Mardi Gras Fair Day - Just Off Stage

Feature, By dreadcircus, 19th February, 2008

The morning of Fair Day looked bleak when I awoke. Everybody had spent the days leading up to the event sending out positive vibes, hoping for a sunny day. Thankfully as the morning broke slowly the clouds began to move on. I arrived at 10am, collected our band backstage passes and media passes with minimum fuss. The Mardi Gras volunteers were fab as per usual – the stage was set for an awesome day.

Penny Clifford opened the morning shift as host and GI Jode was the first performer for the day on the main stage. Her chilled beats pumped out setting the scene perfectly as the crowds slowly began to filter though. The first group to hit the stage at 11am was Brett Every and his backing band. Sadly the sound wasn’t the best for them, being the first live band is always difficult as the sound guys are still finding their way. Brett’s music is quite calming and a small crowd of onlookers really enjoyed the tunes.

Next on stage was the Slippery When Wet fashion parade and don’t us GLBTQ people just love a fashion parade! The crowd virtually swarmed from nowhere to catch a glimpse of the outfits, as well as the hot bodies wearing the outfits! Once the hotties left Mardi Gras Chair Marcus Bourget and Lord Mayor Clover Moore officially welcomed everybody to Fair Day.

The divine Maxi Shield took over hosting the stage next. The lovely Cosima De Vito, who was brilliant, then treated us to a very short two number show, which left the crowd wanting more. Next up was Sydney lesbian acoustic duo She Is. Once again they were riddled with sound problems but boy can these two girls play great music. I’m always blown away when I see them perform.

By the time Sandy Bottom got onstage the crowd was really starting to pour in and the sun was shining brightly. Sandy performs at the Taxi Club frequently and her live singing drag show was very Australiana. I heard most of her performance from backstage, as my band DreadCircus were up next and we were preparing our gear.

We had a blast up on the main stage. The sound was awesome and it was super to see so many people jumping around to our tunes. Being our first Fair Day – and hopefully not our last – this show for me will definitely never be forgotten. Our drummer Lauren was privileged enough to perform in three bands on the main stage, what a legend!

The NSW Police band followed us and let me tell you these cops sure know how to rock. The performed a blistering set of covers which really continued on from our rock set and was the perfect pick me up to get the crowd involved. I caught up with the Police Band afterwards trying to lavish them with praise in hopes they would disregard any outstanding fines I had. Sadly this did not work.

2pm and another host changeover – this time we were graced with the delightful Shauna Jensen who jumped straight into presenting the mesmerising Sonia and Disappear Fear. Wow, what an inspiring woman Sonia truly is. Her music was beautiful and thought provoking – it was so awesome to see and hear her performance and witness the effect it had on the captive audience.

Around this time I took a break from the main stage to actually enjoy my first beverage for the day. The beer was gross but thankfully the vodka was there to keep spirits high. I also took a look at all the stalls, caught up with new and old friends and grabbed a bite to eat before heading over to the Dog Show to check out all the gorgeous puppies and their owners. There was so much going on at Fair Day this year, it became increasingly hard to be in all of the places at once. So unfortunately I missed some of the acts but heard they were great.

The next act I witnessed on the main stage was Robbie Antonio and his dancers. Robbie is quite young and his music really isn’t my thing, although I must say his dancers reminded me of Solid Gold, often uncoordinated but definitely up and coming.

It was then time to swan on down to the Broadway stage to catch a couple of shows. Kylie Fisher was performing as I arrived. Her voice was sweet and soothing and her cover of Dido’s Thankyou was beautiful. Maxine Kauter hit the stage next and hell can this girl tear it up. Her backing band played tight and the crowd really appreciated her music. Maxine is definitely a young lady to check out around Sydney.

In stark contrast to Maxine’s music was the fabulous Glace Chase. Oh my god this young man is funny. I’m not sure how the crowd responded to his over the top comedy and extreme covers of popular music, but we caught up with Glace after his show to get his reactions. Personally, I thought it was hilarious and exactly what Mardi Gras is about – expression, free speech and of course, it’s totally gay. Due to Fair Day being a family event maybe some parents didn’t agree.

After a quick bolt back over to the main stage I was very thankful to have caught Melissa Tkautz. This girl is still an amazing performer and just gets hotter with age. The crowd loved her as she whizzed through new and old material. She had the jam-packed crowd salivating.

It had been a full on day – by the time I left the park my feet were killing me, but the crowds were still jumping around the main stage until the music and the alcohol ran dry. The madness continued afterward at the Bank Hotel in Newtown and the wicked after party took over until they closed the doors at midnight.

What a fantastic day. It’s a credit to the organisers, performers, vendors, volunteers and the crowds, which continue to flock to our diverse and amazing Mardi Gras Fair Day. Thankyou to every artist who gave up their time to be a part of not only our video, but our Fair Day.

Happy 30th Mardi Gras! Here’s to many more to come!

Check out our gorgeous Fair Day galleries right here.

How was your Fair Day? Tell us all about it in the forums.

Video by Forteetu.

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