The NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL CANBERRA, Easter weekend
APRIL 14-18 2022
Photography by Mark Moray, Wicked Rock Photography.
Review by Ros Jason
The moment I walked through the gates of the NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL CANBERRA set in the EXHIBITION SHOWGROUNDS, I knew I was in for a treat.
As a first timer, I was tingling with excitement as I stumbled upon a group of MORRIS DANCERS performing in golden sunshine ..the trees just turning with the shades of Autumn.
What a beautiful scene to behold.
Nearby in the PIAZZA, a WORKSHOP was underway featuring FOLK DANCES from around the world, and just beyond I could see the food and market stalls, and so it begins..
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT for me was undoubtedly a memorable and carefully curated session titled SONGS OF JONI dedicated to the one and only JONI MITCHELL.
The lineup of stars which illuminated this very special galaxy included the exceptional talents of KATIE NOONAN, PARVYN, THE MAES and ZULYA amongst others.
Each artist presented an iconic Joni Mitchell song infused with their own unique interpretation.
Of special note was PARVYN’S delicately nuanced ‘LITTLE GREEN’ and a stunning rendition of ‘CALIFORNIA’ by the startlingly talented THE MAES, their exceptional harmonies trickling over each other in a delicate vocal waterfall.
Sara Humphries’ ‘MY OLD MAN’ was beautifully executed, hitting all the right notes within quite a challenging harmonic structure.
Most interesting to me was the biographical information about Joni Mitchell’s life, stories I’d never heard which added exceptional depth to her heartfelt and long cherished lyrics.
Another curated concert was the very touching SONGS OF JUDY featuring the work of NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award winner the legendary JUDY SMALL who is beloved by generations of folkies.
The audience sat mesmerized as an array of artists including JO DAVIE, ANDREA KIRWIN and KIM YANG performed extracts from SMALL’S extensive songbook, with SMALL herself jumping up to join in, adding autobiographical comments along the way about her densely packed life and work pursuing social justice issues and raising awareness through her music.
My usual festival FOMO kicked in early, and I found myself feeling quite overwhelmed by the array of choices on at every given hour at both INDOOR and OUTDOOR VENUES which are scattered around the show grounds.
There are many opportunities to join casual sing-alongs at the SNOWY RIVER SESSIONS where people gather throughout the day and well into the night in seemingly impromptu collections of like-minded souls sharing their mutual love of making music.
In one corner a group of violinists playing together in perfect unison, people of all ages, an invisible thread of connection joining them in this magical moment.
In another corner, mixed instruments including mandolin, acoustic guitar, flute, fiddle, hand drum,etc..someone will start a song and off they go joining in together, everybody familiar with the cords. I was just in heaven watching this and being a passive participant. I imagine the connection and bond between these souls was even stronger this year, having been deprived of such in person shared moments due to Covid restrictions, so it was all the more special for having been shared.
SPOKEN WORD is an integral part of the festival and there were a number of SLAM POETRY SESSIONS in which people are invited to stand up and present.
I attended an LGBTQIA+ spoken word event which I found inspiring touching and illuminating in its extraordinarily candid and beautifully observed expression of the human experience.
ROVING CIRCUS PERFORMERS gather passing crowds to watch fire throwing, juggling, acrobatics or spinning and rolling inside a huge metal ring.
UPTOWN BROWN seems to appear out of nowhere with his extraordinary ONE MAN BAND contraption mounted on his back, mimicking the effect of a 78 record by using old megaphones for amplification of his engaging toe tapping jazz and blues vaudevillian Ragtime repertoire, highlighting vocals and ukulele.
The MARKETPLACE featured several stalls supporting different causes including GREENPEACE and CLIMATE CHANGE where I learned of a group called ‘FRIENDS OF GRASSLANDS’ who support native grassy ecosystems which are endangered and rapidly dwindling, including some close to Canberra.
Jewellery, recycled clothing, T-shirts, honey, handmade ceramics, natural medicine were all available to purchase from a variety of stalls although according to an old friend I bumped into, as you do, veteran of twenty years at the ‘Nash’, the offerings of food trucks and market stalls was much smaller this year.
Having said that though the FOOD was excellent.
I managed to sample pretty much everything including enjoying delicious French vegetarian crêpes for lunch and sumptuous raclette for dinner on my last day.
There were Ethiopian vegan samosas and curries, Greek loukomades which were very popular as a late night snack, hamburgers, momo, the ‘Kranski sisters’ featuring European hotdogs with sauerkraut, Japanese favorites and terrific pizzas.
A popular gelati van and the coffee venues were always busy with long queues.
A wonderful display of HANDMADE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS was on show including violins, ukuleles, mandolins and banjos and one is able to chat with the makers and discuss the instruments which were all available for purchase or order.
The FESTIVAL SHOP supplied merchandise including hoodies, sweatshirts, tea towels, CDs mugs etc.
Performances by talented LOCAL CHOIRS popped up on the program and I enjoyed several which was special for me as I have belonged to a choir for years. I understand the special connection and it was lovely to share in these moments with the outstanding Melbourne youth choir EXAUDI, The SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE and the STRANGE WEATHER CHOIR.
On Easter morning I passed by a hymn service and joined in a beautiful familiar song, ‘I’ll fly away.’
There are a number of BLACKBOARD stages where anyone can sign in a spot on the timetable throughout the festival and have a go.
WORKSHOPS of all descriptions abound, and it was fun to join in and learn a Ukrainian and a Spanish dance with FOLK DANCE CANBERRA, whilst BANDALUZIA FLAMENCO wowed their audiences in the huge BUDAWANG stadium with a spectacular performance of contemporary flamenco music and dance.
If YOU like to DANCE you’ll love this festival.
I counted five full pages of DANCE EVENTS in the extensive and detailed printed PROGRAM available for purchase from the merchandise shop.(There is also a free downloadable festival app.)There were so many opportunities to participate including the COUPLES TEA DANCE and THE HERITAGE BALL with the Victorian heritage dance band featuring enthusiastic participants in fancy dress.There is such a warm feeling of old friends meeting up again to share in a much loved activity, clearly a popular draw card within the festival lineup.
Other acts of note include the extraordinary PARVYN, her superb harmonic lines hinting at her Punjabi heritage which pepper her sensational original pieces, and the Australian music legend that is KATE CEBERANO.
The explosive energy of UKULELE DEATH SQUAD shook the crowd up a little and the classy GREEN MOHAIR SUITS closed the festival late at night with one of my favorite songs by Neil Young, a simply divine rendition of ‘Harvest Moon’.
TENZIN CHOEGYAL presented a stunning set accompanied by the talented PHOENIX COLLECTIVE, immersing us in meditative relaxation with his glorious chants and recited poetry.
UNCLE ARCHIE ROACH performed his last gig on NGUNNAWAL COUNTRY and it was an emotional moment for all. Having presented his treasured pieces including the heartbreaking ‘Took the children away’, the much loved and now frail artist commented that he wouldn’t be able to do it without everyone’s support and encouragement.
KELLY BROUHAHA blew me away with her extraordinary voice and charming on stage manner; a refreshing moment.
Also the mesmerising MZAZA featuring French-Sephardic vocalist PAULINE MAUDY taking us on a journey from Spain to Morocco and France, and the haunting ZULYA AND THE CHILDREN OF THE UNDERGROUND submerging their eager audience in a Euro-Cabaret vibe.
LIOR and DOMINI captivated their audiences, having been compared to Simon and Garfunkel.. quite honestly I’d make that connection too. Their gifted songwriting and natural storytelling ability melds effortlessly with the most exquisite harmonic exploration, as highlighted by the touching lyrics and sublime melodic drifts of their standout piece, ‘Gloria’.
There was so much beautiful harmony at this festival I just found myself drifting away on a joyous cloud with the likes of the exceptional CHARM OF FINCHES, THE MAES, SARA AND SILAS and the list goes on; one exceptional act after the other.
No one disappointed, there was no dull thud, and it must be noted that the SOUND PRODUCTION and LIGHTING at this festival was absolutely flawless in every single event that I attended. Hats off to the crews for doing an exceptional job, I was so impressed.
It’s a very COMFORTABLE FESTIVAL in so many ways.
We were able to drive our car in and park for free, then a short walk to the gates as we passed by the numerous CAMPING GROUNDS for festival goers, many returning year after year.
I have to say there was one definite plus.. no porta loos!
Only built in facilities, bountiful and immaculately clean. Also of note, there was FREE DRINKING WATER to REFILL our bottles everywhere. It made everything so relaxing as the days were quite warm with beautiful sunny skies yet the evenings were cold, one in particular was freezing, so one must come prepared to rug up.
The day after the festival ended it was raining as we took in the sensational National Gallery Canberra, the National Portrait Gallery featuring a wonderful collection on loan from London and our striking Parliament House which held more to discover than I’d imagined..so all of us were lucky to enjoy the festival under clear skies.
I noticed how WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY this festival is.
People of all ages and abilities are made very welcome and there is an extensive CHILDREN’S PROGRAM as well. I joined the gorgeous JUSTINE CLARKE and JOSH PYKE as she read a very humorous children’s book about snot.
Snot everyone’s cup of tea.
The late night FLAZEDA LGBTQIA+ COLLECTIVE show in the carnival tent was quite the experience.
A Burlesque Show featuring flamboyant costumes slowly and seductively removed by the performers down to scanty G string and nipple tassels. Lots of joyous whooping from the audience as these sexy dancers and drag queens strutted their stuff on stage to pre-recorded soundtrack and hilarious dialogue.
Taking the festival in a different and unexpected direction; very sassy bold and entertaining.
The CLOSING CONCERT was absolutely a blast, commencing with a Welcome to Country followed by a presentation by the Festival Choir and a number of award presentations for best volunteer, the National Folk Fellowship winner etc.
Featuring performances by NEIL MURRAY, MONTGOMERY CHURCH, outstanding spoken word artist OMAR MUSA, THE PHOENIX COLLECTIVE, LIOR AND DOMINI and others, this was a show not to be missed.
YOTHU YINDI closed the festival with a powerful performance highlighting indigenous dance and didgeridoo, covering many of their hits including the pulsing anthemic ‘TREATY’ and ‘SUNSET DREAMING’ which brought the crowd to their feet stomping and cheering.
Their extraordinary energy and passion reached the very back row of the enormous arena and had everybody singing along in a moment of true harmony.
Always wistful at the end of a fantastic festival weekend, I left feeling so enriched by this experience of varied moments which touched me, enlightened me and also brought great joy and fun.
An enormous achievement for the organizers post Covid lockdowns, savoured all the more as we continue to deal with the ongoing realities of the worldwide pandemic situation.
Can’t wait for next year to continue to explore the vast offerings of this exceptional festival experience.
