Wow. Woodford was simply amazing! We received a phone call from Bill Hauritz , the Festival director last Friday explaining sorry for the late notice, but were we were available to open the Program Launch Party?
Hell yes, we were!
Unfortunately Mannie was unable to make this gig due to prior commitments. There was a lot of set list rearranging to accommodate his absence, let me tell you! So Paul made up a 'road trip' playlist on the iPod, and with myself and Bridget, cruised up to Woodford on Saturday afternoon. The first thing that I noticed when we arrived was the smell. Eucalyptus. So fresh! The tent we were playing in was enormous, and people were milling everywhere. The lanterns were lit and the moon was out, which made for a magical evening. Everyone was lovely and accommodating to us, as we weren't exactly sure what was expected of this gig. Basically Bill came over and told us that we were to open the launch party, but not to expect applause as the 250 plus organisers get together four times a year and are too busy catching up to actually acknowledge any music.
I looked at the guys and we were all thinking, whoa. Tough gig.
So we started with a set of fiery reels, but for all Bill's warnings about no-one listening or responding, not only did the organisers clap and cheer, they also danced! It was a cracking gig, and we all had an absolute blast. We came off the stage after an hour, knackered and overheated but ready to do it all over again. The adrenaline was pumping for me, and Bridget looked for all the world like a carefree spirit. It was so warm onstage that her carefully straightened hair went curly (and personally I thought it looked amazing)!
Afterwards we came down to earth with a few drinks and found a table to watch the speeches. The feedback for us was incredible. Bill thanked everyone for coming, and then gave us a special mention, which was lovely. Apparently in the history of the program launch parties over the past 18 years, not one person had gotten up and danced until now. We were the first band that had done it. As everyone applauded us, I looked over at Bridget and Paul, and their incredulous expressions of delight matched mine. Not bad for a band who was a man down!
The actual program launch was just amazing. The Woodford crowd don't do anything by halves, and a procession of people with fire lanterns made its way through the tent with an alternative dancer holding the first copy of the program, which was presented to Des, the Festival President. We all lit candles and sang. I felt so humbled to witness such an incredible ritual. The Woodford people love what they do; they work hard, but they play equally as hard!
So then everyone got down to some serious drinking to the funky sounds of the Black Market Rhythm Co, who also got the crowd on their feet which was wonderful to see! Afterwards Paul, Bridget and I set up camp in the drinking tent (as you do) to play a session. The additions to our mix were incredible. We had Kenny the didgeridoo player, and a lady who came over with an enormous drum and confessed that she'd been wanting to jam with us all night :) It was a wonderful few hours, we sang, we played and people danced again. As the time came for us to depart back to Brisbane (at 3am, no less!), we left to a roar of cheering, clapping and whistling. Once again I witnessed the stunned and exhilerated looks on Paul & Bridget's faces. We drove home through dense fog, which only heightened the experience for us. What an amazing night. Bring on the festival, we look forward to seeing you all there!
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