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Cobargo Is Music Central For Folk Fans

Now in its 18th year, the Cobargo Folk Festival is attracting performers from all over the world and has some amazing international stars headlining this year’s festival. Widely described as the best little folk festival in the country, over 200 performers and thousands of fans from all over Australia will converge on the village over the weekend of February 22-24 for a broad range of musical entertainment.
Held at the showgrounds in the historic and picturesque village of Cobargo in the Sapphire Coast (the far south coast of NSW), the town comes alive with a fun-filled and family-friendly weekend of music, dance, song, comedy and poetry.

booogyingatbarThe international music community is well represented by Jali Buba Kuyateh & Afro Diyaa (West Africa), folk legend Vin Garbutt (UK), Kristina Olsen (USA), the Scottish traditional group Modhan (Scotland), Nicola Hayes & Hélène Brunet (France) and Rob & Cordelia Rayner from the popular Beez German group (Germany). Australian artists include the irreverent Dingos’ Breakfast from WA, The Perch Creek Family Jugband, Peter Hicks & Ross Smithard, Shortis & Simpson with Dave O’Neill and The Silver Strings.

Come listen to the performers or jump in and join them – the festival offers the opportunity to participate and perform with the artists as well! Join the festival Gospel Choir with workshops under tutelage of the skilled choir leader, culminating in a grand performance with Fiona Boye’s Hammond Trio, or raise the roof of the Gulaga pavilion with string Gospel music and song (assisted by the Mumbulla Foundation).

There will be a range of workshops in guitar, fiddle, percussion, tin whistle, singing, songwriting, accompaniment and standup comedy; while kids will be well catered for with a range of activities including singing, percussion playing, magic, stories and craft.

The Crossing Youth Venue will again provide opportunities for young folk to strut their stuff on the Young Performers Stage, while the open mic  and poets breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings are very popular. Get there early if you want to share your poems and stories.

Orchestra_P1040709The Cobargo Folk Festival is held at the Cobargo Showground, a short walk into Cobargo village for a range of refreshments, a variety of food and craft stalls that are part of the Festival, or a chance to wander the craft and antique shops that the area is well known for.

Early bird tickets are available until February 18 with an adult ticket for the weekend priced at $80, children from 12-17 are $25 and children under 12, accompanied by a paying adult, free. Single day tickets are also available. From February 19, the full adult weekend price is $90. http://www.cobargofolkfestival.com/

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Alana Lowes

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