The concert series that changed outdoor events forever – a day on the green – is about to celebrate its 500th show.
After 21 years, 1960 artist performances, 63,000 t-shirts, 172,000 stubby holders, more than four million punters and a billion memories… our favourite A Day On The Green is celebrating its 500th show with the legendary Crowded House at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong on November 19.
Ever since its beginning, back in a time when Steve Jobs had just started iTunes and winery concerts were the domain of classical acts or cover bands, A day on The Green has remained Australia’s premier outdoor winery concert event and has become a blueprint for how Australians experience music outdoors – cleverly curated musical line-ups, stunning venues and quality food and wine.
“It’s a remarkable milestone that a day on the green have reached. Congratulations – that’s a legacy to be proud of. We were there at 220 and now it’s our good fortune to be able to mark their special occasion, the big 500!!! We will be fully energised and singing our hearts out, under the stars with all the good folk on the Green,” says Crowded Houses’ Neil Finn ahead of the show.
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Michael and Anthea Newton started a day on the green out of their garage in Elwood, calling it a “Big Day Out for grown-ups”. The concept was simple – and remains the same 21 years later: good food, fine wine and great music in magnificent locations.
Roundhouse Entertainment later partnered with Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Group, a partnership that continues to this day with Michael’s son, Matt Gudinski.
“Doing shows in wineries was a unique concept when a day on the green first launched 21 years ago, so to have now hit 500 shows is an amazing feat,” Gudinski says.
“Credit to everyone involved in the journey which has seen some of the world’s greatest artists perform in truly amazing settings across Australia. There’s no slowing down and we’re looking forward to the next 500. Congratulations a day on the green!”
“It was an honour to walk side by side with MG on the journey, and our vision remains the same,” Roundhouse director Newton reflects. “Being a concert promoter is a tough gig, as everyone has realised in the past few years, but thanks to our loyal audience and our great team, we’re still going strong. And we’re still having fun.”
Since 2001, a day on the green has given regional communities around Australia a much-needed economic boost, injecting millions of dollars into local economies while bolstering tourism in the regions. a day on the green has played host to international superstars such as Fleetwood Mac, Robbie Williams, Elton John, Blondie, Florence + the Machine, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Sting, Leonard Cohen, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rod Stewart. And it helped pioneer homegrown line-ups to showcase iconic local legends including Archie Roach, Cold Chisel, Crowded House, INXS, Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Tina Arena, Kylie, Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly and Vika & Linda, as well as always promoting up-and-coming new talent, including the first outdoor shows by a young Missy Higgins.
The first a day on the green was at Mount Eliza’s Morning Star Estate on 26 January, 2001, with 1,800 people enjoying an all-Australian bill: James Morrison, Renée Geyer, Stephen Cummings and Rebecca Barnard & Shane O’Mara. “Everyone seemed to get the concept – that it was a day out, eating, drinking, hanging out with friends and enjoying the music,” recalls Newton. “It was an indicator that we were onto something.”
And who’s played the most a day on the green shows over the past 21 years? It’s Australia’s working-class man himself, the heart and soul of Australian rock & roll, JIMMY BARNES.
“I don’t know what’s more amazing, that a day on the green is about to do their 500th show, or that between my solo and Chisel gigs I’ve played the event 44 times over the last 21 years! Congratulations to all the team at a day on the green on reaching this huge milestone,” Barnes adds.
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Thanks to the long-term support of major partner AAMI, to mark this milestone a day on the green and AAMI are giving away 500 tickets to music fans around the country to experience a day of live music at upcoming shows in Geelong, Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Mount Cotton, Bowral and the Swan Valley.
Enter here now until 11.59pm AEDT Saturday 29 October. T&Cs apply*.
And to celebrate the 500th show, a selection of limited-edition souvenir wines will be on sale from Mt Duneed Estate to commemorate the event.
“We’re very excited that we’re getting to celebrate our 500th show with Crowded House, a band that means so much to Australians,” Michael Newton says. “And what a great line-up – Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone and The Waifs. We can’t wait!”
Often imitated, never bettered, a day on the green is turning 21, celebrating its 500th show – and looking to the future!
A Day on the Green’s 500th SHOW will see Crowded House with Angus & Julia Stone, The Waifs and Maistrato take to Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong on Saturday, November 19. You can buy tickets here.
