After Friday’s shenanigans at Adelaide’s Beer and BBQ Festival, things settled down a touch for the Saturday sessions. Whether it was the rain, the Crows game next door, or something else, numbers were down compared to the night before. Which made navigating the event easier, but there is something to be said for squeezing through a crowd only to bump into an old friend.
The afternoon activities included Riot City Wrestling and the Beer Bod Wet T-shirt contest. Bands were back in the evening, which is where our story begins. Adelaide folk collective Bromham opened proceedings with their raucous and uplifting sounds. Melbourne all-girl punk act Public Figures were up next, delivering explosive, infectious energy.
Meanwhile, fire pits warmed up the food court, which was much easier to navigate than Friday. With room to move, one could wander the upper levels of the grandstands and discover even more food, drink and artisan offerings. More people seemed to discover the Secret Pickle bar, with Kirin J Callinan filling the room. His audience interaction hit next level at the end of his show, when he stripped down to his kilt, before donning what can only be described as a super-extended penis, which was fed into the audience. Something to remember.
Back on the main stage, Sydney duo Party Dozen were an exciting addition to the lineup. Saxophonist Kirsty Tickle and drummer Jonathan Boulet are able to bend sounds that is both experimental and captivating. How Tickle uses the saxophone is something that needs to be seen to be believed.
Next up, Sydney hardcore punk band SPEED, led by vocalist Jem Slow, blew away any lingering showers that had been hanging about. Their enthusiasm, energy and powerful light show made punters stand up and take notice. Their addition to the lineup showed that the music was as eclectic as some of the beers on tap.
As a contrast, rock royalty Tim Rogers played to a packed room upstairs at the Secret Pickle. Accompanied by bass player, Rogers tapped into his exhaustive back catalogue, including several You Am I songs.
Closing off the main stage, Tropical Fuck Storm were sublime. The Melbourne group, formed by Gareth Liddiard and Fiona Kitschin from The Drones, are renowned for their genre-bending, anarchic sound. They present an explosive mix of snarling guitars, with the right level of anarchy and chaos that drives a solid wall of sound.
Overall, the Beer and BBQ Festival has taken a bold step in moving to the Drive, but doubtlessly will learn from the experience and come back next year, bigger and bolder than ever. Check out their website for more details.
Photos by John Goodridge, including the gallery below:
