It was apt that in a week that celebrated International Women’s Day, the Wildflower Festival with it’s all-female line-up rolled into Victoria. Wildflower brings together some of Australia’s most acclaimed female singer songwriters, performing at some of the country’s most picturesque locations. At Rochford Winerty on beautiful early Autumn day, the day began with the sad news that both Sarah Blasko and Alice Skye would not be able to perform due to testing positive for Covid -19. However, event organisers were quick to acquire the services of the wonderful Stella Donnelly and D’Arcy Spiller instead, adding to an incredible line-up which included; Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, Kate Miller-Heidke, Thornbird, Deborah Conway, and Shannen James.
Masterminded by Empire Touring’s General Manager, Isobel Lanesman, the empowered businesswoman effuses, “Wildflower is here to celebrate women in music, many festival lineups have an underrepresentation of women. It is a time to celebrate women in Australian music – artists, producers, and designers – collaborating to bring together a show of extraordinary talents.”
Shannen James opened the afternoon with her impressive brand of country pop and included her fun new single ‘Breakfast with You’ into the set. D’Arcy Spiller proved that she’s yet another local talent who is on the brink of something much bigger. Melbourne legends Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier put in a bright, energetic performance too on a perfect sunny day. The Waif’s Vikki Thorn aka Thornbird, delivered an energetic show, presenting songs from her newly released debut solo album. Stella Donnelly, who replaced Sarak Blasko at the last minute looked like she’d been primed for this show for ages, such is her command of the stage with her amiable personality and quirky pop music. Kate Miller-Heidke, looked the supreme goddess that she always is on the Yarra Valley stage, mesmerising with her outstanding vocal range. Kasey Chambers doesn’t know how to put in a bad performance and gave her all, dipping deep into her back catalogue. Then there was Missy Higgins, the artist many had come to see. When Australian Musician was speaking with female artists during the week for International Women’s Day, it was amazing how many cited Missy as their inspiration. Missy also delved into material from earlier in her career and performed songs from her new mini album ’Total Control’. Gauging by the reaction from the mostly female audience, you’d have to suggest that Wildflower Festival is here to stay.
Wildflower now moves on to Riverstage in Brisbane on March 19 with Caitlyn Shadbolt opening, Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley on April 2 and Craigmoor Wines in Mudgee on October 29 – with Georgia June opening for both, and comedian and radio personality Gen Fricker taking on the duty of MC for all events.
Tickets to Wildflower are on sale now www.wildflowerfestivalaustralia.com.au
