mossvale park

MOSSVALE PARK: Sunday January 6th.

A pleasurable 30 minute drive inland from the coast, on The Strzelecki Highway between Leongatha and Mirboo North is a splendid sheltered park: Mossvale Park. It is the home to the ‘Summer of Soul’. An outstanding day of live music featuring International and Australian bands. Whether sitting under one of the impressive old trees, or marquees or lazing on the lush lawns, picnic at the ready, it is a perfect way to begin 2013.

A wave is washing over the world of music, it began in New York and is spreading across the globe: The re-birth of the big band, powerful female leads and the cool of soul music. Headlining this ‘Summer of Soul’, from Atlanta, Georgia, USA will be Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings. Cooler than fashion and both sweeter and harder than all their contemporaries this is probably the world’s greatest, most authentic, most electrifying super soul revue. 
The dynamo out front – Ms Sharon Jones’ voice, never stronger, evokes at once the raw power of Tina Turner, the moaning soulfulness of Mavis Staples, the rhythmic swagger of James Brown, and the melodic command of Aretha Franklin. 
Steeped in the gilded and gritty sounds of gospel, soul, and funk, the nine-piece group continues to electrify fans, disc jockeys, critics, record collectors, and bloggers the world over with their heart-felt sound.

Fierce leading lady Clairy Browne and her harmonizing girl group, the Bangin’ Rackettes, have been tearing down the house at venues all over the country since 2009. The nine piece rhythm and blues big band will take you through the hard-hitting sounds of northern soul, jump blues, doo-wop, ska and gospel with influences ranging from Etta James, Tina Turner and Prince to D’Angelo and Salt n’ Peppa.

And if you’re yet to experience the sensation that is the swirling hurricane of unmitigated soul put forth by Saskwatch, then you’ve only got yourself to blame.

Not to let the girls steal the show we have Australian man of soul – Chris Wilson. Chris Wilson has been an essential part of the rock & soul music scene in Australia since taking the stage with the Sole Twisters over 20 yrs ago. Chris’ stage presence, voice and talent are all as big as the country he lives in. Chris Wilson is a master of his craft.

And what would a ‘Summer of Soul’ be here, near our wonderful beaches, without a touch of surf music: Surf Music, Spanish Style! Independently seeping into the ears of r’n’r lovers, 50s and 60s instrumental fans, filmmakers and tastemakers, Los Coronas have forged a name for themselves with their distinctive blend of surf-tinged atmospheric twang and their own Spanish musical heritage: from straight ahead surf rants to amazing Spanish flamenco and pasodoble excursions all reverbed out.

Steve Smyth, a troubadour with a soulful swagger, will open the day. Steven Smyth is one of those artists who draws you in even before you’ve heard him perform. There seems to be an energy that clings to him which reaps mystery and a deep, honest passion.

For more information and tickets go to Lyrebird’s website: www.lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au or buy tickets online through Oztix or at any of the local outlets: Gecko Studio Gallery, Fish Creek; Duck Hutt, Meeniyan; Main Street Revelations, Foster; Dear Antiques, Leongatha, Continental Drift, Mirboo North; Stockdale & Leggo, Inverloch, Upbeat Health & Wholefoods, Wonthaggi.

Children Under 14 are free and the venue is BYO but also has a great selection of local wine, ale, food and craft stalls. Car parking is free or book the bus leaving from Inverloch and Leongatha through Dyson Busses on 5662 2891. Gates open at 1pm, music begins at 3pm.