Anne WidjajaYour guide to Summer Festivals: The Do's and Dont's
November 20th 2009 04:00
It's that time of year again. Get out your denim cut off short shorts, the knock off ray bans you got from china town for 5 dollars, embrace your inner jerk and you'll fit right in. Don't get me wrong, it is a joyous season where finally! some of the best international acts make the giant trek down to see us, and you know its a rare event because they constantly have to remind us that we (and they) are in fact in Australia, repeating statements like: "Ozzztrraayylliiiaaaa is great/are you glad to see us/you guys are awesome/knows how to party". So here is a guide to some of the best festivals around this summer, and festival etiquette tips that will get you through the day unscathed.
THE BIG DAY OUT
Its the mother of all Australian music festivals, and yeah it's big. Expect massive massive crowds and various forms of invasion of your space; rides; and ridiculous, and at the same time potentially awesome concept stalls like: the silent disco and the one that sells pure oxygen tanks (?!?).
Acts to watch out for (other than Muse):
The Horrors
A band who is safely on the borders of the goth rock category. Enjoy the black without risking your life. Outsiders welcomed.
Passion Pit
"Awesome! Yeah, this is awesome!" You'll insightfully cry during this delightful blend of sprawling pop and synth. Upbeat, happy times will ensue.
The Temper Trap
What? They're Australian? This soulful gem of alternative rock have been touring the UK for so long we often forget that they're brilliantly crafted pop tunes originated in this very country. A voice that soars to the heavens and takes you with it. Riffs that will get you swaying every swayable limb. A great choice for a nice break from the mayhem of BDO.
Dont's:
- Bring as few valuables as you possible can.
- Don't get stuck in the middle of the mosh at the main stage. Unless you enjoy being so squashed you're unsure where your left arm is amongst the crowd.
- Don't wear uncomfortable footwear
Do:
- Talk to friendly randoms
- Organise you're day so you have time to check out the other bizarre stuff that's bound to be going down.
- Wear clothes.
- Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen!
Tickets? Enter the ballot for both shows and you have a decent chance of getting ticket for about $150 to sold out shows. Go to www.bigdayout.com
ST JEROME'S LANEWAY FESTIVAL
It doesn't get much more indie than a festival in a laneway. Born in Melbourne, this year's lineup is objectively excellent. Expect purist alternative types and a more relaxed and subtly drunk crowd than at BDO.
Acts to watch out for:
Florence and the Machine
Exciting and well rounded melodies that will be delivered with serious panache and exuberance. Florence has powerhouse vocals so expect to get seriously lit up for her first Australian show.
Echo and the Bunnymen
With sadly more demure hair, this 80s post punk sensation is back for more. Still as sharp as ever you'll be able to recognise their songs by their striking resemblence to great acts such as Arcarde Fire and Interpol. They're serious classics. Cultural cred will be sure to rise post this unmissable performance.
Dont's:
- Spend the whole time trying to take arty photos - there will be a few proffesionals around so grab them.
- Be too concerned about dressing well. Really. It's still a festival and someone will spill beer on you.
Do:
- Constantly say "this is so cultural. we're in a laneway!"
- Enjoy the laid back crowd
- Stake out a good view - laneways are unsuprisingly narrow.
Tickets? Are still available at $112 bf. Go to: sydney.lanewayfestival.com.au
SYDNEY FESTIVAL FIRST NIGHT
It's free. And it's probably the most varied amount of culture you'll ever witness in Sydney all year. Expect massive crowds of all ages (it's FREE! go figure) and some unique acts from all around the world.
Acts to watch out for (other than Al freaking Green):
Bobby Singh and Friends
Australia's best taba player (an "Indian percussion instrument" according to google) and Bobby Singh's friends will be performing. When your friends include Jeff Lang and other worldy bands with worldly long names you've got a winner. A great spectacular of percussive, traditional, and modern world music.
The Manganiyar Seduction
Musicians from the Thar Desert of Rajasthan sitting in individual compartments which were modelled after Amsterdam's red light district. If that description was confusing than you'll have to go to see what I'm talking about. An exotic visual spectacle not to be missed! (Unless you want to pay fourty dollars to see them at the Seymour Centre.)
Dont's:
- Go with people who wouldn't appreciate the music
Do:
- Go really early and bring as many people as possible to mind a good spot.
- Be open minded to all sorts of music.
- Bring a fun picnic basket.
- Get amongst it.
Tickets? LIke I said, it's FREEEEEEE
Stay safe kids and enjoy your summer.
THE BIG DAY OUT
Its the mother of all Australian music festivals, and yeah it's big. Expect massive massive crowds and various forms of invasion of your space; rides; and ridiculous, and at the same time potentially awesome concept stalls like: the silent disco and the one that sells pure oxygen tanks (?!?).
Acts to watch out for (other than Muse):
The Horrors
A band who is safely on the borders of the goth rock category. Enjoy the black without risking your life. Outsiders welcomed.
Passion Pit
"Awesome! Yeah, this is awesome!" You'll insightfully cry during this delightful blend of sprawling pop and synth. Upbeat, happy times will ensue.
The Temper Trap
Dont's:
- Bring as few valuables as you possible can.
- Don't get stuck in the middle of the mosh at the main stage. Unless you enjoy being so squashed you're unsure where your left arm is amongst the crowd.
- Don't wear uncomfortable footwear
Do:
- Talk to friendly randoms
- Organise you're day so you have time to check out the other bizarre stuff that's bound to be going down.
- Wear clothes.
- Drink lots of water and wear sunscreen!
Tickets? Enter the ballot for both shows and you have a decent chance of getting ticket for about $150 to sold out shows. Go to www.bigdayout.com
ST JEROME'S LANEWAY FESTIVAL
It doesn't get much more indie than a festival in a laneway. Born in Melbourne, this year's lineup is objectively excellent. Expect purist alternative types and a more relaxed and subtly drunk crowd than at BDO.
Acts to watch out for:
Florence and the Machine
Exciting and well rounded melodies that will be delivered with serious panache and exuberance. Florence has powerhouse vocals so expect to get seriously lit up for her first Australian show.
Echo and the Bunnymen
With sadly more demure hair, this 80s post punk sensation is back for more. Still as sharp as ever you'll be able to recognise their songs by their striking resemblence to great acts such as Arcarde Fire and Interpol. They're serious classics. Cultural cred will be sure to rise post this unmissable performance.
Dont's:
- Spend the whole time trying to take arty photos - there will be a few proffesionals around so grab them.
- Be too concerned about dressing well. Really. It's still a festival and someone will spill beer on you.
Do:
- Constantly say "this is so cultural. we're in a laneway!"
- Enjoy the laid back crowd
- Stake out a good view - laneways are unsuprisingly narrow.
Tickets? Are still available at $112 bf. Go to: sydney.lanewayfestival.com.au
SYDNEY FESTIVAL FIRST NIGHT
It's free. And it's probably the most varied amount of culture you'll ever witness in Sydney all year. Expect massive crowds of all ages (it's FREE! go figure) and some unique acts from all around the world.
Acts to watch out for (other than Al freaking Green):
Bobby Singh and Friends
Australia's best taba player (an "Indian percussion instrument" according to google) and Bobby Singh's friends will be performing. When your friends include Jeff Lang and other worldy bands with worldly long names you've got a winner. A great spectacular of percussive, traditional, and modern world music.
The Manganiyar Seduction
Musicians from the Thar Desert of Rajasthan sitting in individual compartments which were modelled after Amsterdam's red light district. If that description was confusing than you'll have to go to see what I'm talking about. An exotic visual spectacle not to be missed! (Unless you want to pay fourty dollars to see them at the Seymour Centre.)
Dont's:
- Go with people who wouldn't appreciate the music
Do:
- Go really early and bring as many people as possible to mind a good spot.
- Be open minded to all sorts of music.
- Bring a fun picnic basket.
- Get amongst it.
Tickets? LIke I said, it's FREEEEEEE
Stay safe kids and enjoy your summer.
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