The Delta Singer
Another year but not just another festival. It has been ten years since this event began and it has got some mileage on it now. One thing I have learnt - in this year that sees my fiftieth summer on the plant, God willing - is that nothing good happens if you don't stick to it. As one sticks to something one learns a thing or two - mainly better ways to go about doing something. By that, I am making a definitive statement, which is that things improve with age.
They say as you grow older you grow into your face, meaning that no matter what god (or genes) may have blessed you with, ultimately you resemble who you really are. And that, my friends, is what I believe this Festival is beginning to resemble.
With one foot firmly planted in the past we have the knowledge and awareness of music's timelessness passed down to us by all those who have gone before so that we can stride confidently into the future, knowing that the music is in safe hands. This precious responsibility is not something that we will ever take lightly. For, in being a part of the music, we are part of timeless infinity.
Music was never meant to have barriers or walls put up around it and this is what you get at this festival. Don't ask me for the blues tent ar country tent or whatever. It all goes together if it's great. And this is Australia's festival of great music. I don't believe that any other festival in Australia comes near us for sheer quality music, although I would never say there are not other great Australian festivals. If you have been to Woodford or Port Fairy, The Laura Festival or the Gympie Muster, then truly you haven't been to all of Australia's great music festivals. All of these festivals have very special reasons for what makes them so good. The East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival is about one thing: Music. And on music we will stand and grow.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart every one who has anything to do with this event on any level, for giving me the opportunity to continue to present the very best in music that I possibly can. I salute you and toast - the future.
I would like to especially thank Taj Mahal for putting the Hula Blues band together to tour Ausralia exclusively. Your dedication to music is an inspiration. Also thank you to Ben Harper for being who you are and remembering this festival as being there for you on your way up - and returning the favour.
A special thanks to Tony Joe White for writing and recording the first song about the Festival.
(Listen to the Delta Singer on One Hot July; Leo.) May there be many more.
Welcome to the tenth one. May it be everything you ever musically wished for (and more).
The East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival.
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