Sorry - couldn’t resist the bad rhyme…

ERIN had a wonderful time at the stunning country town of Yackandandah and its superbly cosy Folk Festival. Not only were we able to play some priceless intimate gigs to another warm and appreciative audience but we also enjoyed the opportunity to catch some of the fine acts travelling the circuit between Port Fairy and the National Folk Festival held in Canberra over the Easter weekend. If that wasn’t spectacular enough, our digs certainly were at the picturesque home of Mike and Trish (not to mention the stunning food and wardrobe - thanks a million!). Who needs pictures on the walls (or curtains on the windows) with views like this?! (See photos soon to be posted). Some favourite artists included Faerd, The Go Set, Rachel Unthank & The Winterset, Cecile Corbel and of course, The Undesirables from Canada who enjoyed a mountain-top pool party in the hefty Aussie heat!

Thanks also to the Erin fans who travelled so far to show their support and the family and friends who flanked around to cheer us on. Special mention must also go to the fine poetry recitation and of course, to young Jesse for kicking off some creative dancing at the Star Hotel - Riverdance will never be the same…

ERIN took up the opportunity to rest and recoup…with a little more partying for good measure…at Jim’s blissful Enfield bush retreat, some 20 minutes from the heart of Ballarat.

The March Flies may have been on the attack but that didn’t hamper ERIN’s drive to relax, bushwalk, drink, sleep, eat, read, drink, sleep, drink, chat, sleep and play music, after a full-on few days in Port Fairy (comprised of much the same… minus the bushwalking and sleeping). Thanks to Jim, Pat and Arleen, plus Beccy, Tom & Lachie for some priceless moments and golden memories. (Please note the proud parading of our Port Fairy purchases… )

Oh what fun was had at the Port Fairy Folk Folk Festival!! (Check out the photos!). Once the nerves subsided (!) ERIN had 4 well-attended gigs at the festival and sold out of CDs at the in-house sales tent! We had a lot of fun, witnessing a wide range of amazing musicians and inspirations. Special mention - where to start?? Circle of Rhythm, Jake Shimabukuro, Collard Greens & Gravy, Elana James, The Chipolatas, Angie Hart, John Schumann, Hans Theessink, The Duhks and who could forget The Bushwackers on that Guinness-fuelled Sunday night?… It’s of course too hard to mention names; basically anywhere we stumbled, we discovered another piece of musical magic. And in the Green Room, some ERIN members rubbed shoulders with these fine artists themselves…

The weather was warm, the stages were warmer, the surf was perfect, the houseparents (Sandra and Trevor) were amazing (- thank you!!! and sorry about the nail polish…) And the crowd - the patrons - were spectacular!!

Finally, it wouldn’t have been half as much fun without those dedicated devotees who followed us all the way from Maitland - Thank you all so much! See you next year Port Fairy!

Enjoy these photos of Erin onstage at the Port Fairy Folk Festival:

Yes, ERIN has finished her second release!! Finally, the band has got herself into the studio again - but this time as the popular acoustic trio - and recorded “Let’s Toss This Salad”, a collection of traditional folk tunes, songs and jazz items on a warm and welcoming new album. The February CD Launch at Maitland’s HVB was a great night and huge success. We also had an exciting time promoting it on our recent Victorian tour and are proud to report that it sold exceptionally well, hand-in-hand with our original, self-titled release.

We’re currently planning on a “second CD launch” in Newcastle and will keep you posted. In the meantime, you can catch the ERIN TRIO again at the HVB on the last Sunday of each month from 6 to 9 PM. See the gig guide for more details. (If you’re not already on our mailing list, send us an email via this website and request the same!).

CDs are available from gigs and will soon be available on-line. We are also looking into procuring sales at a couple of independent local venues.

Erin will be performing on Saturday the 3rd of May 2008 at the Royal Hotel Denman. The band will be performing outside on the verandah throughout the afternoon as part of the Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair

Erin will wind up their March tour in Canberra with a special St Patrick’s Day performance at King O’Malley’s Irish Pub.

Watch this space, Canberra - we’ll be back…

The new album by the Erin Trio, titled “Let’s Toss This Salad” is nearing completion. The audio was finalised at Benchmark Mastering with Don Bartley on the 8th of February.

The album will be launched at the Hunter Valley Brewery on Sunday the 24th of February 2008.

Erin will be performing at the Astor Hotel in Goulburn on the 5th of March 2008. The band will be passing through Goulburn on their way to the Port Fairy Folk Festival where they will be performing later that week.

Erin will be performing two gigs at the Royal Hotel in Denman throughout January and February 2008. The Erin Trio will perform on Sunday the 27th of January from 2 - 6 PM followed by a full band gig on Saturday the 9th of February from 7-11PM.

Erin will be performing at the Yackandandah Folk Festival on the 14th, 15th and 16th of March 2008.

For more information about the festival visit http://folkfestival.yackandandah.com/