Castlefest review: Saturday

For introduction post and Thursday round-up click here, for Friday click here.

Saturday

My plan for the morning was to go and catch the very start of Finvarra's set and then go to see Asynje
while my mother stayed at the former. I'd heard bits of Finvarra's music and wanted to listen to them live but as they clashed with Asynje I knew I was going to have to leave. Well, that didn't quite work out. In the end, I ended up so wrapped up in Finvarra that I ended up staying for the whole thing.

Finvarra, apparently play celtic folk with oriental aspects. However we catagorise their music it's really, really good! Gwen, their normal vocalist, was away on maternity leave and hence lead vocals were provided by Monique of Cesair but it didn't impact on the general performance at all.

The general performance was wonderful. The audience were up and dancing despite the heat - and it was boiling - and the combination of music and dance was the perfect way to start the day. Of course, I bought Finvarra's CD after this set and am currently listening to it. I would certainly go and see them in their own right at some point.

After Finvarra, and conveniently on the same stage, it was time for Zirp. Zirp are one of my favourite live bands because they are simply such good fun. Every time I see them I wish that I could get up and join in with the dance. Seriously, their music will drive me to dance again and that will be dangerous for anyone in the area! Anyway, I digress!

Their hurdy gurdy led folk music makes it impossible to stay still or, indeed, to be unhappy. Intricate melodies, driving tempos, there's something infectious about their music. Before their set, my mother commented on how empty the area in front of the stage was, questioning if Zirp weren't popular... her question was soon answered when they started playing and that space became the dance floor!

It's the only photo I have of all the band, okay! ;-)

My favourite piece that they play would probably be Bourrée Inkarnation and it's probably easy to just listen to them playing than me blathering on about them!

After their set I, once again, decided to try and get one of my scrapbook paintings signed and I was so so pleased that I did. The band were so appreciative of the drawing and it really gave me a chance to chat to them and I can certainly vouch that they are lovely guys! It was weird though as my little scrapbook sketch garnered more attention than I could have imagined with the band asking to have a photo with it. There's something strange about something that you created for yourself to show your respect for the artistry of another receiving so much attention in its own right but I was so pleased too, of course!!

The next band that I was lucky enough to catch was Cesair. Cesair are probably one of my complete

favourite bands. Their music has this magical quality to it and I love both their CD and the shows I have been lucky enough to catch. Although I only managed to see the one show this festival (there were too many clashes between good bands!), it certainly lived up to expectations. I won't go on too much about their show as previous posts have already said it all but once again, I can only say that I would highly recommend catching them live, if possible, and purchasing their CD.

Once again, after the set I went to get my scrapbook painting signed and had another rather large shock with how nice everyone was about the image, based on their CD cover. Fieke, in particular, was so sweet and that did mean so much to me. I also spent a bit of time, while hanging around the Cesair merchandise area, talking to a lovely lady from Amsterdam who was, similarly, lurking. Although I have no continuing contact with her, these little meetings, comings together of strangers, are what make Castlefest such a special festival.

Mother and I then planned to sit down at the back during Corvus Corax's set as there was a real shortfall of seats. I didn't know Corvus Corax particularly well but, having heard a few tracks and a lot of good things about their live show, had decided to attempt to see them but I wasn't that fussed about sitting and not prancing around (etc etc). However, a few tracks in it became clear that there was no way you could sit still, or stand still, during one of their sets. While the music wouldn't be my choice on my iPod, the live show was so loud, energetic, and engaging that it was thoroughly enjoyable. There is no doubt that they are skilled musicians, even if the style isn't quite to my taste, and, moreover, great performers. I may not go out of my way to see them again but I hope that our paths may cross, nevertheless!

Following their set came the burning of the Wicker Owl. Each year, there is some kind of wicker creature/figure with some symbolism that is, on the Saturday, burned with messages etc within it. I won't attempt to describe the whole process as you can see for yourself in the video below. However, what I will say is that it's a profound moment of unity. At that moment, everyone is joined and it is something quite special. 

Video from Castlefest's youtube channel

Following this was Faun. Now, Faun have been one of my favourite bands for many, many years now and I would say that every show of theirs is special. Okay, I'm a bit biased. However, there was something really special about this show. I don't know if it was because it followed the Wickerman ritual, if it was because it was the 10th anniversary of Castlefest, or if it was just an amazing crowd. The atmosphere, the energy of this show was much greater than I have seen before. Wonderful!

 

I was also lucky enough to meet Faun after the show, something that I have not managed to do before (although I've met Oliver when I've seen Folk Noir, previously, and Stephan with Zirp, obviously!). Pleased that I managed to meet them but even more pleased I was at that show. Looking forward to seeing them again soon!

I have a lot more photos on my facebook page, and Sunday's review will be up soon!

Birmingham Christmas Market.

I grew up in Birmingham and, as you will know, recently moved back. For as long as I've been alive, and a fair bit longer, Birmingham has been twinned with Frankfurt. While I've never been to Frankfurt (it's on my to-do list) I have taken advantage of the twinning situation by visiting the Frankfurt Christmas market each year. Yesterday I took my chance and made my way into the centre of town.

Birmingham itself was not as busy as I expected. We actually managed to find a place to park which is an amazing thing in its own right. The shops were quite understocked, had quite big sales on (I'm sure there's a link between the two things), and a lot of my favourite shops had closed down. It's only been six months since I was in town, okay maybe a bit longer, but a lot has changed. 

Economic problems aside, Birmingham knows how to celebrate!

For all the shops might have been a bit of a disappointment, the general atmosphere was great. We spent the morning and the afternoon avoiding the market - that's a nighttime activity - but there were plenty of other things around. From stunning decorations, and later lights, to street performers, there was a bit of a party atmosphere in the air. Actually, I saw enough Alien vs Predator themed street performers to be a bit disconcerted....

When darkness fell we made our way into the market which was kitschy and overpriced as ever but still has an air of magic about it. We were lucky as this was the least busy I've seen the market which meant that we could move around and breathe at will - bliss! The stalls were a little repetitive, selling your average German-themed gifts. There were a couple of real gems though, a stall selling chocolate shaped as all sorts of different things from cameras to horseshoes was one of my favourites. A stall selling craft stamps was also quite wonderful but the owners were a little rude, and didn't know what they were talking about, which put me off buying anything. If I'm going to buy a full set of brass alphabet stamps (not a small investment!) then I want to feel that the people care about making the sale. I might go back again though ;-)

The police in this photo ruin the image somewhat! All the same, it was
great to have such a visible police presence.

The food and drink is, of course, one of the biggest draws. When visiting a place like this, I eat and drink things that I would never dream of eating at other times, simply because of the memories they stir. Some foods remind me of Christmas, some remind me of people while others remind me of places I have been. Because my mother is on tablets and therefore can really not have any alcohol at all we decided to stay away from the glühwein and mead for her sake but that didn't mean that there wasn't plenty of things to enjoy. I was particularly pleased to find a stall selling proper coconut macaroons which are just lovely. Oh course, we also have to buy a stollen cake, knowing that we will go on to buy six more from Tesco for the same price and better flavour!

Tell me that you don't want a go!

That said, the highlight of the market has got to be the carousel. For as long as I can remember, I have gone on this ride. When I was younger I was terrified and would only go in the carriages or maybe share a horse with my mother. It's a fast carousel and I was (and still am) a coward. That said, it's always been a highlight. I guess there's something wonderful about doing something so childish, riding something that has been around for years (the idea if not the particular ride).

My horse was called Nancy... and this is an awful photo hehe

When I got off the ride my mother pointed out an elderly couple who were having a turn. There's something so romantic about a couple doing something like this, especially when they have been married, presumably, for some time. In years to come, when I am their age, that is where I want to be, riding a carousel with the love of my life. Take note future husband!

I'm pretty pleased that we decided to go to the market yesterday because the storms today saw it closed and people injured by the roof blowing off one of the stalls. I do hope that nothing of great value was damaged and, more importantly than anything else, that people were not seriously hurt.

Christmas Song of the Day

Maria durch ein Dornwald ging, performed by Zirp, lyrics and translation here.

Zirp, as a band, play 'Hurdy-gurdy fusion folk' which is a bit confusing considering the lack of hurdy-gurdy here! That said, they're a great band who really get a crowd up and dancing. I stumbled upon this song quite by accident when looking at some of their videos on youtube. It just so happened that I needed to find a foreign Christmas song to sing at my singing lessons and the rest is history.

Quite frankly, the song itself is stunning but this rendition, in my mind, sets it off perfectly.

Castlefest round up, 'new' house, and lack of internet

Tuesday, I returned from Castlefest to a house that is not suitable for human habitation. You’ll excuse me if I’m a little down about that. However, being someone who is generally optimistic, after an initial cry, I am looking forward to the future and am confident that I will get it sorted and will manage to regain some kind of normal life. While we’re on that note, I currently have no internet at home and therefore will only be able to access ‘things’ on my mobile or if I go to an internet café. Incidentally, I also have no mobile phone pick up at home.

I do plan on tweeting as often as normal as this is done from my phone, and will use internet tethering to blog. Sky will be round on the 23rd to set us up for real internet and, until then, my internet presence will probably be limited to twitter, blogging, and maybe facebook messaging.

Anyway, back to the interesting bit, Castlefest. What a wonderful, wonderful time I have had at this festival. Wild horses will not be able to stop me from returning next year. There were some wonderful bands and some wonderful people. I’ll probably do some proper write-up of the individual things once I have facility to upload photos and not just test but until then special thanks go to:

Cesair for putting on some of the most singularly amazing shows I have seen. You should also buy their new CD because it is beautiful in sound and in appearance.

Faun for making my dream of seeing you live come true and for being as awesome as I had hoped.

Folk Noir (and Matt Howden) for putting on a wonderful performance, and for being utterly lovely people, chatting with me for quite a while after the show.

Zirp for getting everyone dancing!

The people who attended for dressing up, being friendly, and generally making the whole thing atmospheric.

The volunteers. In particular those on traffic control at the campsite who spent each night with my mother and I while we waited for her taxi. Their kindness, good conversation, hugs, and pine mead was greatly appreciated.

Zirp

Even if I didn't like Zirp, with a name like this I would have to write about them. They are a four piece which gives hurdy-gurdy quite a prominent role (hurrah!). Actually, Stephan Groth of Faun and Folk Noir is their hurdy-gurdy player... he's going to be knackered by the time he gets to this set!

On their website they say that they "combine folk, rock, and pop with traditional dance music" and then say that their music (presumably!) is "extremely varied, harmonious and absolutely intoxicating". That about sums up what makes their music enjoyable. Their sound is unusual yet reminiscent of 'normal' folk music which means that it retains the power of that music.

I am only going to post one video here as I can't find any of very high quality. However, if you go onto their website (in German only), go over to the far right then there is a music player underneath the album cover with a grasshopper. 

Zirp also have a facebook page which is where the lovely picture above is from. It's also basically in German. If anyone wants/needs and translations of their websites etc then comment here or contact me elsewhere and I'll do it.