Tis the Season

Christmas was somehow only a month away and I for one was beginning to exhibit the symptoms of excited anticipation mixed with the mildest of panic when a friend contacted me about the "Tis the Season Busking Program", a Devonport City Council initiative to bring Christmas cheer to the town centre, scheduling street entertainers and free activities for the public.  

I passed the audition (due to the seasonal props and fake candles I'm sure) in a slightly blurry state thanks to the psychedelic patterning of the council's carpet, which liked to jump out at me through the harp strings in a somewhat distracting manner.

The program started in the first week of December, and I was wonderfully positioned outside Red Poppy Confectionary near the entrance to the arcade that afforded me decent shelter, acoustics but more importantly a consistent flow of shoppers passing by.

The council had a great range of performers rostered on throughout each day and I wish I had of managed to meet them all!

My Christmas props and themed performances seemed to be a great hit and I had a fulfilling range of "punters" from businessmen, tradies and workers, to elderly couples, teenagers and families of all sizes. 

I think most of us are a little guilty of thinking/seeing in Stereotypes and they seem pretty astoundingly obvious when one is out on the street, but what was more astounding is the giving spirit that was shown, wether by donating, interacting or buying me a coffee and pie on a typically Tasmanian (cold and windy) summers day. There's nothing better for a street performer than being surprised by displays of appreciation.

I guess we can never know how something may touch another, music just seems to sneak in unexpectedly.

Comment of the Day

"I'd like to get you a coffee and maybe a couple little pies? Rather than donating, it seems more like the Christmas Spirit, and a bit special..."

I hope you all have/had a wonderful Christmas, thanks for giving

and supporting a humble street performer. 

Cheers, M.

https://www.facebook.com/twistedstringstas

Garden Wedding

October the 25th was  the date of a very special gig for me, which felt extra important as I had

been asked to play at the wedding of a long time family friend Mikhaela, at the Rhododendron Gardens just out of Burnie.

The venue held special significants to the bride growing up which was no wonder as ever little corner held a surprising spark of wildlife, vibrant colour or perfect views and tranquil beauty. 

The path down to the waterside was perilous in high heels however, not to mention in my "slightly too long" vintage ball-gown and it took me three trips each way to cart all my gear, Harp, seat/props, and amp to find the spot where they wanted me to play. Once there, the atmosphere was uplifting and the the 90 odd attendants were an amazing audience. The groomsmen joked about forgetting sunscreen, and a band of frogs added their voices to the mingling crowds. Yet soon we all were silenced as, 

 the bridesmaids and then the bride herself, with a parent on each arm made it down the path, looking serene and incredibly stunning in the dress she made herself for the happy event. 

A massive thank you to the family, bride and groom for having me, and all the best wishes to them! may you enjoy many many years together and look back on this day with joy.

Congratulations to Clint and Bethanie also, the spectacular photographers who captured every little moment with style

http://clintandbethanie.com/tasmania-wedding-photography-rhododendron-garden-burnie/

Tulips, Mountains and Music

On the day of the Tulip Festival with a very early start and excitement building we piled into the campervan, squishing in and around the combined gear of myself and Dad (The Alpaca Man)

Eventually we arrrived in Wynyard  and with the assistance of Ethan and Esther my adorable niece and nephew I set up with puppet master and strings all in order thanks to my multi tasking and kind hearted mother, ever working in the background to ensure things run smoothly and all is well.

This only being the second time I had been invited to the Blooming Tulip Festival 

I was incredibly impressed by the range of entertainment and activities showcased  along with local foods. The place had such a nice atmosphere, the weather remained amicable and the amount of people circling around to watch and applaud me was a real boost. 

Many asked for CDs, and I almost ran out of business cards and flyers.

However, nothing beats the feeling I get seeing adults and children alike foot tapping and dancing to the beat of celtic song.

https://www.facebook.com/twistedstringstas

Comment of the day

"I bought my daughter back this year just so we could hear you play again."

https://www.facebook.com/BloominTulips

I ended the day on a high, with my mind brimming with new ideas and improvements to make and indulging in the revitalising and thirst quenching properties of Henry's Ginger Beer, by purchasing a box of six! 

This friendly family of three greatly assisted me in setting up my own little business and now tour the state from show ground to festival selling the popular beverage.

https://www.facebook.com/henrysgingerbeer

 Mountain Mumma's Saturday Music Night.

https://www.facebook.com/mountainmummatas

After returning back home I hopped straight into preparations for my half hour support gig at the local restaurant Mountain Mumma's Music Night.

After my little stint Dominic (owner of Mountain Mumma) kindly supplied myself and Dad (my plus one) with a meal and refreshments as we sat back and relaxed amid the music, stage banter and wonderful atmosphere that made up the inspiring performance of Rose Bygrave and Marce Howard!

It was a wonderful way to wind down after our hectic day.

Plus I got to have a one on one conversation with the stars of the night while we ate, who rather took me under their wing, encouraging and supplying me with tips on stage and microphone management along with snippets of historical facts concerning the Harp.

 Marce Howard                                  Dominic                                       Rose Bygrave  

 

I was eventually drawn away and welcomed home by the warmth of lantern flame at the front door,

illuminating the beautiful quote that seemed to sum up the entire day we'd spent participating in the festive celebration of Tassie's food, music and beauty. 

"A little corner of the world where peoples heart and hand called up a fairytale."

Silks and Strings

So folks, this blog post has been floating around unfinished for a few months! and finally I have had the time to complete and share it with you. 

Enjoy.

"Dare you cross the border to creativity?"

After playing at the Young Makers Market and Buskers Festival in Burnie, I was invited to perform at the Arts On Fire event held in Ulverstone, at the Civic Centre on Sunday the 22nd of June. A great exhibition of artists, craftsmen and entertainers from all across our little island state.  

Having accepted the invite I was then contacted by Robin, an amazingly hard working and beautiful arial silks artist whom I had previously met during my short time involved with Ulverstone's Slip Stream Circus! 

We had been playing with the idea of joining forces and performing together for some time, so having both been invited to exhibit our abilities for the same event, we agreed to meet up and try to find some harp music suited to Robins prearranged silks routine. 

Our creative playground 

Dizzying heights and flowing moves

Feeling exhilarated after watching the video of our practice routine

After the first practice session with Robin, I had more of a grasp on how to go about altering the chosen piece of music. It being the first time ever that I had to accompany someone doing their own routine, 

I thought it'd be pretty challenging. However, after a bit of trial and error I set the changes in the music that had to be timed to Robins act, and managed to loosely improvise in-between.

With some practice sessions up our sleeves and a goodly amount of encouragement
we felt happy with our act.

Getting a little stage wary

This amazing young photographer managed to slip away from his stall and snap this great picture of Robin wowing the crowed. Please follow the link and like his page to support the time and effort, not to mention passion that he has put in to his business. 

https://www.facebook.com/CordellRichardsonPhotography?ref=br_tfplease

And finally, here's the link to the video of our quite unique performance! Give it a big old like and share it with all you please!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QDp1sH56kk&feature=youtu.be

For more of a look at what this years Arts On Fire showcased, follow this link to their webpage

http://www.artsonfire.org.au/photos2014.php

Hope to see you there next year!