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Mike Elrington
The joyful passion of blues and roots performer Mike Elrington, as he sings on stage with the frenetic powerhouse band that is 19-Twenty, is what makes festivals so special!
The annual Thredbo Blues Festival combines two of my favourite things: mountains and music.
Every summer, the delightful village of Thredbo, tucked into the unique alpine flora and fauna of the Kosciuszko National Park, plays host to this eponymous weekend festival. Restaurants, pubs, and public spaces, give themselves over to musicians and music-lovers from near and far.
Well, almost every summer! Last year the festival was cancelled on account of the coronavirus that has turned all our lives upside down. The year before that, the weekend was in limbo until less than three days before it was due to start because of raging bush fires encroaching on the village itself (see: Singing the Blues). Even this year, under the cloud of Omicron, it was scheduled later in January than usual – perhaps in the hope that the rising waves of infection would peter out? – and its actual commencement was by no means certain until the last minute.
The performers on the line-up this year were all local, as our international borders are still effectively closed. There were also last-minute programme changes when musicians were either diagnosed with covid-19 or were deemed to be ‘close contacts’. Fortunately, this country is blessed with a depth of wonderful talent, so while the range of bands on offer might have been reduced, the quality didn’t suffer.
The festival did finally go ahead, but it was under somewhat restrictive guidelines: audience numbers were greatly reduced and room capacities were enforced; temperature checks and venue check-ins were in place; the audience was (mostly) to remain seated. Masks were required indoors, unless we were seated – when we are presumably less infectious – and while the performers could (obviously) sing, we weren’t allowed to.
Oh, and no dancing!
But, it was worth it to be back around live music. In fact, it was so uplifting that at one point, I found myself being hugged by a total stranger! So much for social distancing. Of course, I duly monitored for symptoms afterwards … But, we are all SO tired of the rules!
Join me for some music, and a walk in the mountains. Just refrain from singing along, please.
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Morning Walk – Jindabyne
The festival provides me a good excuse (as if I need one!) to spend a few days in the nearby town of Jindabyne. This year, the lake is overflowing after unseasonable rains. (iPhone12Pro)
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Michelle Van der Meer & The Midnight Ramblers
After the requisite welcome by festival organisers, the music kicked off Friday evening with Michelle Van der Meer & The Midnight Ramblers in The Pub.
Michelle Van der Meer
An award-winning blues vocalist, Michelle is backed up by some well-known faces on the Australian scene …
George (Medicine Man) Rigatos
… including passionate guitarist, bassist, and singer George Rigatos.
Alison Penney
Much-loved boogie-piano player Ali Penney has lost none of her dazzle – in spite of recent serious illness.
Rory Ellis
Across ‘town’, gravel-voiced story-teller Rory Ellis packed out the room.
The Blues Preachers
In another venue, I joined Brother John (John Morris) on slide guitar and Captain Bluetongue (Craig Lyons) on harmonica for some classic gospel-blues over dinner.
19-Twenty
News of the high-energy performances and superb musicianship of 19-Twenty had preceded them: I was part of a long queue outside the bar where they were playing.
Kane Dennelly and a Guest Vocalist
Thanks to sound amplification – and a long (200mm) lens – I was able to enjoy them from outside the door.
Mike Elrington with 19-Twenty
Simon Kinny-Lewis
I kicked off Saturday morning at the outdoor Alpine Bar where Simon Kinny-Lewis was clearly having fun …
Simon Kinny-Lewis on Guitar
… with his contemporary blues guitar.
Tony Boyd
Drummer Tony Boyd was everywhere I looked, providing the backbeat for a number of groups. Fortunately he’s a pleasure to watch and listen to!
Chairs on the Ramshead
My next venue was Australia’s highest restaurant, the Eagles Nest, which sits near the top of the Ramshead at 1937 metres (6355 feet). It is a steep, five kilometre walk up the hill, or a 15 minute chair ride. (iPhone12Pro)
Fiona Boyes
At the top of the hill, I get to enjoy a lunch – and Fiona Boyes, whose stories I enjoy as much as her music and unique guitar collection.
Thredbo in the Mist Below
When the lunch-performance has finished, the mists have closed in and rain is threatening.
Grasses in the Mist
But, I am determined to walk down the Merritts Nature Track– about a two hour steep descent – regardless of the weather.
Silver Snow Daisies on the Ramshead
My favourite flowers, the silver snow daisies (Celmisia tomentella), seem to be late this season.
Bench on the Path
I love this walk, but it feels steeper every year!
Trigger Plant – Stylidium Armeria
Floral Sunshine
There are countless varieties of daisy – and other wildflowers – growing along the path; many are endemic to this region.
Lloyd Spiegle
I make it down the hill in time to catch Lloyd Spiegle – another wonderful performer whose storytelling is as enjoyable as his guitar stylings.
Set Up in the Cascades Restaurant
One of the things I like about restaurant gigs is being there early, and getting a sort of ‘backstage’ vibe.
Genevieve Chadwick
This is a performer I’ve caught many times now: she never disappoints!
Candle Light
My last stop for the evening was in the Lounge Bar, ….
Stewart D’Arrietta
… where Stewart D’Arrietta, with his husky voice, was re-interpreting the songs of Tom Waits and Randy Newman.
Gondolas on the Hill
Sunday morning it was raining again. Fortunately, my plan was to try out the brand-new gondola, and enjoy the performers at Merritts Mountain House. (iPhone12Pro)
Kate Lush Band
First up was the Kate Lush Band, …
Kate Lush
… with Kate Lush on vocals …
Steve Edmonds
… and the fabulous Steve Edmonds on guitar.
Tony Boyd
The ubiquitous drummer Tony Boyd was hiding in the background, and stayed there …
Simon Kinny-Lewis (Again)
… as support for Simon Kinny-Lewis, who was the next performer. His set finished just before we all got temporarily trapped on the mountain top by lightening storms!
We did get down the mountain, eventually, and there were more wonderful artists …
No Entry!
… but I’ll leave you with this image of a wandering wombat, caught in my headlights as I make my way off the mountain for the last time. (iPhone12pro)
It was a joyous break from the lock-down routine.
Let’s hope that next year we can dance again!
Until then,
Enjoy the Music!
(Pictures: 27-30January2022)
