Don't rust!

Every year Australia celebrates its 'seniors' - those who have reached the ripe old age of 60.

I never refer to aging as 'growing old' and prefer to say 'riper'. It is a fact of life - we are born and have a use by date, some longer than others. As an atheist I believe in dust to dust and our obligation is to leave this world in good shape and, at the same time, have some fun. 

As part of this year's Senior's Week (this week) I am performing at Canterbury Hurlstone Park, Bondi Junction and my home turf, Kings Cross. I have a small grant from the NSW Government and the City of Sydney (thanks folks) which enables me to present these concerts free to the audiences and to have Marcus Holden (fiddle, mandolin) , Garry Steel (accordion) and Mark Oats (fiddle) accompanying me. It's all a bit of fun but what I try to do is celebrate seniors as repositories of traditional knowledge and values and, at the same time, press a few nostalgia buttons. Although this world of ours is often a worry it is also a wonderful place and, in the words of those witty Monty Python people we should always 'Look on the bright side of life'. I know I do but it is good to remind ourselves sometimes.

So, here's a toast to all those riper members of our community.

Here's to you as good as you are

and here's to me as bad as  I am

and as good as you are and as bad as I am

I'm as good as you are as bad as I am!