Danny Spooner

London-born Danny Spooner is regarded as the foremost traditional singer in Australia.

He learned his craft as a boy on the Thames and at sea with a singing skipper, then through the Australian folk revival of the 60s.

As a historian, his introductions to songs give the context for his British and Australian material. Through years of festivals, concerts, house concerts and camps in Australia, Europe and North America, he's welcomed for his personal warmth, and loves to pass songs on.

He stills enjoys learning and researching the music of working people of both Britain and Australia, and has a lively interest in the American tradition.

This is Danny's second visit to the Christchurch Folk Music club. In 2011 he celebrated his 75th birthday and marked 50 years as part of the folk scene in Australia.

He says "I still enjoy every minute of it".

Long described as "a living national treasure", Danny Spooner can make traditional music seem new and make new songs seem old.