My Place: Sarah Wilkinson

Sarah Wilkinson. Photo: Marco De Luca

By Jessica Micallef

Sarah Wilkinson will be performing at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival next month. The Kyneton resident spoke with Jessica Micallef.

What is your connection to the Macedon Ranges?

I grew up in Woodend. My family are still there and since moving out for university, I am back most weekends performing in the area.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about music and the way it makes people feel, as well as learning new things and getting out of my comfort zone. I am also very partial to a good coffee and a hearty brunch.

How long have you been singing for?

I have been singing for as long as I can remember, but I’ve been singing professionally since I was 16-years-old.

What has been some of your favourite venues to perform at?

I had the privilege of performing at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo a couple of Blues and Roots Festivals ago – that was absolutely incredible. I have also been lucky enough to play on the Bendigo Blues tram a couple of times, which was also great fun. A number of years ago I was invited, along with Jarrod Shaw, to play the Christmas Carols at Hanging Rock. That will always be one of my favourites. I also really love playing at weddings. It’s a really special thing to be able to share that moment with the happy couple.

How does it feel to know you’ll be performing at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival?

It’s always really great playing at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival. The team behind organising it do a really fantastic job and the whole weekend is an absolute ball. This year the line-up is out of this world and I’m so stoked to be featured amongst the other artists.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

I really enjoy having the opportunity to play for people and maybe have some impact on them. I had a lady recently tell me she had purchased my EP a number of years ago and that she used to listen to it while she was studying.

That side of things is pretty rewarding.

What would people be most surprised to know about you?

The most surprising thing about me would probably be that after eight long years of university, in December I will be graduating from the University of Melbourne with a doctor of medicine. It’s pretty surreal but I’m going to be a doctor next year.