Our Boogie journey began the way that all great adventures begin - trying to touch on an expired Myki at Southern Cross Station.
In what ended up being a totally game-changing move for us, we caught the train from Southern Cross to Tallarook. Usually rocking up to festivals with a tent, a sleeping bag and the wrong pair of shoes – packing light wasn’t an issue for us.
We got to Tallarook and hopped on the free shuttle bus that was waiting to collect us and the other punters who PT’d to BT’s farm – a totally refreshing journey for those of us who never got those 120 hours under their belt and are usually facing an awkward road trip from Melbourne squashed into your roommate’s sister’s boyfriend’s last unclaimed car seat.
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The first act of the festival set a buzzing and electric atmosphere as Airport 75 took to the stage to welcome us to Tallarook with some classic covers. Soon after, Harijuku’s pioneers of 80s jet rock Guitar Wolf stage dived headfirst into the crowd, stealing the show with their high energy, charismatic performance.
Girl and Girl have really been taking the indie scene by storm lately and it was a pleasure to see them live for the first time. With their hauntingly beautiful vocals and intricately intoxicating melodies, they were one of the highlights of the weekend for me and I’ve had their tracks on repeat since returning.
A part of the lineup that I have had my eyes on for a while was The Counterfeit’s Wild West Show. Covers of iconic spaghetti western soundtracks by an incredibly tight band were the perfect thing to soothe us on a rainy Friday, where they were joined by Freya Josephine Hollick (what a voice!). She absolutely stole the show with D’Jango and other iconic ballads.
Always an absolute delight to see live, Private Function really leant into the whole ‘it’s Easter Friday’ vibe. Bringing on the Easter Bunny himself – perhaps even more famous of a guest than Joanne – their eternally vibrant performance and high-octane stage presence kept us warm in the pit even though freezing rain was pelting directly into our retinas.
A delightful part of Boogie Festival was the intimacy of the festival; not only would you spot the same festival-goers over and over again, picking up conversation where you left it the day before but there were also a heap of delightful musicians hanging around. It was really lovely to have a beer with Danika, Saturday’s opening act, or to be able to tell Chris from Private Function that writing about their bizarre antics is always a highlight of the workday.
Saturday bought Boxwars – something I had heard a lot about in the lead to my inaugural Boogie, though I didn’t really understand what it was. Honestly, just thought it was going to be a couple of guys hitting each other with cardboard. So, imagine my surprise when we were greeted by the impressive craftsmanship of an entire Titanic made entirely of cardboard that descended on the crowd, after which it was promptly destroyed by people dressed up as icebergs.
There was even a proposal that took place over at the Boxwars stage, which was really sweet to see (she said yes). We celebrated soon after by eating our lunch on the hill overlooking the stage, serenaded by a karaoke-style rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody from a kid who was commandeering the DJ truck.
Sunday morning’s acts were the perfect sets to chill out with a blanket on the lawn to – The Collingwood Casanovas delighted and Queenie was a beautiful performer, bringing in the afternoon dappled sunlight through the clouds. As the mid afternoon rolled around, we were enthralled by the storytelling from Kankawa Nagarra.
As we crowded into the clubhouse for lunch catered by 1800 Lasagna, we were met with quite a different looking space to the once we were used to. With all evidence of last night’s karaoke gone (but not forgotten), the cosy wooden chalet was full of tables for everyone to gather over delicious food, Italian family dinner style.
The Dolly Parton Experience was as delightfully camp as it says on the tin – complete with towering wig and absurdly long lashes, Vanessa Wawruszak perfectly emulated the diamonte diva with radiant joy. Closing out the festival, mainstay of the Boogie Festival stage Andy Golledge wrapped up 16 joyous years by inviting choruses of previous acts to share the festival’s last moments with him.
Goodbye Boogie and thanks for all the lasagna.
