Steven Jackson, one of our regular Gippsland jammers, attended this year’s Maldon Folk Festival in Victoria this month. I asked him for an overview of his experience. Here it is: Thanks Steve.
The Maldon FF is on each year the weekend prior to Melbourne cup day. We went for our first time and stayed at the family friendly camping ground on the Football oval. The festival is split into two venues, with the main arena being about 2kms from town. The more rustic camping ground is near the main arena and suits the party animals. Wandering around town there were many performers in the streets and jamming could be had for those on the prowl for such fun.
Many a muso could be seen footing around town with their fiddle cases on their backs or other instruments in tow. There seemed to be a non-stop accordion group playing outside the one of the pubs in the main street, with other instruments adding to the pleasant tunes filtering
through the shops.
I went to a Harmony Workshop run by the delightful Margaret and Bob Fagan. I didn’t know any of the tunes sung until that day, but picked up some great tips and new songs. Nick Charles ran a guitar workshop in the old courthouse and demonstrated many of his excellent songs and
techniques. There were children’s circuses and family bush dances, instrument makers exhibitions and even songwriting events, so plenty of fun for everyone.
On Saturday night there was a group of musos playing in the courtyard of a restaurant – the instruments included String Bass, Washboard, Guitar and Fiddle. I schmoozed in and borrowed
a guitar to sing I’ll Fly Away and found myself accompanied with three part harmony during the choruses. These were talented and friendly folk.
Many very talented acts were heard around town in a dozen or so venues, with the main arena being a short bus trip out of town and this is the only shortcoming of an other-wise delightful event, but plenty of entertainment could be had within pleasant walking distance.
Submitted by Steven Jackson – Victoria
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