Rod and Judy Jones, Coordinators Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Australia have today advised that after 27 years, ‘Pickin at the Piggery’, the monthly get-together of the Victorian branch of the Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Society of Australia (BTCMSA) has finished. There will be no more Piggery.
As Coordinators of the BTCMSA, we would like to thank Janet, Nick and Lachlan Dear for the superhuman effort that they put into starting, building and sustaining Pickin’ at the Piggery for the whole of those 27 years. Thanks also to the many people who have helped them over that period of time and those who have supported the monthly event by running workshops, attending, performing and jamming – far too many to name.
Janet & Nick would particularly like to express their gratitude to the late Bob Bell and Jim (JJ) Cuthbert and also to Mike Tinetti.
Over the past year, the overall number of people attending the Piggery barely covered the ever-increasing cost of the venue (currently $350 rental plus $90 insurance per night). In the light of this, the difficult decision was made to discontinue the event. If you wish to discuss the closure of the Piggery, you can contact Nick Dear on mobile: 0421 593 998. He is also open to suggestions of viable alternatives.
Closure of the Piggery does not mean the end of the Victorian branch of the BTCMSA; Nick & Janet Dear will continue to be the representatives. They can be contacted on phone: (03) 5368 6888 / mobile: 0421 593 998 or write to PO Box 61, Blackwood, Vic, 3458.
It’s a shame the Piggery has ended. As a beginner, I started going in mid 1991 and was much encouraged by meeting folks who appreciate Traditional Country and Bluegrass music. I was aware of the numerous pubs/venues and folk clubs around town which were of an acoustic nature, but these were,and as far as I can tell, still for the most part of an Irish/Aussie bush folkie slant. I recall quite clearly, in my early stages of playing turning up with my 5 string to a local well established folk club. The unwelcome feeling I got was quite obvious. Tenor flat picked banjo was the preferred “proper” way to play. I’m glad to have learnt of The Piggery and hope that budding Bluegrass / trad Country players can still find places to get together and jam.
Hi Mick,
I agree it’s a shame and will be missed by many, I can let you know there is still a bit happening on the bluegrass/old time jam scene.
Give Jim Golding a call, I think he has some irons in the fire when it comes to picking opportunities around Melbourne.
Of course you are always welcome at the Strzelecki Stringbusters begginer bluegrass/old time jam on the second Weds of each month in the back room of the Yinnar Hotel, beginners are from 7pm-8.30pm with an open jam session from 8.30 p.m. onwards. There is also another jam in Warragul on the last Sunday of the month, you can find info on this site by looking through the older posts.
Gaz.