MOOMBA FESTIVAL
When: March 9-12
Where: Concerts at Alexandra
Gardens and Birrarung Marr Park
Preview: Annie Koiker
MOOMBA is usually known as a visual spectacle – think the gaudy floats of the parade or the crazy costumes in the Birdman Rally. But there are plenty of treats for the ears at Melbourne’s much loved festival this year.
First time Moomba performer Josh Pyke will headline the main stage, alongside the Panics, Tex Perkins, Daryl Braithwaite and many more.
At least 100 Australian artists and acts will perform over 40 hours of free concerts to audiences along the Yarra, and at Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr.
It’s an honor Pyke is thrilled to be a part of. “Moomba is looking like a really cool festival to play,” he says. “I like that they’ve got more contemporary events.”
Pyke first hit the music scene in 2005 and has released three full-length albums, more than a dozen singles and picked up an ARIA award for best adult contemporary album in 2007.
He recently finished up a solo tour around the country, celebrating the release of his latest album Only Sparrows.
Pyke has been widely noted for his honest approach to music and vivid storytelling abilities. “The lyrics for my songs just come about from observations and experiences that trickle into my subconscious somewhere along the line,” he says.
Pyke’s pleased with the family feel and variety of entertainment at the festival, giving Australia’s favourites and up and comers alike the chance to shine in front of live audiences.
Moomba’s Beats Stage will host a diverse range of acts, from the larger-than-life emcee Eloji to genre-infused lovechild Animaux. The popular Silent Disco will take over as the sun goes down, feeding sounds from a variety of DJ’s directly through to wireless headphones.
Festival organisers are particularly excited about the Cultural Quarter, where attendees can hear the latest international sounds, from artists such as Sunshine Sisters, Mandre Monte, Afro Mandinko and more.
Moomba wouldn’t be complete without its marching bands, baton twirlers, cheerleaders and buskers adding to the ambience.
As always, crowds can look forward to traditional favourites such as the hilarious Birdman Rally and the parade – which was attended by an estimated 10,000 people last year.
