Marilyn and Frank are moving north
Almost 17 years after they took the first steps to found Troubadour Central Coast Folk and Acoustic Music Club in Woy Woy, Marilyn and Frank Russell are moving north.
They'll join family in Queensland but will be sadly missed on the Central Coast, according folk club publicity officer Ms Leila Desborough.
"They leave a strong and unique musical legacy behind," she said.
"With their long-standing support and guidance, the Troubadour has grown to be one of the strongest and most successful folk clubs in NSW, attracting high quality performers from Australia and internationally with performances in the Woy Woy CWA Hall on the fourth Saturday of each month," she said.
"Building on their experience running the Woy Woy School of Music for many years, Marilyn also went on to establish the remarkable Troubalukers, a ukulele group that has made an important difference to the lives of many on the Central Coast.
"Those who join to learn to play the instrument, soon find themselves performing in an amazing musical ensemble.
"The Troubalukers visit Hammond Care dementia cottages once a month and regularly perform for other community groups as well as doing the floor spots most months at the Troubadour Folk Club.
"Frank and Marilyn are also key movers and shakers behind the St Albans Folk Festival, held each year over the Anzac Day weekend."
Marilyn and Frank gained national fame in 2012 through the TV program The Voice.
Their musical protege, Karise Eden went on to win the first series of competitive Australian reality television talent show.
"Uncle Frank and Aunty Marilyn were prominent in the early episodes and received much attention in the aftermath of Karise's inspiring win.
"To celebrate their contribution to the musical heritage of the Peninsula and the Central Coast, there will be a celebration at the Troubadour on February 27 as part of the program with the Canadian singer-songwriter Scott Cook.
"Make sure you get there in time to hear Frank and Marilyn perform their composition True Love Never Dies, from the newly released CD Troubadour tracks."
Email, 17 Feb 2016
Leila Desborough, Troubabour Folk Club