I’ve finally managed to close my suitcase (not an easy task with a very awkward shaped fiddle stand taking up much room) and I’m waiting for Sarah to finish work and pick me up. I’m listening to Dougie McLean, my Christmas present from Helen (who we’ll be seeing in a few hours). I can’t wait. I’m nervous about a few things – our live to air session in the morning on ABC radio, meeting Rabbit (Helen’s husband who I’ve heard many interesting stories about – but no idea why he’s called Rabbit) and, the possibility of Mannie and Rabbit running around naked (apparently this is quite a regular occurrence –something in the Tasmanian air I think). But despite all that, I’m starting to get excited. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything essential. I have my fiddle and my boots… what else would a girl possibly need :)
Friday
We woke up at Stanton, Helen and Rabbit’s beautiful home and B & B. We only had time for a quick cup of tea and a flying stop in at Passions café before heading off to ABC radio for a live spot. Apparently Sunas was made famous last radio appearance by Sarah being the second person to ever say ‘arse’ on the ABC (second to Kate Miller-Heidke I might add – one of our idols!). This time the language remained kiddy-friendly and we managed to go for a full 30 minutes without saying anything too stupid… Well except for my declaration again classical music, which wouldn’t have been so bad if the person interviewing me wasn’t Christopher Lawrence! Oops. He took it well, and was seen later that night enjoying some of our non-classical music at the New Sydney. Helen was ever helpful, holding up a ‘classic ABC’ sticker to point out my mistake – thanks Helen!
From there we headed off to Jackman and McRoss for lunch which the others had been raving about since I joined the band. I wasn’t disappointed! We finally arrived at the New Sydney, picked up our room keys and lugged all our stuff up the many stairs (which will later prove to be a problem for one band member in particular….)
With no rest for the wicked, we went straight down to the bar for a quick cider and session, where I was surprised by my good friend Beth, as well as meeting some of the long time Sunas friends, The To Rags and Brian Owens. One cider turned into another and before we knew it, it was time for our 11pm gig.
Now here I would like to point out that Sarah and I were sharing a room at the hotel, and before we went to bed, Sarah warned me that she occasionally mumbles in her sleep. I didn’t think anything of it until about 3am when I very distinctly heard from the top bunk “Go team, we can do it! We’re nearly there”. Go team Sarah!!!
Saturday
Saturday morning we awoke nice and early to head off to the markets for a bit of busking. On our way, we decided to stop for a bite to eat – bad move! Sarah described the coffee as ‘arse in a cup’, Mannie was fairly sure that he was given a used tea bag, and the toast was a charred black piece of cardboard with something vaguely resembling egg on top. Paul was nearly crying at this point, having missed his morning coffee, so he followed his nose off to Starbucks.
The story of our busking became quite well known throughout Tasmania, and I’m sure the others will describe it in their own blogs, but lets just say there’s a very unhappy unicyclist somewhere in Hobart now. Sorry!!! We just wanted our 20min spot to make our $17.
The rest of the day was spent eating, shopping and drinking before our gig at 9.30 that night. I had a great gig and enjoyed a few quiet ale’s afterwards with Sarah. Despite what others may tell you, we were very ladylike, remained coherent for the remainder of the night and even managed a few tunes. Well… that was me at least. Sarah on the other hand become very good friends with everyone in the pub, was carried upstairs and proceeded to collapse on the couch before informing us she was just going to head back down for another drink with Mick before bed. To her credit, she managed to get herself onto the top bunk and wasn’t even all that seedy the next day!
Sunday
Sunday started with a late greasy breakfast at Harbour Lights, with a very-friendly-but-slightly-too-happy waitress. The afternoon concert was very relaxed and we took the opportunity to try some of the more mellow songs and tunes. Sarah got everyone singing The Yorkshire Couple (I may be making up the name of that song – but whatever it was I really enjoyed it and was thrilled to see the entire audience participating!).
We then had to say our farewells before heading off for a final night back at Stanton, where we sat and looked at the millions of stars (I swear there’s not that many in Brisbane!!).
Overall, I had an amazing time and everyone involved in the Fleadh Ceol should be really happy with how everything went. The organisers, MC’s, musicians, hotel and bar staff, sound guys and audience were all fantastic and I can’t wait for my next Tassie trip.
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