“It’s really fascinating. We had Lionel Richie at A Day on The Green, and the amount of 20-year-olds in the audience was unbelievable. Same with Fleetwood Mac, I was really staggered. There were heaps and heaps of people well under 30. Maybe it’s because those artists still get played on the radio, maybe they’re getting it from their parents. But a good song is a good song at the end of the day. And Lionel Ritchie, Farnham, all those bands, Fleetwood Mac, they’ve written unbelievably good songs, and they’re incredible when they play live.”
The surprise of the promoter of the event, Roundhouse Entertainment’s Mick Newton at this phenomena comes from the fact the event was original started with an older audience, and older artists missing out on spots at events like Big Day Out in mind.
“It was about presenting slightly older artists in a different way, in a way that’d appeal to people who wanted to see them. That audience doesn’t necessarily want to go out to a pub or a club and wait til 11 at night to see an artist come on.”
Though, with the successful format of A Day on the Green tied to a winery environment, the kinds of venues possible to be used for the shows were rather restricted. But when the ex-agent and his team were approached about putting on shows at the Royal Botanic Gardens, the idea of A Weekend in the Gardens was born.
“I can’t count the amount of times we’ve said no to venues that were quite good, but weren’t wineries. The gardens, it’s too good to say no to. The Royal Botanic Gardens are iconic.
“The idea of doing three shows in a row isn’t something we usually do, there are a lot of advantages in that. It was too good an idea to pass up. If we didn’t do it, someone else would’ve. I live around the corner from the botanic gardens, and it’s such a beautiful spot.”
The three day event boasts a hugely impressive lineup, featuring the likes of Icehouse, Boy and Bear, San Cisco, and of course, John Farnham.
“The group we’ve got together is a little bit different each night, and the lineups are strong in their own right. Any of those bills would do well in any atmosphere in Melbourne. But putting them in the garden will add something above the inherent bill. It will attract people to each of the nights, on top of how good the acts are.”
More than music, a major component of the Weekend is The Eatery, a mass area on site filled with some of the best food and drink you can find. Featuring Ladro, Jardin Tan restaurant, Burn City Smokers, and The Royale Brothers, to name a few, the event will also feature a cocktail bar inspired by native plants, elegantly complementing the gardens.
“Music, food and wine go hand in hand. Everyone eats and drinks and listens to music everyday. Have a BBQ at home, you’ve got food, booze, music, at dinner parties, you’ve got music. Food is such an important part of [the event].”
Australia’s summer festival scene has become smaller in recent times, but A Weekend in the Gardens is bucking the trend and starting afresh. Although Newton’s promotional success has been organic, it’s anything but effortless.
“Looking back on it, I don’t know if I’d do it again, it’s a lot of work. But we’re here now.
“It’s a lot of work to put it on, but when you see it happening, when people are there enjoying it, you’ve got a really nice day in a winery, and people are enjoying the show, of course that’s the best part.”
By Claire Varley
