A Trio Of Spectacular Events

Hello! 

Yes, finally I've written another blog. After the quiet of recent weeks it was great to get out with my harp again, however I'm afraid I've rather fallen out of the habit of blogging. So apologies for the late update friends.

Thursday the 14th

Thursday was my first session with Robbin ,of the SlipStream Circus in Ulverstone, where we started to collaborate in the hopes of forming another act (harp and silks duo) together. After which we paused in the car park to listen to the magical wafting hum of the harp played by the icy fingers of the winter wind. 

Friday the 15th

Friday held an afternoon dance and music gig organised by Sue Atkinson, the Social Care Manager at the Eliza Purton home in Ulverstone where my nan is a resident. Aside from playing, the interaction and shared stories with the other residents made the whole experience quite moving! Plus one of the staff managed to snap a picture of three generations sharing a joke.

Thanks to Sue, Mum and of course Nan for putting in a good word to get me there!

Saturday the 16th

The next day my sister Marika and I had planned to attend the Medieval Feast

held at the Mount Gnomon Farm! we had been hugely anticipating it, when, two days before the event I was contacted by Guy, the owner and organiser in regards to me to play at the very same event!

Yes indeed, it was meant to be.

So, I arrived and met up with Marika, (the brains behind our attending in the first place) who helped set up while I played as maidens, knights, vikings, Kings, peasants and Dragons from all walks of life started to arrive, their pointed hats and shining helmets first appearing through the herb garden as they made their way up to the dinning tent and display area. 

My stint was broken up by bouts of combat displays by the dashing vikings and iron clad knights. By tempting trays of duck canapés and by the ginger beer and wine offered at a nearby stall.

After much indulging we moved the gear and I played for a time inside the wonderful themed open tent, filled with long tables and many a red faced cheerful Lord and Lady.

Rather disappointingly I failed to capture a photo of the farm dog, who did very little yet was noticed for his immense cartoon like character while lounging around somewhat blasé during the entire affair, and whom became my first acquaintance, while lying on my foot as I was trying to play. 

I must add that my much loved deer antlers (acquired in Germany 2010) really set off my little display and it was only right that they should have a place in this post. 

Seeing as they quickly became a much sought after photo prop. 

By sun down the amazing staff at the Gnomon Farm had a roaring bon fire going, which was where the majority of those remaining gathered, sitting on hay bails downing cups of mulled wine and clutching plates of roasted veggies, game pie and spit roast pork. 

A better way to wind down after the events of the day I couldn't imagine. 

I played until the fire burnt too low to see the strings clearly, then continued for a while after just by the feel and "flesh memory". 

The atmosphere was so communal, relaxed and pleasant that I am sure many would have been quite happy to stay right where they were until morning. 

(perhaps continuing the merry making all through the day)

Thanks to Marika for convincing me it was the best idea ever!

Guy and all the staff at Mount Gnomon Farm for holding such an unique and uplifting gathering in the first place!

http://www.mountgnomonfarm.com.au/

http://www.slipstreamcircus.org.au/

https://www.facebook.com/twistedstringstas

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!

Wedding couplet

ONE

A quick change on the road side!

Saturday the 22nd, was a special date for two lovely beings who wished to vow to be one for the rest of their lives.

The wedding I had been booked for took place on Nudie Beach, near Claraence Point about a hour and a half each way from my home town of Sheffield.

The day was slightly overcast, yet warm, and "perfect for photos." as my mum pointed out. Having decided to come along firstly to make sure I got to the right place, and secondly to help me get into my tricky dress. She was as ever, a great source of calm and encouragement while along with the celebrant playing the part of wedding organiser, as we, the groom and best man changed location from a rocky natural stage, to a beautiful carpet of sand, to a jutting rock then back to the sand. All the while negotiating the incoming tide, which started to reclaim the beach three metres in twenty minutes! 
not only was is great exposure for me as a musician but as I joked "exposure to the elements as well."

With the beautiful entrance of the bridesmaids followed by the glowing bride herself, came a heartfelt ceremony with a unique ring warming and coloured sand ritual, punctuated by the sound of the harp strings whimsically playing as the wind lightly blew through them.

The view from the track.

Appropriate attire.  

The first sitting.

The sun comes out to play.

Jutting rock.

A sandy stage.

My stool rescued from the sinking sand,
and propped up
perilously for the brides entrance. 

Comment of the Day 
from a kindly man assisting me with my disappearing stool.

"Wiggle your bottom... Oh I shouldn't say that should I?
I just meant for you to try out sitting..."

A few final tunes from the gorgeous bridesmaids. 

An Eagle spectacle. 

To top off a day spent in the embrace of nature, we glimpsed a beautifully regal

wedge-tail eagle on out way home. 

Arriving home after a long day.

TWO

The chariot. 

Saturday the 29th, one week after the Nudie beach wedding, mum and I once more set out on an adventure. To Perth this time, for a wedding set in the grounds of a beautiful old stone house facing the river.

The ground was soft from the recent rain, but the weather remained fine as I greeted the groom and got organised to play as the guests arrived, spreading out under the trees to await the brides entrance.

My only concern during the event were the aphids, that descended from the Birch above me to crawl up my neck, into my hair and ears in a somewhat distracting manor. So my serene performance was punctuated by many a subtle slapping and brushing. Apart from those pesky bugs, the day went like clockwork. The bride arriving in her shiny red chariot, with her two bridesmaids proceeding her down the petal clad isle. A bit of improvising was needed for the chosen piece Cannon in D, as the entrance of the bridal party took far less time than expected. Beginning four lines in to play the most recognised part of the piece, and ending a little abruptly half way through at the nod of the waiting celebrant.

I continued to play though the signing of the register and as the party flittered around the large garden at the whim of the photographer. Eventually the gathering departed, and with a quick farewell to the newlyweds we crammed the harp and props into our small car, shook off the remaining Aphids and left in high spirits.

Floating tunes and feathers on the breeze  

The bridal party

Comment of the Day

"At least they don't bite, hahaha."

Mum leaving a trail.

The overhanging Birch.

The dearly beloved.

Thanks to

Sally Mineur, my centre of calm.

Also to the parents of both brides and grooms who were so considerate, 

and so encouraging throughout.