LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL
Ask American bluegrass singer-songwriter Lindsay Lou Rilko who her greatest musical inspiration is, and she’ll quickly tell you it’s her maternal grandmother with her “radical ideals and zest for life”.
The family matriarch and former high school literature teacher was jailed during the American civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s for teaching a lesson on the “f” word. She also ran a Christian commune for her family of 12. Her spirited nature rubbed off on her granddaughter, whose performances are described as having “fierce intensity and a tender intimacy’’.
Touring nationally and internationally year-round, Rilko and her band (featuring husband Josh Rilko on mandolin and vocals and PJ George on bass and vocals) play the world’s most famous festivals, including Stagecoach — the country music equivalent of Coachella, which attracts 75,000 fans — and the prestigious Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Colorado.
This weekend Rilko performs at Tasmania’s Cygnet Folk Festival, with thousands of music fans converging on the small country town for a big line-up of entertainment. More than 100 performers will entertain across nine venues today and tomorrow, at what has become one of Australia’s most iconic folk music festivals.
Now in its 37th year, the festival began in 1982 and is run largely by volunteers. Given Cygnet’s population is less than 1600, the annual festival provides a significant boost to the local economy. Artistic Director Erin Collins says the festival is highly regarded by musicians and festival-goers from Australia and overseas, with a record number of applicants wanting to perform at this year’s festival.
“Musicians and volunteers plan their annual holidays around coming to Cygnet in January each year and many come from interstate and overseas especially to be part of this wonderful event,’’ she says. “We’re proud so many amazing performers and festival-goers take part in what the festival has to offer each year. The calibre of musicianship in this country is world-class.’’
International acts at this year’s festival include New Zealand’s Albi & The Wolves, Canadian singer-songwriter Dana Sipos, Scandinavian a cappella group Fru Skagerrak, Irish/ Canadian artist Irish Mythen, Les Poules a Colin, Sophie & Fiachra, The Fretless and Estonian folk act Trad.Attack!
Interstate guests include Áine Tyrrell, Bella the Bookworm, Benny Fowler, Bohemian Nights, Coconut Kids, Dance Kaleidoscope, Diamond Duck, Grim Fawkner, Kay Proudlove, MunsterBucks and The Dorsal Finns. Tasmanian acts include Barefoot Nellie, Blue Chilli, Ginger Licorice, Moonlight Aviators, Hobart Old Time String Band, HUG (Hobart Ukulele Group), Moonshine Whiskers and the Ragged Pony, Sarah “Twinkletoes” Lewis, The Tinderboxers and The Kitchen Table Collective.
In addition to the eclectic line-up of music, there will be dance, poetry, film, children’s entertainment, art, crafts, food and wine, all in the picturesque surrounds of the Huon Valley.
The Cygnet Folk Festival runs today and tomorrow at various venues around Cygnet. Day tickets cost $115 for adults, $90 concession, $45 for youths (13-17 years) and $20 for children aged 5-12 years. Weekend and camping tickets are also available. cygnetfolkfestival.org