A festival under the figs

Albi & The Wolves

I'm writing on day five of seemingly constant rain; it's getting a bit soggy.

There's a hurricane or cyclone coming, maybe both, and then more after that, and at this rate the cats are going to start building little boats so they can sail around the lawn at the Watusi Country Club.

I mention this because there are more than a few outdoor events coming up in the Bay, and there must be some nervous promoters out there right now.

Usually February is a pretty good bet weather-wise but every so often – I think it was about four years ago when it happened last – the entire month is a wash-out.
We seem to be in that part of the cycle.

It must be a bit of a worry for the organisers of Aongatete Festival, Under The Figs, which is happening next weekend (February 23/24), but you've gotta hope that this deluge will have passed by then.

If not I'm going to have to send out lifeboats for the cats.

It would be a particular shame since the line-up looks particularly good this year, and since a couple of weeks ago the main headlining band was announced as the winners of the 2018 Best Folk Artist Tui.

The presentation was at the Auckland Folk Festival in Kumeu, held on Auckland Anniversary Weekend, and it went to Albi & The Wolves - an Auckland trio who describe their music as 'folk music, but not as you know it”.

Albi & The Wolves

Albi sings and is accompanied by double bass, guitar and violin. The main thing that is traditional about the outfit is that line-up. Beyond that their material stretches from original songs to 'folky” reworkings of a bunch of modern novelty hits, from Michael Jackson to Pink Floyd.

But, as the recent visit by the Lonely Heartstring Band showed, there's nothing wrong with reinvigorating a well-known pop song in bluegrass style, and they really are fantastic players.

Their debut album, One Eye Open, which won the Tui award, highlights their skills by seamlessly blending folk, soul, bluegrass, rock and world music.

They are closing off Saturday's music, playing at around 8.30pm, and it's going to be a busy day. The Friday night comprises a 'blackboard concert” featuring, one assumes, a bunch of local Folk Club and Acoustic Club musicians, while Saturday afternoon and evening showcases the hired guests.

More, more, more

And, aside from Albi & The Wolves, those guests feature a Wellington duo going by the name of the Raven Mavens - two veritable folk scene legends.

Cindy Muggeridge and Marian Carter play jazzy, folky blues.

Miriam is a New Yorker now resident in the capital, while Cindy is a member of the famous Taranaki Muggeridge clan, one of the first families of New Zealand folk music.
She started playing live at a tender age with her big brother Alan Muggeridge. After a stint in the family band, Cindy moved to Wellington where she has played with all sorts of blues acts including Carol Bean, Al Witham and Laura Collins. Cindy plays piano, Miriam plays clarinet and both sing.

Meanwhile, Esther Swift comes from Scotland and has travelled internationally making music.

She sings and plays the harp (the proper harp, not the blues harp). She's noted for her own songs and her stories of experiences around the world.

The final overseas guest is Zarek Silberschmidt, a young and extraordinary acoustic guitarist.

Originally from Switzerland, he is someone who really needs to be seen to get a handle on him. If you can follow the spelling of his name then perhaps a visit to YouTube is in order.

On the local front, My Pennyworth, Nathan Kruse and LA Thompson will be playing and it all happens along Works Road towards Katikati. I suggest you check their website for more details.

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