The drumbeat could be heard from blocks away as the River Arts Festival Drummers helped launch the program for the 2013 Kalari River Arts Festival this week.
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The program launch featured performances by Thomas Haynes on the saxophone and Peter Kennard and his drummers, as well as lantern making with Ro Burns.
Production manager / director, Adam Quinn officially launched the program, thanking the community and volunteers for their time and support.
“I’m very excited for this year’s event because so many local people are involved which is great,” Mr Quinn said.
Mr Quinn invites everyone to get involved in the River Arts Festival this year, which he says is important for the local community.
“It’s a demonstration of local culture and resilience and a chance for people to show off their talents,” he said.
“It shows that a community like Forbes can create an event that’s something different.”
Mr Quinn says that people won’t be disappointed in the line-up of events this year which includes ‘An evening with Sir Francis Forbes’ on Thursday, October 24, ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Rhythm on Rankin’ on the Friday and a huge day on Saturday featuring the Flotilla along the shores of Lake Forbes, exhibitions, stalls and demonstrations, main stage performers including Stormcellar and Ukes of Hazzard, the festival lounge and finally the highly anticipated Lantern Parade at night followed by the closing performance, ‘Drumming up Country’ by Peter Kennard and the River Arts Festival Drummers.
Mr Kennard is looking for more people to join the drumming group and will be holding workshops on Sunday, September 29 at 2pm and Monday, September 30 at 6pm.
“I’m excited about the festival but still desperately keen to involve more people…I don’t want people to be shy,” he said.
Mr Kennard wants about 30 drummers for the festival and says, “As far as drums go, more is better.”
Up and coming local jazz performer, Year 11 student, Thomas Haynes is excited about being involved in the festival and getting the opportunity to perform on the main stage and with the town band on his saxophone.
“It’s a good opportunity to get out there and get known,” he said.
Publicity officer, Gai Reid praises Thomas, saying he has a bright future ahead.
“I think he’s a star in the making…it’s so unusual for a boy of his age to be into jazz, but it’s great,” she said.
The River Arts Festival will be held on October 25, 26 and 27.
