Christchurch Folk Music Club

A night of music gifted to a responsive, engaged audience filled with supporters and family. There were ten musicians gracing the stage with their sizable talents, sharing the limelight, in a well planned and themed series of memories that played out on instruments and vocals.

Robin Ferris orchestrated this night of fabulous music, many of the artists we have seen over previous years, they continued to star such as Lorenz on fiddle, who shone, it seems as though each time he appears his playing becomes even better and all with the appearance of being effortless.

Paddy Long om steel stings again gives the illusion that his depth giving sounds are created in such a way that belies the years of craftsmanship that offer such a privilege to listen to. Paddy may be the kingpin of the back row line up, however Jonty on drums, James on guitar and Larry on harp were an outstanding rhythm section. They blended together, were constant, and smiled while they interacted with each other. It is heartening to see musicians smile while working and delivering the goods, reassuring that they are enjoying making the sounds we are enjoying. The front row, had many virtuoso moments.

The pairing of Steve Stern on banjo and Lorenz on fiddle was inspired and they both rose in their duos and the audience applauded justly. Ryan and Rob Ferris also added tender moments, intermingled with stirring songs that were top tappers, and had the audience whooping in delight. There were two special guests over the night. Tony Hale, who added subtle guitar songs to the waistcoat donned Rob recalled the sounds of another duo S&G, well appreciated by those fortunate to be in the hall. The grace of the night was Petrina, who added the glamour to the night and provided the vocals to draw the crowd in and believe the stories she was weaving gin her songs.

Thanks Rob for adding this diversity into the line-up, a well chosen addition and Petrina added another contrasting element which cemented the song choice with variety for all to appreciate. With such talent on stage over the night, the only suggestion would be to include all this talent for the finale, a show stopping number would have been a fitting conclusion to a night of grandeur and distinctiveness.

Judi Smitheram President/Secretary