Rollicking folk concert

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34131, 19 April 1976, Page 14

Rollicking folk concert

The succes of the Canterbury Folk Festival, which is being held at McLean’s Island during Easter week-end spilled over into the James Hay Theatre last night, with both performers and audience in a rollicking good mood. The cream of local talent, augmented by excellent visiting groups, put on a show of which the organisers could be proud. Certainly the public enjoyed it, for it was a responsive audience, keen to play (and sing) its part at any invitation. A master piper, Peter Murray, opened the evening—officially—but not before the audience had already given its own “concert in the round,” singing some traditional numbers in fine harmonies, and receiving applause from the performers on stage. A Wellington trio—Jade— warmed the audience in preparation for the onslaught of the television personality, Jim Hopkins, who compered the show. Christine Smith, always a

competent singer-guitarist, was joined by an even finer guitarist, John Blackman, who in turn got support from Eric McEachen. Christine sang “But It’s Over” with much feeling, and John did well with the difficult “Cactus Rag,” skipping easily over the prickly bits. To break the trio form, the organisers had recruited the “crew of the good ship Venus” and an able-bodied leader of shanties—Mike Stanley—who told many a tale of hard times and even harder biscuits while the crew tugged on real and imaginary ropes, and drank salt water from tin cans. Then came the very popular Canterbury Crutchings Bush and Ceilidh Band, which set feet a-tapping with the sorts of numbers that grandpa whirled grandma’s rivals to at the local hop. Encores were demanded, and granted to the vocal audience. Field Fare, a traditional group from Christchurch performed a group of even older songs using guitars and more traditional instruments. This group, of two males and two females, sings many of its numbers unaccompanied, in close harmony.

They, too, performed an encore, such was the ovation for their performance.

Paul Metsers bravely faced the audience alone. There was no fear of his being booed from the stage, for he mixed his presentation with wit and good delivery. The hoary story of the tabby which refused to die after his master carrying him off for burial (“The Cat Came Back”) was a delight. Last, but certainly not least, was Bluegrass Expedition, a crop of talent from the deep south. Mike Pelvin, its leader was a modest spokesman, who backed the group with excellent banjo solos, but it was left to two other members to take honours. Dave Patterson was an outstanding vocalist, and performed the song, "Taught Me How to Yodel,” with so much verve it sounded like a new one. He was well supported by the other instrumentalists, particularly Mike Pelvin on mandolin. The audience was obviously seeking more than the almost three hours of music it had had by 11 p.m. Perhaps the concert will be an all-day affair next year. —John McNeill.