Last year I attended the very first Playground Weekender Festival. I could only go for one day, the Sunday, but I really enjoyed myself, so a return trip was planned this year. Again, various other committments meant I could only attend for one day, but I found myself having a pleasant and enjoyable day again. This time I went on the Saturday and luckily the weather turned good, after a torrential downpour on the Friday night. This left the venue soggy and muddy in various spots, but apart from that the conditions were fine. For those of you that haven't attended this festival, it is in a lovely part of the world. Set on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, 15 minutes from Wisemans Ferry, the organisers use the Del Rio Resort as their base. So plenty of people use the cabins to stay in, or just camp on the grounds. The location, although spectacular, would seem to be the only detriment to this festival making a bigger impact. For most people, I would assume it would take a major committment to attend, as the location is not exactly an easy place to get to. This seemed to contribute to the seemingly small attendance. Also this year, the music lineup seemed more skewed to the party crowd, with a heavier emphasis on dance music. This is not exactly my cup of tea, but I found enough during the day to keep myself occupied. I watched sets by I Heart Hiroshima and Josh Pyke. But the definite highlight was a set by our returning heroes Dappled Cities Fly.

I hadn't seen Dappled Cities Fly for a while. Certainly not since their return from an extended tour of the USA. Armed with a new drummer, they have not changed much otherwise. Which is a good thing. They are as effervescent, charming and exciting as ever before. Despite playing before a sparse crowd, they attacked their set with gusto. Creating their trademark melodies, they certainly entertained me. The set was a balance between songs from "Granddance" and some newer songs woven into the day. All of the new stuff sounded exciting, which augurs well for a new record. Although it seems like it won't be out until 2009. Of their already recorded tunes I really enjoyed "Holy Chord" and "Vision Bell". Older classics like "Cream" and Peach" were not played, having me believe that perhaps their older repertoire has been retired for now. Once again this band proved that they are up with the best this country has to offer.