Excellently, the 2010 Darebin Music Feast played host to an intimate all ages show
Excellently, the 2010 Darebin Music Feast played host to an intimate all ages show at the Northcote Town Hall, featuring Washington and The Vasco Era. This unique – it’s not often you get to see these two pair up – all ages event was organised as part of the FReeZA program, by the City of Darebin’s youth music committee – Bump In The Night Productions, and held as part of the state-wide FReeZACentral Music Industry Workshops program.
Washington had sold out a staggering five shows at the Corner Hotel as part of her I Believe You Liar national tour, breaking the record for the most tickets sold in a single tour rolling through the venue, and has just been announced as a nominee for a J Award for Best Australian Album of the Year. All of which means it wasn’t surprising in the least that so many people flocked to the Northcote Town Hall to hear a glimpse of a performer that has won over so many fans with her nymph-like, jazz-honed voice.
In this setting, Megan Washington played without her band, proving that she has the ability to hold the stage on her own. Performing piano renditions of her quirky and smart pop tunes, Washington cracked jokes, chatted to the audience, and shared stories between songs, more than often laughing at herself. She performed most songs of the acclaimed I Believe You Liar record, including Plastic Bag, The Hardest Part and Rich Kids, as well as an amazing cover of Silverchair’s Straight Lines, ending her set with Cement.
In complete contrast – and also known for the odd amazing cover – The Vasco Era opened up their set with a very loud and rocking rendition of a Jimmy Hendrix number in tribute to the 40th anniversary of the guitar legends death. All of their eccentricities intact and fresh from supporting Powderfinger the week prior, the boys delivered a very octane-fuelled and noisy set.
Recently releasing the quasi-concept album Lucille, they played a mixture of songs from the record including, For No One, Oh Sam and I Am The Chosen Vessel. Jumping around the stage and generating some foot stomping rock and roll, they allowed patrons onto the stage to sing along to the crowd favourite Honey Bee.
For only $10 this gig was well worth more than its value and an invaluable opportunity for fans to get close and personal with two of our finest up and coming artists. After a show like this, it’s hard not to be excited about the prospects of Australian music. Here is hoping for more all ages gigs such as this one in the near future.
