XAVIER Rudd has played more gigs than he can remember but he says some of his best memories are from the Folkie.
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The multi-instrumentalist recalled how he played at his first Port Fairy Folk Festival which he said was maybe 10 years ago.
“It was outside the festival, out in the dust,” he said.
“It was deadly.
“It was by far one of the best gigs. I had a great time.”
Rudd said despite playing “100 million shows” the Folkie was always something he remembered as a high vibe event.
“It’s beautiful,” he said.
“It’s good to be in the south. We’ve had a hell of a lot of rain up north so it’s nice to dry out.
“The cold water is always beautiful.”
Rudd said he was looking forward to hitting the stage and wanted everyone to shake their bootie.
He said whether he played to big or small crowds the aim was always the same.
“When you play to small groups there is that intimate feel,” he said. “It is nice to strip away everything.
“They’re all good.
“The big ones are powerful and the little ones are powerful.
“I feel very blessed to do it.
“I never thought this is what I would be doing. Thousands of people singing my lyrics, when they don’t even speak English.
“It’s a real trip. I feel really blessed and I give thanks every day.
“It’s nothing less than amazing.
“I feel like there is an old spirit with when I’m playing music.”
Rudd said the festival had a good family atmosphere and he was looking forward to seeing Glen Hansard.
“There are so many good artists here,” he said.
“I just saw Christine Anu and she was great.”
