Festival 2006

It is on again!

The best little Folk Festival in the country! We have a line up of fantastic acts this year - from Celtic to crossroads to cabaret. Several of the headline acts from the Port Fairy, National and Woodford Folk Festivals will be heading our way and you have the opportunity to see them up close and personal in our relaxed surroundings.

Check your diaries! The Festival has shifted to Friday March 31st - Sunday 2nd April. There is still time to buy tickets via the early bird system with the application form on this site. We look forward to seeing you and your friends in Yack on the last weekend in March.

Thanks to Readymix, YCDCo, Tourism Alliance Victoria and the Indigo Shire who are major sponsors for 2006.

Patten Bridge, YFF Organizing Committee

You can download our latest newsletter (860kb pdf - requirtes Adobe Acrobat)

March to the Beat of a Different Drum - the Opening Parade

Individuals, community groups and friends will come together to create a range of sounds playing “wacky instruments” in the opening parade. More adults are welcome. No musical knowledge is necessary and the rhythms are easy. A workshop will be run by ”parade professional” Jon Madin to make a variety of simple instruments on Sunday 26th of March at the Scout Hall at 2:00pm. Everything is supplied so just turn up! There may be a workshop during the holidays if people are around. Children will also participate in the opening parade and will carry giant illuminated puppets. If you would like to be part of the fun and the best opening parade in the history of the festival ring Kirsten on (02) 60271447 or email wabisabi@netc.net.au

Workshops

This year we have another great range of workshops for you to enjoy from “Singing for Blokes” to the Haka for women and a fun range of activities for children. We would love you to get involved so put your name down at the ticket office when you arrive at the festival.

Program Highlights

David Francey and Dave Clarke - Canada

David Francey is a Scottish born singer and storyteller from Quebec. “ His wry humour and astute observations combined with his openhearted singing style have earned him a loyal following.”

“David Francey’s songs are lean and whippet-like creations, a bit like the man himself. With not one wasted word or superfluous line he takes the everyday, often mundane business of living and elevates it into something infinitely more noble and memorable.” Eric Bogle. David has won consecutive Juno awards in the Roots and Traditional Album of the Year - Solo category.

MP3 - Martin Pearson, Alex Legg and Chris Pain

"Martin Pearson and the MP3" is a band designed solely to support that one pun. The trio consists of Alex Legg on thumb slappin' guitar and husky vocals, Chris Pain (no 'e' ... he's just a pain) on evocative harmonica, and Martin providing vocals. The material ranges from Al Jolson to Bob Dylan, with a healthy dose of crunchy folk and a fair smattering of Alex's wonderful originals.

Wailin’ Jennys - Canada

The Wailin’ Jennys are soprano Ruth Moody, mezzo Nicky Mehta, and alto Annabelle Chvostek. Formed in Winnipeg in 2002, The Jennys make music that is "lush," "luscious" and "sweet." Their masterful three-part vocal harmonies are "haunting" and they "shimmer”. The Wailin’ Jennys’ music is a mix of original and traditional tunes in a variety of roots styles.

Volunteers

We need volunteers in two hour blocks from 10-6 on Saturday and 10-1 on Sunday. Email: folkfestival@yackandandah.com or ring 0260271709 or drop into the festival office on Friday or Saturday

Stalls and Market Day

Stall sites are still available for the market on Sunday. Ring Yackandandah Primary School for site bookings on 02 60271431 or email yackandandah.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

Buskers Wanted

As always, buskers are welcome to put their hat out at the festival. We welcome musicians and performers of all types. Our judges will be on the lookout for talent and will be awarding prizes once again for the best buskers in the junior and senior sections. If you are interested email Geoff Simmons: gsimmons@csu.edu.au