Pickin' up in Kelly Country!

By Mark Wardle
On the weekend of August 17–19 2007, I went to my second (and actually the tenth) ‘Kelly Country Pick’.

This musical event is held in Beechworth every year about this time in the fabulous “Old Priory’, a perfect setting for the music. It is run along the lines of the Yarra Valley Fiddlers Convention which encourages participation and input from the attendees to make it a success. There is also a concert series and a number of workshops on different instruments to give the weekend some structure.

Focusing on Bluegrass and traditional country music, there’s a lot of fiddle and banjo action, and the standard of musicianship amongst the participants is second to none.

We sessioned until the wee hours every night and enjoyed some great performances at the concerts. Musical instrument makers were also in attendance, as was Gerry Hale and his new guitar shop – The Guitar Gallery. If you love having a pick with talented and friendly people, then this weekend is highly recommended.