Tuesday 5 July 2011

Newport Folk Festival

'Twas a busy weekend in Newport this last.

There were events all over the place. Words, Words, Words was one and featured a mixture of spoken and sung words, poets, prose writers, non-fiction writers and singer-songwriters. I was amongst the spoken word crowd and read a pb ms I've been working on.


There were yodelling workshops, three-part harmony workshops, performances by many bands, including the Mercurials and a reformed-especially-for-the-night Bushwhackers. There was Kamishibai storytelling and open air choiring.

Sunday included a Choirs Festival - 13 choirs numbering 260 choristers in the almost-outgrown Substation Arts Centre. Each choir, including the one I sing in, performed three songs each, then together we sang two. It was sooo much fun.

This is the third annual festival, and it goes from strength to strength. It's a great way to get to know the local talent, but also a supportive place for beginner and experienced performers.

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