Mr Fibby

“I think Canberra creates really unique art, because if you really want something to happen, you’ve got to do it yourself. You have to create something that will engage people.” As Adam Hadley, (aka ‘the highly preposterous, rambling biscuit barrel’ named No Important), the story-telling frontman for MR FIBBY explains why the art created in our unassuming city is so unique, it seems almost obvious that a group like ‘Mr Fib,’ as they’ve become affectionately known, has become such a local institution. The group, a quasi-theatrical blend of gypsy folk, old-time songwriting and spoken-word storytelling, formed at the 2007 National Folk Festival when musicians Emma Kelly, Spike Thompson and Sam King decided to add a rogue element to their gypsy instrumentals through the addition of Hadley as storyteller. “It wasn’t for six months to a year after that first gig that I became a proper member of the group. It was more that if the gig was right, then I’d come up and tell stories over the music as a guest. Then it eventually turned into the four of us as a solid group.”

Nearing their third anniversary, the group will again return to the tranquil surrounds of Corinbank this year; an environment that Hadley points out is close to their ideal venue. “Last year, we played on one of the smaller stages, in the forest and kind of in the dark. When there’s no amps, no mics, and we can play outside, I think that’s definitely where we flourish.” But as Hadley goes on to explain, the need for the most fitting location can pale in comparison to the need to command the audience’s attention. Hadley contrasts how the group charmed a crowd of drunken, sun-stroked, first year college students at last year’s O-week, with a violent episode at the Phoenix – one of the group’s oldest haunts and, one might expect, somewhat of a safe-haven for them. “We had one gig at the Phoenix where no one was really paying any attention to us. One girl was really drunk and getting really angry with us,” he says. “I kept yelling at her, because I heckle the audience so much when I’m in character, and she got up and punched me in the ear. It was weird because I’ve MC-ed there for so many years, and never been thrown by anything, but I was definitely thrown then.”

As well as their usual sets, and a radio show chronicling the wayward adventures of the group, Mr Fibby has also written Little Girl Lost in the Devil’s Black Beard, an hour-long theatre piece which debuted in 2009 and which they’re hoping to tour more extensively this year. “There’s a lot more characterisation in it. Along with, of course, a tetanus-filled, rusty set,” says Hadley. “It’s always good to have a bit of danger onstage, you know – the possibility of stepping in the wrong spot and getting lock-jaw.”

Mr Fibby play at the Corinbank Festival on Friday February 26 on the Gibraltar Grove stage from 10 to 11pm. Tickets through Greentix.