Into the mystic of Newport: Stereo Stories in concert

Photo courtesy of Gerry Nelson, Newport Folk Festival.

Chris Phillips, of the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club, nails the vocals on Van Morrison’s Into The Mystic. Chris’ story about the song recalled the tender moments of her first minutes alone with her first-born child, when she sang the song to her daughter in hospital. The story was written, Chris has said  half-jokingly, so that she might get the chance to sing Into The Mystic with The Stereo Stories Band.

Stereo Stories performed a 45-minute bracket at the 2016 Newport Folk Festival in Melbourne on Saturday 2 July. We were the first cab off the rank at the Newport Bowls Club, with a midday gig on the festival’s main stage. (Preceded by the tasty delights of the  sourdough breadmaking workshop.)

Photo courtesy of Alan Attwood (whose own story at Newport was Blackhawk).

Zoe Krupka narrating her story of separation and remorse, of refrigerators and relationships, of Good Year For The Roses.

Photo courtesy of Gerry Nelson, Newport Folk Festival.

Stephen Andrew’s lap-steel guitar playing featured on Blackhawk and Good Year For The Roses, bringing bitter-sweet tones to the poignant stories.

Photo courtesy of Gerry Nelson, Newport Folk Festival.

Paul Bateman tells the story of his wedding day, via the cryptic Bon Iver song Re:Stacks.

Photo courtesy of Gerry Nelson, Newport Folk Festival

Peter Maskell’s quiet soulful singing featured on Re:Stacks, Good Year For The Roses and the final song, Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?

Photo courtesy of Gerry Nelson, Newport Folk Festival

Rick Kane dedicated the show’s closing story, about Culture Club’s Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? to marriage equality and Victoria’s Safe Schools program.

Many thanks to The Stereo Stories Band: Peter, Stephen, Jack Gramski, Rob Gador; and to the writers: Smokie Dawson, Paul Bateman, Chris Phillips, Alan Attwood, Zoe Krupka, Rijn Collins, and Rick Kane.

The ninth Newport Folk Festival was held from 1 to 3 July and featured music, stories, workshops, jams and general good times. We particularly enjoyed Burnt Letters, Belle Stewart, The Warrains, Footscray Gypsies, Didirri, The Mercurials and our very own Jack Gramski.

Many thanks to sound technician Bruce, the festival committee and volunteers, and photographer Gerry Nelson.

Our next gig is  a 90 minute dinner show at Write Around The Murray, Albury, on Saturday evening, 10 September. More details soon.

Stereo Stories Admin

Editor: Vin Maskell Assistant editor: Louise Maskell Web legend: James Demetrie, of DISKMANdotNET