Port Fairy Folk Festival 2015

Yes... that's where I've been. Well, that and having to read two huge folders in preparation for my course next week - but I'll save that for another post. Back to the #PFFF.

Some people think this is a festival of such daggy proportions they're surprised it draws a crowd at all. But it does! And an old crowd at that. We hazard to guess the mean cohort is in their late 60s. Perhaps the $290 a ticket and about $100 for kids between 12-18 is the reason why, but like our cruise on the Queen Mary 2, I felt young! And surely that's worth $290??

So, 'who was there?' I hear you ask.

Here's a taste:

Mark Seymour. My goodness, isn't he hot?! He can come and play his guitar and sing to me on my couch anytime!! According to wikipedia, he's also turning 59 this year. Amazing.

Sinaed O'Connor was the star billing. Christ knows why, she was shocking. She didn't speak and her mannerisms indicated a real annoyance and agitation to even be there. Luckily, we might have snuck in a cheeky red and some divine French brie - so all was not lost. So dull was it that I started Googling her - she's one fascinatingly strange and probably unhinged chick. My fave story was when her biggest hit, Nothing Compares 2U was at its peak. Prince, who wrote it, summonsed her to his house to let her know he was not happy with the language she was using during interviews, She told him to fuck off. I liked her better after reading that!

Mike Brady. I thought I was mistaken when I heard Up There Cazaly belting out from a tent - but no, he was there. When I saw him the next day - too briefly - he was singing Celtic ballads. He has a beautiful voice and can really tell a story that stabs you right in the heart. Go Mike!

Steve Poltz. Laugh! Unlike we peeps in advertising and marketing, this guy is actually a proper story teller - (a small distraction but if you have time, check out this very funny video on we creative types who think we're story tellers - language warning!)  - so much so I reckon he only sang about four songs in his hour-long gig. One story was about when he was dating Jewel (You Were Meant For Me - which Steve wrote and features in the clip). They went to Mexico and got caught up in a big drug bust. It was so funny it seemed implausible. So I Googled and found this....!!

Frankie J Holden and Wilbur Wild - I'm sad to say this was in the Shebeen (beer aplenty) but was like the Wiggles for the elderly. Fail.

Wagon - they're okay.

Geoff is a big fan of Shane Howard and Richard Thomas - both masters of their game.

BUT - and here's the big revelation, if you're looking for something cooler, head out of the enclosed ticketed area and into the streets and pubs. Two bands we spotted last year were back and as brilliant as ever. The crowd out here is about 30 years younger too - and ticketless!

Zeon. Yes - they're folky but get over it! The lead singer has an incredible voice - reminds me a bit of Dolores O'Riordan from the Cranberries.

And Buddha in A Chocolate Box. They played at The Stump pub. It was packed and heaving. Somehow we found ourselves front and centre. It was huge! It was also unbelievably hot with everyone sweating profusely. Apparently the aircon interferes with the equipment. My guess is it interferes with the sale of beer. One gorgeous young thing near us had such perfect make up we asked if she'd just arrived. 'No,' she said, 'I just spray my face with hairspray. Works a treat. Just the cheap strongest hold from the supermarket.' I must try that! I wonder if it takes out wrinkles?
Anyway, these guys are incredible - watch out for them around town. We're now officially groupies!

 









We're seeing Hozier at The Corner Hotel in a couple of weeks, so no doubt I'll bore you with my unprofessional critique of him as well. That'll be something to look forward to!!!