THE evolution of Tom Richardson as a performer will take another step forward at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
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Richardson has been a regular on stage at the main festival arena since emerging as a highly talented performer at a young age.
The Warrnambool singer-songwriter-guitarist will return to the festival this weekend to add another string to his bow.
Richardson will perform alongside his partner, Canadian-born Kimberly Erin.
The couple will conduct Yoga Loves Music sessions on the Railway Place stage from 9am on Saturday and Sunday.
Erin is a Yoga Alliance certified chakra instructor and will use her expertise to conduct yoga sessions at the festival.
Richardson will use his skills with a guitar to produce a live soundtrack for the sessions.
Richardson said he is excited to be back at the festival with a new project.
“I didn’t actually apply to play in the main arena this year. The festival have been so supportive of me over the last few years, I thought it was time for them to be able to offer someone else the chance,” Richardson said.
“I love the festival so it is great to be able to come here with Kim and do this together.
“Kim has Seachange Yoga in Warrnambool, which is going gang-busters, so we hope everyone comes along to Railway Place and joins in.”
Richardson will also be busy at the festival overseeing the APRA Songs in Schools project.
This has seen Richardson go into Emmanuel, Brauer and Warrnambool colleges and work with music students on the art of songwriting.
This work will come to fruition on Sunday from 10.30am on the Railway Stage when the students perform original songs they have written.
As a performer who has risen through the ranks, Richardson is thrilled to be involved in giving young talent a chance to shine.
“The big thing about this is the students get the chance to play at the Port Fairy Folk Festival,” he said.
“That is one of the messages I will be getting across to them — this festival is as good as any so to be playing at it is a massive opportunity.”