Play Date

The newly arrived additions to the shop floor of Galendor called for me to spend an afternoon in the  "spiritual heart of Sheffield" listening, experimenting, and comparing them with my own harp, a much earlier creation by the same craftsman, Geoffrey Winder. 

My harp, made from a tree struck by lightning, with brass decorations salvaged from a derelict grand piano, and with the name of the previous owner, Mardi, fastened on the left side of the pillar, the name to which I now refer to as the harp itself, was the second harp Geoffrey Winder ever made and I was excited to play the new instruments, and curious to discover if they had similar intriguing background stories as mine. Perhaps also a little excited to introduce them to my own, much loved and well used  harp. It felt somewhat like taking a child on a play date!

Amidst the joyful, colourful bounty of charms, crystals, books and more, I played and rejoiced in the atmosphere, with Andrews incredibly intricate detailed artwork watching over our antics.

"Music elf"

Co-owner Carolyn and I posing for a fun shot.

Co-owner Andrew patiently adding to his regal stag art piece.

The woman behind the camera caught on camera for once!
Thanks for coming along mum.

Comparing curves and lines

The inspiring vision of eclectic wares availably at Galendor. 

An arsenal of colour 

Andrew playing for me, on a 65 year old mandolin!

Carolyn creating an enchanting ambience, masterfully playing the crystal bowls.

Andrews feather hat, recognised by all Sheffield locals.

A final tune and fond farewells.......

To view a clip of some fun had at Galendor with the new harps, 

follow the link to Galendors FaceBook page. 

Be sure to Like them while you're there.

Galendor Art and Essence FaceBook Page

Harvest Harpist

Sunday March the 9th was a day I had been preparing for, and anticipating greatly for weeks!

I had been booked to play for half an hour on stage,  and serenade the goers of The Taste of the Harvest, held on the foreshore of Devonport.

The event showcased some of tassies finest food, beverage and produce.

Being a one day event, it drew locals, tourists and "natives" from across tassie and the Mainland, and soon the venue was crowed!

As usual I decided to dress it up and perform in theme to the event. I spent a few days perfecting my costume, consisting of fake berries and grasses, leaves, butterflies and moss.

It was a pretty simple idea, but was rather effective.  

perilous positions 

Mum and I watched the performance of ex Slip Stream Circus instructor, Andy, and I nervously waited as he and his assistant mesmerised, entertained and cheekily teased the crowd. 

My time came, and with the help of the ever patient sound man Dave, and my mum, I set up. 

The huge crowd that had gathered for Andys display had thinned out slightly by the time I was ready to start, and this I was grateful for. As it gave a more personal feel to my music. I focused mainly on the front row, which made it far easier to talk... as though I was giving a private performance to a select few.

Those who where there when I began, stayed through out and I drew more people as I played, some staying for one song, others seating themselves to watch me perform, butterflies shivering around, music punctuated by interesting facts about the harp and it's maker, and my experiences as a well traveled busker, all to the backdrop of the Spirit of Tasmania.

It was a massive relief to finnish my last song and say my last piece, having played well and not making too much of a fool of myself. Having "winged" most it, I felt high on the feeling of achievement, the atmosphere and the adrenaline that comes with public performances.

The money man, in his counting house.

Jacob Boot playing amazingly as always!

One final pose.

Thanks to mum for bouncing ideas! taking photos and supporting me.

Also Dave, the ever patient sound man who had to work so hard to make me heard.

Theatres, Beards, Smoke and Strings

Deloraine, Performing Arts Centre's Little Theatre was the venue for an afternoon of filming.

Fraser Deeth and myself had organised to meet at the Little Theatre, for an afternoon of filming and recording! Laden with old suitcases full of quirky props and drapes we made our way inside.

Biding their time

My little friend

The former council chambers gave off a neglected and mysterious feel. With many sealed over doors, little tucked away rooms and spider webs draping the ceilings.

The whole building felt somewhat out of place, backing onto a busy railway track.

The rows of old folding seats where rumoured to "... have a thirst for human flesh." but seemed to be occupied only by an inquisitive lizard. 

Fraser posing amid his improvised foil light tree

The new smoke machine doing what it does best

My old trunk brimming with drapes and props

First time on stage

The row awaiting

Filling the theatre with smoke

The balcony housed the main spotlight, which penetrated the smoke 

and lit up the harp quite hauntingly.

In my sights

A clearing view

Half an hour after the last blast of smoke was released, the theatre still had a few strands wafting about, yet we managed to finish our session without setting off a single fire alarm!

The final shot

After five hours of filming, we topped the day off by having lunch (four hours late) 

at the local 50s Diner. Full to the brim, and totally done in, I packed up my gear and bid farewell!

Many thanks to Fraser, who not only provided this great opportunity to record my playing and have a bit of theatrical fun, but who also helped me last month in purchasing my first amplifier! A top muso and a great new friend.

Greatly looking forward to sharing the footage on this space! 

Twisted Strings FaceBook Page 

https://www.facebook.com/twistedstringstas

Bedford Bus renovation blog page 

http://omnibusconundrum.blogspot.com.au/