RTR Radiothon Opening Party @Bakery, Perth (20/08/11)

Sun 21st Aug, 2011 in Gig Reviews

RTRfm’s Radiothon Opening Party kicked off the celebrations on the good ship Radiothon for another year with something for everyone in the crowd filling the dance floor. Radiothon is the yearly drive for subscriptions from Perth listeners who keep the independent radio station afloat, and have their say in the programs that get renewed for another year, by nominating the one they love the most.

The choice of venue was the Bakery Artrage complex- and a good choice it was too. The Bakery is hip and spacious but small enough to create a community feeling amongst the party goers and reminded us all what RTR is all about; great local music.

As with all things RTR, the night’s entertainment was eclectic. Featuring live bands, DJ’s spinning tunes, a contemporary ballet performance, live street art and even a Radiothon photo booth.

The main stage was set off by the colourful and creative visuals from VJs Carlos Rockets & Steve Ninja which set the perfect atmosphere for the sets that were to follow, introduced by a funny and energetic young MC.

Drop Macumba provided a thumping beat and raw indie vocals. Although initially not gathering excessive enthusiasm from the crowd (the night was still young after all), they set a rocking pace for the bands to follow.

Carl Fox was then met with enthusiastic cheers and played songs from their album Chunky Rainbow. Described by the MC as “twee electro indie pop”, they managed to get the crowd moving along. NAIK and the Community Collab Band continued the theme of indie electro pop with NAIK pulling some impressive moves on the guitar and the Community Collab Band shaking the roof with powerful vocals.

Spinning tunes on the wheels of steel were the Underground Sound Solution Crew, Cut & Paste Soundsystem, Ben M and Sibalance. Sibalance proved the most outstanding. Mixing electro and house music with the skill of a pro, he managed to create an exciting and fun set.

Perhaps unexpected, but certainly very cool, was the contemporary dance piece by Will Banks of the WA Ballet Company. The emcee proudly announced that Banks’ piece was voted the best dance performance by the people of Perth in a Facebook contest. The piece’s theme was consumerism and the lengths people will go to for fashion. His impressive and inventive choreography and excellent choice of music once again highlighted the huge amount of talent that exists in Perth in all areas of the arts.

Another exciting touch was the live art that was happening in the carpark outside the Bakery by Craigie Tales artists, Aerial Silks. The beautiful and thoughtful pieces drew a fascinated crowd who watched art being created live and ultimately sold off in a silent auction.

The night was a huge success, with a well chosen venue and super-organised team who made sure everything ran smoothly. A large crowd of all ages (not just the young and attractive) showed up to provide support for RTR’s valuable work. Local artists of all genres showcased their talents and provided support and inspiration for other budding young artists who want to break into the industry. The community feeling showed that once again, RTR is not alone.

You can subscribe to RTRfm during Radiothon Here