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Folk Redlands Festival 3rd and 4th June '06 Review

A WEEK-END TO REMEMBER, where many came for an hour and stayed for a day.

Day one of the festival opened with a children's concert on the Amphitheatre stage hosted by Vicky MacDonald with the assistance of 10 year old Catherine Burke, who is already showing great potential as a folk artist. The lunch-time concert saw performers Rebecca Wright, The Selkies and then a cross over to the bush band Stone The Crows.

There were events happening on three stages. The weather drew the crowds to the outside Amphitheatre and Acoustic stages. Many missing out on the wonderful performances in the Hall by Celtic Raven (AKA Jacqui Lamont) on Vocals and Harp, accompanied by Flautist Helen Lowe, followed by Guitarist Paul Tyrell whose playing was strongly reminiscent of the legendary classical guitarist John Williams. The hall concert concluded with another superb performance by father and son guitarists Sam and Gary Shepherd.

Helen Rowe held a Singing Workshop on the Acoustic Stage followed by a Voice Concert by the band Shiver. Then a touch of Contemporary Celtic by Partners in Thyme, Kevin and Katrina Ging. On the Amphitheatre Stage the afternoon concert held everyones attention with the varied styles of music from the Pirate Brides, Don Jarmey's band Jigger and Redlands Bluegrass Boys.

Day two, again blessed by blue skies and a gentle breeze with many people arriving early, numbers swelled very quickly. There was so much happening, a Guitar Workshop with Gary Shepherd, Song Writing concert with Julie Minto, the final of which was at 2.30 hosted by Vicky MacDonald and judged by Jacqui Lamont..The winner was Redlands singer-songwriter Bill Langhorn. Congratulations to Bill who has supported Folk Redlands from its inception.

"Ragged Morris" chose the Redlands Festival for their Inaugural performance. It was awesome, the energy, the costumes, the make-up all combined to present a great spectacle of traditional Morris Dancing. Jacqui Lamont's Belly Dancing Troupe also put on an exceptional performance, with sensual music and exotic, authentic costumes which stopped people in their tracks. For an encore, later in the day they performed again on the Acoustic Stage. A Belly Dancing Troupe in a bushland setting ! Something seldom seen (wonder what the Koalas thought). Also on the Acoustic Stage, performances by Glenys Anderson and Steve Weir followed by Celtic Twa were enthusiastically received by the picnickers on the grass. Alongside the Acoustic Stage was the Lamp-Making Workshop with Christine, Sean and Catherine Burke.

At the Amphitheatre stage the Traditional concert kicked off with Mary Brettell (Anglo Folk), followed by Evan Mathieson (Aussie Folk) and last but certainly not least international folk legend Gibb Todd (Celtic folk). These performers are up there with the best, evoking for many memories of past Festivals in places such as Toodjay (WA), Port Fairy (Vic), the Nationals in Canberra and Woodford (QLD).

The festival was held in conjunction with Indigi Day Out and World Environment Day. The final concert, themed "The Environment", began with Noel Gardner and his band, continuing with Evan Mathieson, Mary Brettell, Bill Langhorn. Helen Rowe was joined by Lonnie Martin and Ann Bermingham. After individual performances, all artists came back on stage joining together for a final song to close the festival. The concert ended as the sun set on what can only be described as a perfect week-end.

The support from artists, also acting as hosts, was tremendous as was the support and help from IdigiScapes staff and volunteers, Folk Redlands volunteers, and the continuing support from Redlands Modern Country Music. Check out their web-site for details of the Bluegrass Festival on the 7th to 9th of July. www.redlandscountry.asn.au or call Neil or Cilla Wills on 07 3206 9226.

This inaugural Folk Redlands Festival would not have taken place without the financial assistance from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).