Stereo Stories Live 2014: full house for Newport gig

Stereo Stories played to a full house at the Newport Folk Festival on Sunday 6 July 2014. The venue was the intimate Newport Scout Hall,  with log fire burning.

Six stories and songs were performed in the 45 minute set: Growin’ Up, Lilli Marlene , All or Nothing At All,  Jackson, Poor Places, and Senses Working Overtime.

It was terrific to see Rijn Collins read her humorous travel story about Jackson, after being unavailable due to illness for the Stereo Stories’ debut at the Willy Lit Fest in late May.

Yarraville writer Nick Gadd also made his first appearance on the Stereo Stories stage, reading his love story set in Italy, All Or Nothing At All, accompanied by Peter Maskell on vocals and guitar.

Jack Gramski’s electric guitar arrangement on Wilco’s Poor Places melded wonderfully with Stephen Andrew’s story of music as a part-cure for depression.

Like all sessions at the Newport Folk Festival, the Stereo Stories audience was attentive, appreciative and enthusiastic.  Audience member Peter Clark said afterwards, via Facebook, ‘Loved the stories and music this afternoon. The highlight of my weekend.’ Linda Baker commented: ‘An inspiring session. Great work.’

The director of the Newport Folk Festival, Michael Stewart, said: ‘I caught the Senses Working Overtime performance at the opening concert and it was fantastic, and I have had similar very positive feedback about the main session in the Scout Hall.

‘Stereo Stories fits beautifully into what we have been creating over the last 10 years – blending music and stories – and so we would be really keen to have you back again next year.

‘Great stuff – we really appreciate the work you have done to create such a wonderful show.’

Stereo Stories thanks the Newport Folk Festival for the opportunity to be part of the weekend.

Stereo Stories’ favourite festival gigs included Fem Vox, Cat House, Alyson Murray, the Newport Steel Pan Band, Emlyn & Jodie O’Reagan, and The Go Set.