April 17 - 19 2009
2006 Festival Photos and Feedback
Credits: SN=Simon Neville, CG=Chris Gosfield, MW=Martin Williams, RK=Reuben Kooperman, EC=Emma Corrick, MH=Michael Howard
These pages contain some of the best photos from the fantastic crop that came out of the 2006 festival. Thanks to the photographers, and especially to Chris Gosfield who documented the Generations:Inspirations Family Band Project.
Fairbridge Festival 2006 Photos [1][2][3][4] [Feedback][Review]
Movie - highlights from the 2006 festival, featuring several of the Family Bands. Click on fairbridgecomp1.mov to start a direct download - this is a 12 Mb file, and you will need software capable of playing Quicktime .mov files.
Got a good photo or a comment or suggestion about the festival? Please email to program@fairbridgefestival.com.au
Be sure to visit Sharon Kennedy's annual Fairbridge Folio on the ABC Southwest website for some highlights, a photo gallery and fascinating interviews with 2006 festival stars Martin Pearson, Colum Sands, Kavisha Mazzella and Shane Howard.
Quotes from some of the feedback sent to us by happy customers and artists this year:
"The family theme was inspired and provided some truly magical moments." (Dave O'Neill, Program manager, National Folk Festival).
"Thanks for the memories, the joy and optimism that Fairbridge Folk Festival gave to me..."
"What a beautiful weekend, a wonderful, musical, spiritual culmination of many songlines..." (Helene Jedwab, Pigram Brothers manager)
"This has been one of my best festival experiences yet personally. I really think there are many things about this festival that have set it apart in my mind as one of the best music festivals I have been too and had the good fortune to participate in...I really loved that the family friendly aspect built into the organisation of the festival meant there were so many kids and young people at the event- it really creates such an inclusive and dynamic energy!" (Tecoma)
"Fairbridge was good for mind, body and soul. Particularly, the Family Bands were a great success and gave us the chance to hear the likes of Kate Fagan and all the impressive others. Magic moments were many"
"It struck me that there was almost something verging
on the sacred at the festival this weekend, which had to do with the
celebration of family, unity and community, each other ... I'm going
to get the rest of my tribe there by hook or by crook next
year!" (Carroll Hall)
"I don't think I have EVER been so well looked after as a performer...I also thought the programming overall was very well-balanced with something for everyone. The whole show was splendidly friendly, the quality of performance high with real and significant connections made in all sorts of ways. THANKYOU! THANKYOU!" (Fay White of the White Family)
"I say the world would be a fantastic place if it was just like Fairbridge Festival !!!!!!!!"
"Another brilliant weekend at Fairbridge. Each year I think it can't be as good as last year and each year surprises me."
"Wow what a fantastic Festival this year. One of the best ever and we have been to every one. The Family theme was great and it came through to the audiences that they too felt a part of the "Fairbridge Family"
"It's hard to imaging life without the annual dose of Fairbridge"
"What great festival - like a silver nutmeg..."
by Nick Turner
Having
had a long and intimate association with Fairbridge since its small
beginnings thirteen years ago, I feel comfortable saying this one, centred
on the concept of Generations:Inspirations was the best ever. Why? A
combination of extraordinary talent, a wonderful melting pot of all
ages from 8 weeks to 80+ years, including a huge youthopia element,
all intent on having a good time together and just about the best site
for a festival you can imagine. There was a special atmosphere this
year that many people picked up on. My take on this was “keep
life simple, keep yourself honest, do good things, be gentle and the
world will become a better place”. This had much to do with having
so many families on stage together – there were about 24 family
bands - many of them multi-generational, the inspired idea of Steve
Barnes. Time and time again I was blown away watching and hearing that
unique blending of harmony that can only come from voices that share
the same genes. It was backed up by the inclusive humanity and relaxed
story telling genius of Colum Sands, the awesome vocal talents of The
Wailin’ Jennys, the Fagans, including Kate’s gorgeous solo
performances, Michael Kennedy and Chris While and Julie Matthews, the
laid back Broome-time feel of The Pigrams and the dance yourself crazy
musical fusion of indigenous roots and rock and roll of Narbalek, a
12 piece unit from remote West Arnhem land.
All this wonderful positive energy came together at the family band finale, with forty odd people on the stage and hardly a dry eye either on stage or in the audience. The younger end of the family units comfortably and confidently earned the right to centre stage and finished the night. As Ros Barnes said, the future is in safe hands.
Fairbridge is now undeniably big, but still manages to retain its long held relaxed and friendly feel - commented on by many of visiting artists. I think this has a lot to do with having programmes and venues set up for all tastes - everyone can find their own space, revelling in the acoustic perfection of the chapel, late night moshing in the dance tent, catching the feature concerts at the Marquee or Riverside, hanging out at the dedicated youth sanctuary Youthopia, or simply being around the joy, energy and creativity of kids who are free and safe to roam and do their thing.
Can it get any better? I’m looking forward to finding out! See you all next year.
