NANNUP MUSIC FESTIVAL - 2003

by Dave Roberts

News of the Nannup Music Festival turned up on the email. We wanted to run the story because the festival looked really good. The organisers were helpful and organised and we try and get balance across the south west, so Nannup was a good thing to cover.

So figuring out what to say was the challenge. What is really good about this festival from the South West Life point of view is the process and the people that have brought it to us.... Nannup is the prettiest, nicest town, but I confess to a naggging doubt that much would happen there, just because it is so far from a lot of other places. Of course that would be true if people from Nannup let it be so, but the festival is a great example of why I really should get out more. Way back in 1990 a guy called Bernie Wilborn had been suffering a couple of years withdrawal
from the whole folk festival thing. He'd been involved with the South West folk festival, which had folded, and at the same time he'd moved to Nannup to run a Bed and Breakfast. When you turn up out the back of nowhere, music can be a lifeline (if anyone knows whether the Derby Folk Club is still running, tell them gidday). The Nannup Folk club started in the front room of Bernie's house, but others clearly liked the idea and it was soon enough happening regularly in the RSL hall. Bernie was by his own acount eager to have a festival, but not that keen on travelling to Toodyay. The entire town of Nannup backed the dream, and about $700 was raised to seed a festival which ran on the Easter weekend in 1990.

These things happen because PEOPLE want them to. When you turn up in Nannup you'll see people in organiser shirts, and even though things have grown and got bigger, you can expect to be dealing with volunteers when you ask for guidance or help. So tiny little Nannup is managing one of the state's premier music festivals because they have the go in them to get it happening... all part of the south west spirit I guess.

This year's festival promises to be a cracker. Joe Camilleri, a renowned Australian performer, known for his icon songs "Harley and Rose", "Chained to the Wheel" and "Hold On To Me" will be performing live Saturday night, March 1st . Joe will perform with his Trio under the stars so bring a blanket and torch.

Folk legend Margret RoadKnight is highly regarded both in Australia and overseas for a voice and performance that has been described as alive, warm, charming and extremely funny. Covering songs from the twenties through to the present, RoadKnight brings them alive with consummate musicianship.

A highly versatile performer, RoadKnight has collaborated with a range of Australian and overseas performers on jazz, blues, gospel, folk, comedy and\par social commentary songs in venues that have ranged from concert halls to cathedrals and university campuses. She has travelled the world, performing in Beijing, Memphis, Paris, Auckland and Tel Aviv, to name just a few.

The festival runs for four days from February 28th to March 3rd and with over 50 live acts encompassing a large range of musical styles and acts including Gilly Darbey, Jigzag, Midnight Mahina, Bernard Carney, Ember Swift, The Wise Family Band and many more. Music enthusiasts can sing and dance the nights away.

A special spoken word program includes the Poets Breakfast and a Come All Ye where you get an opportunity to recite your favourite verses with Roger Montgomery. Workshops include The Dobro Guitar, A Busking Workshop, Learn to Cajun Dance, Wood Sculpture and Black Gospel with Margret RoadKnight.

This exciting event caters for all ages, with fun activities ranging from live music, workshops, street theatre, children's concerts, wood sculptures and market stalls showcasing a variety of produce from across the region. Young people of Nannup are organising a Battle of the Bands and Skate competition for the Sunday evening.

There are plenty of free activities for the kids and this year's children's festival (part of the bigger festival event) will include dreamtime dances, body painting and didgeridoo playing displayed by the magnificent Wadumbah Aboriginal Dance Group and Waljin Cultural Experiences. There will also be circus skills, art and crafts as well as puppet shows for the kids.

A range of food stalls will provide you with a diverse and multicultural range of cuisines to enjoy and the art and craft stalls will delight you with their range and creativity.

Ticket options include:

Tickets can be obtained by contacting the Nannup Tourist Centre on (08) 9756 1211, by emailing nmf@westnet.com.au, or on arrival at the festival.

February 2003