Saturday night at the Front went off! Opening the 2XX Fundraiser, Andi and George Band pulled big numbers. George was his usual bare-footed smiley self and Andi displaying her usual motherly presence looking over her band members with a big warm smile on her face! The band was exuberant and got the crowd dancing and cheering. Such a fun and jovial band, always enjoying each other’s antics with smiles a plenty. The front was absolutely packed with people spilling outside all around on the pavement. Next to follow was Heidi Gill which was a bit of a risk considering the exuberance and energy of the Andi and George Band. Heidi did well to follow with her sweet voice and acoustic guitar. She proved to be a very talented singer, songwriter with her clever songs, such as Hit and Run a political song about the army, but sung in such a beautiful, sweet way! It was a nice way to make us think!
Marrianne and Jonathon Mettes played next and were absolutely delightful. People stood entranced, lovers held hands and passers-by stopped and watched through the window. Marrian proved to be very talented with her strong voice and harmonica and guitar playing. Her voice, which is typically classic female sounding transformed well through their style of music into a contemporary and funky sound. Her voice a mix of Missy Higgins and Kasey Chambers and their music ranging from sweet lullaby to funky ‘get ya dancing shoes on!’ These guys were a crowd pleaser for sure! Tim Maloney was next up and he was the perfect recipe for warmth on a chilly autumn evening, with his grungy rock tunes and pleasant stage presence. Inflatable Ingrid finished the fundraiser and were a little misplaced in the small venue. Being a heavy-metal band they were so loud and blaring that many people walked outside hands covering their ears. In the right space they would be easier to listen to, but in such a small venue it was too loud and too intense. No reflection on their music, just not the best acoustics for them!
The Gadgo Family were there on the pavement outside of the front, their set up inviting and homely with a fire basket, tent and parasol. They kept the crowds outside entertained with hula hoop demonstrations! Elle also demonstrated her strength walking around with Pablo (a strong male) standing on her shoulders! Pablo described The Gadgo Family as an ‘act in development…in the experimental stage’ even so they were fabulously entertaining.
Overall the 2XX Fundraiser Youth Coalition event was a hit!! Well done to the organizers, 2XX and everyone else who was involved!!