Musical March

It's been a big month of music.

We saw Dan Sultan at The Corner Hotel in Richmond and he's hot! His music is pretty good too. It also helped that Missy Higgins made a surprise appearance to help him out on one number and she is just mesmerising.

Next was the Labour Day long weekend Port Fairy Folk Festival. A three hour drive from Melbourne, we shared a cottage with friends within a three minute stroll to the entrance gate in one direction and the centre of town in the other. It's such a privilege to be presented with eight tented venues inside the festival in addition to free performances at various locations around town. But don't be fooled - much of the talent 'outside' the festival was as good, and in some cases even better, than what was on the inside. Buddha In A Chocolate Box being on case in point - who sound very like a folksy version of Pearl Jam if you can even imagine! And if you can't, here's one of their tracks on Triple J's Jukebox.

I also stumbled into a tent and heard a guy called Michael Waugh, who's lyrics could cause a grown man to lose control of his emotions and tear-up. Check out this haunting ballad on his website's homepage.

There was the legendary Archie Roach and we caught Ash Grumwald in the Shebeen where is was absolute packed with a raging middle-aged crowd and steaming hot but the rosé was deliciously cold. Could there be a more perfect Sunday afternoon?

Ash

The Stray Sisters who are the chicks from The Waifs, did two of my all time faves -  London Still which speaks to anyone who's done a long stint in the old dart, and Bridal Train. Plus the girls were just funny, warm and very engaging entertainers.

Vikki Thorn - The Stray Sisters/The Waifs

The kids loved it too - I can recommend it for all ages. The beach at Port Fairy is perfect for a glorious morning walk or jog and there's good coffee and food at Rebecca's to follow.

Back in town, we saw Neil Finn this week. Oh dear. I've been in trouble before for blogging about Neil's concert with Paul Kelly  but now I'm going to have to 'dis' Neil. I don't like his new stuff and the band was just too over powering. He seems to have slipped into a very happy and comfortable middle age - and I'm happy for him, really I am - I just think his work was much better when he was a tortured youth. He did a few of the Crowded House songs - just him and his guitar - and I was in absolute heaven. Just what I'd hoped for. But more of that and less of the band would have worked for me.

And to wrap up the month, we're off to The Rolling Stones at Hanging Rock on the 30th. I believe Geoff sold a kidney to buy the tickets so hopefully that'll be amazing! I'll let you know.