Veteran folkie to explore influences

EAGLEHAWK-based musical storyteller Geoffrey W Graham is set to explore both his creative and national roots as part of Maldon Folk Festival this weekend.

Putting on two shows as one of more than 50 featured acts at the festival, his first performance will showcase an hour of pieces by iconic Australian bush poet, while his second will explore the Irish/Australian dynamic.

The first performance, called Henry’s Alive, will take place from 12.15pm to 1.15pm on Saturday at the town’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

Graham said the show will be a bit different compared to his previous Lawson homages.

“This time I’m joined by [guitarist] Phil Lester which I think will give it a lift,” he said. “He’s more a musician and I’m more a performer.

“When you’re on your own, that’s one person, whereas with another person, you can have me, or Phil on his own, or us doing something together.”

Graham will take to the stage at the same venue the following day from 3.30pm to 4.30pm for his next show called Irish-Aussies, about exploring the similarities between the both titled nationalities through traditional song.

“It’s about giving an insight into the problems of the past that connect with Australia,” Graham said. “We’ll touch on things like the Easter Rising and the Vinegar Hill rebellion.

“The politicisation of Ireland meant at one stage in Australia, more people were from Ireland then any other country,” he said.

“If you look at the average Aussie, of drinking, and religion, and women, and fighting, and singing, then we’ve certainly got an Irish influence today.”

Graham said both performances share a personal connection for him.

“In the Henry Lawson show, he was born in Grenfell, and all my family were pioneers from Grenfell. With the Irish show, my great-great-great-grandfather was involved in the Vinegar Hill rebellion with the Irish,” he said.