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!!!

Neil vs Paul

On Monday night Geoff, his best mate Charlie and I went to see Neil Finn and Paul Kelly in concert at The Palais. It was hot, it was a Monday, I was tired but is was amazing! Well, half of it was anyway. Which let to this discussion on the walk back to the car.

Me: Half of that was great! The other half was.. meh..
Boys: How can you say that?
Me: Paul Kelly should seriously not have agreed to that concert. He just embarrassed himself.
Boys: What?! He's a genius! Okay, he may not have such a great voice but his songs are legendary
Me: No they're not. How can you compare songs with lyrics about making gravy and falling asleep in the back of the car as a kid to Neil Finn's sublime poetry?
Boys: That 'gravy' song is about Christmas! It's gold. That will be the 'Silent Night' in 50 years time. You mark my words.
Me: I very much doubt that ....

Yes, Paul sang about the clock on the silo saying 11 degrees (which was ironic given it was 40 degrees in the hall) and we all know it was a Silver Top taxi that took him t her door, all very local and heartfelt and nostalgic but hardly comparable. Let me demonstrate:

Here's a few words from Paul:

Guess the brothers are driving down from Queensland and Stella's 
flying in from the coast 
They say it's gonna be a hundred degrees, even more maybe, but that 
won't stop the roast 

Who's gonna make the gravy now? 
I bet it won't taste the same 

Just add flour, salt, a little red wine and don't forget a dollop of 
tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang 

And a few from Neil:

I'm really close tonight
And i feel like I'm moving towards you
Been lying in the dark
But i think that I'm beginning to know you
Let it go
I'll be waiting when you call

And whenever i fall at your feet
You let your tears rain down on me
Whenever i touch your slow turning pain

And a short, very dodgy, sideways  clip I took, but is about the sounds anyway... (If you receive this post via email, you do need to pop onto my blog site to see the videos...)

Am I being harsh?? Come one people, defend Paul Kelly if you dare!