For the third time in a row, the Festival of Small Halls staged yet another memorable musical evening at Dalgety.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Award-winning Canadian trio The Once and Australian John Flanagan exceeded all expectations with world class performances, at Dalgety, on Saturday.
Event organiser, Dalgety Chamber of Commerce member and café co-owner, Julie Pearson said that once again, it was quality music, with a great response from the audience.
The musicians have been touring small country towns in SA, Victoria and NSW, for the past five weeks, with five performances a week, in the lead up to the National Folk Festival in Canberra at Easter.
It is a great program and idea using historical community halls in this way.
- Ian Foster, Thredbo
Lead singer of The Once, Geraldine Follett's soaring vocals along with the band's beautiful harmonies held the audience spellbound.
John Sewell from Crackenback was very moved by the performance of The Once.
"They opened with a beautiful acapella," Mr Sewell said. "The second acapella brought tears running down my face."
While the tour is part of the National Folk Festival, the music was definitely not traditional folk music.
Geraldine Hollett, from The Once described the band's music as indie folk, country rock, with influences from Fleetwood Mac, The Police and The Darlingside.
Ms Follett, herself, from a small town of 16 houses in Canada, appreciated the responsive audience which she described as gorgeous and gentle on weary musicians.
Australian singer-songwriter John Flanagan's performance was a blend of folk, bluegrass and country music. A great showman, he entertained and delighted the audience, and invited some fun singalongs during his performance.
Phil Daley and his wife Robyn of Berridale have been to all three Festival of Small Halls, and once again loved the performances, giving the night a 10/10.
"It was the best yet," Mr Daley said.
Ian Foster of Thredbo, attended with his wife Jill and said it was a lovely evening and it was great to see something that brings locals together.
"It is a great program and idea using historical community halls in this way," Mr Foster said.
Mrs Pearson said people came from Jindabyne, Thredbo, Bungarby, Berridale and Canberra.
Story and photos by Elena Guarracino