Where’s Doll?
This weekend, Doll hit the small stage at the Gladstone Harbour Festival (the best time to be in Gladdy Town!), for a few sets to bring joy to the folk seated at the food court.
The first night was ‘interesting’ as the power cut out several times during downpours, but fortunately, her backing band always travels with his portable, battery powered, amp.
You can’t stop the music…
We had a ball, and Nell even got asked by the following act to join them for a few tunes as well, which she was happy to do.
We hung around to watch the other acts, brilliant, soaked up the atmosphere and stuffed down a Dagwood Dog before heading home.
Happy Days!
Festival Blues
Apparently festivals around the country are in big trouble, with several major events being cancelled for ‘a variety of reasons’.
I have no idea what the real reasons are, but it may have something to do with a combo of high ticket prices, bad weather (Splendour In The Grass’ infamous 2022 event) and/or festival goers getting gouged for accommodation?
Another reason given is a lack of big headline acts attracting fans. It seems Aussies are keen to turn out in their millions to see megastars like Taylor Swift and Pink!, (and pay nearly $2000 for a nights’ accommodation in the Big Smoke to avoid sleeping on the street outside the venue).
But festival organisers are scratching their heads as to why punters are turning away from their events.
My two cents: the demographic is turning away.
Most of these festivals are set up to attract the youth market. It might be worth asking why they’re no longer keen to part with their cash and front up.
What I do know is, Doll has performed at several events in the last six months which have been well attended and supported. But the crowds are made up mostly of folk from the Boomer / Gen X tribes.
Grey nomads, arriving in flocks of vans or motorhomes, gathering under trees near the, mostly indoor, air-conditioned venues (with easy access to bars and clean toilets), or staying in venues NOT charging in excess of $400 - $500 per night for a room that usually would set you back $150 to $200 at any other time of year.
I saw thousands turning up at the big stage at the Tamworth Country Music Festival each day of the event. Most of the shows I saw (for free) in pubs around town were also well attended, the paid shows, not so much.
Note: one show I did pay for had been cancelled a week before I bought the tickets and we were left standing outside a darkened venue on the night (thankyou very much!) Attempts to get a refund have been - not good.
So, my lesson there was - Pay at the Door! Oh, and screw that performer…
Anyway, the CMC Rocks event held in Ipswich last month also had a huge turnout, aka: Sold Out. Among the hit parade of country music stars was Gladstone’s very own Hayley Marsten (keep going Hayles you’re doing Great!)
Perhaps country music festivals, the poor relation of the cool rock n roll gigs, has turned the tables?
So, it’s not the end of music as we know it, fans will always turn out to see their favourite performers, and muso’s will still plug away putting on shows.
I don’t know what the future of big festival events is going to be, but there’s definitely a change in the air.
Raft Racing!
Speaking of turning up, Gladstone locals were out in force yesterday to watch the annual raft regatta in Auckland Creek.
The event is timed to coincide with the start of the, slightly more prestigious, Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race, which sets sail from Redcliffe at 10am on Good Friday.
I remember it’s been held in a variety of places, including the sharp shelled beach at Barney Point and, the now buried under industrial facilities, McFarlan Lagoon.
My preference has always been outside the Yacht Club though, even if the bar is closed for Good Friday.
And, like a lot of locals I’ve had a few cracks at entering a raft in the event as well.
Some of them stayed afloat long enough to make it to the finish line!
Bonus!
My first, an FJ Holden strapped onto some oil drums, won the Titanic Award, not for sinking, but for flipping over. I’d like the record to show it DID NOT sink!
It would have stayed upright if all of us hadn’t clambered onto the roof and bonnet to throw flour filled balloons at the other rafts.
It took us half a day to drag it clear of the mud of the beach, but we had a hell of a good time doing it. I’d love to know where that old car body ended up, it’d be worth a fortune now…
Anyway, inspired by Fridays’ event, noises are being made by certain family factions about entering a raft next year.
Am I keen to be dragged from the water, again, by the Water Police?
Maybe…
Happy Snaps
And, as it’s Easter, thought I’d throw in a few to celebrate:
Ok, that’s us for another week! Hope you have a great Easter, see you next week!
Gb