News

FEBRUARY 2005

And so the road beckoned us south, to the country music capital Tamworth for
the country music festival 2005. Yeha_____!!! This year the heavens did not
open up and the Peel River didnt flood we just had heat wave temperatures
which gave us a work out and a half.
The best thing I love about this festival is the warm friendly atmosphere
everybody having such a good time. And of course got to love all the you
beaut utes (go toyota) and not to mention the sexy cowgirl boots (got to get
a pair of them) and also the fantastic array of theatrical bands putting on
a great aussie show from lusty bustiers, to roosters on perches, and good
old fashioned line dancing.
This was our second year at Tamworth and again we were warmly welcomed.
We were definately something different on the Tamworth street corner but
that didn't stop all ye country and city folk enjoying our music, thankyou.
Thankyou for all your support, homemade jams and many blessings thankyou
so so much.
The highlights, there are so many. Heres a few.
Will never forget the sight of the cowboy whom braved the Peel River at 6am
with only his jocks and akubra hat on paddling a blow up boat.And of
course Kasey Chambers in concert at the bicentenial park. A woman whom is
embracing so much success and is such a down to earth aussie girl so humble
and so talented. Something that stays with me the most is the image of a
conservative mature man watching us perform one morning. The didge was
smokin and the drums were pulsing this man could help but get in the groove,
he was so excited and moving about, until he was suddenly drawn out of his
trance by an onlooker. I looked again some minutes later and he started to
let go again , he began clapping with his hands in time with the rhythm
then by the end of the song he just couldn't help himself he was in front of
us dancing and having a great time. It was a magical moment to see how he
let everything go and set himself free.

Thankyou again to everyone we had an awesome time, and most of all
thankyou Tamworth for having us once again.
Love and light Jabaru

PS Yes were now back on sunshine coast for a few weeks finishing of our new
album Indigo which will be released soon. Keep an eye on web site for
further details

JULY 2004
Has been some time since we've last put some news here, has been some crazy busy times with so much going on.
We have recently been blessed with the birth of our baby girl name Indigo, she's has taken much of our creative dimensions over the pregnancy and now after the birth, but we are now back into the writing of our new album which is coming along sweetly and will be released hopefully before the New Year.

We've migrated once again north to the top end of Australia to enjoy the
warmer weather and enjoy the festive dry season which offers so much
celebrations and fantastic sunsets.
We are based up here for the next few months will be regular at the famous
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets and Parap and Nightcliff Markets plus some
fantastic concerts coming up waiting on date confirmation.
Thankyou to everyone for your fantastic support up here over the past few
months you have all truly been an inspiration.

9th OCTOBER 2003

The land of the Pindan (red earth).
They say the east is the direction of healing and west the direction of quest, and adventure. This for us holds truth.
The west has been an entire questful journey of learning and vision. There's something about the Pindan cliffs and rocks in contrast to the most turquoise ocean that just captivates you and takes you away.
Our time here has slipped away and yet been so full of adventure and experience. I have written a new song here that will be one of the feature songs on the new album called Indian Queen pretty much sums up Broome and we're very excited about recording it when we hit the south.
Rodger always joked about our latest cd red earth not being named after one of our children well, we didn't have to with red earth, yes perhaps it was a matter of time as the next cd will be. The Jabaru clan grows, we are well and I am pregnant, so as we journey down in to the south west my body having just recovered from the last two will once more begin to expand!!! Yay!!
Life for us on the road for the last two years has been flat out, another busy season soon to begin so we are now taking 5 weeks off. Surfing fishing resting and goin bush.
We will be performing in Perth and Fremantle in Nov and Dec. Our first gig being 'FLY BY NIGHT' ON THE 14 NOVEMBER.
Thankyou again everyone for you support encouragement and letters see you southerners in Perth soon.
Love and Light
Jabaru xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SEPTEMBER 1ST 2003

Have left this diary entry for some time as our time in Darwin again words can't truly describe.Our last stop in Darwin 2002 only allowed 4 fantastic weeks, this year we had 3 months of adventure.
We came up through the centre of the country, Port Augusta, Cooper Pedy, Uluru, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and then Darwin over 3000 kms what a journey. We have always dreamed of doing this journey and it was amazing there are no forests out there, not many trees just wide open lands with 360 degree views of the horizons space and silence. The drive is straight, hot and glarey and allows much time for thought, contemplation, meditation and listening to music really really loudly!!

Uluru was captivating, we passed through at the start of the season so we walked around not on and barely saw a soul other than felt our own as we were engrossed in beautiful wonder of this earth. The stillness of the desert nights are amazingly powerful and the gentle winds, reflection of your campfires (which keep you warm as its so cold out there) while hearing the calls of the dingos echoing of into the far distance.Then all the hot springs, yummy their refreshing and invigorating oasis's in the middle of sparse scrub land.
One very long long road, you see the landscape and colours change the further north you go.Then Darwin.

Darwin is happening, there is so much going on in Darwin in The Dry, live music, plays, art , culture , festivals , beach parties, you name it Darwins got it. Any one who hasn't been to Darwin is missing out on a true delight of Australia. It's the rainbow of Australia, a multicultural city with delightful food, entertainment, markets etc etc. We love it.
We performed again at the Mindle Market Thursdays and Sundays and were as much taken away by our audiences than ever. Dancing, laughing and great crowd participation and input made our stay in Darwin a fantastic success.

Jabaru news update continued...
We learnt a lot in Darwin and were inspired with some great new tracks for the forthcoming cd which we're starting working on. Friends and family visited from Queensland and we showed themsome of the not tourist spots but local spots were and camped under the NortherTerritory stars.

We thank all Darwin markets for having us Mindle, Parap and Nightcliff and suggest if your in Darwin they all support street entertainment and there are some very talented and creative performances happening there so go and check it out.Our stay came to an end and we had to say till next time farewell, I wasn't very happy as we drove off.
We met some very special people in Darwin and will be some time before cross paths again. You all know whom you are.. Love you, thankyou and for those we didn't get to say till next time we love you toooo.???!!

Sebastian if you're out there somewhere, (which I know you are) thankyou for all the help you gave us,wish you well & see you in Europe sometime. Angela a fair Dutch girl whom helped us, Happy travels in Oz & stay in touch & thankyou. Reuben otherwise know as Jack Slater (fellow busker) big hug you made us cry with laughter and was a joy to be with. Broke his back for us carrying Rodgers drums, which weigh a tonne. He was and is Zyan and Khanu's personal clown (every kids dream ) love you.

We give thanks to the traditional Indigenous people of Darwin, the Larakia people for having us perform on their sacred ground and for dancing and sharing with us.Thankyou Darwin locals and visitors for warmly welcoming and having us.With us we carry a torch of fire as we journey around this amazing land, Australia. Our times here are never forgotten and always shared, we hope we leave behind a seed that will grow.

As our fire is burning stronger than ever,
Thankyou, Till we meet again. xxxxxoooooo
JABARU

May 21
Freemantle LOVE IT. We played some tunes and enjoyed the ambience of the cafe and restaurants which spread through the pretty streets. Were going to play the markets and looking at a couple of venues so if your Freemantle way we could be here for a week maybe two maybe more. The journey has so far been a tremendous experience we have such an amazing country with so many vast and differen spaces and atmosphere magical wildlife, stunning coastlines and full with warm hearted and interesting people. Australia is definitely a country for me. We've met beautiful travellers and locals who always have a story to share with you or have a yarn, swopping places where to go. I could write a list of all the magical souls we've meet but you all know who you are I just wanted again to say we were blessed to have crossed paths. Thankyou for supporting us by throwing into our hat or buying one of our cds you have made our journey possible and all the more special.

May 16
We took the crossroads to Esperence another beautiful spot which we plan to futher explore on the way back around. Onto Denmark LOVE It Alternative laid back and gorgeous National Parks. The fishing is the best Darrell our travelling companiion caught beautiful silver bream and luscious snapper. We enjoyed a feast from the sea and relaxed on the south west coast. Saw Dolpins, Eagles an Emu and much more gorgeous coastline.

May 13
We left Cactus had to move on and waved our new friends till we meet again and headed of across the Nullabor. What a pilgrimage what a journey what an amazing country we have. Vast open warm neverending, words can't fully do justice to the journey it was and still is in our heart. What a feat for the early travellers. One word to any traveller thinking of embarking on the voyage don't be the white line wizard, stop across to enjoy the whale watching, the sunsets and sunrises. Have a camp fire and enjoy the atmosphere of what it is.

April 30
We headed or for our pilgrimage across to West Oz. Ceduna we buzzed in filled up with water food and all the necessities and headed for Cactus. One day turned into 5 days what an amazing place. Soon as we arrived butterflies were in my belly. Surf was great (looking under for the white pointers which attacked a man in Ceduna days before) and sunshine not to mention the mice which were a definite feature to our stay. As SA has had no rain it has been the perfect breeding ground for mice which when the sun falls the mice come out to party. They partied in the vans of all the travellers we meet there and we were quite proud we hadn't had any and then on the fifth night we were invaded. Hadn't we meant such a great bunch of people in Cactus we might not have stayed so long but we all meet coincidently and shared days of surfing, soaking up the sun, fishing (not much luck) games of spoons, camp fires, cups of tea and Rodgers Birthday also Zyans whch were on 6th and 10th.

April 21
We arrive at Victor Harbor SA. Played some tunes and meet some amazingly beautiful people again whom made our visit even more special. Then on to Adelaide we rocked Rundall mall and had a fantastic time caused havoc with the centre management whom bended there law because it was what the crowds wanted again we meet some fantastic people whom showed us Adelaide. Onto Glenelg which the beachside town shone down the sun and vibrations were exchanged between audiance and us. The Barossa Valley was fantasic being wine lovers we enjoyed some days touring the wineries and indulging a little bit. Found solice in Tanunda the heart of the Barossa and lashed out to purchase myself a new guitar which has been fantastic to cross the Nullabor
with.

Love Light Best wishes
Till we meet again
Jabaru xx

2nd April
Bells Beach where's the surf? If the surf was pumping would have braved the
icy winds, no suits but it just wasn't happening maybe it kicked for the Rip
Curl pro, haven't yet heard. Spent some time in Torquay and visited the
amazing mosaic sundial a must see if in the area and all the fantastic
paintings all over the town, very inspirational. Its a very small world, met
some people who we shared a cup a tea with and they gave Rodger a wet suit and 2 hammocks, we could have filled our bus, beautiful people thankyou for your hospitality.
On to the big smoke Melbourne. We played at the greek festival on Longsdale
Street which is apparently one of the worlds largest greek festivals, well
did we experience thousands and thousands of greeks did they put on a truly
inspirational and vibrant greek cultural fest.
Then on to the solitude of Edward Park to the Port Melbourne community
Festival a big thankyou to Ocke (hope I've got the spelling right) whom
allowed us to set up and perform beautiful sunny day. Good times were had by
all.
Bourke St wow we brave busking in the city streets. We never do cities??
Well short on cash needing to get out of Melbourne we braved it, actually we
had no choice. Illegaly we parked a Long Wheel base Coaster which we
disguised down some alley and lllegaly we performed. It reminded me street
performing on city streets is hard work. Everybody is on such a mission
running here and going there all wound up in thoughts or whatever else your
not in the head space to hear what we had to say. I believe everything is
timely and everything has its place and our music isn't timely with hustling
people and lanes of traffic.
So on we moved to Mornington Peninsula. Words can't ever describe the
overwhelming audiences and the reception we recieved. We performed the main street market on Wednesday and Saturday and the Buskers festival on Easter Sunday. If I could take you all home I would but one bus with two adults
and two children is enough. A big thankyou to all of Mornington Peninsula
for your warm welcomes and genuine appreciativeness if we blew you away
then you can't imagine how you were a gift for us, you lifted our spirits and
reminded us what it's all about. Thankyou Mornington and all whom
experienced the magic with us.
Damien and Rebecca a remarkable couple from Geelong, saw us perform Apollo
Bay and chased us down to Mornington on Sunday. Another amazing gift you were for us, thankyou.
So for the near future everyone keeps asking were can they come and see us,
well I've pencilled in Red Hill market this Sunday being 7th April and
Mornington Racecourse Market next Sunday 14th.
Thankyou also everyone for your beautiful emails I hope you don't mind if we
show them to everyone else.

Best wishes and love,
JABARU xxxx

19th March-
Apollo Bay Festival
Absolutely gorgeous festival. What a brilliant and charming community
spirit. We arrived in a sleepy town and as the week went on it warmed up
into a mystical music festival. Such a variety of music most of which we
had never heard of before, a diverse age group so something for everyone.
Bomba was one group that was pretty reggae/cross hip hop worth having a
listen. The other group which we saw in an intimate performance at the Iluka
was Rumbunctious, Leigh the main singer was fantastic, song writer and acoustic fusion. Two guitarist Bass and Djembe .
There was candle peace cirles on the beach "Save the World" and the most
amazing fire show ever seen "Salamandra".. Great time was had by all.. A
Big Thankyou to Apollo Bay festival organisers, town and festival goers for
welcoming us and having us at the festival. Cheers.XX
Now it was a coin toss we were waiting for some amazing sign, Adelaide or
Melbourne? Melbourne it is! Brunswick Music Festival is running for two
weeks so were going to check it out, currently in Lorne still traveling
along Great Ocean Road the gods couldn't have given us more beautiful
weather, the sun is shining and we've been swimmming in the Great Bass.

Best wishes and love,
Keep in touch,
JABARU xxxx

12th March-
Well what a journey this has been so far, packed up house, boxes, boxes and
more boxes, and moved into our bus. And here we are in Victoria. We had a
wonderful journey down stopping at some remarkable places. First Byron Bay
rain, rain, rain, surf wasn't what we hoped but we saw the most amazing
rainbow the most spectacular I've ever seen in my life. This was a good sign
the rain cleared and we had an amazing gig at the rails in Byron. Thankyou
for all whom were there you made it a very special night. Then onto Cresent
Head where we braved the surf. Well actually they all waited to see me turn
into an icicle then they made an executive disicion not to follow. We
moved onto Seals Rocks a very well know surfing spot. MMMM I could spend
some serious time chilling out here, beautiful secluded beaches and great
surf. Then onto Manly Sydney. Sydney always spins my head so much traffic
and everyone is in such a hurry. I'm a very fast person but Sydney, wow!
We street performed in the Corso and were very well recieved. Had a swim in
the surf and moved onto Canberra didn't stop here spent a night along a
highway truck stop which was very misty and very chilly.
Melbourne, wow, old buildings funky shops what a diverse multicultural city
loved it. Then onto Port Fairy. Port Fairy Festival began the 8th of
March through till Monday. What a wonderful warm peaceful and welcoming
festival.. Various ranges of ages. We set up and played performed a new
show were working on with fire and it went down well. Thankyou to Port
Fairy for having such a great entertaing festival something for everyone we
heard we were lucky with the weather it was warm sunny felt like home.
Thankyou
So now for a couple days of rest and recuperation along the Great Ocean Road
had to see all the tourist things 12 Apostles The arch etc and they were
even more amazing than the photos I've seen. This weekend being (let me check the diary) 15th-17th we'll be performing at the Apollo Bay Festival which
again will be a new experience.
Travelling makes me alway become strongly in touch with nature, myself,
family and most of all the simple things in life. I gain an inner strength
from this and it awakens my creativity and sense of adventure. So we'll
keep playing and spreading the music across the country.

Best wishes and love, keep in touch
Rene, Rodger, Nik
JABARU XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

February-
Jabaru are heading south of the Queensland border. Unfortunately bypassing
Sydney however couple of days in Canberra then on to Victoria to the Port
Faery Festival and Appollo Bay fesival you can be sure to see them perform
there. If any of you out there wish to see Jabaru perform somewhere near
you and can suggest and venues make a suggestion and we'll be sure to check
it out. Best wishes to all see you on the road.
Jabaruxxxxx

Love & Light
JABARU
Rodger, Rene, Allan and Nik XXXXXXXXXX