April 14th, 2023Music news
with Darren Lowe
CresFest 23
From little things, big things grow. This festival went leaps and bounds toward
establishing itself as a fixture on the music calendar in its second year, demonstrating
a level of professionalism, confidence and maturity which was admirable and a credit
to all involved.
This year ironed out a few glitches, ticketing being more streamlined and the
sheer volume and good nature of volunteers helping to run the festival to make the
spread of venues feel inclusive, unified, with a strong, palpable, sense of community.
Creswick had some beautiful venues and performers were suited to the room, the
audience and the acoustics.
Upstairs The American hosted a lovely opening ceremony then a constant stream of solo, duos and bands. I was lucky enough to hear Greg Champion, pictured, entertain a roomful of admirers followed by Cat Canteri with her heartfelt personal tales of inner city gut-wrenching material, where you could
almost hear the audience holding their breath.
Archer, as always, is mesmerizing, channelling classic US mavericks such as Hank
Williams, somehow incorporating Americana seamlessly into Outback Australian
yarns, where it all makes sense. Combine this with Appalachian songstress, picker and
two step dancer, Martha Spencer and you have a perfect combination.
Leavers Hotel is an amazing venue, often reaching capacity early but you wouldn’t
change a thing to affect the ambience, even if you can’t always get in.
The Town Hall held a range of acts in a traditional concert set up. The town’s
community centre, primary schools, churches and halls all became functioning
performance venues. There were plenty of free gigs in The Farmers Arms pub and at
various outdoor venues.
Sound was impeccable at all venues with stage managers running the gigs like
clockwork. The word was out with impromptu jams occurring on the street and in
the pubs with a distinct Celtic flavour.
The organising committee should be commended. Arising bravely in a nervous,
not quite post-Covid environment, we now have a fully-fledged, mature and inspiring
local festival. Make sure you get there in ’24.
Gig Guide
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford
Friday, April 14, 6pm – Ania (piano sessions)
Saturday, April 15, 6pm – The Martini Set
Sunday, April 16, 5pm – Rosario De Marco
Thursday, April 20, 6pm – Don Morrison
Friday, April 21, 6pm – Kim and the Meme
Saturday, April 22, 8pm – Isabel Rumble
Sunday, April 23, 5pm – Katankin
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn
Friday, April 14 – Stevie Rigby & guests
Saturday, April 15 – D’Arcy Spiller & guests
Friday, April 21 – Honeyfields & Corn Nut Creek
Friends for over 20 years, Honeyfields’ bond was forged through sitting around
kitchen tables or campfires singing and playing their favourite songs and tunes.
Formerly known as The Beenies, they have performed together at major venues and
festivals across Australia.
Bound together through sisterhood with a spiritual connection to nature,
Corn Nut Creek’s Danielle Vita and Tanya Bradley are storytellers whose original
songs draw upon the traditions of Appalachian music. They were finalists and
awarded Jurors’ Top Five in the 2020 Blues and Roots Radio International Song
Competition.
Saturday, April 22 – Stewart D’Arrietta – Tom Waits for No Man
Wombat Forest Vineyard
Saturday, April 15 – Annual Locals’ Day – Music by Jared Brentnall, 1pm-4pm
Got a gig? Email news@tlnews.com.au
