The Maverick Festival
3-5 September 2021
FESTIVAL REVIEW BY RAY BURGESS (HIGHWAY 40)
This year I was fortunate enough to attend the Maverick Americana Festival in the Suffolk countryside near Wickham Market. I say fortunate as it was a pleasure to attend such a well organised event that attracted all ages including kids and dogs. I cannot imagine a more friendly gathering.
There was plenty of space for camping and away from the main music venues of which there were four, including an open air field called “The Green”. The event started at about 5pm on the Friday and went on to 2,30 on the Sunday
There were 39 artists booked with only a couple not being able to make it. The majority played on different stages on different days giving the audience a chance to catch them second time round if attending another venue. It is impossible to see everybody but I did manage to see about twenty in between attending the Saloon for some delicious Suffolk Cider.
As is the way with festivals, I came away with a selection of CDs of acts that I felt deserved my custom. The best bargain were a pair of new Levis for £20. Also there were some great food outlets.
I will not mention all the acts but it was good to see Hank Wangford still performing well into his 80s and very humorous with his choice of new songs. I enjoyed Sam Chase, Los Pistoleros, Jon Langford, Forty Elephant Gang, and David Banks. My highlight came on the Sunday morning when I went to see Tim De Graaw. He is an amazing UK talent and will certainly go places. He was joined on stage by Nashville’s very own Alyssa Bonagura who I was looking forward to seeing later and one of the main reasons for attending. As it happens when I saw Alyssa’s own set she was joined by Tim. They are apparently an item. Alyssa is a prolific songwriter and has had her work performed by many top country and rock artists. Her set was amazing and I am sure she is on the verge of a huge breakthrough.
So to sum up, if you like to attend a well organised and family-orientated festival, without the large crowds, Maverick is for you and do take the dog
Ray Burgess
