Come by the Hills by W. Gordon Smith

My favourite weekend of the year is always the Irish and Celtic Music Festival here in Yass. This year was no exception, with beautiful weather and a fabulous lineup.

I've included some of my terrible photos from the weekend, and will link the artists below. There were many more great performers that I didn't get to see over the weekend. Here is the full line-up:
https://www.irishcelticmusicfestival.com/applications

Apolline (@apolline8124) are an incredible string trio, who shared the stage with Austral (@australmusic) for the final concert on Sunday.

Peter Moir ran a Bohdran workshop, and also played with Merran Moir and Little/Big fiddle. Here are Merran (@merranm9437) and Peter playing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-4GBMCn_-M

Little/Big Fiddle (@bigfiddlelittlefiddle2118) here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wSgsj27u5o

Tolka's (@tolkatrad) opening set at the Lovat Chapel was brilliant, an example of the world class standard on show over the weekend:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5HUNqduX4A

Songbrother's (@MiguelHeatwole) set of songs was fabulous at the Liberty Theatre, but what was much more fun was swapping songs around the fire at the back of Yazzbar with Miguel, Dallas, Anthony, Tory and Don Brian after 11pm.

I had the honour of running sound for a set of brilliant artists on Sunday, including Inez Hargaden, Moira and Wendy from the (Dixie) Chooks (@dixiechooks2713) Christina Green and Emmy Bree (@emmybreemusic).

Links for those that don't have a YouTube presence:
Inez: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1zQit5a1kWWBxu9yeqeKXE?si=5VCncUpFRZKigNa0RzGdZA
Christina: https://christinagreen.bandcamp.com/

Traditional Graffiti (@TheWheezerPump) have been coming to Yass for many years (previously as the Wheeze and Suck Band) and their high energy tunes and fine harmonies did not disappoint. (Thanks also to Ian for coming to my early Sunday morning Gig!).

Some acts I only caught part of, including Briar Hill (@BriarHillBand) and Black Bee Band, but what I did hear was fabulous.

It was great to hear a new song from Lugh Damen (@lughdamen2299), but also always brilliant to hear his songs of ancient Irish goddesses, gods and legends.

Cenris (@cenrisofficial1272) was doing some magic with a looper and a multitude of instruments. Lets hope we can get him for Questfest!

Chloe and Jason Roweth (@jasonroweth ) completed a full cycle of tunes and songs without stopping for a breath in the glorious Lovat Chapel, you can listen here:
https://www.facebook.com/1606388018/videos/678254340911508/

The late Saturday night session in Trader and Co. with Mad Kelpie Playdate (@madkelpieplaydate6210) has become a festival tradition, and you could not get a seat.

Sorry to those I didn't get photos of, or missed hearing over the weekend, including Nerida Cuddy (@neridacuddy), Phil Lester, Gar Maclmena (@garmacleman3511) , Tidal Moon (@tidalmoon7554).

Thanks to the businesses, volunteers, performers and those who supported the festival. Looking forward to 2024!

#Yass #JointheCraicinYass #YassIrishandCelticFestival

Purchase my music:
Bandcamp: https://ozfolklounge.bandcamp.com/