Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival

Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival

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Dorrigo 2024

by Lindsay Mar

TN167 Dec 24

Dorrigo weather on Thursday night, the night before the start of the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival proper on October 25, cast a very powerful storm with the heaviest fog ever witnessed by this author around the northern NSW town.

Thankfully, by Friday afternoon, there was some sunshine and  relief from the most extreme weather.

It was amusing to later spot Gail, an intensive care nurse with experience in advanced life support, jamming with a fiddle while sporting a high fluorescent First Aid vest.

Beside the weather change, the next welcome sight for the Dorrigo 2024 crowd was a new ticketing entrance with a wide efficient, open, well lit marquee replacing the former narrow and historically slightly awkward ticket office, and so our congratulations to the committee.

The Dorrigo festival, as is custom, kicked off Friday night with a packed out square dance in the Main Hall with Dorrigo Old Time Music School tutors, Nokosee Fields Trio and Jackson Cunningham and Kat Mear, as the band, and Judy Jones providing calls.

This was then followed by two days of workshops and concerts, and we’ll speak of the concerts first.

First band performance on Friday night was the Dorrigo debut of arguably NSW’s most active Bluegrass band, the Dempsey Bros in the Brushbox venue.

For a good change of pace and variety, this was then followed by the Folk group “We Mavericks”, featuring twin cellos and a new album previously unavailable at Dorrigo.

Over at Tallowood, the same mix of Bluegrass and Folk appeared with US duo Michael Daves (guitar) and Jacob Jolliff (mandolin) covering Jim & Jesse inspired numbers such as the “Air Mail Special”, followed by the earthy folks of the John Flanagan Trio.

Following the dance in the Main Hall was Australia’s first opportunity to see the headline Bluegrass band High Fidelity: with Jeremy Stephens, lead vocals, banjo, guitar; Corrina Logston Stephens, fiddle; Ross Sermons, bass; and, James McDowell, guitar and banjo.

Their high energy performance surged them through Reno & Smiley numbers and additional material from the Chuck Wagon Gang and Carter Family.

But, it was their twin banjo numbers that we think would be their hallmark for this concert and indeed their entire tour.

They were Corrina’s best Charlie Waller impersonation singing “Matterhorn” or Jeremy’s claim to pick like Don but then singing like Red notwithstanding.

Friday night was also the chance to see the Indian Bluegrass duo “Grassy Strings” who later gave their story of Bluegrass in Kolkata, India. No kidding.

Saturday concerts kicked off with performances of the students of the Dorrigo Old Time Music School.

Jackson Cunningham led the mandolin students in “Old-Time Pickin’” and Monroe’s “Southern Flavour”.

Fiddler, Kat Mear, and Jackson then led the singing on New River and Hazel Dickens’ “West Virginia My Home” and “I Saw The Light”.

The Banjo class with Reed Stutz accompanied themselves singing “Short Life of Trouble”, before being joined by Nokosee’s fiddlers for “Wink the Other Eye”.

Kat Mear’s fiddle class rendered the “Saturday Night Waltz” and “Arkansas Traveler”.

Elsewhere on Saturday, High Street Drifters, at the forefront of Australia’s up and coming bands, and with much humour, recited numbers from their new EP Hobo from Boho, and  standards such as “Have You Someone In Heaven Awaiting”.

Montz Matsumoto entertained with some neo Bluegrass instrumentals and soothing Japanese vocals, even if we didn’t understand a word.

On Saturday night, neo Bluegrass traditionalists, Michael Daves and Jacob Jolliff, had a full Main Pavilion for Monroe’s “Lonesome Moonlight Waltz” and “Mighty Dark to Travel”, a funky instrumental medley of “Forked Deer / Soldier’s Joy”, the Blind Willie McTell gospel number, “You Got To Die”, and the McGee Bros’ “Blue Night”.

Switching again from Bluegrass to Folk, we saw former Bunbury but now Nashville based Jordie Lane deliver some self penned songs from his new album “Tropical Depression”.

They were long humorous songs inspired by the road and touring of the USA and Australia.

Sunday morning at the Main Pavilion began with the Dorrigo choir singing an acknowledgement to country, and the Safety in Numbers, about 60 members, singing “I’ll Fly Away” and “Over In The Gloryland”.

This was then followed by a gospel show that included cameos from The Borough, Mary Rigby, Grassy Strings, High Street Drifters and Ashlee Watkins & Andrew Small.

Watching concerts is one thing, but even if you don’t play, workshops are useful to the understanding of the music, especially when lead by those most enthusiastic about the music, the musicians themselves.

A great example was the High Fidelity Saturday workshop at Kurrajong, speaking about what makes High Fidelity, High Fidelity.

Corrina spoke about the influence of the Louvin Brothers on their band, and how she covertly listened to the Louvin “electric” sound when growing up in a strictly acoustic / Bluegrass parental household.

Using “Kneel at the Cross” as an example, High Fidelity went on to speak about the influence of the first generation of Bluegrass on their sound, citing their approach to trio singing, which is basically a duo approach with the baritone filling in the harmonic holes left by the tenor, even it if means sometimes crossing the lead.

Their twin banjo work follows a similar approach with not ensuring every note to be a harmony note, in order to make the harmony more interesting, demonstrating their approach on “Dixie Hoedown”.

Questions from the audience included forward rolls in Scruggs vs Reno picking, with James McDowell suggesting “Dixie Breakdown” as a keystone to anyone wanting to unravel Reno picking.

Corrina also spoke about her affinity for a fiddle style somewhere between Old Time and Bluegrass, citing Clark Kessinger, Fiddlin’ Arthur Smith and Paul Warren.

There were also questions about Amazing Slow Downer and Transcribe and Kenny Baker’s swing style.

The Nokosee Trio workshop was intriguing with the first questions relating to Ryan’s guitar playing.

Some of the audience were also surprised about Reed’s three finger style banjo back-up, again an approach that straddled the Old Time / Bluegrass divide, with Reed making no attempt to hide the odd Bluegrass lick.

Curiously, with the latter Alum Ridge Boys and Ashlee tour, all three US bands visiting Australia in October / November embraced the cross over sound that has been championed by Rod and Judy Jones of Australia for the last 50 or so years, first with their band Hotfoot, and now My-T-Fine Stringband.

There was also a question to Nokosee about where to learn material and he said anywhere by ear, including Western fiddle, Classical violin, Pop vocals, and his mentor, Joseph Decosimo.

Other workshops we got to visit were those of Marcus and Paul speaking of Bluegrass Jam etiquette, including joining in and choosing a key, taking breaks and even splitting solos.

Katie Crane provided a flatpicking guitar workshop at Myrtle, Andrew and Ashlee taught the Carter Family song, Home Among the Hills, and Grassy Strings spoke about how they discovered Bluegrass music in India.

The dates for the 7th Dorrigo Old-Time Music School will be Oct 22-24, 2025 and the 23rd Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Oct 24-26, 2025.
It takes many hands to create a beautiful festival

by Bridget Rees

TN165 Sept 24

As the programme for the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival comes together, it’s a time when thoughts turn to all the contributing factors that have helped us to get where we are and to acknowledge those who have given their time towards the many facets of the festival.

As patrons arrive at the start of the week to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Dorrigo Plateau, NSW, before the festival begins, our current committee, team leaders and volunteers begin to transform the showground into a festive delight.

This year’s event is the 22nd festival and it will be held from October 25-27.

Over time, we have worked with local schools, the youth group and members of the community to create some amazing artwork.

It feels good to be at this stage of set up after nine months of meetings, proposals and determination of the small committee.

This year, we have a new marquee called Rosewood to decorate and some exciting news for the Ribbonwood Kids area where we will be welcoming Shake Shake Theatre for the first time.

A vibrant colourful collaboration between creators Pierre and Jessica bringing to life myths, fairytales and stories of their own imaginings using the old arts of puppetry, shadow play, masks and music.

The kids will also get the opportunity to collaborate with Gallie on a new mural for the festival.

As the showground takes on a new look, our local schools will be hosting Grassy Strings from India, sharing their music and culture and the Old Time Music School will be in full swing.

We are excited to share that on Friday afternoon pre festival, two of our visiting artists, Jacob Jolliff and Michael Davies, will be holding a Masterclass not be missed.

Limited spaces will be available for this one off chance to experience the knowledge that this duo has to share.

Look out for news as we fine tune this event and read more in Lindsay’s Bluegrass news elsewhere in this publication.

Then, just like that, it’s time for Welcome to Country and be thankful that we can all be in one place as we celebrate and support music and creativity.

Camp on site, visit for a day, we invite you to come along and experience a festival that patrons hope just stays the same.

Visit the website for news, camping and tickets.

Www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au

 

World-class event promised for Dorrigo

by Bridget Rees

TN164 July 24

 

The time has come to let everyone know just who is coming to Dorrigo, NSW, this year.

Announcing the final line up is a time for jumping up and down with happiness and trying to put a lid on what possibilities lie in store as far as programming awaits.

It is a process that has its beginnings very early on as performers start to send in their applications, the phone calls, the emails and preferably when you get to see someone in person!

It is a time of magic and inspiration and collaboration which builds into the festival programme that we will present to you in late October.

The performers we have chosen to join you this year represent our vision to bring you some of the very best in the genres of bluegrass, old-time and folk music.

This is a selection of music that we have found to work very successfully side by side and all mixed up into one pot.

2924 is no exception, with bluegrass aficionados Jacob Jolliff and Michael Daves travelling from New York.

Also from the USA, we are delighted to have High Fidelity, presenting classic bluegrass, and Kolkata-based Indian duo, Grassy Strings, who are sharing their love of bluegrass music across India and beyond.

We are thrilled to announce that Nokosee Fields, a provocative, significant and capable voice in the North American traditional scene, will bring his trio to the festival and will be tutoring at our 6th Old-Time music school.

Jackson Cunningham from South West Virginia and Australian Kat Mear will join Nokosee as tutors.

If you have ever wanted to immerse yourself in old-time music, the school is a perfect way to do so.

It offers three days of inspiring workshops that share traditional music with a rich and varied heritage.

We are incredibly excited to announce a fantastic lineup of artists, as featured on our poster, including Rain of Animals, Michael Waugh, The Haystack Mountain Hermits, Wild Thyme, The High Street Drifters, Jordie Lane, Charlotte Le Lievre, The Inadequates and Jumbaal Dreamin, just a small taste of who will be coming.

As you take in the full lineup, imagine what fun it will be developing the program for this year, expect the unexpected!

There are five concert venues, two dedicated workshop venues, a kid’s area with a puppet show and creative workshops.

If you have ever wanted to get up on stage and share a few songs, then our blackboard venue is the perfect place to start.

With concerts and workshops running throughout the weekend, you will create lasting memories as you immerse yourself in this world-class event.

We have some incredibly gifted songwriters and performers, so be prepared to be inspired.

The dances are very popular and fun, great for the whole family.

We will have a great selection this year.

If you have ever thought about playing an instrument or wondering how to write a song, there will be a workshop that suits you.

A festival choir and a beginner’s bluegrass group are both beautiful ways to participate in the festival, and we will have plenty of lovely food and refreshments.

You can camp on the grounds, where everything is at your fingertips.

Plus, there is the magic of impromptu jams as punters get together to share their music.

It is just a short walk up to the town, where the lovely cafes will be hosting breakfast concerts featuring artists from the festival.

After each festival, we receive wonderful feedback from our patrons, who leave with a deep sense of connection to the music, the friendships made, and the knowledge of how important it is for us to come together to support creative arts and make this world a better place.

Please visit the website at www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au for the complete list of performers, ticket and camping links, and to book for the Old-Time Music School.

We hope you can join us as the hills and valleys resound with music.

 

News from the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival

by Bridget Rees

TN162 Mar 24

A couple of misty mornings remind us of the return of Autumn as the year seems to be quickly passing by.

There are lots of reasons to be supporting our creative and music worlds at the moment, let us be thankful that we can, and work hard to make our days fulfilling.

We are excited to be receiving our performer and volunteer applications, keep them coming in until the end of May.

The festival doesn’t happen without them and they form our strong backbone.

I will be excited to have my head filled with program possibilities to share come festival time.

Tickets for the festival, old-time music school and camping are now available online.

We hope that you are planning your visit in late October.

In between times, over the years, we have been able to support many touring artists as they travel the East Coast from Australia and Overseas.

More recently, through my connection with the Megan Hall Committee, we have held Summer Sessions there featuring Andy Irvine, Alum Ridge Boys & Ashlee, Dallahan and Cigany Weaver.

We are midway through our Autumn Sessions having hosted Shark & Fox, The Guanaco Trio and The Whitetop Mountaineers, and still to come, we have Re-Imagined, contemporary reworks of Lennon, Harrison and McCartney songs featuring Louise Gore and friends on April 6th.

Then on May 3rd, we’ll have prairie balladeer, Canadian, Scott Cook with Pamela Mae.

For all bookings and enquiries please call Bridget 0428 415 078.

The Festival will look forward to sharing this year’s line up and the tutors for the Old-Time music school in due course.

 

Celebrating 21 Years and still as Inspiring as ever

by Bridget Rees

TN158 – P34-35

We are counting down the days now as the 21st Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival fast approaches.

The gorgeous setting of the Dorrigo Showgrounds, the absolute cracker of a lineup and so many choices to make, ensures a perfect weekend for you and your family and friends.

The lineup is brimful of so much talent and diversity with a host of high calibre Australian and International artists.

The immediate connection between the public and the performers is felt as soon as you sit down in a concert, find a partner and new friend at the hoedowns, or attend a workshop that takes you on a new musical journey.

After 21 years, the Festival still maintains a sense of family and belonging combined with world class musicianship and mentorship for generations to come.

It has been a pure delight to bring to our little town such headliners as The Foghorn String Band, The Special Consensus, You – Me- Everybody, Ryland Moranz, Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones.

All have brilliant reputations and followings across the globe and bring a wealth of musicianship right to our doorstep.

There is so much happening here in Australia as well and we have such a great representation of home grown artists the likes of Alana Wilkinson, Minor Gold, Ernest Aines, Sionnach Rua’s Great Irish Songbook, Pirritu, The Good Behaviours, The High Street Drifters, and, Parvyn and Josh Bennett, to mention a very few.

Have a look at the line up as there is so much more!

We always find a way to add into the programme something a little bit new and this year you will not be disappointed, it is too tempting with so much talent in one place not to take advantage and give you a taste of something a little bit different.

But you are going to have to get your tickets and be there and we encourage patrons to come along and camp up at the festival for the weekend.

For many, this is also the cream on the cake as many new friends and lasting ties are made.

As well as The Pitts Family Circus, we also have a full programme for the young and young at heart including stories, all things musical and a chance to take home a little of their own festival bunting.

There will be dance and dedicated concert venues and an array of workshops, and a chance to join the festival choir and become a member of The Sinners for the weekend!

Music seeps into the town cafes on the Saturday and Sunday mornings before the programme begins at the festival grounds, a chance to share the delights of our small town’s hospitality and friendliness.

So many reasons to get yourselves up to the Plateau for the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival and have a weekend of pure musical delight.

An array of food will be available at the Showgrounds and as always we maintain our passion to make Dorrigo a waste free Festival.

All Information and ticketing can be found at our website

Www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au and tickets are also available on-site over the weekend.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Come and be part of our celebration!

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Old-Time Music School and Festival plans well underway

by Bridget Rees

TN157 Aug 23

As the year passes by at what seems like a lightning pace, it is so good to see festivals and events giving it their all to stand strong, in what is still a difficult environment, to hold fast to our ideals.

Small festivals can be tough going over the years, and successful grant applications are not easy to come by.

Yet, I’m not complaining, because it is what is at the heart of a festival that counts and builds the event into a memorable time for all those involved.

That beating heart opens up opportunities for many participants and I feel privileged to share the pulse with so many.

The programme for Dorrigo is underway and I am over the moon to be working with a top line up of performers – and to be inspired by the many workshops that will be offered, always attempting to make each year a little better than the last!

his is all done with a small, but amazing, team of eight as the core, and extends into our wonderful family of volunteers leading up to the festival and packing down.

We would love for you to get on the website and check out our artists for this year, and to take note of our 5th Old-Time Music School which, in a similar mode to the festival, is becoming a must do for many people.

The school is a great lead up into the festival, where you really get to put into practise what you have learnt, and still have room for abundant inspiration from our old-time artists.

We are working on introducing some new creative elements for the young, running alongside the storytelling workshops under the shady trees.

There is plenty of camping available at the showground, which puts you right on site, just a short walk to town, where once again we will be running our cafe breakfasts.

If you are lucky enough to put aside some extra time, then the Dorrigo Plateau beckons with rainforest walks, waterfalls and rolling hills.

We hope you will come sit down with us and enjoy amazing concerts, inspiring workshops, dance the floors, join in a session, and immerse yourself in our small, family friendly, and earth conscious festival.

We aim to be a plastic, smoke, drug, and alcohol free festival and thank our contributors for acknowledging this.

Now, it’s time to jump online and book your tickets!

www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au 

 

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Something to Celebrate

by Bridget Rees

TN 156 July 23

Looking back through the collection of Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival posters from the very first to the recently released 2023 copy, one thing that really stands out to me are the memories of the folk along the years who have helped to create this coming together of a musical family since the very beginning.

From the start, we had a feeling that the Dorrigo mountains and community would welcome and nurture the impulsiveness of a 17 year old who conceived the idea, laying the foundations for future years.

We began by treading new waters, creating a new event with the support of the local Arts Council and the generosity of an ever expanding musical family sharing their time and support to the new kid on the block.

Knowing that it would be difficult to run a purely Bluegrass Festival, the inclusion of Folk in the header has proven to be a partnership that has become very enduring to the event.

The format of those early fundamental years has been well and truly proven to be what makes the festival’s heart still beat strongly.

It has been nothing short of a pleasure to have worked alongside the wonderful folk who have helped get us here and to acknowledge the present committee who I hope will have a chance this year to see a little of their hard work!

Each year the festival continues to follow the original format of presenting concerts in our large and smaller intimate venues where clear acoustic sound invites the listener to connect with the performer.

Vocal, instrumental and dance workshops engaging participation and creating inspiration.

Sessions for sharing and connection, dances, circus, poetry and storytelling for pure delight!

All fostering and enabling a chance to respect, contribute and engage with music that is steeped in tradition, connecting times past with times present.

With such a lovely line up of artists, I am really looking forward to creating this year’s programme and seeing what evolves in the mixing pot!

Presenting the festival as a safe, inspiring and environmentally friendly event is of paramount importance to the committee and we endeavour to work always to create a space where folk and families can come together to immerse themselves, make connections, collaborate, continue traditions and make new ones.

The flags will be flying high, so get along and purchase your tickets.

If you have been before, please spread the news amongst friends.

If it is your first time, we are sure that it may not be your last!

 

5th Dorrigo Old-Time Music School.

The Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival is delighted to be hosting yet another wonderful group of tutors to teach at our Old-Time music school which runs for three days leading up to the weekend.

A perfect way to get to know and learn from Foghorn Stringband, Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones, and Ian Alexander, and a unique opportunity to learn and play alongside these International and award winning Old-Time musicians.

The school includes three whole days of tuition, a tutors concert and an optional chance to perform during the festival alongside your tutors and fellow participants.

The venue is just across from the festival site where camping is available.

Previous participants have commented on just how influential attending the school has been to their musical journeys and acknowledging the emphasis the shool places on culture and why the music sounds the way it does.

A link to the festival and to the Old-Time music school can be found at www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au

 

Performer applications for Dorrigo are now open

by Bridget Rees

TN155 Apr 23

The 21st Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival will take place on the 27th, 28th and 29th of

October, with the 5th Dorrigo Old-Time Music School running from the 25th to the 27th.

For now, the gumboots and umbrellas have been put away, but we are still hearing stories of that Dorrigo red mud still visible on items of clothing and footwear.

We are even considering having a wet weather stall.

We are looking forward to hearing from folk who would like to play at Dorrigo.

The Performer Expressions of Interest are open until May 15, and as always, we are excited to put together a programme that reflects the diverse origins of folk, bluegrass, old-time and old -time country music featuring local, national and overseas artists.

We are looking to not only curate a musically satisfying programme within our highlighted genres, but one which seeks to educate and entertain people of all ages and one that showcases a variety of creative artists; poets and storytellers, instrument builders, visual artists, environmentalists and children’s entertainers.

Please contact us at performers@dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au if you have a unique workshop opportunity you would like to present.

We are well into the planning stage and it is an exciting time as applications come in and a vision of the programme begins to appear.

We are looking at ways that we can improve the festival and keep on doing what we do even better.

After last year’s experience and digging numerous ditches, at least we have the names of our transitory waterways in place and have put some serious thought into how better we could cope, should the skies open up once more.

Our committee has always been quite small and folks usually have numerous commitments outside of their personal lives, and as Director of the festival, I am continually grateful for the work they put in.

21 years on and I am asked by some “oh, the festival is still happening?”

Yes it is, and my heart warms as I say it because it is a joyful thing to be a part of.

To help create a small little happening that brings together such a mix of happiness through music and voice, to be a part of the wider, wonderful small festival culture that we have here in Australia, where performers, patrons, volunteers, organisers and communities unite in one big happy family, it is such an important part of our creative beings, so thanks to the people who inspire and support such events.

We hope that some of you will find your way to the Dorrigo Plateau this coming October.

Our tickets are now on sale and we look forward to sharing more news next time.

 

Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival 20 years on

by Bridget Rees   Published in T&N 150 September 2022

 

In 2002, just over 300 people, mostly visitors, gathered at the Dorrigo Showgrounds.

Together, they were there to enjoy and participate in the first ever Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival.

Supported by the Dorrigo Arts Council, a 17-year-old’s vision unfolded and so was planted the strong seed that today has come to encapsulate all the elements of a successful and family friendly acoustic music festival.

The picturesque venue is still the same and the nights can be chilly, but the heart of that first festival has kept growing over the years, as has its popularity amongst musicians, performers, and volunteers, who all help to create a unique atmosphere during a full weekend each October.

The Festival has grown a little, but not much else has changed, and the festival is still passionate about affiliating with other groups in our community and providing opportunities for the community to partner with the festival.

We hope the Dorrigo mountains beckon you this coming October, as we look forward to welcoming you into our music community.

What’s happening?

We are delighted to let you know that the Dorrigo Old-Time Music School is happening for three days leading up to the festival.

This is a unique opportunity to learn and play alongside international, award winning old-time musicians.

This year we are excited to welcome Smith Allen Peterson, the Whitetop Mountaineers, and Shay Garriock as our tutors from the US.

It has been a long two years and we are very much looking forward to catching up and making new friends.

We have not reinvented the wheel, rather gathered strength in knowing that what we do best has been learnt over the last twenty years with input from all of you who have supported the festival.

Beginning Friday, October 21, from 6:00pm, through to late afternoon on Sunday, October 23, we will be holding concerts across five performance venues and two workshop venues.

There will be an old-time dance (Friday), an Irish Ceilidh (Saturday) and a farewell Cajun dance (Sunday).

The famous Pitts Family Circus will be there to entertain in more ways than you can imagine.

In addition to storytelling, poetry, open mic, and jam sessions, we will have workshops for the kids and some hands-on activities to encourage their creative spirits.

And let us not forget, we will have performers from all six states, and a few surprises from across the way!

We are very grateful for the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, which supports art in regional and remote Australia.

Because of their support, we have been able to promote the Festival in our local and surrounding regions.

If you have friends in the 2450 area who have never been to the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, we would love your help spreading the word!

Ask your friends and family to sign up to our Newsletter.

We’d love to see our music community grow within the local communities.

So get your tickets booked, tell your friends, have your traveling shoes ready and come join us this coming Spring as part of our 20th festival, helping to take us onwards to many more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

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