Carol Goddard

It’s hard to deny the undeniable pleasure of music and the power that it brings.

From classical to rock to jazz to blues and every other musical genre, the sound, rhythm and pulse make us feel so alive.

To quote the late, great Jimi Hendrix: “music is a safe kind of high”. 

The symptoms are obvious and intoxicating. If you find yourself hip-wiggling, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, swaying or just chilling to music, you've been taken captive.

The music has got you in its potent grasp. It has enriched you. 

There were many examples of this phenomenon at last weekend’s Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. 

For three glorious days, I was indeed a willing participant. The town was moving to the beat with so many people - young, old, locals and visitors - dancing like no one was watching, whether in our streets, in the cafés,

Hindmarsh or Coronation Park, or at our beloved Fillmore’s and the Kiama Surf Club. 

It was a joyous snapshot of community togetherness at its most beautiful, all because of live music. 

Each musician gave us a gift by sharing their passion and creativity, and putting uncompromising heart and soul into their performances.

They shared their thoughts and dreams, and in some cases, their fears. 

Julz Parker, a breathtakingly talented guitarist of the Lismore band Hussy Hicks, brought the house down at the surf club by proclaiming that the greatest antidote to fear was groove. 

Pearl Noire had the crowd spellbound and laughing at the cheeky, sometimes naughty, stage antics she pulled off so brilliantly. 

There were so many exciting, talented, amazing musicians, both homegrown and international imports in one spot, gorgeous Kiama. 

Perhaps this says it all: an elderly gentleman, on his own at the festival, told me what the weekend meant to him when I asked him if he got out to live gigs at all: “No, but I will from now on.”