On a gorgeous Sunday in May, 2022, the Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble played from a covered stage to the audience, relaxing, eating and drinking deliciousness, out on the spacious lawns at MONA. The THFE played traditional Tasmanian tunes, such as Eileen McCoy’s Varsoviennas, Gran McCoy’s and Leo Prince of Wales Schottische as well as a selection of favourite tunes collected from the Cape Barren Islanders. Contemporary tunes written by past or present members of the group, such as Delayed Flight, One Way Ticket, Raw Rosin, Short Shrift and Forks in the Fire had people at least dancing on the inside, if they weren’t dancing on the lawns! For a different flavour, Ross Smithard’s original Dingo’s Breakfast set had toes tapping to an Old Timey flavour. Later in the afternoon, the clouds began to look threatening. When heavy rain suddenly pelted down on umbrellas, bean bags and the cute three legged white stools, the audience scattered, but quick thinking saved the day as Musical Director, Emily Wolfe, invited the audience in. To everyone’s delight, Emily turned the band around to face the audience, thus saving much reorganising of the sound gear! It was, from then on, a cosy indoor concert as the enthusiastic audience dried off and steady rain continued to soak the abandoned lawns…

4-6pm, Saturday 24th July, 2021

The Tasmanian Heritage Fiddle Ensemble will deliver a delightful afternoon of collected and contemporary Tasmanian folk music and share stories about their tunes, composers and the history of how some of the tunes came to Tasmania. Come along and sit behind the glass to enjoy some winter sunshine, lively music and fare from the café!