It was actually quite sad to leave Port Fairy and all the nice folks behind today, just as we were settling in and getting to know everyone, what a wonderful place it turned out to be, thank you all for your superb hospitality. I hope these few pictures give you some idea of the size and scope of the event. Vin just seemed to grow in stature and popularity every time he stood up on stage, well sat down, on stage. As we left our hotel this morning even the manager of the hotel asked me when and where Vin was playing! This mornings concert on Stage 1 was without doubt his best of the weekend, despite it being at 1030 in the morning, it was packed, I was reliably told there were 2,000 people in the tent. Vin was on top form and if anything his performance topped anything he has done on the trip so far, I would venture to say he was the star of the weekend for many individuals. After the show it took us another hour to sign and sell CDs, one man told me, "he has it all, great stage presence, wonderful humour, brilliant songs and great vocal ability", I don't think we can argue with that. I heard someone else thank Vin for making his festival weekend so special. The sound on Stage 1 was excellent, special word of thanks to all the boys on the nobs. We were also looked after by two very special stewards, Keith and Sandra, they were wonderful, thank you guys for all your help and the change for the CD sales..
While Vin was warming up this morning I popped over to the Green Room for coffee, Bear with me for a moment. I had only just sat down when Dougie McLean arrived, he came across to sit next to me. Trying not to seem too overwhelmed, I made room for him in my exclusive corner of the room. We chatted for quite a while talking about his gig the previous evening which I had attended (he was brilliant), the festival, songwriting, recording, Australia and life in general. You may remember at this point that Vin had introduced us yesterday. I have to say Dougie was great to talk to, natural and very friendly and why shouldn't he be! He and his wife Jenny were off driving around Oz in a cozy little camper van and quite excited about the prospect. Anyway, I had to get back to stage 1 for Vin's concert so with some regret I excused myself. As I was leaving and much to my surprise Dougie asked me if I had any of my albums with me, would you believe it, I had one in my pocket which I was going to give to Enda Kenny, so with some reluctance I gave it to him. With luck Dougie McLean is now driving around Australia listening to the songs of Stan Graham. Not a bad mornings net working.Just in case you were wondering I eventually caught up with Enda later in the morning and gave him the CD I promised him, he told me he's hoping to come back to UK on tour next year, so any Folk Club organisers out there take note! One of the problems we were going to have to face as we flew around Australia was the weight of the CDs we are having to take with us, help however was on hand, two old friends of Vin's kindly offered to take two boxes back with them to Freemantle, thanks a million to Don and Ruth see you both in April.
We left Port Fairy after lunch with bright blue skies over our heads and arrived back in our base at Mia Mia after a uneventful and quite pleasant five hour drive. I was introduced to something new free coffee and tea on route provided by roadside volunteers, what a great idea! We drove into the winery with perfect timing, just as they were serving up the Spit Roast Supper. Two huge legs of beef had been slowly spit roasted for the assembled masses, washed down of course with a glass or two of Andrew"s superb Burke and Wills wine. It had been a bit of a damp weekend at the winery, they had experienced a number of thunderstorms, but everyone was in high spirits and we soon joined in the party. In Victoria no one complains about the much needed rain, droughts are common and every drop is welcomed. Andrew is famous for his wonderful "Troubadour" musical weekends, renowned for there quality of music and hospitality. The event was in full swing when we arrived. The meal was excellent and the beef was delicious. Andrew introduced of to Peter and Jane Crones our hosts for the concert in Melbourne on the 11 March, if anyone out there is looking for tickets sorry to say the concert is sold out. They really are a charming couple, what else would you expect in OZ, friendly and a joy to talk to. We're on our way folks, can't wait, Melbourne promises to be another great venue and adventure. We stayed for a couple of hours after the meal enjoying the excellent live music, before making our way back to our little house down the road. Both Vin and I are singing at tomorrow nights concert so we decided an early night was in order. Enough excitement for the day, good night all.
Late news flask, we are having a special guest stay tonight at out little house in the vinyard, American Blues legend Josh White Jr is coming over, should be an interesting late night jam session!
No comments:
Post a Comment