Last weekend I attended the End of the Earth Music Festival at Lake Pedder. with His Grumpiness, The Blonde and her two kids - Kid Drummer and The Pink Thing.
Whilst there were a number of fantastic acts set to play over the course of the weekend, the star of the show was the setting. Brooding windswept peaks rose above the dark lake with its quartz sand beaches. On the first night there was an atmospheric but unrelenting drizzle with an occasional sharp breeze to keep you on your toes. The singers' breath could be seen in the crisp wilderness air. The audience was mixed audience with festival goers of all ages from birth to seventy.
I kicked off the festival with a tasty roast lamb and gravy roll washed down with a Double Head Brewing Pilsner. The pilsner was tasty but a bit hoppy for my tastes. I like my lagers plain.
The musical acts showcased in the festival mostly had a blues influence which suited me just fine. I have listed all the acts below with a short comment but there were some definite highlights.
Tim, the organiser, moved around the festival in his powder blue sport coat, skinny jeans and brown winklepicker boots with elasticated sides like a proud dad admiring the achievements of his kids but making sure that they stick to the straight and narrow.
Tim, the organiser, moved around the festival in his powder blue sport coat, skinny jeans and brown winklepicker boots with elasticated sides like a proud dad admiring the achievements of his kids but making sure that they stick to the straight and narrow.
After the first couple of acts, next up a band called Skate Wounds was due to play. Three young blokes with beanies, trucker caps and skate shoes entered stage with a six pack of cascade draught to play a 45 minute set. His Grumpiness looked dubious, "These young reprobates look slightly dangerous and out for a good time." Neither of us were sure that this was going to be our cup of tea. They started of with a couple of punk numbers which were pretty decent but that had me with a cover of Darren Hanlon's 'Punk's Not Dead'. They were pretty nice boys too, they spent quite a bit of time after their set talking to Kid Drummer about music.
The highlight of the evening, though, was Ben Salter's haunting 'It's Docherty'. This song is from the 'Vandiemonian Lags' project which features songs about Tasmania Convicts. This particular song is about Thomas Dougherty who, once made a free man, moved to Port Davey to become a piner. It was remarkable to hear this song out in the wilds of the South-West National Park with the sun setting and a heavy drizzle coming in off the lake. Very moving. You could almost feel the Thomas Dougherty himself came in with the mist topay us a visit. It was easy to imagine what it must have been like for those poor unfortunate souls and made me proud of my Tasmanian heritage.
At the end of a fabulous evening of song, like all hardy festival goers, I went back to my self-contained digs to
watch a movie on SBS in front of the heater. Stuff this camping business!
The next morning eggs and bacon and possibly the best cup of tea I have ever enjoyed were consumed on the front deck of the Pedder Wilderness Lodge whilst listening to MT Blues and Annia Baron. A great way to start the day if ever there was one. His Grumpiness exclaimed, "It's not irritating, most things in life are irritating." High praise indeed.
Whilst we were relaxing in the brisk lakeside air and watching children getting their face painted, His Grumpiness revealed to me that in his younger (read drinking) days he once "fell in" with some facepainters. Who does that - just "fall in" with some facepainters. Apparently, even after 18 years, there are still many things that I do not know about my bloke.
After lunch I determined that a nice Rosé from Derwent Estate was to be the drink of choice. The Blonde was more than happy to share it with me. Due to no glass allowed on the festival grounds we poured the bottle into two massive cups and got down to consuming the lovely liquid. The Blonde was heard to say that the drinks were "big and appropriate". I'm not sure if she was comparing them to the festival or to us - either way they went down a treat. The weather warmed up slightly in the afternoon and so did the acts.
The afternoon's highlight was Tim (erstwhile organiser) and Scott with their great set of covers. At about 4:30pm the alcohol activated my internal dance switch just in
time for Tim and Scott’s cover of the Beach Boys 'Good Vibrations'. Looking around I wasn't alone, alcohol had flipped the dance switch in a number of people.
As the evening drew in and the air grew chilly I switched to my very favourite beer Cascade Draught. It may not be adventurous or terribly glamorous but I love it. I can drink that stuff all night long - and have done so on many occasions. His Grumpiness was feeling the cold a little but seemed to be enjoying himself.
The last act for the evening was Guthrie. They were nearly as fabulous as Jed Appleton's hair and Jethro Pickett's seventies style wool lined checked jacket and cowboy boots. It was a great way to finish the festival and I wished that I was able to stay another day. I can't wait for next year.
The Music
Billy Whitton and Swingin’ Hep Cats With Jamie Taylor
Great as always.
Pete Cornelius
Bluesy Guitar – a more modern version of Billy Whitton.
Skate Wounds
These guys were great. I would definitely go and see them again.
Ben Salter
Always fabulous, Doherty was a revelation in this particular setting. Can't wait to hear his new album.
The Mornings
Six piece band. Should have been good but the instruments were out of tune and the sound mix was wrong. Not good enough to keep me out in the cold.
Six piece band. Should have been good but the instruments were out of tune and the sound mix was wrong. Not good enough to keep me out in the cold.
MT Blues.
Blues duo. Not my cup of tea but decent.
Annia Baron.
Angelic voice. Slow smooth covers and
originals. Otis Redding, Chris Izaak, Nirvana. Would have like to have heard an up tempo number or two just to mix it up.
Alan Gogoll
Great guitarist. This bloke is worth seeing again
Stu Harcourt, guitar and didgeridoo.
Joyful performance. You could really feel that he was having a great time and he took you on that journey with him.
Michael and Karly.
A lot of fun. Great version of Red Red Wine.
A lot of fun. Great version of Red Red Wine.
Tim and Scott.
Guitar and keyboard duo. Tim can really sing and the harmonies were brilliant. Really got the crowd going with some covers from The Beatles, David Bowie. Crowded house. He was joined by Jethro Pickett which added to the fun.
Guitar and keyboard duo. Tim can really sing and the harmonies were brilliant. Really got the crowd going with some covers from The Beatles, David Bowie. Crowded house. He was joined by Jethro Pickett which added to the fun.
Seth Henderson.
Decent singer and guitarist.
Lazer Baby.
I was really looking forward to this as Jamie Taylor is such a magnificent singer but their set list did not showcase her voice. They played a bluesy version of a Destiny's Child song and I loved the tenor sax.
EWAH and the Vision of Paradise
One of their member was wearing the most fabulous western shirt. The have a fantastic looking woman lead singer who exudes charisma. They were modern day Fleetwood Mac sound with an updated eighties vibe. Good but didn't quite grab me. They are releasing their album later in the month. I might go along and check out what they are like in a pub setting.
One of their member was wearing the most fabulous western shirt. The have a fantastic looking woman lead singer who exudes charisma. They were modern day Fleetwood Mac sound with an updated eighties vibe. Good but didn't quite grab me. They are releasing their album later in the month. I might go along and check out what they are like in a pub setting.
Jethro Pickett.
Great folk. Reminded me that the Arts have a strange way for giving you hope and to not give up on humanity. Beautiful rich voice. Great jacket and boots.
Jed Appleton
Described by His Grumpiness as Leo Sayer's love child. Really got the crowd rocking and was the recipient of a genuine encore request. Can't wait to see him again.
Described by His Grumpiness as Leo Sayer's love child. Really got the crowd rocking and was the recipient of a genuine encore request. Can't wait to see him again.
Guthrie
Guitar and drums duo. Self confessed blues turned garage rock band from Launceston. Loved these guys and will look for an opportunity to see them again.
The Booze
From Cascade's website
A Tasmanian favourite, Cascade Draught is a high malt, full-bodied lager with th crisp, fresh character of locally grown 'Pride of Ringwood' hops. Crystal malt adds a touch of sweetness to th bright top notes of this easy-drinking, traditional beer. Earthy hop characters complement hints of caramel and freshly baked bread in a classic Tasmanian draught lager.
From Derwent Estate website
Derwent Estate is a family owned and operated wine business situated just 20 minutes North of Hobart - the largest city in Tasmania. Located at 42 degrees south latitude this is genuine cool climate viticulture. Tasmania is rapidly gaining a reputation as Australia's premier Pinot Noir, Riesling and sparkling wine producing area.
From Double Head Brewing Facebook page
Double Head Brewing produce small-batch, meticulously crafted beer. World class flavour is our benchmark.
Guitar and drums duo. Self confessed blues turned garage rock band from Launceston. Loved these guys and will look for an opportunity to see them again.
The Booze
From Cascade's website
A Tasmanian favourite, Cascade Draught is a high malt, full-bodied lager with th crisp, fresh character of locally grown 'Pride of Ringwood' hops. Crystal malt adds a touch of sweetness to th bright top notes of this easy-drinking, traditional beer. Earthy hop characters complement hints of caramel and freshly baked bread in a classic Tasmanian draught lager.
From Derwent Estate website
Derwent Estate is a family owned and operated wine business situated just 20 minutes North of Hobart - the largest city in Tasmania. Located at 42 degrees south latitude this is genuine cool climate viticulture. Tasmania is rapidly gaining a reputation as Australia's premier Pinot Noir, Riesling and sparkling wine producing area.
From Double Head Brewing Facebook page
Double Head Brewing produce small-batch, meticulously crafted beer. World class flavour is our benchmark.
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