have taken away the private room we had....so if you know of a venue with a quiet room, let me know... I am also busily rehearsing for a 'Seekers' tribute show at the moment that is coming up...and I am really enjoying listening to the beautiful bell like and pure voice of Judith Durham and the amazing harmonies that the guys in the group put together.... What a talent!<br><br>Thank you for your eyes and ears .... I hope you enjoyed reading and looking at the photos. Hopefully, I'll get to another newsletter in a couple of months.<br><br>Blessings and thanks to you all! Love, SuzetteSuzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/14711992013-08-24T14:00:00+10:002014-05-31T21:56:54+10:00What a week - Aug 24th 2013. Hi Everyone,<br><br>What a week I have had. Last Saturday, I headed to see Don McLean at the Hamer Hall. He is still in amazingly good voice. Unfortunately, the sound was a little too loud and seemed to be feeding back at times. He did some of my favourite songs including 'Crossroads' and the one which says 'The homeless brother is my friend'.. All in all, it was a good concert, albeit a little short, in comparison to the Joan Baez concert where she sang for about 1.5 hours. But I am glad I saw him... who knows if he will ever come to Melbourne again. He is a wonderful songwriter and great singer... he was so wonderful to hear.<br><br>On Sunday, I headed to the last (and 35th) Troubadour weekend at Campaspe Downs, Kyneton. It's a wonderful festival put together by Andrew Pattison who ran the Troubadour Restaurant, known for its great music. Andrew transformed it to a wonderful festival and has hosted many wonderful acts from all over the world including Guy Clark, Jesse Winchester as well as local artists, including Doug Ashdown and Mike McLellan.<br><br>On Sunday morning there was a discussion on songwriting between Doug Ashdown, Eric Bogle, Mike McLellan and Shane Howard. It was great hearing their perspectives on their craft as well as their experiences of the industry. There were other great concerts during the day and I ended up singing a Mikey Newberry song for Andrew at the end. Some of us retired back to Andrew and Heather's place and partied and sang on till the early hours of Monday morning.<br><br>I hit the sack about 2.30am and woke up very tired the next day. During the day, I heard about my friend and wonderful musician - Michael Kennedy's death. I was so sad for him and his family. We celebrate his life at a ceremony on Mon 26th. My children's grandmother also died on Wednesday morning. So next week, sees me at two funerals.<br>On Wednesday, we also had a magical singers' session. I took the video camera to catch some footage. Hopefully, I'll be able to post something on Youtube or this site.<br><br>I think, it is all catching up and I'm feeling a little fragile...<br><br>Look after yourselves and I'll talk to you soon.<br><br>x SuzetteSuzette Herfttag:suzetteherft.com,2005:Post/14202252013-08-17T09:50:54+10:002013-08-17T09:50:54+10:00Welcome to my new website!<b>Hello to all my visitors to this my new website.</b><br><br>
I am so excited. This is the very first time that I have set up a website. I am having fun trying to figure it all out and set it up.<br><br>
I hope to keep you informed of what I am doing. As a busy sole parent, psychiatric nurse and musician... plus all the drudgery of chores, bills etc, I hope that I get some regular time to keep this website up to date. I also hope that you will let me know what you would like to know about me, my music etc.<br><br>
Recently, I have had a very musical 2 weeks. On Fri 2nd Aug, I saw Kevin Welch at a house concert and then attended his songwriting seminar with a bunch of my songwriting colleagues from our songwriters' session in Kensington.... (More info on the session later...)... on that weekend. It was an inspiring weekend, which saw me drag out a song that I had been stuck on and ask for some feedback. Since then, I have tried to fix it up and was also inspired to write another song as well. This I posted on Facebook, and have received lots of positive comments about it.<br><br>
Then I saw my hero and great folk icon - Joan Baez on her visit to Melbourne last Thursday - 8th Aug.... She was brilliant! Despite a loss of strength in her higher register, her low register was still warm and honeyed, and I loved the new songs and the re-worked old songs in this register. I last saw Joan in about 1985 when she last came to Melbourne. I don't think she will return, so it was important that I went to see her. I would have loved to visit her back stage and tell her about the show I had written for her - 'Shining'... but alas, it was not to be.<br><br>
Tomorrow (17th Aug), I am going to see Don McLean... I also last saw him sometime in the 80's. I loved his old vinyl albums... some of my favourites were 'The homeless brother is my friend'... 'Winter has me in it's grip'...and 'Crossroads'...so many that weren't as popular as 'American Pie', but still great songs. Now that I am more focused on songwriting, I am also interested in what he is writing now.<br><br>
On Sunday 18th Aug, I am off to Andrew Pattison's Troubadour Festival. It's the final (and 35th) festival with all sorts of wonderful people including Eric Bogle. I have taken the day off work on Monday as annual leave, so that I can stay as long as I like at Kyneton, without feeling the need to rush home and get to bed, so as to get up for work early the next morning...<br><br>
Re -the songwriters' session. For those of you who are songwriters who are interested in sharing songs with your peers and maybe hearing some comments about it, I run a session at Hardiman's Hotel in Kensington on the last Thursday of the month in the back room. I was inspired to do this, after I attended a Nashville Songwriters Association Songcamp in Nashville last year. It was attempt to keep myself focused and motivated in writing songs, by bringing new songs to the group. So far, I have had great feedback and a bunch of us attended Kevin's workshop earlier this month. I will post the photos on the photos page.<br><br>
For those of you who just love to sing or be a part of a group that enjoys singing, I co-facilitate a singers' session at The Quiet Man in Flemington on the 3rd Wed of the month and regularly attend another at Hardiman's Hotel, Kensington on the 2nd Tues of the month.<br><br>
If you would like more information about any of this, please don't hesitate to contact me.<br><br>
I will keep you posted about the fun I've had on the weekend. I am going to close off now so that I can go to bed as it is nearly midnight.<br><br>
So long my friends....Keep in touch.<br><br>
x Suzette.<br><br><br><br><br type="_moz">Suzette Herft