By Ros Jason.
You know you’ve had a great time at a festival when it’s over, yet you’re still aching for more. The peacefulness of home, the kettle boiling, your little dog nudging with his favourite soft toy, willing you to play..But you haven’t quite landed..You long for more of those wow moments, the spine tingles upon hearing the most sublime blood harmonies that could ever be.The catchy refrain from a song that you can’t get out of your head, and don’t really want to. The dreamy sense of peace following a Sufi music session, the gentle hub of the crowd..And that delicious chicken tikka..
But alas, my article awaits..
The weather may not have been kind on a rainy Good Friday as the NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL went into full swing at EXHIBITION PARK in CANBERRA but that did not dampen anyone’s spirits.Focal point of the day was the AUSTRALIAN FOLK MUSIC AWARDS held in the cavernous BUDAWANG auditorium, honouring a lineup of exemplary artists including FRED SMITH, CHARM OF FINCHES, LOST CLOG, OCEANIQUE, AUSTRAL and more.
Popular HIGHLIGHT was the much loved WAIFS, their convivial banter so entertaining as Donna Simpson reminisced about her teen obsession with Prince, prompted by the notably spectacular lighting (throughout the festival at every venue) illuminating the drum kit in a ‘Purple Rain’ inspired palette. Donna then broke into her rendition of the song to the delight of their enormous crowd of fans. The WAIFS hit ‘l’m in London still’ gratified their multi generational audience, having toured the world for the past 30 years with their folk infused feel good shows.
Lovely sunny days and moderate temperatures followed so everyone was outdoors in the open plazas and the PIAZZA pavilion, which hosted daily events including Belly Dance, Swing, Dancers without Borders, Well Hall English dancers, Savoy dance workshop, Sydney Irish Ceili dancers, Polka, Chinese folk dance, Flamenco and Scottish dance.ARGENTINE TANGO PASSIONALE informed us that tango originated on the streets of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century with its roots in African, Cuban and European dances, popular amongst immigrants and former slaves. The Argentinians have ‘borrowed’ music for tango pieces.. did we recognize this piece? I couldn’t put my finger on it as I watched the dancers elegantly tango across the floor, but it was indeed Chopin. A fun skillful CHILDREN’S CIRCUS was thoroughly enjoyed by all, including juggling, acrobatics and a super contortionist who somehow managed to squeeze himself through a squash racket. These dexterous performers presented an ADULTS ONLY LATE NIGHT CIRCUS, a risqué event involving juggling and acrobatics with a seductive serve of striptease on the side. One of the most hilarious acts I’ve ever seen was performed by the contortionist as he inflated an absolutely enormous balloon and somehow managed to completely engulf himself within it, only to re-emerge as nature made him.
The COORONG auditorium hosts many DANCE EVENTS throughout the weekend and I popped in to enjoy BUSH DANCE and IRISH DANCE WORKSHOPS, THE JANE AUSTEN BALL, THE OLD TIME TEA DANCE and more.
There is so much happening you don’t even have to check the schedule, it just pops up in front of you, such as the environmentally focused COMMUNITY CHOIR ECOPELLA and the daring Scottish street artist FIONA BURNS who drew a curious crowd as she entertained us with salty banter and FIRE SWALLOWING.Burns then actually SWALLOWED a stainless STEEL KNIFE the length of her arm, with the assistance of a willing audience member whom she briefly trained as her sidekick.
The KIDZFEST/ CARNIVAL STAGE schedules activities for children including puppet performances, storytellers, ukulele school, musicians, Molly’s Maypole, face-painters and children’s circus.
FRANK YAMMA one of Australia’s most significant indigenous songwriters, sang in Pitjantjatjara and English.His touching lyrics and resonant voice soared as he told stories of country and heartache.
SPOKEN WORD features in the lineup and Canada’s CAT KIDD impressed her audiences with her striking edgy performance art.This lithe charismatic artist’s set comprised several vignettes which tackle difficult subjects such as teen mental health and sexual assault, and a captivating piece called ‘hyena subpoena,’ also performed at the CLOSING CONCERT.
Lots of scrumptious FOOD choices available including spiral potatoes, Thai, gozleme, gnocchi, vegan platters, Greek Loukomades, Lebanese dishes as well as Bourek pastries, paella, coffee, burgers, pizza, Cuban, canolli and more.Stand out were the French raclette, Jordanian mixed platter and possibly the best chicken tikka I’ve ever had.
SHOPPING opportunities featured handmade jewelry including delicate origami earrings, brass and silver pieces and gemstone trinkets.Also secondhand clothing, recycled products, Australian landscape photography, designer fashion, ethnic clothing,books, felted toys and more.
The MERCHANDISE SHOP had lots of festival souvenirs including T-shirts, rain jackets, beanies, hoodies and tea towels. We were gifted a Festival Volunteer T-shirt and also purchased fundraising raffle tickets and beanies, a welcome keepsake for chilly Festival nights.The artists CDs song books tshirts and other items are also available.
Delightful performer LARISSA KOVALCHUK ‘the Soul of Ukraine’ taught us a dreamy Ukrainian lullaby, her beautiful voice filling the small tent with warmth. I sensed deep sadness, and she said that she had actually changed the style of the song due to the trauma in her country. APODIMI COMPANIA were captivating with their Greek urban folk music Rebetika, exceptional vocals and skillful accompaniment on bouzouki, violin, guitar and banjo.
Having seen Fiona BOYES many times I was so happy to hang out again with this internationally recognized blues guitarist, and she never disappoints with her charming cheeky banter and stunning guitar playing, featuring fingerpicking and handmade cigarbox instruments.Covering country blues, New Orleans feels, ballads and Mississippi Hills riffs, Boyes always lets you into her story, introducing a catchy original song inspired by her husband’s comment, ‘I’m getting old and stiff’.
BOYES also ran a WORKSHOP, one of many available throughout the festival including bluegrass fiddle, mandolin, boogie piano and more.
BILLY BRAGG’s fans started to line up long before the designated time, such is his popularity. Having been a political campaigner for decades and written many protest songs, his banter storytelling and life experience flow through his set. Bragg implores us to see the possibility for change in the world and know that there is a shared community of like-minded souls such as those here gathered. Bragg spoke passionately amongst other issues, of the rights of trans gender people to feel safe in their community and to feel supported, and his union anthem always invites a sing-along, fists raised in solidarity.
Standout gig for me would have to be FARHAN SHAH and SUFIOZ’S exhilarating performance of Sufi music and poetry from India, the Middle East and Pakistan, featuring traditional instruments such as tabla, harmonium and santoor with percussion, bass and guitar. I was already familiar with a number of their songs having done a workshop with them at WOMADelaide last year, and as I walked in I heard the familiar refrain. Immediately carried by the pulsating vibe, I joined the ecstatic throng dancing in front of the stage.Such a hypnotic enlivening performance; the music enters your soul and fills you with joy and positive energy yet in the same moment there is an enormous release, a letting go.
PACHAMAMA’S lively set of traditional music of South America featuring multi instrumental combinations of mandolin, flute, charango, bongoes, panpipes. etc. brought back sweet memories of my beloved parents dancing around the kitchen. Some familiar songs from the Buena Vista Social Club including ‘Chan Chan’ popped up, with their unique interpretation in the mix.I found myself being drawn into a conga line that snaked it’s way through the SCRUMPY tent with delighted faces squealing as I drew them in to join us. Such a feeling of warmth and joy to share with people; strangers for a moment until you have your hands on each other’s shoulders and off you go.
Once the daily program has concluded and the crowds drift away, with many festival attendees CAMPING nearby on site, the artists, musos and other night owls gather at the SNOWY RIVER SESSIONS BAR which holds scheduled and impromptu sessions throughout the day and into the wee hours.Groups of musicians gather informally to play and just share the joy of a love of music and performance with much enthusiastic jamming.I absolutely adore the atmosphere in this huge space.It reminds me of a whole bunch of adults having an afternoon off at summer camp free to do whatever they like, forming these collectives of like-minded musicians playing violin, guitar, mandolin, etc
Highlight of my day was the late night SILENT SING.Several artists gathered in the middle of the MARQUEE, the audience seated in the round, and introduced some well loved tunes with simple harmonies for a group singalong.I could do this every day. Just so much fun to sing, to raise voice together, belting out ‘Killing Me Softly,’ ‘Bohemian, Rhapsody,’ Joni Mitchell’s ‘Circle Game’ and more.
FRED SMITH presented ‘Sparrows of Kabul’, his harrowing birds-eye view of life in Kabul at the time of the US withdrawal and Taliban takeover.Graphic photographs accompanied his heartbreaking original songs, adding deeper insight into Smith’s moving first person perspective, having been described as ‘Diplomat, philosopher, poet and raconteur’.
A very real description of surviving the trauma ..later coming home to the everydayness yet privilege of ‘central heating and lunchbox lids’, SMITH’S empathy and compassion allowing him to be vulnerable but certainly deeply touched by this experience.
With up to 15 events scheduled every hour, there is something for everyone.So many outstanding acts including the delicately modulated harmonies, charming original songs and mesmerising storytelling of the WEEPING WILLOWS, WE MAVERICK, RAW HONEY, KAVISHA MAZELLA and WHILE AND MATTHEWS, and always a stand out for me, the sublime CHARM OF FINCHES.BUSH GOTHIC’S original pieces and startlingly fresh rendition of ‘True Blue’ and GRESHKA’S quirky disorderly energy and individual style contribute much to the lineup, whilst the exemplary TONY McMANUS who has been hailed as one of the 50 transcendental guitarists of all time absolutely wowed his audiences.
The list of brilliant acts is endless and no one disappointed, each act adding their bespoke individual note to the melodious festival cacophony, and it must be noted that the SOUND PRODUCTION was absolutely spot on at every venue.
The BOHEMIA STAGE provides the opportunity for anyone to get up and perform, with a chalkboard available to sign in.So much exceptional emerging talent appears in this cozy space, always a pleasure to stop by and share the moment.
Visiting the INSTRUMENT MAKERS HUB and examining the intricately crafted mandolins, violins, ukuleles guitars and more, l learned about the dulcimer and actually had a go at playing one. The lovely craftsman told me that a fellow dulcimer maker in the USA introduced Joni Mitchell to this charming instrument and she went on to write several songs featuring it, including ‘California’ and ‘Case of you’. I cherish these delicious morsels of information, and I adore Joni so this was a very special moment, to hear of the origins of some of my favourite songs in her repertoire. Such conversations build knowledge of the music scene worldwide and the millions of threads that connect artists to each other, instrumental to the texture and fabric of the entire body of work that is produced around the world that gives rise to our listening pleasure.
The FESTIVAL PARADE lapped around the campus on the Sunday evening, delighting everyone in its path, showcasing papier-mâché lanterns that were made in the FESTIVAL CRAFT CENTRE which offered a space for adults and children to try their hand at different crafts including beanie making and more.The CLOCKWORK CIRCUS JELLYFISH lit up the sky and RIFF RAFF RADICAL MARCHING BAND and Canberra’s RAIO DE SOL’S percussion, drumming and dancing girls kept the vibe energized.
I was so excited to attend a workshop rehearsal for the FESTIVAL CHOIR conducted by amongst others KEITH POTGER of the famed Australian group THE SEEKERS.I was beyond thrilled as I had adored them as a little girl and the very first album I purchased with my own money, as Julia Zemiro so often asks her guests on ROCKWIZ, was the Seeker’s Greatest Hits.I still have the album and their songs resonate today, revived somewhat after the sad recent passing of JUDITH DURHAM. DURHAM was touchingly honoured by the FESTIVAL CHOIR at the FINALE AWARDS PRESENTATION CLOSING NIGHT CONCERT with a beautiful rendition of ‘The Carnival Is Over’ accompanied by the audience.The CLOSING CONCERT is a fitting conclusion to the five day event, an opportunity to present awards and thanks to volunteers, staff, rising talent etc.
ROYAL HIGH JINX are such a hoot. Their theatricality, dazzling costumes and Gypsy Jazz Latin Balkan infused numbers get everyone up and dancing, creating a high spirited vibe, with numbers such as ‘Hava Nagila’ and ‘Ciao Bella Ciao’, and on the last night this raucous energy fuelled ensemble threw us a party.A real high on which to end a tremendous and deeply satisfying NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL 2023.
