A taste of whats to come at QMF 2010

QMF


It’s nearly summer, and festival season is upon us. The next cab off the rank is the much loved Queenscliff Music Festival, on again this weekend, the 26th-28th of November. And this year promises to be a cracker.

Having secured a fantastic lineup of internationals and homegrown talent, each one of the three days is offering up something for everyone.

Things kick off on Friday night, with the wonderful Katie Noonan performing with The Captains. Following on from the George frontwoman is bluesman Ash Grunwald. Grunwald has been hitting the festival circuit for years and is an absolute pro. Arses will be shaking as soon as he hits the stage.

Top of the bill on the Lighthouse stage on Friday is one of Australia’s bands of the moment, Little Red. Having swept aside the ‘difficult second album’ syndrome with the fantastic Midnight Remember, the Melbourne boys will be serving up treats such as Triple J faves Rock It and Slow Motion, as well as tunes from their first album, Listen To little Red.

Across the other stages, Friday specials include Kim Churchill, Frank Yamma, Vika and Linda, The Black Sorrows and Andy Bull.

There’s no rest for the wicked either, with things kicking off on Saturday when Gareth Liddiard and Mick Thomas and The Sure Thing hitting the Crossing and Fishnets stage respectively at midday. Other highlights for Saturday afternoon include Dan Kelly’s Dream Band, Mary Gauthier, Melbourne Celt rockers The Go Set, and Australian icon John Williamson. The Go Set are playing a few sets across the weekend, and as Mr Meldrum would say, do yourself a favour and check them out.

And don’t go anywhere, because things just keep getting better on Saturday night. Former Men At Work singer Colin Hay has brushed aside his legal troubles and will take to the Lighthouse stage at 7pm. Hays solo stuff is magical, and he is well worth a look. Mark Seymour also performs on Saturday night, and who knows, you may just hear  some of those Hunters And Collectors favourites. Mr Percival, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra and The Mojo Corner also promise to be highlights.

One of the most exciting sets will happen at 11pm on The Crossing Stage, when legendary rockers The Meanies hit the floor. Their live shows are often spectacular, and this promises to be Saturdays ‘I was there’ moment.

And if that wasn’t enough for you, it continues on Sunday. It’s ladies day at QMF on Sunday afternoon, and from 11am you can catch Sally Seltman, ARIA award winner and current first lady of Australian pop Washington, as well as Kate Miller-Heidke. Tucked in between these wonderful women is a little band from down the coast called the Vasco Era, who always produce electric performances.

Across the other stages you can find American journey and Lullaby singer Shawn

Mullins, Paul Greene, Ashleigh Mannix, Skipping Girl Vinegar as well as a host of bands from the previous days.

Also, be sure to check out the festivals other major act, Julia Zemiro and her Rockwiz Live crew. You’ve watched it on SBS, now see it the real for yourself. It will be full of laughs and feature musical guests and performances.

There’s a huge range of other stuff going on as well, with QMF promising a ‘Big Day Out For Kids’. The Rockstar Academy, clowns, magic, a circus and a street parade will all be happening, meaning there is fun for the entire family, not just the big kids. Although those big kids will secretly enjoy these activities just as much as the little kids.

Tickets are still on sale, and the prices range from $40 to $175 for a full three days. It’s going to be a great weekend, and LoudNLocal will hopefully see you there!

Queenscliff Music Festival, November 26-28.
Go to www.qmf.com.au for all the details.