OLD timers in Port Fairy would have come across a familiar sight as they walked past the Star of the West Hotel last weekend.
A man by the name of Robert Brooks was standing out the front of the establishment, something which was common place in days gone past. Robert Brooks was a well-known Port Fairy and district man many years ago and last weekend it was his name sake and grandson who was in town.
Robert Brooks came from Melbourne for the folk festival, where he busked alongside fellow musician Jacqueline Black.
The duo were dressed in the steampunk attire, with Mr Brooks playing a 1930s accordion and Ms Black a drum she had handmade herself. "We chose to set up and play outside the Star of the West because my grandfather Robert was a well-known patron of the pub," Mr Brooks said.
"I have been playing the accordion for about eight months and Jacqueline has just started playing the drums so this is our first time playing in Port Fairy, although I have been here before." The Brooks name is well-known in local music circles with Robert Brooks' uncle Tommy Brooks a star performer for many years and his first cousin Jo Brooks also an established musician in the area.
Mr Brooks had another reason for coming down last weekend, with his uncle Tommy's 70th birthday party held in Koroit.