March 5th, 2022CresFest – the story unfolds
LIKE an intricate tapestry, the threads that weave together the story of CresFest start to reveal a cohesive picture that celebrates what started out as the initiative of a few to a collaboration of many.
The music and sung and written word will reflect the diverse communities and their backgrounds that are the essence of this CresFest tapestry. From the colours of Iran and India, the music of the Scottish isles, to the rhythm of the blues, from words unspoken reflecting the pain of separation, to the sounds of Smeaton resident Archer who takes his music on a journey bringing his sounds to anyone who will listen.
Archer, pictured with nursing home resident Val, is a powerful storyteller using music to heal, for those who want to listen. Archer listens.
There is nothing in the universe that Archer doesn’t hear to create his amazing music. He appreciates the beauty in every part of life. His songs reflect the mountains, the rivers and the valleys he travels through. And travel he has, from Canada where he performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival, at the Nannup Music Festival in West Australia and recently New Zealand. Archer has been everywhere and played everywhere. He is known variously as The Claypan Crooner, Australia’s Woodie Guthrie and the one and only “singin’ talkin’ leakin’ slowboat to China”.
There is no venue that he will not visit and some of his most memorable times have been at nursing homes where even flies and robotic toothbrushes have been added to his musical collection. Archer’s song writing and performance skills have a way of encapsulating the extraordinary in the ordinary, for those willing to listen, leaving audiences wanting more. His is a sound you will want to book for!
CresFest also features other headline performances including Emma Donovan, Eric Bogle, Freya Josephine Hollick, Kat Mear and Craig Woodward, Pete Denahy, and not forgetting Creswick’s very own Swingalong Ukestra who made a stunning appearance at the launch of CresFest.
CresFest is the one of the most exciting Victorian regional festivals to open up since the pandemic reared its head way back in 2020. With courage and commitment CresFest convenor Judy Turner has amassed around her a strong network of local people to help bring the festival to fruition.
“There have certainly been moments when I have wondered about the wisdom of continuing but I am an optimist and I know that CresFest is going to bring people together to celebrate music, singing and dance through shared experiences and participation,” Judy said.
Musicians and artists will be gathering in Creswick to start a weekend of fantastic performances on Friday, April 1 through to Sunday, April 3. Local, national and international musicians will create a kaleidoscope of performances that will be a feast for sight and sound.
In acknowledging all volunteers, Judy said that their input had been a collaboration of skills, commitment and enthusiasm.
“Along with the performers, volunteers will provide visitors to our inaugural CresFest with a memorable experience.”
Tickets, performers and full program information at www.cresfest.com.au
Words & image: Contributed
