November Shorn Bush Band’s first ever performance took place at Canowindra in November 1981. This month they celebrate 40 years with a special performance.
The band’s name stems from its first performance in November of that year and the Irish boy’s name Shaun, as much of the music originated from Ireland. The word shorn also came into play as many of their songs were about sheep. The original seven members, within a few months, had become five and it was this group that began to lay the solid foundations for November Shorn’s reputation as a good fun dance band throughout the Central West of NSW. By the mid 1980’s, five members had become four as the band’s popularity continued and in 1990 the band became a trio when Ross Gilbert joined the two remaining original members, Paul Kelly and Geoff Tonkin. It was this line-up that recorded the CD Live at Nashdale in 2003 to celebrate the band’s 21st year.
The band continues to be in high demand, and has played over 600 gigs in country halls, school halls, shearing sheds, hay sheds, packing sheds, machinery sheds, backs of trucks, verandahs, gardens, marquees, clubs, pubs etc. from Sydney to Bourke and Armidale to Gundagai. Celebrations include weddings, birthday parties, town centenaries, school centenaries, bicentenary celebrations, Year of the Outback, Year of Federation, Haley’s Comet and Year 2000 plus many more.
In 2005 Anne Hulak joined the group to complete the current line-up which is:
Paul Kelly (original member) on Vocals, Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, Guitar, Bodhran and Spoons.
Geoff Tonkin (original member) on Vocals, Accordions, Harmonica, Didgeridoo, and Dance Calling.
Ross Gilbert (31 years) on Vocals, Guitar, Harmonicas, Slide Guitar, Mandolin and Beat Box.
Anne Hulak (18 years) on Vocals, Flute, Whistles, Accordion and Lagerphone.
All profits to Foodcare.
November Shorn & Friends at a Bush Dance and Concert
Saturday 26 November 4pm -1pm
Bloomfield Hall, Forest Rd, Orange
Tickets: www.jamorange.com.au or at Landers Music