Folk Festival 2007

I feel so guilty and disloyal not posting how well Canberra artists stacked up against the National content. Owen Campbell kept audiences enthralled despite early morning slots at the Muse. Heard rave reviews of Tom Woodwards sets.The O’Hoooligans led a fine night of off the wall “folk” with agressive sort of irish music – much dancing and singing. Caught Eilean Mor at the Blackboard with scintillating violin and guitar doing a finely crafted version of their original Hughie. Canberra Youth Theatre put on two evenings of Cabaret. I saw the first with notable performances by Schmick As (very schmick) and Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens (awesome). Dahahoo also did a spot in the same tent – put them back in the Mallee I say. Turned into a huge dust fest of skanking. Give the youth who attend folkies a better venue for a bit of a late night rage. Left out in the cold this year.
Buy your ticket early bird and get organised – it’s an extraordinary event. (not a commercial I’m just a punter).

I liked Mystery Pacific (hot club de paris covers band) Pigram Bros from Broome, The Mammels were great but Tetrified were unbelievable. I bought ticket early, saw so much good music I was emotionally battered – showered every day and ate at home between forays. Excellant weekend.

Maybe they were like me when I went last year Roland, too stunned by the entrance price to do anything for a couple of hours.

A shame no-one actually had any thoughts on the music.

I rather liked the bit of Pettibone that I saw, and th Sound of Music sing off.

Several years ago (7?) I went with some friends who had volunteered to an after party once the venue was all closed up. Drank what was left in the Guniness tent, sat around camp fires, chatted to cute hippies and was encouraged to sing (which I do very badly) untill the sun came up. One of the best nights I’ve had.

Don’t think I’ve had a easter off work since and my folky volunteer mates all move O/S or to Melbourne. Still yet to go back. pitty

Meet Annie from Annie and the Armadillos at a cafe yesterday. She seemed to have had a top time (ladies just don’t tell her you have had an epidural!)

Stalls at the Canberra show ranged from $500-$2500, folk festival was about the same. But they do come with 2 adult season passes.

I wonder what they charge the stallholders? I know some of the trade shows that come to Canberra charge $1500 or more for a weekend event.

I didn’t go, but my toddlers went with their grandparents. From the way they slept most of the afternoon, I’d say they danced their little butts off and had a great time.

I volunteered at the festival – 16 hours work for a free season ticket (eg, the entire festival). Some of the acts were in the wrong venues – too small.

I have no idea how much profit the festival makes, but I can not imagine it is much, given how much equipment needs to be hired to run the festival. That, and paying performers, paying the 6 employees, venue hire costs, public liability insurance etc…

There is usually a two for one voucher in the ACT Govt showbag at the show. but I am always too disorganised to get one. I didnt’ go due to price – but the one time I did go it was totally packed, so I don’t think they’ll be making it cheaper. the really keen can volunteer and get a free 3 day ticket.

Food vendors were probably down as not only were they charging a astronomical amount just to get in, they were also charging a pretty hefty amount to set up shop in there.