Set in the exposed coast of Victoria’s Apollo Bay, Winter Wild will light up the region with a host of musical and artistic productions across four weekends from Saturday July 1 until Sunday August 13.
From the bursting heat of a bushfire to the chilling cold of mid-Winter, Winter Wild is a celebration of the elements at their most extreme. Each weekend of the festival will focus on a distinct element: water, earth, air, fire – with musical performances, film screenings, artistic installations, and interactive events working together to explore and demonstrate the inspiration humanity takes from the elements.
The feature gigs of Winter Wild take place at the Mechanics Institute of Apollo Bay, costing $75 for a night of curated entertainment. In addition to The Mech gigs, there will be a diverse range of free events spread across the township for each weekend during the festival.
Water // Saturday July 1 – Sunday July 2
The Mech – Mick Turner Saturday July 1, 8pm // The Mechanics Institute
Come enjoy a respite from the elements at the oldest venue in ApolloBay as Mick Turner shapes the atmosphere of the evening. Coming to fame as part of Melbourne post rockers Dirty Three, Turner has been pursuing his solo project for two decades. He will be bringing his rolling, rambling guitar virtuosity that is sure to leave you spellbound. Turner will be playing alongside Melbourne six-piece The Sand Pebbles to accompany twin film screenings that celebrate the power of the ocean.
Catalina Saturday July 1, 2pm // Apollo Bay Newsagency
Local songstress Catalina will be spinning words through her delicate vocals while she paints a soundscape with her piano. Having recently released her debut EP, Catalina is working towards a full-length and showing promise as one of the region’s upcoming musicians. Come see the local talent raw and live as Catalina hits up the Apollo Bay Newsagency for a uniquely intimate gig.
Earth // Saturday July 15 – Sunday July 16
The Mech – Yumi Umiumare Saturday July 18, 8pm // The Mechanics Institute
Born in Japan and drawing inspiration from Japanese choreography and performative artforms, Yumi Umiumare relocated to Australia over two decades ago and has been developing her evocative artwork ever since. Umiumare has worked across the globe and used her artform to engage with diverse communities, drawing from such experiences to further develop her work. Umiumare will be opening the centrepiece gig of Winter Wild’s Earth weekend with a celebration of the diversity and creative power that Earth can bring.
Luke Legs Duo Saturday July 15, 9pm // Great Ocean Road Brewhouse
Known for his work as the mainstay of Geelong folk legends Luke Legs & the Midnight Specials, singer and multi-instrumentalist Luke Legs will be performing in duo format at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse. Situated in the hallmark pub of Apollo Bay, Legs’ gripping voice and fretwork on banjo and guitar will fill the cozy walls of the brewhouse with stories of his life and experiences. Having toured with the likes of Xavier Rudd and You Am I, Legs is sure to have some stories to tell.
Air // Saturday July 29 – Sunday July 30
The Mech – Horns of Leroy Saturday July 29, 8pm // The Mechanics Institute
The Mechanics Institute of Apollo Bay will be dominated by horns and air-powered instruments as Horns of Leroy take over for a celebration of the windiest of elements. The Horns of Leroy take inspiration from the street music stylings of brass bands across the deep south of the USA. Adapting the brass band in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, Horns of Leroy bring a powerful and spectacular performance that is sure to blow your hat off. The evening will also feature cabaret from Amy Bodossian and Spyndrift, so you can be sure you’ll walk away entertained.
Dog Watch – Emilie Zoey Baker Saturday July 29, 6pm // Apollo Bay Foreshore
The Dog Watch is a pivotal event throughout each weekend of Winter Wild, giving attendees a chance to gather and appreciate the ebb and flow of nature’s elements. Anything but predictable, the Dog Watch of Air’s weekend may feature a gale, a breeze or tranquillity. Make your way to Apollo Bay’s foreshore before venturing to one of the many gigs later in the evening.
Fire // Saturday August 12 – Sunday August 13
The Mech – Sui Zhen Saturday August 12, 8pm // The Mechanics Institute
Melbourne’s Sui Zhen has made a name for herself with her dreambeat experimentation and consistently strong musical output. She paints worlds ranging from ethereal to dystopian with her colourfully varied take on the pop artform. Constantly shifting and changing, Zhen is the element of fire encapsulated into musical format. Come listen to her as she plays at the final Mech performance of Winter Wild.
The WildWood Burning Saturday August 12 // Apollo Bay foreshore
The WildWood is the most direct representation of the fire which devastated ApolloBay and the surrounding region, and provides a space for catharsis and growth. An installation by local artist Finglesin, The WildWood will be up for all to see on the ApolloBay foreshore for the entirety of the Winter Wild festival. The festival’s closing ceremony will involve a burning of The WildWood – a showcase of the destructive power of fire, but also of the creative potential that follows.
