Wow, how lucky were we to accompany Kevin Parsell and Maureen Beggs to attend and join in with the Brunswick Old Time String Orchestra (BOTSO) which meets in North Carlton fortnightly just before exiting Melbourne again. Fantastic evening, totally inspiring…. about 30 fellow music lovers with all manner of strings – fiddles, mandolins, cellos, guitars, banjo, double bass, ukuleles, banjo mandolins, and a cajun accordian – all playing a diverse range of tunes/songs from different genres – by ear or reading or improvising. Wonderful community music in action led by the fabulous Brian and Lyndel Strating who have a pedigree in supporting and facilitating community music opportunities.(Andy Baylor was away in Sydney).
As we travel around the country, we try to find like minded musicians everywhere but I’m so aware of the lack of community music opportunities for people to learn and share music making. I’ve been talking with Peter about running workshops / community music gatherings after spending some time teaching in primary schools again which can be less than satisfying! 
The concept is still forming so very opportune to see BOTSO in action! Great work guys, great vibe!
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