As promoted by the organisers, Greazefest (Brisbane, QLD) is "the 'must-do' event for kustom kulture devotees in the Southern Hemisphere ... a crankin' weekend of cool cars, Rockabilly music and fashion, vintage bikes, lowrider cycles, low brow art, pinstripers, tattoos, markets and more". It is certainly one of the key events in Australia and, unsurprisingly, there were more than a few people from Perth there to enjoy it.
For those who couldn't make it, the following review provides a slice of the action :)
Friday
The first hot rockin' night of the festival was (relatively) subdued, with plenty of space and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the bands, dancing, and initial vendors. Most patrons took the opportunity to dress up for the opening night and the atmosphere was convivial. A great night for fun, photos, and socialising with friends.
All of the bands on the Friday night line-up were enjoyable and well-paced for those interested in dancing. However, from a personal perspective, stand-out act for the evening (indeed, of the Festival) was Sonyta and the Incinerators [left]. Just 17 years old, Sonyta did a great job delivering on songs from Wanda Jackson, Janis Martin, and Imelda May. If you want to get a taste for the band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W5hAk51PRk
The only down-side for the evening was the weather, which was cold. As the bands were performing on an outdoor stage, if you weren't dancing you definitely wanted to stay rugged up or retreat indoors for a bit of warmth.
Saturday
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| The ReChords - Felix (ex. Salt Flat Trio) rockin' it out on guitar! |
Saturday had a great line-up of bands, though it was disappointing that Perth favourite Rusty Pinto had to cancel his performance at the last moment. While replacement act Scotty Baker delivered a fine show, those of us who know how good Rusty can be certainly noticed his absence. Headline international band for the evening, The Planet Rockers, also put on a great set. However, while recognising the greater time allocation warranted for an international act, the delivery was drawn out in several places. Several songs just dragged on, while "less talk - more music" is always good IMHO. In contrast, The Rechords played a tight and energetic set that anyone with twitchy feet just had to dance to.
Unfortunately the space for dancing Saturday night was practically non-existent, with the dance floor consumed by those eager to simply watch the bands. Though this would not frustrate many Greazefest patrons, the issue highlighted the less successful elements of festival organisation. Saturday night was a fully populated event, including many apparent casual [and often less than considerate] participants, and space was at a premium. Understandably, the front of stage was prime viewing area. However, this placed the crowd not only on the dance floor, but also in front of the Hula Lounge. Drinks (and drunks) in transition from bar to stage were a hazard for all in attendance. Dancers and non-dancers alike were observed slipping in spilled drinks and/or knocked over by other patrons on several occasions.
Sunday
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| Cars, cars, and more cars... A motor enthusiasts dream day. |
No doubt about it, Sunday was all about the cars and shopping. The huge numbers of stalls provided plenty of opportunities to help empty your wallet, while the creativity and artistry of the cars on display would make even those most disinterested in automotive pursuits pause to appreciate and respect the work. Of course, while you wandered there was a variety of food and drink to enjoy and a full selection of bands playing on multiple stages. Unfortunately there is simply no way to be everywhere at once!
With the departure of the stalls and cars (not to mention the unruly children) later in the day, the Festival wound down to a very relaxed atmosphere of dedicated and enthusiastic participants. Sunday evening saw many of the same faces as Friday and Saturday night, the dance floor cleared for those so inclined, while others chilled out near the bar. Having been a warm afternoon, the atmosphere was certainly conducive to a few quite drinks with friends. Not that the party stopped: Psychobilly band The Sin & Tonics delivered a hard and fast set in the evening to help wrap up a great day. Those whose feet were not yet too tired from a day of walking and dancing got the chance to burn up whatever fuel was left in the tank - and many did.
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| The Sin & Tonics - hitting it full-on Sunday evening for the die-hards! |
For Rockabilly fans wanting a great weekend away, the Lucky 13th Greazefest should certainly be on your calendar for 2013. If you want the best accommodation we suggest booking now :)
