There must be something wrong with a person who couldn't find something to enjoy at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, according to musical director Jamie McKew. Such a person would have been impossible to find over the weekend, because the variety of entertainment was astounding. From clowns in the children's folk circus to comedy on the main stage, buskers in the streets and rousing rhythms in the Guinness tent, no one could complain there wasn't something that appealed to them. The only challenge was trying to fit it all in, which was a difficult task considering 570 artists were performing at more than 20 venues. Some of the festival's most popular acts included Irish band Kila, whose wildly energetic celtic sound had people dancing in the aisles of tents during its performances. The Guinness tent and wine bar hosted some of the most lively sessions, with audiences forsaking their folding chairs to get up and rock with bands like the Pheasant Pluckers and the Gundaguys. In the smaller tents, listeners were lucky to sit in on more intimate sessions with extraordinary performers like Tibetan musician Tenzing Tsweang and American folk legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott. South West bands such as Hot Tamale Baby, Tukan Sam, and Slap 'N' the Cats showed the locals could mix it with the best of the festival, while organisers proved yet again that you won't find a better musical spread at any other event in Australia.
Slap 'n' the Cats in the Lighthouse Cafe - Port Fairy Folk Festival 1999
No comments:
Post a Comment