The Songwriting Society of Australia had their annual general meeting before the monthly concert at the Excelsior Hotel last Monday night. Bleary eyed after three night shifts, it still felt important that I make the effort - if only to have a beer and offer a bit of moral support. It’s 200 kms round trip and I’m glad I went. I would have felt a bit dismal if I hadn’t gone so - rationally - it’s a ‘no brainer.’ Hmm ... who’s rational ? There are usually a few noble souls who consistently keep societies like this functioning. Such is the Songwriting Society and I’m thankful for their effort. I tried to get across my sense that, although it is only a few people whose effort keep things going, that it’s not possible to gauge the effect of their efforts just by numbers. The monthly magazine keeps people in touch. Creative juices don’t always flow but seeds get planted and growth gets nourished as the universe - and our energies - see fit. My energies have certainly gone in fits and starts over the last few years and I’ve made it to very few concerts. The magazine has been both a bit of a spur and a reassurance. Not sure what that means and I think I’ve been nominated as the Blue Mountains occasional correspondent but it could have been the glass of wine. Also played my two allotted songs and found out that batteries fail just when they’re needed. It was a good night.
The following night gave me my third performance at Mount Victoria. This was a good night too. About a dozen people and lot’s of good original music. Got to play six songs and to get better. I’ll keep doing this when I can. Pennie and Bruno of ‘My Heart’s Desire’ organise this night and are long connected with both the Society and John Chesher who runs the weekly gig at the Excelsior Hotel. All seem to be connected to a woman named Maryen Cairns whose earlier hard work still gets kudos and great respect.
Mount Victoria is perhaps the most picturesque village in the mountains. The Imperial Hotel offer a double room for a special price of $50 on the Tuesday nights so there’s a possibility for Sydney songwriters who want to spread their wings.