25th Illawarra Folk Festival - Silver Folk

From Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th January, The Bulli Showgrounds at Slacky Flat will become the Mecca for Folk enthusiasts throughout the state when over 600 performers will gather to celebrate the 25th award winning Illawarra Folk Festival.

In keeping with the evolving nature of the genre the Festival will feature music from different cultures and different styles. You can pick up on Gypsy, Cajun, African,  Roots, blues, bluegrass and celtic as well as the traditional Singers and songwriters and Australian Traditional music; all performed by some of Australia’s best.

Heading the line-up will be one of Australia’s best known bands, the internationally acclaimed, Damian Howard and the Ploughboys. Reg Mombassa of Mambo and ‘Mental as Anything’ fame will return with his fraternal Duo, Dog Trumpet  and guitar virtuoso, the Internationally Acclaimed but locally bred Michael Fix will add to the highlights. Amazing Boogie Piano player, Jan Preston and Brisbane baqsed but internationally well known Celtic Duo,

Cloudstreet will be makling their first appearances at the Festival. If that’s not enough the much travelled entertainer from West Australia, Bernard Carney will add his own brand of humour and be joined by West Australian funny man Roger Montgomery with ‘Dingos’ Breakfast.’

A strong Overseas contingent will feature  Nano Stern from Chile, John Egenes from New Zealand, Poet and Story Teller, Jonathon Bob-Lynn from Ireland via Canada and Nathan the big band from the Canadian Prairies.

The Festival has always been a family affair since its inception and this year is no exception with specialist events  threading their way through the programme.  The Puddin’  Eaters, Gobsmacked, Tale teller, Lilli Pilli, The Teatro Matija Puppets, instrument making, Dancing with Shimmy and Sheik and The ABC’s Nick Rheinberger will ensure there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained and amused. Kids under 12 with a minder are of course free.

Unlike many other Festivals, Illawarra is one where participation by audiences and individuals is encouraged. Those who want to have a go can take part in the blackboard concerts, take part in the Poets Breakfasts hosted by Dave Meyers, Barry Lake, Viv Sawyer, Roger Montgomery and Geoffery Graham,  Spin a yarn and win a prize, try out your Limericks in the Limerick Competition or try yourself out with a one minute wonder. This is also a Festival where you’ll get a good laugh especially with Mary May Gill, John Dengate, Nick Rheinberger, Fred Smith, The Minglewood Mudcats and Dingos Breakfast.

Wander around the 12 festival venues at your leisure, as you make the difficult decision from the vast array of choices on offer of who to see, what to do and where to play! Explore the Main Marquee and discover who’s playing in  the magnificent ambience of the Grevillea Garden’s Chapel . Dance your way around the Showground Buildings, and clap till your hands hurt at the fabulous entertainment around the Nag’s Lounge (Horse Stables). It’s festival time at the Showground.

The Illawarra Folk Festival has events for everyone, young, old and in between. Tots are included, no-one is excluded, but if you can’t decide then you could head on over to the Slacky Flat Bar for the all round party!

Russell Hannah, released 4 January 2010

General Festival Images