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.