The years fell away as baby-boomers danced, clapped, screamed and sang along when Australian music legend Brian Cadd took the outdoor stage at Cranky Rock, Warialda on Saturday.
Aussie music legend Brian Cadd rocked Cranky Rock on Saturday.
It was the opening concert for Gwydir Shire Council’s week long Quirky, Creative and Wellness Festival and it was a hoot!
Caddie sang all the hits from his decades in the music business, from Ginger Man to Every Mother’s Son, Arkansas Grass to Little Ray of Sunshine, to Alvin Purple and Let Go – it was pure bliss in the forest.
His hot band included two original members of Axiom – the drummer and guitarist – and was augmented by country sweetheart Clare O’Meara on keyboards and fiddle.
By night’s end, the whole crowd was up and dancing, from tiny tots to grandparents rocking to the Caddman.
Opening up the show was Moree duo, Little Poppies, and they set the tone for what was to be a brilliant four-hour concert.
They were followed by the delightful combination of Roger Knox and son Buddy Knox.
Roger’s songs of his people seemed quite at home in the beautiful bushland setting.
A very interactive magician, Hemlock, entertained between acts and certainly had the audience onside with his acrobatic antics.
He and his Slippery Sirkus will hosted workshops throughout the week.
Along with other workshops on a range of topics, there will be exhibitions, events and activities designed to give participants a lift, a boost and a break from the pressures of everyday living.
The festival was made possible by a partnership between Gwydir Shire Council, the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW, Carers NSW and Anglicare Northern Inland.
The event forms part of the Australian government’s drought assistance package and aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and give people in the Gwydir shire access to referral services that can provide counselling, support and advocacy.
Find out more: www.gwydirshire.com/quirkyfestival/
Contributed by Anna Rose
