Festivals Update: October 13
BEACHFEST SCRAPPED FOR 2016
Beachfest, on Sydney’s Bondi, will not be going ahead in November. Linked to the surf lifestyle brand, organisers said that finances put a stop to this year’s event, which was to have been headlined by Icehouse.
They admitted, “Putting a stage on Bondi Beach is difficult to manage and an expensive process to deliver. We’d love to put the show on but it’s just not financially viable so we have made the decision not to proceed with the festival in 2016.”
They plan to return “bigger, better and more impressive in the very near future.”
DISCONNECT FESTIVAL SCRAPPED FOLLOWING PAYMENT ISSUES
WA’s Disconnect Festival in December has been cancelled “due to unforeseen circumstances.
The announcement made by organisers on Facebookovernight follows reports Disconnect promoter Chris Knight failed to pay the festival’s bands and crew for last year’s staging.
However, in a statement made to The Music last month, Knight, who runs Spring Fever Promotions, said he had been in disagreement with South West production company Rockwest.
“We’re actually in disagreement over the amount of the bill, and that happens
all the time when you’re in business,” Knight told The Music. “As far as I’m concerned, [Rockwest’s David Coleman] has been paid in full.”
Disconnect’s official announcement last night statesall ticket holders will be contacted by Ticket Booth, via email and will be refunded within the next 10 days.
PEACHES CHRIST SUPERSTAR LEADS MOFO ANOUNCEMENT
Peaches Christ Superstar, the Canadian artist’s take on the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice musical, leads the program for MOFO (Museum Of Old & New Art Festival Of Music & Art) in Tasmania between January 18 and 22.
Curator Brian Ritchie has brought together 200 acts from a dozen countries – not only to showcase their talents but to also collaborate with each other during the festival.
“Artists and punters alike can interact and create within the context of several of our art, science and music installations. We’re looking forward to some weird and wonderful results.”
Already collaborating are avant-garde composer Anthony Pateras and Faith No More’s Mike Patton, tetema. Regurgitator will cast their definition of the Velvet Underground & Nico album, Maynard James Keenan’s side project Puscifer, Kev Carmody and Rainbow Chan. There will also be multimedia analysis of why we create art.
MORE RIDE INTO THE VALLEY
Second round of additions to Beyond The Valley are Ali Barter, Audiojack, Big Words, Carl Craig, Claptone, Dom Dolla, Ecca Vandal, Guy Gerber, Luke Million, Ngaiire, Purple Disco Machine, Roland Tings, The Delta Riggs, Tigerilla and Torren Foot.
UNCLE VIVID WANTS YOU!
Vivid Sydney is inviting expression of interest from around the world for best and creative concepts for Vivid Light. It includes the acclaimed Light Walk installations, building projections and a variety of new and exciting precinct. Go tohttps://www.vividsydney.com/lighteoi, deadline is Friday October 21.
MULLUM MUSIC GETS GREENER
In its 9th year, Mullum Music is moving to become plastic bottle-free with the help of Green Music Australia, encouraging all attendees including workers to bring recyclable bottles. It has also planted its 6000th tree at its annual community tree planting, and has teamed up with local sustainability organisation Renew Fest to present the festival’s Community Program this year. Fourplay’s Tim Hollo, CEO of Green Music Australia, will be one of the featured speakers at the festival.
Also speaking are Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson, Kim Pengelly (Deputy GM of Woodfordia), and Mat Morris, General Manager of North Byron Parklands to speak on ‘Waste, Sustainability & Festivals’ at Mullum Music’s Renew Fest Community Program.
There will also be presentations in Plastic Pollution Solutions, Community Owned Renewable Energy, an Introduction to Permaculture, a Heritage Park walk with regeneration expert Dave Rawlins, a weaving workshop, First Light Community Mental Health Support and a Community Land Trust Discussion.
NEW ‘TRASHY’ METAL FEST
Australia gets a new heavy metal festival Trash, Blast And Grind, hitting Melbourne Friday February 17 at Max Watts. First two acts announced are US death metal out Revocation and Melbourne’s King Parrot. More are unveiled in coming weeks.
FULL ARTIST ROUNDUP FOR CMC ROCKS
Following on from the Dixie Chicks, other US acts confirmed for CMC Rocks Qld (March 24—26) are Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Tyler Farr, Craig Campbell, Charles Esten, Michael Ray, Eric Paslay, Granger Smith and Drew Baldridge. From the UK are The Shires and Ward Thomas.
The local contingent has some of the cream: Lee Kernaghan, Morgan Evans, Adam Harvey, The McClymonts, The Wolfe Brothers, Jasmine Rae, Caitlyn Shadbolt, Brothers 3, Christie Lamb, Col Finley, Doug Bruce & The Tailgaters, Deep Creek Road, Imogen Clark, Kayla Mahon (NZ), Kaylens Rain, Mustered Courage and Viper Creek Band.
WOODFORD FOLK UNVEILS POSTER
This year’s posters for the 31st Woodford Folk (December 27—January 1), by resident artist Gavin Ryan is based around the event’s theme of How We Wonder. It’s “a journey of creativity, solitude and connection.”
This poster will be the first of a triptych that will conclude on the third year with three posters joined together revealing the conclusion of a story trilogy. It can be purchased on their website.
According to GM Amanda Jackes, “The poster features images people will recognize when they get to the festival and much of the overall story will be revealed when all three posters come together in 2018. People will want to keep it.”
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE LAUNCHES OWN FESTIVAL
Sydney Opera House has launched its first festival for five years with a two-day event (December 18, 19) showcasing TV, journalism, pop culture, video games and storytelling. Samsung is the major sponsor foe Bingefest, with Airbnb also involved.
Among those taking part are the Chicago Tribune’s Christopher Borelli on what makes TV so important, US pop culture The AV Club, will showcase the best of TV with a session, while there’s also a 20th anniversary celebration of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
There’s Jad Abumrad of podcast Radiolab on how “gut churn” can help artists in their work, while Julie Snyder of podcast This American Life, will discuss ‘Binge-worthy journalism’. Comedians and media people will celebrate the internet’s 47th birthday by looking at the viral hits of 2016.
KELLY & OWEN, GURUS, LEAD RIVERBOATS LINEUP
Paul Kelly & Charlie Owen, Hoodoo Gurus, James Reyne, Mia Dyson and Shane Howard are among major names at Riverboats Music (February 17—19), in Victoria’s Echuca-Moama region. Attractions are live sets on historic paddle-steamer Pride Of The Murray and the return of the Breakfast at the Beechworth Bakery.
MORE FOR FAIRGROUND
Added to the Fairground in Berry, NSW (December 2, 3) are Gabrielle Cohen, Bec Sandridge, Middle Kids, Ali Barter, The Ark Ark Birds and Adam Gibson.
THOUSANDS EXPECTED FOR UKE FEST
Newcastle Hunter Valley Folk Club with the Newcastle ukulele community, who’ve been organising the biennial Newkulele, say they’re expecting thousands for the third episode (October 21-23) as the meet generates a wider appeal. Aside from checking out the master players, attendees can also learn to play and buy an instrument.
QMA SHOWCASE AT VALLEY FIESTA, PLAQUE FOR VIOLENT SOHO
QMusic and Brisbane City Council are showcasing winners and finalists on Sunday October 30 at the street party Valley Fiesta as part of the free Queensland Music Awards Showcase. The 2016 Song of the Year winners Violent Soho will be honoured with a plaque on the Brunswick Street Mall ‘Walk of Fame’. Previous recipients were Emma Louise, Pete Murray and Troy Cassar-Daley.
WINTERMOON SCORES A DOCO
The 20th anniversary of Mackay folk gathering Wintermoon was celebrated with a documentary by Donna Maree Robinson. Screened over a weekend for the first time, it traces how it grew from a party after a cancelled wedding to significant event that draws crowds from around Australia. The doco includes the acts, behind the scenes, interviews, photos and family activities.
NARARA RETURN AVOIDS RETRO FLAVOUR
The return after 33 years of the Narara Festival at Mt Penang Gardens in Kariong in May, is not a nostalgic re-run. The acts are contemporary, including The Snowdroppers, alt rockers Lepers & Crooks and Polish Club. Some of the newer acts will however perform songs from the classic rock of INXS, Rose Tattoo, The Angels and Cold Chisel.
BIG NAMES FOR OZFEST
The 4th instalment of Gold Coast’s Ozfest includes Ball Park Music, Nritish India, Urthboy, Hockey Dad, Luke Million, Bec Sandridge and Bleach Girls with more to be announced. It’s held on January 28 in the Miami Tavern Carpark.
DREAM KICKS OFF
With a starting date of October 14, Dubbo, NSW’s Macquarie Credit Union DREAM (Dubbo Region Entertainment Arts and Music) continues to showcase all kinds of local talent. Festival chair Anne Field said a few new events were introduced. “Whether you are looking for a lantern parade, an art exhibition, an author night, or even a Sunday afternoon acoustic music session we’ve got you covered.” It winds up on October 25.