Oh, did I forget you?
No!
I am still about town...things have been a little crazy here of late. I have shifted abode a couple of times and taken up full-time studies as a Veterinary Nurse but music is still a huge part of the bigger picture. Still writing, still performing, still loving it. Just needed a bit of time to adjust to the new work/study schedule and that tends to gobble up creative time. Feeling more settled now and I am writing a few new tunes which I hope to record soon. I performed a couple of songs written by a friend of mine - Michael Hoffman - recently at the Family Hotel Showcase in Katoomba (must get those videos over to him!). He has some beautiful lyrics and does a damn good job on stage.
I am going to be playing a short set at Winter Magic this year. I will be with the In Lakesh crowd at the Uniting Church Hall in the main street. Come on in and have a listen to the varied music styles that will be on show. Lots of really talented local performers that you may have not even heard of before and of course, the entire street will be alive with music, food and interesting things to buy.
Here's a link to the site for more information:
http://www.wintermagic.com.au/
Winter Magic
Katoomba NSW
Saturday 22nd June, 2013
Hope to see you there!

Winter is upon us here in the Blue Mountains but we musicians continue to brave the elements, linking our fingers with the cold steel strings and testing our vocal chords in the icy air. I have been busy performing at In Lak'esh as part of the Winter Magic Festival and also won a place in the semi-final of the Voice of the Mountains competition, held at the Katoomba RSL last Sunday. I will keep you posted on how I go with that one.
In the coming months, Loose Acoustic is holding another music retreat called "MountainSong" (August 3rd-6th). I strongly advise anyone who wants to hone their music, singing, songwriting and/or rhythm skills to attend. The retreats are also a lovely way of gaining the support and confidence required to increase your performance possibilities and musical networks. There are leaflets scattered around Katoomba, Blackheath and Mount Victoria or you can click on the one shown. For more information go here:

•     http://www.looseacoustic.com.au/Retreats/NewSouthWales.html

Me...I am hoping to go but I may be competing in the grand final of the RSL competition on August 5th so we will see. Got to go now...more soon!
fidelity xx

I have just returned from the Loose Acoustic "Winterbreak 2012" music retreat, held in beautiful Mount Tamborine over the last 5 days. This event was organised and run by Steve Seaton and Angela Hryniuk who live in Brisbane. The retreat was not exactly what I had imagined...long meditative strolls through the gardens, massages, steaming cups of herbal tea, early nights. Far from it! This retreat was something very different...although it had the same rejuvenating effect on my soul. Four elite music industry professionals - Richard Gilewitz (guitar), Andy White (songwriting), Susanna Carman (singer/songwriter) and Yani Choirmistress (I don't know her real name -performance/vocal coach) - were on board to monitor our every musical move and guide us through conquering challenges we had not thought possible. Guitars, saxophones, trombones, flutes, pianos, eggs, harmonicas, emotions and vocal chords all received a hammering for five days straight. Some were tough enough to rise early and attend morning meditation with Angela, which replenished the energy levels when sleep was lacking. Food was a-plenty with three square meals a day and morning/afternoon tea. The next retreat is going to be called "Winterdiet 2012".  Seriously folks...there is going to be another one and it will be held HERE in the Blue Mountains early this August! I will post all the details this week so keep an eye out. Time for me to catch up on my sleep...ni ni.

As some of you know I have been in Western Australia for a little while now. I travelled over to my family after my Mum took ill suddenly. Sadly, she passed away. Even though we were all shocked and upset, this has brought my family so much closer together.
So, down the road a bit from this, I am now heading off to catch up with some relatives in my hometown of Kellerberrin before heading back to the Blue Mountains. The photo is taken along the Great Eastern Highway and it shows you the flat, unending landscape that fills much of Western Australia and where I grew up.
I will be back in the mountains next week to continue my music and recording as soon as my feet touch the ground, after nine weeks of not many playing opportunities. I sang at my Mum's service and played a song ("Waves") for her at her Celebration Of Life. Challenging...but comforting.
I am heading to the Subiaco Farmer's Markets this Saturday to busk for Mother's Day weekend so if you're in the vicinity...please drop by! Also a tentative spot booked at CJ's Good Food Restaurant in Lithgow on 12th June. I am always looking for gigs at suitable venues so contact me if you hear of anything.
'Til next time...keep breathing and smiling.
fidelity