Live Review: Fairbridge Folk Festival

The 22nd annual Fairbridge Folk Festival was a treat of world-class music, arts and crafts, markets, food stalls and more, the three-day event taking place over the Anzac Day long weekend with those of all ages and walks of life attending.

Local Perth bluegrass-roots band The Seals played a rocking set at Ruby's early on Friday to kick things off, and later that night caused a ruckus over at the Youthopia stage, not quite sure what to do when their first ever bra was thrown onstage from a questionably underage audience member. The five dudes were incredibly tight considering they rarely had any percussion (save for Derry's wicked occasional bones beats) and even threw a kazoo solo into the mix.

Keeping it in the family was Charlie McGee's Formidable Vegetable Sound System, with not only his sister and father in the band but even getting his younger brother up onstage to play the ukulele. The endlessly talented McGee (also of locals Ensemble Formidable and ex-band Double Entendre) brought the funk with four massive sets over the course of the weekend, singing about sustainability and permaculture. Is there anything he can't do?

Repeat performers The Barons Of Tang were welcomed back to Fairbridge almost as a new band. Even so, despite changes both in repertoire and line-up, the Barons returned with that same gypsy/punk/postcore/metal melting pot of a sonic experience that had punters so excited last time. The band's set was on fire, and so was the crowd, quite literally – one individual took several opportunities to ignite their 'flamethrower hat'. Yep, that's exactly what it sounds like.

Fremantle's own Ensemble Formidable exploded onto the Youthopia stage in a frenzy of zombies and chickens, bringing their unique flavour of swinging Freo gyspy-folk to the festival. Trombonist Karri provided his ever-entertaining crowd interactions and flashing blue trombone, and with guest appearances from Sky and Nic from The Brow, the latter performing an improv rap and playing melodica in a crazy chicken mask, these guys killed it. Where else but Fairbridge?

Not only performing but also teaching an advanced finger-picking workshop, Melbourne's Nick Charles' purely instrumental sets were brilliant, dabbling in a little blues here and there mixed in with his rootsy-acoustic ragtime tunes. Attracting a bit of an older, but no less enthusiastic crowd, his sets fitted perfectly in the context of this festival, which had him play four times over the weekend.

Simone & Girlfunkle's sweet folk-pop infusion was extremely well-polished, and the girls' flawless harmonies were a force to be reckoned with. Their tune, Venus was a bit darker and showcased the band's versatility, with Ruby's being the perfect setting for their style.

Winding up Saturday night's festivities in style, Grace Barbé & Afro Kreol brought their Seychellois sound back to a considerable number of welcoming fans. Finishing at their designated time, the band went to leave but the crowd would not have a bar of it, and an encore was demanded.

Timothy Nelson & The Infidels showcased their well-rehearsed, water-tight set twice over the festival, playing songs from their long-awaited upcoming album. Nelson's big ginger Afro could be seen amongst the crowd at the Youthopia stage during the band's later set, walking through the audience during a final double chorus. The rest of the band provided impeccable harmonies, several instrument changes and solid groove.

A solid weekend of crazy-good musicians, artists, funky fresh beats and good old country vibes, the annual Fairbridge Festival hosted yet another brilliant weekend. Get yourselves down there next year, folks!