By Tania Martin
THERE was a full house at the Greenroom in Emerald on Friday for the inaugural opening of the Performing and Visual Arts in Emerald (PAVE) festival.
Festival organiser Dale Blair said there were many different artists showcased at the festival opening, but didgeridoo player Shane Charles was one of the highlight.
He said Mr Charles, from the Yorta Yorta people, was wonderful and gave a full history of the didgeridoo as well as playing for the crowd.
Mr Blair said the opening was just a start to a great weekend which showcased many wonderful artists, including Susan Frisk, who played gospel on Sunday.
He said the kids’ workshops were also terrific, with all four cartooning workshops proving to be a sellout.
Locals also took the opportunity to meet with rhythm and blues great Bob Sedergreen.
Meanwhile, Mr Blair said the Greenroom on Saturday night was buzzing with Riley Jorden and Crez and several other artists entertaining the crowd.
He said one of the many highlights of the weekend was the gospel show on Sunday.
Mr Blair there was also the highest number of people going through Emerald Museum in a long time, and the festival also seemed to weave its magic on Gemco with it’s play Love Letters drawing in big crowds.
“We are very happy and have had a lot of positive feedback from people,” he said.
Mr Blair said although the town was pretty quiet over the weekend, it was pleasing to see people from as far as Frankston joining in the fun and excitement of the PAVE festival.
As the festival continues this week, Mr Blair said there was a lot more for people to see and enjoy including the photographic exhibition, guitar workshop, an Emerald Idol competition, military history display and a family fun day at Emerald Lake Park.
For more information on the PAVE festival call the Emerald Community House on 5968 3881.
