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The STEVE BAKER Review: ‘09 Festival

This event again cemented itself as one of the premier regional festivals in Australia. The program was superb, boasting a broad array of talent and musical influences.

2009 was perhaps a year of the fiddle, with many fine violin players on the program. The Saruzu Quartet was the standout outfit. Their flamenco display, laced with Gypsy Jazz was both exciting and inspiring. Their sister outfit, Jaleos Flamenco had patrons stamping their feet. The festival famously brought Trouble In The Kitchen up from Melbourne, to regale us with their upbeat, fabulously performed Irish music.

Local band Kamerunga, up for an Aria this year, were again excellent with their Celtic/bush/funk suites. Totally Gourdgeous were at their entertaining best, The Hillbillygoats always get toes tapping and The Bandawalla Moons offered a strong reggae voice. Swoon caused us to, well, swoon. Danny Ross is heading off now on a festival tour and he displayed his original and diverse style here.

Wassa, a percussion group from Townsville, enthralled their audience with energy and skill. Amongst the solo performers Jeremiah Johnson was stunning. His spiritually influenced, embracing, folk/roots music is charming and heartwarming. Festival Favourites Kristina Olsen, Pugsley Buzzard and Enda Kenny again enamored their audiences. Kim Churchill’s roots blues brought a big stage feel to Yungaburra.

But Festivals are far more than the organized stage events. The Jam that was organically created in the CWA hall was a delight for everyone involved. Mara and Liew Kiek, as well as enthralling us with their authoritive display of Eastern European and Turkish music, ran a fun workshop on Balkan Dancing. The Pete Seeger Anniversary Concert, had souls and hearts singing.

The Yungaburra Festival is a friendly, inspiring gathering held in beautiful surroundings. What better way could there be to spend a weekend.

Steve Baker

Slideshow

View ‘09 Festival images and slideshow.

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