A highlight of this year’s festival is Sudanese-Australian artist Ajak Kwai, whose deep, amazing vocals communicate her experiences as an African refugee, whether singing in Arabic, Sudanese or English. With her incredible, haunting voice and vibrant, funky soul, festival attendees must catch Kwai’s performances and workshops.
Ireland’s most iconic artist Sinéad O’Connor continues to command the stage and push boundaries after 30 years. The inimitable and beguiling singer/songwriter will deliver a visceral and emotional performance at this year’s festival, which will include tracks from her latest album, I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss.
Described by The Guardian as “one of the most successful and versatile songwriters of the last half-century,” Canadian artist Buffy Sainte-Marie will be a powerful and mesmerising presence at the festival. Don’t miss Frank Yamma – one of Australia’s most important Indigenous songwriters – who captures the heart of our country with his evocative songs.
After a recent international tour and winning the ARIA for Best Blues and Roots Album, the John Butler Trio will thrill audiences with their dynamic live performance. Luluc released one of last year’s finest albums with Passerby and will enchant audiences with their wondrously tender and thoughtful folk songs. Lamine Sonko and The African Intelligence will be exhilarating with their blend of funk, Afrobeat, jazz, soul, reggae and salsa.
The festival’s theme concerts feature artists sharing the microphone and stage in unique performances with magical spontaneity. Don’t miss the Global Blues Convention, which will feature powerful soul music and the deep gospel and blues traditions from Fiona Boyes, Jan Preston, Jo Jo Smith, Christine Anu, Hat Fitz and Cara Robinson; Women Sing Out, which features Catherine Britt, Ami Williamson, Microwave Jenny, Ruth Moody, Ajak Kwai, Luluc, Chris While and Julie Matthews; and My Guitar Gently Weeps, which brings together Justin Bernasconi, Peter Fidler, Jodi Martin, Jordie Lane, Marlon Williams, The Yearlings, and Michael Fix.
Special features of this year’s Port Fairy Folk Festival include ‘Farewell Angelina, A Bob Dylan and Joan Baez Tribute’ in which Suzette Herft and Patrick Evans summon the magic of the iconic folk duo; Music of Rajasthan with Maru Tarang – Australian artists Jeff Lang and Bobby Singh met Asin Langa and Bhungar Manganiyar in the deserts of Rajasthan in India and their intertwining talents evolved into a splendour that all must witness; and Caledonia Downunder, where Fiona Ross, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Hass and the Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers transport listeners to Scotland.
The festival includes insightful events that celebrate the beauty and art of words through its spoken, written, recited, sung and shouted forms. Special words artists who will be present at the festival include Jim Haynes, Geoffrey W. Graham, Laurie McDonald, Maggie Somerville, and Stephen Whiteside. The APRA’s AMCOS Songwriter Speaks forums, with their intriguing interview-style sessions, will provide valuable insights into the craft of songwriting.
There will be superb workshops on African drumming, Irish fiddle playing, Sudanese culture, finger-picking techniques, gypsy jazz guitar, studio recording, songwriting in the blues tradition, ukulele playing, Canadian dancing, circus skills, tai chi and yoga.
An incredible range of performances will take place alongside the main music program, including the Folk Circus and wonderful fringe street performers. There’s also CRAFTworX in the Children’s Arena while the INSTRUMENTworX marquee features an interactive exhibition for festival attendees to learn about an instrument’s beautiful craftsmanship from its masterly maker.
BY CHRISTINE LAN
