A massive congratulations to Premier Artists and The Bellarine Estate for putting on another stellar event.
Established in 1996, The Bellarine Estate, is a 100 acre property and one of the oldest wineries on the Bellarine Peninsula. Specialising in award winning cool-climate wines, you can drop in for a tasting or a meal in their onsite restaurant, offering a French provincial style menu.
How better can you compliment the vast greenery of a vineyard that occupies the northern slopes of the hills between Drysdale and Portarlington? By opening it’s doors to the creative minds of event organisers Premier Artists and MoonMother, that’s how.
Whoever came up with the idea of turning wineries into concert venues was pure genius.
With a lineup of Australian talent including Daryl Braithwaite, JR Reyne, The Chantoozies, Hassel and Lash 78, what better way to get yourself into the mood of Christmas.
Even strong winds, that at times broke branches of nearby trees didn’t deter the crowds enthusiasm at Saturdays event. At one point the winds were that strong, people shading under trees were asked to relocate to an open area as public safety became a strong concern for event organisers.
But the crowd were in a partying mood and the fun had only just begun.
Geelong’s very own Hassel was first up and she was teamed up as a duo with another Geelong resident Will Conway. As the pair began warming up the crowd, by midday the expected 29 degree temperature was starting to climb.
By the time the next performers Lash78 were ready to take the stage, everyone was seated and settled as the two girls pulled focus onto their performance.
If you hadn’t heard of JR Reyne before Saturday, you certainly would know him now. As many liken him to his famous father James, in my opinion, they are completely different. JR’s quick whit was a crowd pleaser, as was his command of his vocals and guitar playing. Where most rock musicians choose the traditional black t’shirt and pants, JR stood out way down the back of the vineyard in his all white attire.
The Chantoozies played a lot of their past hits, which got the crowd up and dancing and the band didn’t disappoint. I don’t think either of the girls have aged since the 80’s, still putting the same high energy performance they did back in the day.
But it was the appearance of Legendary Daryl Braithwaite that got everyone out of their seats and moving closer to the stage. We were entertained to past hits of his days with Sherbet, and his solo career. Performing at another venue not far from The Bellarine Estate was Daryls twin Glenn, who oddly enough is also a musician. But there was one song that they all wanted to hear, one song they all wanted to sing, and the one song that only Daryl can deliver, “Horses” but he made them wait for it.
Even though we are entering a time of celebration now that restrictions have eased, in a somber moment, Daryl Braithwaite chose to dedicate his final song “Horses” to the People of Tasmania, and those children who sadly passed away or are fighting for their lives in hospital due to a jumping castle tragedy earlier this week.
Daryl closed the event on a very high note, to the roar of a well quenched, well fed and appreciative audience.
Sadly most of my recorded interviews had to be canned due to very strong wind interference through the microphone.
But John a resident of Geelong who had already attended last weeks event with headline act Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks, said he was there with friends again, because he loved the warm atmosphere and sampling some of the local Queenscliff beer on offer.
When I asked John who he was here to see, he said he really enjoyed The Chantoozies, but Daryl Braithwaite was top of the list, because Daryl’s hit song Horses, was in fact the song John and his new wife chose as their wedding song. In case you missed it John, this ones for you….
Well the fun isn’t over just yet, The Bellarine Festival will take a break during christmas but will be back New Years Eve as Premier Artists have booked “The Black Sorrows” with Joe Camilleri and Darlinghurst. So get in early before all those tickets go……
Tickets now on sale: https://bit.ly/
Supporting The Black Sorrows.
All ages welcome.
Double vaccination required and proof is mandatory
Gates open at 12:00pm.
