Bees buzzing, feet tapping, hands slip-slop-slapping – Kiama sprang into sizzling spring life on Saturday when Burnetts on Barney hosted the Kiama Folk By The Sea Taster concert. 

The quarry garden centre crew set up shady marquees over an extended stage to protect the showcase talent from the unseasonably hot sun. Up to 200 dedicated music fans drifted through Burnetts during the four-hour concert, many prepared with hats, sunscreen and folding chairs. 

A tartan-clad Kiama Pipe Band heralded the morning with the wail of bagpipes, prompting one couple to dance Scottish reels in the succulents garden. “You just can't fake the emotion that makes people want to dance in our quarry,” said Elizabeth Burnett on the centre’s social media. “This couple have clearly worked out that on a day like this, in a place like this, in a moment like this... life is good.”

Local recording sensations The Water Runners performed their new single, Murrumbidgee, in “light” duo mode. In a gesture of true community spirit, Water Runners John Littrich and Neil McCann stumped up for an unplanned encore in the afternoon, when promised act Frankie & Albert had car trouble. 

The Kiama Sea Shanty group drew the largest crowd, with vocal supporters joining in the jolly choruses. It was only the group’s second concert performance, buoyed by its debut success at the recent Kiama Community Radio Third Birthday Bash. 

The day wrapped with Cha Cha del Mar, including “Shy Boy” Steve Vassallo, valiantly urging the audience to salsa and samba as the temperature nudged 30°C. 

Jane Littrich, representing Kiama Folk By The Sea, extended her appreciation to Burnetts for hosting Saturday’s small sampler of the huge September 22-24 event. She explained the festival’s talent selection process was rigorous, with 37 acts chosen from a pool of 80 applicants. 

Jane also announced a special $95 weekend pass will be available, so folk fans can wander between the five venues at the Kiama Showground Pavilion and surrounds.