Allison O'Donoghue. Editor. Journalist. Travel Writer. Blogger. ABN: 49 619 105 040: WOMADelaide 2014

Friday, March 21, 2014

WOMADelaide 2014 - Day 2.

WOMADelaide 2014

DAY 2.

Saturday. March 8th.

I was hammered after the best Opening Night I've attended thus far. All that jazz, funk and soul was very satisfying but I couldn't drag myself out of bed, so I slept in until absolutely necessary. I pulled the late shift today which gave me plenty of time to amble around and take in the sights, smells and sounds of WOMADelaide. I was sceptical when first attended this music festival 8 years ago. I suppose after living and working in Sydney for 25 years I didn't think it would be that great. I had preconceived ideas of what it would be like, full of oldies or hippies, not that there's anything wrong with oldies or hippies. However, after about 10 minutes my cynicism vanished completely, I loved the fantastic vibe even though it was a horrid hot long weekend - 4 days over 40 degrees of unrelenting heat. The organisers were well prepared for the trying conditions, providing free water and mist tents to cool you down. Neat idea. I'm now a convert. Like all the die hard fans who never miss a year, and come fully prepared with tents, chairs, food etc, rushing to secure their spots, I'm now one of them. I've missed a few festivals due to other commitments but endeavour to get there every year. I'm constantly singing the praises of WOMADelaide and forever trying to convince my interstate mates to come over for the long weekend.

Holy Cow Cafe.

Vendors quarter.

Lounging around.

I reviewed the festival once for a Sydney paper, and haven't been able to interest anyone since. They say things like, "We have lovely festivals here (Syd/Melb)" or "The artists all visit (Syd/ Melb) anyway, so we don't really need a review". Which is a bit of an issue, as it means that it's not exclusive if they play interstate, and not a lot of incentive for interstate mags/papers to cover the event. I understand that artists have travelled a long way for this gig, so it makes sense that they want to make the most of it by performing at many venues within the country as they can, but it doesn't make it exclusive. Interesting then that both Sydney and Melbourne have put in bids to move the festival interstate. Why? If they have such "lovely festivals" why do they need another? From what I hear the bid was pretty pathetic $5 million. Really? Thankfully, Adelaide has won it for another 5 years, and hopefully forever. Why move it when its such a huge success?

Stage SC7.

Setting up camp.

Main Stage.

I managed to catch Osaka Monaurail from Japan and what a treat. It was the theme music to Shaft that got my attention. When I think jazz, Japan doesn't spring to mind, so it was a great surprise to stop and listen to these dudes pay homage to James Brown et el. Osaka Monaurail have been going for 20 years and toured North America for the first time in 2012 and now they're here. They are a funky 8-piece orchestra with lead singer Ryo Nakata hitting the high notes and dropping to his knees al la James Brown. I was waiting for him to don the cape and do the whole high camp, feigning exhaustion, "I can't go on" routine that JB was famous for but that didn't happen. Ryo did a couple of impressive splits and spins, while belting out soulful tunes, while the band played a very tight set of funky, soul drenched satisfying numbers. I was sold when they did the Peter Gunn theme. Its such a great number. Come back again boys.

The bands 3-piece suits and stetson hats were making me feel very hot. The sun had a bit of bite to it and forgot my hat, so I headed for the food quarter and to check out what was on offer. After perusing the many stalls, I decided on a plate of vegan food for $15 - kofka balls, veggie curry with royal rice and halva dessert. Delicious. Entree, main and dessert all on one plate. Bargain. Very tasty and filling.

Vegan meal.

Wendy & Ray.

Veteran festival goers Wendy & Ray allowed me to sit on a spare chair under the shade of a massive Morton Bay Fig to eat my meal. They've been coming to WOMAD for 12 years and have seen it evolve overtime. They love "people watching" and so do I, its such a great past time. And just when you thought you'd seen it all, along comes a fairy to read your future from the bottom of a cupcake. All a bit of mindless, harmless fun.

Cupcake fairy.

I finished late, so missed Arrested Development, damn it, they were pretty good apparently. I needed a hot shower and cup of tea. I know, tragic. It's the my idea of heaven after a long day. Back tomorrow.