Skip to content

Authentic country bush band still going strong after 41 years


40th Birthday celebration!

Celebrated in style at the Bloomfield Hall Orange. Thanks to all those who participated to make it such a successful night.

All profits donated were to Foodcare


November Shorn Bush Band’s first ever performance took place at Canowindra in November 1981.

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.

Cudal Show a

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.

All band members have only ever been part time musicians but the bicentenary year 1988 was definitely their busiest with 72 gigs.

grenfell-2016-b

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.


BOOKINGS

For bookings, please call Geoff on (02) 63668174 or 0427 677 226.

Email: geoff.tonkin4@bigpond.com

Paul Kelly can also be contacted for bookings. 

Phone; 0263625277 or Email: pkelly13@tpg.com.au

Some history…

NS edited

November 2011

Eric Bogle Concert Nov. 2019

Gooloogong Log Cabin Hall May 2014 and backstage evidence as to the number of times November Shorn has played at Gooloogong.

November Shorn memorabilia


HOME | COMMISSIONS | GALLERY | FAQ | ABOUT SITE | CONTACT |

COPYRIGHT © 2024 GEOFF TONKIN