The Kuranda Motorcycle Festival, now in it’s 7th year is not only about beautiful two-wheeled freedom machines. There has always been a big musical component to it, with many fine local, interstate and international musicians entertaining the crowds. This year will be no exception with 22 very diverse acts spread across two days and with the tag line -Rock this Country Blue. Event organisers Jake Pelling and Carl Neal’s concept is to showcase rock music on the first day in conjunction with the motorbike expo. The second day features country and blues. They plan to expand the festival to three days next year with an eye to some international acts.
Saturday’s musical feast starts at 2 in afternoon and goes to 2 in the morning. Whew. Jetting in from down south, heavy metal freaks Heaven the Axe headline, coming on at 8.30pm. They’re keen as, with some new songs to play for the very first time at the festival. Read Kris Peters great Sept. 20th interview with them on this site for their full story. The intriguing Mr. Smith, emerging from the funky love tank and the punky hi-energy No Hype are on before the head liners along with Great Balls of Steele, an act that sees some serious muso’s channelling Jerry Lee Lewis most mesmerisingly. After the head liners more heavy rock mayhem will provided by NQ bands including the mighty Sworf, Hexus, Kritterz and Snake Oyl. Yea metalistas -head banging heaven awaits!
On the Sunday things start off a lot mellower with country, bluegrass and blues artists throughout the day. Amongst the fifteen artists performing there’s an acoustic set from Phoebe and Steve of Heaven The Axe at 4.30 pm and up and coming Cairns alt.country soultress Leanne Tennant who has her well received debut album to play. Kurandarites Blue Grass Honey and Rebeka Rain will be playing their very original originals and local legend Carinda Christie will light up the stage with her own brand of indie rock and folky blues. Jade Holland takes us to her beautiful country and Medicine Man and Mareeba’s own Careless featuring Collen Sheppard keep it sweet.
Then at 10.30 pm the axe will fall again with No Hype and then Heaven the Axe doing it to us all over again! This late night rev-up of high energy mayhem and thrills will make a perfect finish to this two day event. Be sure to have a few stamina drinks during the day!
As a venue The Billabong is most sweet with lush grassy lawns, big open plan bar and eating area, a lilly filled lake and ample parking and camping. It’s fully licensed til late and food will be available As well as all the music there’s a fashion show of local talent, kid’s activities, the hotly contested Motorbike awards, a tug of war and some crazy stuff that has to be seen to be believed. With a $20 ticket price for BOTH days, including free camping, it all starts to look like a pretty good value weekend of fun.
Gawain Barker
7th Kuranda Motorbike Festival. 4Th & 5th October. The Billabong 186 Mt .Haren Road, Kuranda
$20 admission for both days includes free camping.
http://www.thebillabong.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175778395809936/
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