Events galore as Anywhere Festival returns

Three Redcliffe sisters known for their earthy sound and bohemian country style are set to entertain music lovers when they take to the stage as part of the upcoming Anywhere Festival.

The festival, which takes place across numerous dates in Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, is about taking performances away from traditional theatres and out to local streets, parks, community halls, urban spaces and businesses.

This year’s Anywhere Festival will be held in Moreton Bay from May 14 to June 5, featuring an array of live bands, musical theatre, contemporary dance, Shakespeare, circus acts, big bands, comedy and even costume making workshops.

Included in the lineup is Redcliffe’s own Vixens of Fall, featuring sisters Nina, Wren and Lulu.

The sisters have called Redcliffe home since they moved from Cairns to the Peninsula in 2001.

Speaking to Moreton Daily ahead of the festival, Nina says the band is excited to show off their unique style of music to the wider community.

“Our group is a combination of different types of music, which is not what you expect from a country music playing band,” Nina says.

“We like to classify ourselves as boho country rock because we don’t fit into an exact hole in the industry. Country music itself is such a huge umbrella, so us being boho country rock gives us the opportunity to find our own little niche.

“For example, we love classic country ladies like Dolly Parton, and we have an element of Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, and then there is the rock chicks inside us - my favourite band of all time is ACDC.

“It also comes down to the crux of the blues as well.

“When we were growing up, we got our musical education from our dad who showed us every realm of music, which is what we as a group like to explore.”

As part of the Anywhere Festival, the girls have combined their own unique songs with bush poetry.

“We will bring our own style of boho country rock, as well as bring in the Bush Poet Society so the audience can get a chance to experience what real Aussie outback poetry is like,” Nina says.

“Along with the glamorous Pin Up girls, it’s going to be a great show.”

The Pin Up parade is being coordinated by Lulu Divine. 

Topping the charts

Since their very first gig at the last Urban Country Music Festival in 2016, the trio has made a name for themselves in the country music world.

Following the success of their debut EP A Love Like Ours, they have released five singles in the last 18 months, have had chart success on Australian Country Radio, and reached number 1 on the iTunes Country charts.

The band will be living out one of their biggest dreams in April at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which is where they will perform before the Anywhere Festival in May.

“We have performed there before, but this year we will be singing on the main stage, which is so incredible for us,” Nina says.

“Even though it’s something we have always wanted to do, we can’t believe it’s coming true.”

The girls are also no strangers to the Moreton Bay music scene, having played weekly gigs at the Redcliffe Leagues Club before COVID hit.

“We looked forward to our Thursday and Saturday night shows so we could have a bit of a boogie with the folks of Redcliffe,” Nina says.

“Hopefully with COVID settling down, we can be out performing in the local area again very soon.”

Festival to bring joy after tough times

Councillor Jodie Shipway is encouraging residents to mark the Anywhere Festival events in their calendars, as there will be plenty of free and ticketed events which will bring life, joy and colour to the region.

“From circus to Shakespeare, contemporary dance to musical theatre, big bands to comedy, country hoedown to costume-making workshops, I’m sure locals and visitors alike will enjoy this program of dynamic and inspiring performances in community spaces, local businesses, private homes and beautiful green and blue places across our region,” Cr Shipway says.

“Designed to surprise and delight, this year’s program is bursting with talented local performers from Moreton Bay and beyond.

“With plenty of free events as well as reasonably priced ticketed shows, there is something for everyone. I can’t wait to get amongst it!”

With the region being heavily impacted by COVID and the recent floods, Cr Shipway says the events are sure to help people feel cheerful again.

“These last few weeks after the devastating floods have been really hard on our community and getting out to watch some amazing performances is something we could all use right now,” Cr Shipway says.

“It’s important we come together in our communities to enjoy one another’s company and to support our talented performing artists who’ve had a tough couple of years.”

Something for everyone

Anywhere Festival Founder and Artistic Director Paul Osuch says it’s not only crowds that enjoy the event, but also the many people who are passionate about their craft.

“Performers really love bringing shows to life in these unique locations, and audiences love the experience and the thrill of not quite knowing what they are going to get, so it’s a win-win,” Paul says.

The opening weekend on May 14-15 kicks off with a range of performances across the Peninsula at Redcliffe, Scarborough and Woody Point. Get your groove on with a dance flash mob in Bee Gees Way, sing your heart out to ABBA k-roke with Moreton Bay Big Band, or take part in the Pooch Parade with your furry friends.

May 21-22 will see the festival pop up around Strathpine and North Lakes. Check out free performances of Disappearing Acts by Vulcana Circus in Pine Rivers Park and Instant Romeo & Juliet by The Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble on the shores of Lake Eden.

The third weekend takes the festival north with a full day of programming at the Caboolture Hub and Town Square on Saturday, May 28, and performances in Morayfield, Burpengary and Bribie Island that night and on Sunday May 29. Head to the Monster Mash costume-making workshop, experience a contemporary dance installation with Emma Wilson Projects, pack a picnic on the grass and enjoy Moreton Youth Music Ensemble playing Andre Rieu, or Blue Tac’s punk-rock show for kids under 10 and their families.

Across the final week, the festival heads west to Dayboro and Samford with improv comedy at Ocean View Estates, Vixens of Fall at Dayboro and a jam-packed finale day in John Scott Park in Samford on Sunday, June 5.

The full list of events is now live and can be viewed on the Moreton Bay Anywhere Festival website.