So much to take part in at CresFest

THE line-up for CresFest 2023 has been finalised, and the regional folk, roots, and dance festival is set to be overflowing with diverse international musicians.

Kutcha Edwards, Kavisha Mazzella, Fred Smith, Charm of Finches, Greg Champion, and While & Mathews are just a handful of artists on the bill, but convenor Judy Turner said the Creswick fest will be more than sitting and listening.

“It’s about taking part, building skills, and a culture of playing music,” she said. “The opportunities for people to learn are immense.

“All these great artists are coming, and our local musicians from Creswick, the Hepburn Shire, and Ballarat not only have a chance to hear them, but to play on the same stage as them, and learn from them; it’s incredibly enriching.”

An Aboriginal singer-songwriter and Mutti Mutti man, Edwards is leading a workshop, and singing with a local children’s choir, while songwriter, opera singer, music theatre and cabaret performer, Ami Williamson will lead a vocal masterclass to benefit four local singers.

“I find that really exciting,” Ms Turner said. “Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal will lead a workshop for local string players, and put together a scratch orchestra to play with him on the Sunday.”

A open cello and fiddle class will be led by America’s Natalie and Brittany Haas, and the Creswick Chorus will work with African singer Valanga Khoza.

Between 300 and 350 people are set to perform at CresFest from Friday, 31 March to Sunday, 2 April, as soloists, within bands and community groups.

“We’re in our second year, we’re a small town, and we’re punching at a pretty big weight with the quality of our line-up,” Ms Turner said.

“Some musicians, like Pepita Emmerichs in Scotland, are only coming to us and to the National Folk Festival.”

Visit cresfest.com.au/tickets and more information.

The Bendigo Times’ sister publication, the Ballarat Times is a proud media partner of CresFest 2023.