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Ray Beadle in the Kosciusko Room
Is there anything more uplifting than watching a musician who just loves to play? Ray Beadle’s joy is infectious!
We had a rough start to the year in South Eastern Australia. Instead of fire-works and revelry on New Year’s Eve, the sports and school grounds near my house were full of displaced campers, forced north by the East Gippsland fires ravaging coastal Victoria. On what would ordinarily be one of their busiest nights, our pubs closed their doors, and businesses focussed on feeding the evacuees.
Three days later, our whole town shut down. We sat glued to our radios and checked phones and computers regularly for emergency updates. With our cars packed up with anything indispensable, we watched as what was now called the Border Fire continued its relentless march north. The over-whelmed Fire and Rescue Services repeated their warnings that they would work to save lives, but not property.
My plan had been to head west, but then the word came through: more fires, further inland, had swept north, and Kosciuszko National Park was being evacuated of tourists. The planned annual Blues Festival in Thredbo was put on hold as fires licked at the edges of that little alpine community. For another two weeks, we watched helplessly as our country burned.
Finally, only three days before the festival was due to take place, easing fire conditions allowed the National Parks to reopen the Alpine resorts, and the Thredbo Blues Festival was back on. Access to all trails outside of Thredbo’s boundaries remained off limits, so bush walks were off the agenda, but at least the music would go ahead.
A lot of people couldn’t change their plans again at the last minute; friends of mine who were meant to have joined me had made other commitments during the long period of uncertainty.
But I had my Early-Bird weekend pass and needed a smile. So, I pointed my car up the hill, and aimed for the blues music that would make it all feel better.
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Up Brown Mountain
After drought conditions and months of fires, we were treated to some rain and mist as I drove up and over the first mountain between me and the High Country. (iPhone6)
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Getting the Party Started
On the opening Friday afternoon, the audiences were still thin on the ground – but they were enthusiastic! Psycho Zydeco opened proceedings in The Pub.
Shane Pacey
Some artists are almost local household names: Shane Pacey is a hard-working musician who I see (and enjoy!) regularly.
Dave Fester
The drummer with the Shane Pacey Trio is always fun to watch. In the darkened space of the Kosciuszko Room, it is hard to believe it is still daylight (albeit raining) outside. These shots are taken on my old Canon 6D with a EF70-200 lens (with no Image Stabilisation!) at 1/400 sec, f 2.8 and ISO 3200, and post-processed in an archaic version of Lightroom.
Richard Perso
After such a long period of tension from the fires, none of us dared complain about the rain. But, I have no doubt the owner of the House of Ullr was pleased that this new “sun room” was finished in time for the festival: last year, this space was open to the elements. We were able to enjoy Richard Perso and his original songs – complete with didgeridoo and guitar accompaniments – in dry comfort while the rain showers came and went outside.
Microphone in Focus
Back in the Lounge Bar, Jordan Thomas and his ‘alternate country and blues’ trio take to the stage.
Jordan Thomas
I was introduced to these guys last year, and was quite taken with their smooth grooves …
Craig Renneberg
… and relaxed double bass.
Swamp Stompers
Often drummers are left completely in the dark, so I was happy to catch a shot of this one in a patch of light in the Schuss Bar.
Steve Edmonds Blues Quartet
Eponymous band leader Steve Edmonds is the consummate professional; …
Keyboard – Steve Edmonds Blues Quartet
… he and the rest of the band …
Double Bass – Steve Edmonds Blues Quartet
… all have a way of making you feel special.
Blues in Colour : Steve Edmonds Blues Quartet
Ron King
The Foreday Riders have been playing blues for over 50 years. Ron King is one of the founding members.
Jeff King
Brother Jeff King is the other founding member.
Stan ‘Sleepy’ Mobbs – Foreday Riders
Eucalyptus Bark
A break in the rain on Saturday allowed us to enjoy some time outdoors, even if most of the walking tracks were closed.
Psycho Zydeco
In the Village Square, Psycho Zydeco kicked things off, …
Grace&Hugh
… followed by Grace and Hugh …
Grace&Hugh
… and the half-tonne grand piano that tours with them.
Corey Legge
Meanwhile, the Swamp Stompers take to the stage in the open-air Alpine Bar.
Luke Ligtenberg
When Swamp Stomper Luke isn’t singing into his unique didgeridoo, …
Swamp Stompers
… he’s kicking up his heels with the audience.
Tyrone Vaughan’s Guitar
Tyrone Vaughan grew up with impeccable musical credentials in Austin, Texas. Truthfully, I was as much in awe of his turquoise jewellery as his guitar chops.
CJ Raggatt
In the over-crowded Apré Bar …
Double-Neck Guitar
… CJ Raggatt shows off a double-neck guitar of his own design.
8 Ball Aitken
Australian singer, songwriter, and slide guitarist 8 Ball Aitken plays his own take on Louisiana swamp music.
The Blues in Full Colour
Ray Beadle, who was featured on George Washingmachine’s Blues Rinse LP, joins him on stage. They are all having too much fun!
19-Twenty
This is another group I’ve seen before: the absolutely frenetic crowd-pleasing energy of Kane Dennelly, Syd Green, and John Gwilliam is hard to capture.
CJ Raggatt on Slide Guitar
Ray Beadle Band
I finally got to see Ray Beadle, who had been performing all weekend with other bands, headlining his own group! He was still smiling.
Liza Ohlback Trio through the Glasses
The venues can make for real challenges in terms of line of sight, lighting, and clarity of sound … (iPhone6)
Liza Ohlback
… but the performers make up for it!
Harry Ashton Band
Young Harry Ashton and his band made for a colourful end to my weekend. Some people call the blues ‘simple’ music – and it might be – but in the hands of this Sydney Conservatorium student and his cohort, it is also excellent.
According to a 2016 article in Psychology Today, singing the blues is good for you.
As if there was ever any doubt!
I know I felt better.
Until next time,
Keep Singing!
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Great set of photos and accompanying story. I’m heartened to see that you were able to keep the tradition alive.
Thanks so much for your ‘visit’ Melissa! Music always lifts my spirits. 😀