The Whitetop Mountaineers perform in the shadow of a curious new generation
A quick look around Australia’s National Festival suggests there is a lot more to be seen over the five days of this now very popular crowd pleasing festival than what I have shot. I’ve only been there for one day and every where I looked and listened there was something to excite the crowd to within a whisper of ecstasy. This was my first time at a folk festival since Port Fairy in the late 1980′s and so the usual names I would expect are not there and by that I mean, I’m getting along just like everyone else. Having said that I must add, the young talent that is coming through the halls is fantastic, really, these performers are young and vibrant.
Street theatre at it's best was trumpted when one young stilt walker presented one manly act with a note for the donations bag. So excited by the fact the young girl was on stilts, he applauded with an act of joy by hoisting the stilt walker onto his shoulders and presenting himself with the future generation of street theatre
On the fringe I came across a young act from Tasmania and was enthralled by the energy and the outstanding voice and violin combination. It was truly dramatic and later in the day or the evening I should say I stumbled onto the same act in a tent as I was about to leave the venue. I sat up front knowing I was in for a real treat and this I wanted to do justice in pictures. I was not let down at all and I’m sure it was a standing ovation even f they had not been selected to perform in the bigger venues. Keep you eyes and ears open for Daideo & The Blue Mosquitoes.
The Blue Mosquitoes l-r Moire Meaney bodhran, Hannah Foley fiddle, Stuart Foley mandolin with Chris Boon out of shot.
