The program for Katoomba’s first Live and Local event has been released.
More than 180 performers, including large ensembles, will entertain from 12 locations at the free council-led event in the Katoomba CBD on Saturday, April 7.
The focal point will be Katoomba Civic Centre Arcade, where Big Beet will host indigenous performers including The Proxy (a three-piece alternative hip hop act) and Izzy & Zeadala (a Kamilaroi man with heartfelt lyrics and a powerful female vocalist).
Folk bluegrass duo Piccolo Bear, solo artist Jimmi Carr and the Bonniedoon Duo will be on at The Hatters Cafe. Wombat Crossing will appear at Aunty Jacks, followed by father and son Gary and James Daley, who are well-known local musicians appearing in a rare performance together.
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said: “This event, the first of its kind in the Blue Mountains, is shaping up to be truly momentous. We encourage the community to come along and enjoy the entertainment on the day.”
Gallery One88 will feature South American folk group Antu Kuyen, celtic group Reeling Rosies, folk duo Runcible Spoon and 16-year-old singer songwriter Kate Simpson. Platform Gallery will host nine-year-old Allegra, plus The Cleaning Ladies, Bruce Reid, Jo Williams, Voilla Choir and Michelle James.
St Canice’s Catholic School choir will perform alongside students from Lawson Our Lady of the Nativity. Katoomba High will have performances with ballads and jazz. Meanwhile, Kindlehill Sweet Singers will perform songs from various cultures.
Other participating venues include Baroque Room Junction 142, Rex-Livingston, Elephant Bean, The Food Co-op, plus two outdoor locations in the civic centre complex.
The festival opening will kick off at 2pm and acts will run until 8pm.
Event organiser/curator Meg Benson, of Music Hunter, said: “We thank the local businesses for their enthusiastic involvement in this event.
“We are happy with the diversity reflected in our program, especially that over 25 per cent of our performers are under 25 and 12 per cent are indigenous. There has been one change to our program due to artists moving out of the Mountains. Replacing Snez at Aunty Jacks is Nic Danta, a singer songwriter, who'll be performing with Felicity Tonks on Cello and Neill Duncan on drums and sax.”
Go to http://www.katoombaliveandlocal.com.au/ for the full program.