Day one at the Woodford Festival finished as we all hoped it would - dancing in the rain to a punkabilly set of faves from the Violent Femmes - kick started by Blister in the Sun.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
No sun at 10pm, but no-one gave a rats.
That riff is everywhere and the Violent Femmes were a wonderful magic brew of stomping rockabilly, surf punk fun and teen angst 30 years on, delivered by Gordon Gano through his sarcastic whine.
And the crowd knew the words, even to the anti-Reagan hate songs.
Add it Up, Gone Daddy Gone, all the other singles were thrashed out, with original bassist Brian Ritchie playing his trademark acoustic bass, driven by standout drumming from new drummer Brian Viglione.
A great finish to day one of a festival which shook off a few showers to begin its traditional welcome to New Year in 2015.
There's the odd silver - haired old bodgie prime minister appearing - casting words of yesteryear wisdom, but the real political punch comes from the day-one Festival hit, the Juice Rap News.
This is a genuinely-funny, politically-savvy mix of satire, theatre, rap-driven Shlock-politic that has Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard looking over the shoulder when rappers mine their best and worst days.
Think comedian Billy Birmingham's "Australiana" (performed by Austen Tayshus) updated from 1983 to 2013 and you still haven't got a clue!
But you are looking in the right direction.
George Orwell even reappeared from the grave to warn us against internet censorship.
Elsewhere the new cane "structures" that mark the main entrance and the amphitheatre are wonderful.
Feathers and pirates are big at the festival in 2014, but it's still days of ponchos and umbrellas for the days ahead.
Here's a snippet of a Woodford day to season your senses.
At the Folklorica tent, a trio with tabla player and two on sitar give you the morning blessings.
There's colour despite the clouds.
Kat Newmann from the Gold Coast was bright.
"This is dull day. I'm normally a lot brighter than this," she said.
Canadian Del Barber and the Mae Trio shone at the Small Hall.
And Husky had the crowd with one of those of those soft melodic pop songs with a big clap along middle section that makes you think of the Mumford and Sons singing Coldplay songs.
Former Powderfinger guitarist Darren Middleton was a surprise, with a warm voice , singing strong songs after Flap had everyone dancing.
Woodford is a bit muddy, but her soul still shine on though.
And they are expecting even bigger crowds with the cooler weather.
The Woodford Folk Festival runs until January 1.
