Hope you’re ready for a great festival, cos I sure am!
We have a load of delicious musical food for your ears this year. WA festival favourites Dave Mann Collective, Toby and Code Red, and the Simon Kelly Band will get you moving on the dance floor at the main stage during the evening. For those who like the idea of chilled-out banjoey-fiddly-singing vibes, you’re in for a real treat delivered to you by the four hotshot young Melbournians that make up String Theory. Lemonwise are back again this year with their sweet singing, prodigious playing and fabulously fashionable frocks. We have the super ‘gypsy deathcore’ latin tango rockabilly craze of Melbourne’s Barons of Tang, who are sure to rock your socks off – dancing is inevitable! We have hit street theatre act Chipolatas, who will crank out a thrilling stage show to kick off your Saturday night after the Lantern Parade.
We have a swag of Youthopia newcomers at this festival, so do make them feel welcome: from WA we have manouche jazz guitar in the tradition of Django Reinhardt from Echoes of Django, the lovely voice of Carolann, and captivating original songs from Isabel Quigley and Prita (lots of girl power this year!). From the eastern states we have guitar wizardry from Daniel Champagne, foot-stomping grooves from Nathan Kaye, sweet and dreamy sounds from Elk Bell, and mesmerising singing and song-craft from Gilbert Whyte.
There’s plenty happening in the way of workshops for you to join in: Dave Mann and Toby are taking part in another music industry forum after the success of last year’s, Charlie Jones is back with even more ukulele craziness, and Andrew Winton will share techniques of his unique slide guitar style. Have fun with hand percussion with the Barons of Tang, learn didgeridoo and beatboxing with Nathan Kaye, and discover the whats and hows of loop pedals with Simon Kelly.
Of course, just because we’re a music festival doesn’t mean it’s all about the music: This year we’re continuing the renewed tradition of the Lantern Parade, even bigger and better with plenty of opportunities to join in. You can make a beautiful lantern with renowned lantern artist Bec Massey, make your own poi and learn how to use them with the zany Zap Circus crew, or make a crazy musical instrument from recycled materials with Mark Cain. It will all culminate in a spectacular display of light, movement and music with the parade on Saturday evening. The workshops for the parade have been funded by a grant from the Department of Culture and the Arts’ Young People and the Arts panel.
There is also tons more creative stuff happening in the Youth Craft Space to keep you busy, including felting, beading and body art – see the separate youth program sheet for details. And if you need a break from listening to the music or doing fiddly things with your hands, you can chill out with Yogateens, get dramatic with Theatresports, or make yourself something tasty (but healthy!) with the Go for 2 & 5 Youth Cooking Classes.
It’s going to be a fantastic weekend and there are so many things to do in Youthopia! So come on down, get into it and enjoy yourself!
Other Youthopia News
VOLUNTEERS WANTED - We are always looking for people who'd like to lend a hand and take part in making Youthopia happen, whether they're setting out chairs, helping in the craft tent, serving hot chocolate or helping pack up after the festival. If you'd like to volunteer at Youthopia during the festival, visit our volunteers page and you can apply online! It's fun, you can work for as little or as long as you like, and if you put in 6 hours or more, you may be eligible for a partial ticket refund.
GET INVOLVED OUTSIDE OF THE FESTIVAL - If you would like to get involved in helping plan Youthopia from year to year, make your voice heard as a festival patron and put your two cents in on the important decisions that are made, you can join the Youthopia Advisory Group. Anyone who has attended the festival at least once, and is between the ages of 12 and 25, is welcome to join. Communication happens via email, and we occasionally have meetings in the Perth metro area. If you would like to join the YAG, please email youth@fairbridgefestival.com.au.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AND MYSPACE - Youthopia is now on Facebook and Myspace! You can find us at
Join the group, and you can invite your Fairbridge friends to join. We post news and info about the upcoming festival, and you can also upload photos and video, start a conversation on the Discussion Board or write on our wall.
Cheers
Ruth Wise
Youth Program Director
Available documents (opens in new window):
Detailed Youthopia Program
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