Rhythms in the Valley - Meet the Artists.
On a beautiful spring day, the sun illuminated Donaldson Park and bathed the eager crowd with a warm glow, defying the previous weeks of tumultuous weather. The climatic conditions were timed beautifully as the rural community of Wedderburn was the host town of a grand music festival, ‘Rhythms in the Valley.’ The musical talents of the 6 diverse and highly acclaimed artists was the main drawcard but children were also treated to free activities including a jumping castle, rally cars and the piggy train. As the day unfolded, it proved to be a winner for the young and old as all generations shared the turf dance floor to shake their groove throughout the day.
The stellar program included headliner Mark Seymour, who was the lead singer of infamous Aussie band, Hunters and Collectors, and who now boasts an illustrious solo performing career. Mark pleased the crowd with an array of rock songs but really sent the crowd on a euphoric journey when he sang his most celebrated self-penned songs, ‘Throw you arms around me’ and ‘Holy Grail’. Holy Grail has been adopted by the AFL as their anthem which Mark thought was interesting because as he explained, it actually tells the story of Napoleon Bonaparte. Still, music connects to different audiences for uncanny reasons and that is the unpredictable but exciting challenge to a musician.
Mark said he played the piano until he was thirteen before he picked up a guitar which has become his instrument of choice. As a songwriter, he draws “inspiration from everyday life; the characters he meets, the stories he hears and the emotions he feels.”
The vibrant Ross Wilson whose musical career spans five decades was a huge hit as he belted out all time favourites, “Louie, Louie” and “Eagle Rock” to the adoring crowd. Ross Wilson’s achievements are too exhaustive to list but to skim the surface; he was a band member of the 60’s rock act, The Pink Finks, Mondo Rock and the legendary Daddy Cool; he has toured solo the world over, is an ambassador for Oz music, has been inducted into the Aria hall of fame and has written songs covered by famous artists such as Rick Springfield and Johnny Farnham.
When interviewed, Ross Wilson had a lovely, relaxed way about him. He believes that his success is the result of recognising opportunity when you see it although he “finds it amazing that he is still performing songs like Eagle Rock and Come said the Boy”. Ross said he has embraced the diverse opportunities music has offered him such as his collaborative work with ‘The Wiggles’ involving a performance of a revamped version of Eagle Rock. “I loved the whole experience of being King Mondo, ruler of Rockstar planet.” When asked about being a judge on the television show, ‘It takes Two’ he said that it was interesting being on the other side of the fence. “I didn’t want to criticize because feelings get hurt so I tried to offer helpful comments.” I suspect Ross Wilson’s genuine warmth, humility, down to earth attitude and natural affection for life are four qualities that have endeared him to the Australian public over his extensive performing career.
Kate Vigo and the Underground Orchestra put the crowd into a trance with their mesmerising hybrid of retro electronic pop. Kate’s haunting vocal improvisations spellbound the crowd. With such musical genius, it is interesting that Kate completed a degree in fashion design before she decided to change vocational direction which led her to undertake a Bachelor of Music Performance. She said that she was inspired from jamming sessions with friends and realised that music was a healthier career for her. Parallels can be drawn as both careers require a creative flair. Currently, Kate is recording her first album with a talented ensemble, ‘The Underground Orchestra;’ it is due for release in March 2011. Kate said that the song that meant the most to her is about a “guide to approach life.” The song has not been given an official title yet but during the interview Kate thought it might be, ‘Wash over me.’ Kate Vigo has received extraordinary recognition as a soloist in 2010, winning many music industry awards and is gaining increased radio airplay which is expanding her audience.
Tinderbox exuded joy and connected with the crowd immediately. Their refreshing style breathed new life into traditional folk songs that they mixed with 1980 anthems; the combination of the melodies created an energetic music that resonated well with the enthusiastic audience. Tinderbox described their sound as “bogon folk, rockabilly bush folk, bush dance beats.” Their band formed over the summer of 2008/2009 however most members also belong to other bands of different genres from gypsy, rock to hip hop. The band members’ relaxed stage presence and playful style struck a chord with locals who had only words of praise to describe their first melodic experience with Tinderbox.
The Croakers, once called the Frog Brothers have been together since they started in the nineties. The Croakers are a rockin’ blues band with elements of jazz influencing their fabulous sound. Band members cited Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison and Tony Joe White as their inspiration. They said that it is great giving songs their own signature with ‘Judgement Day’ being their favourite song to write (to date.) The Croakers enjoy performing live at festivals and they too were very popular with the crowd.
Pete Rowland, from Daylesford set the mood as he was the first of the professional musicians to perform. As a youth, Pete started out playing the piano, then guitar and bass. Music has and always will be a large part of his life and guitar mastery is something he could clearly boast. His style is self-described as “rock ‘n’ roll/alternative” which can cover jazz and disco with sixties pop in one impressive set. When asked about his goals, Pete said it’s hard to live your dreams but it’s worth the effort!
Three local school students, Meg Lockhart, Maddison Holt and Jarvis Holt also had the extraordinary privilege of being the opening performers. They sang original songs and covers with great confidence and were very grateful for the opportunity to sing with the support of professional sound equipment and technicians. Being early in the day, only a small crowd had arrived but they applauded the young musicians vigorously much to their delight.
‘Rhythms in the Valley’ proved to be a wonderful family day with great food; a friendly, carnival atmosphere and some of Australia’s best live music! It was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Freeza, Bendigo Bank, Loddon Shire, the Wedderburn Community House and the collective energy and vision of many community members.
