The second weekend of our Frahns Farm Planting Festival in 2022 turned out to be our most well-attended, and we can’t help but think that it was because a series of local live music artist were coming together for our second annual Shoots n’ Roots musical festival. On the Saturday night, around 150 volunteer planters and other attendees coming just to enjoy the music under the starry night sky warmed themselves around bonfires as day turned to dusk.
The seven-piece The Hartley Collective warmed everyone with their eclectic and energetic mix of worldy folk, indie and rock spliced with delightful harmonies and violin. The Adelaide Irish folk institution The Finns got the crowd to their feet with their energetic and irresistible ballads and ‘stick-it-to-the-man’ interpretive jigs.
Last-minute entry to the lineup Erin Buku not only filled in for St Jacques who had to cancel because of COVID, but stole the hearts of the audience with her soulful and sincere jazzy-pop tunes reminiscent of Erykah Badu’s classic sound. And finally, the charismatic and jovial headliners Sonz of Serpent brought everyone bouncing to the stage with their tantalising rhythm, truth-telling rhymes of reason. DJ Sepia provided the tunes later into the evening as revellers left in drips and drabs, ready to plant another day.
These celebratory events strengthen our holistic approach to restoration that recognises the importance of people and community being in natural landscapes. We can’t thank the artists, volunteers, sponsors and in-kind donors enough – we wouldn’t be able to put on this festival without your support. A few notables to mention include Big Cactus (who provide the fantastic battery-powered AV truck/stage) and the Rural City of Murray Bridge. We’re also on the lookout for an event organiser for future years – if you’d like to get involved, please let us know by contacting us at social@bior.org.au
Thanks everyone for your support!
Author: Tristan Avella-O’Brien
