Honorary Notts legend Beans on Toast curated this day of folk fun at the Arboretum...
As I sit writing this review on a slightly dreary September morning, I can’t help but look back on the Foolhardy Folk Festival as the last gasp of a typically fickle British summer. Among the inevitable July rain, and the chorus of “Oooh it’s a bit too hot, isn’t it?” when the weather finally does turn, I find my memories cling on to those fleeting moments of brilliance - sunset drinks with friends, rediscovering my favourite pair of shorts and, perhaps most of all, music festivals!
“I prefer to let the trees do the talking” said festival curator, MC and performer Beans On Toast as he addressed the growing Arboretum crowds. A harmonious day of music, food and drink (and trees!) awaited.
Beans On Toast opened up the day with a short guitar-based set, including a nod to the local area by playing Major Oak from his 2017 album Cushty. We were also treated to an endearing cameo appearance from Beans’ daughter, who gave him a piece of paper that simply said “I love you”. Wholesome tone for the day clearly set.
Nottingham’s own Vona Vella were up next with their smooth brand of harmonised indie pop. While introducing the group, Beans On Toast was keen to note that this year’s Foolhardy proves that you can make music with people you love - a stark contrast to the classic image of rock’n’roll bands hating each other but staying together for the money. “They were really good,” said LeftLion’s own Rae Dowling. Thanks for the insight, Rae.
Tensheds followed next, playing emotionally driven piano music for the adoring crowds. He has a wonderful gravely tone to his voice, which came out more strongly live compared to his records. He would make an appearance later in the day, too
Filling the often tricky third slot in the lineup was not-so-secret-secret-guest Frank Turner. The anticipation among the crowd was palpable as he took the stage and he was commanding from the get go. Sandwiching his performance between several other festival appearances, he told the story of how many years ago Beans On Toast persuaded him to turn his hand away from punk and towards folk and that coming to play here was just one small way of showing his appreciation for that advice. It was clear the two are genuine friends which just kept the wholesome vibes flowing. I felt seriously out of my depth at this point, I’m used to sad music and people standing with their arms crossed trying to look cool, how do I respond to happiness and genuine human connection? Another beer from the great selection on offer I suppose.
*UNEXPECTED BEER REVIEW* A sneaky advantage of this year’s Foolhardy was that it followed directly on from the Arboretum Beer Festival, using the same set up as the day before. This meant… beer! In great quantities and from varied sources, including many independent local breweries.
I’d like to highlight Hollow Stone Brewery’s Oligo Nunk, their resident APA. A dry, and quite full bodied brew bursting with hoppiness, but with a lower ABV of only 4% giving it a bit more a session feel. The perfect combination for an outdoors festival. This was a great beer although cloudier than I expected, perhaps nearing the end of the barrel? Regardless, the flavour was great so probably even better fresh. A strong 8/10.
With the impromptu beer review out of the way, Truckstop Honeymoon took the stage, weaving a captivating web of life stories and anecdotes covering their twenty years of albums, touring and marriage. I was captivated by the story of keeping in touch with their old neighbours in the wake of hurricane Katrina, before the eponymous song Georgia and Blue. I’ve had it on repeat ever since. With upright bass, banjo and guitar they crooned through their extensive discography with a charming joy and wit only found in the most special of performers.
More musical love up next with husband and wife duo Ferris & Sylvester. While a little outside my personal tastes, they certainly had musical prowess and an attentive audience to boot. They changed well from riffy blues rock to soft acoustic numbers and back again, even navigating some technical issues with ease.
Anti-folk hero Jeffrey Lewis + The Voltage sidled up to the stage next and I was dazzled by his offbeat style and the instrumental from the other band members. I have known of Jeffrey’s music for a while now, but seeing it performed live really brought it to life - surreal, sometimes humorous lyricism goes down well on a sunny day. I even had a nice chat with him later at the merch stand, and despite putting my foot in it slightly by telling him my partner’s dad is a big fan, he was kind and seemed to have a genuine affection for Nottingham. Check out City & Eastern Songs if you want to listen.
By the time Skinny Lister hit the stage enough of the beers were sold out for it to outright party time, and they were certainly the band for the occasion. The self-described “Shanty Punk” band delivered a bombastic set that got the kids dancing and even some parents too! The quintet have been rocking since 2009 and this is evident from their easy command of the audience. A perfect band for the occasion.
As the light began to dim, and the (reasonably priced) Thai loaded fries settled in my stomach, Beans On Toast returned to perform a second, more relaxed set, joined superbly by a returning Tensheds on the piano. A rousing and heartwarming performance which was the perfect end to a great day. Keep an eye out for next year’s Foolhardy Folk Festival if you fancy some eclectic music (far more than just folk!), good food, great beer and fantastic trees.
Foolhardy Folk Festival took place on 27 August 2023.
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