PlayFest. Sidney Myer Music Bowl 21 and 22 November, 2014.
Melbourne’s first ‘big day out for little people’ has confirmed that PlayFest will include a very special performance from Woodenspoon, a side project from of legendary Aussie rock band, Grinspoon. Phil Jamieson and bandmates will be perform a set list to include some favourite ‘Grinnners’ tracks (with kid friendly lyrics), mixed with some re-worked and amped up songs from well-known movies especially for kids!
In the Readings Storytime Zone, Melbourne comedians Colin Lane, Frank Woodley, Cal Wilson and Claire Hooper have also been confirmed for live book readings of favourite children’s literature alongside Treehouse series author, Andy Griffiths.
Melbourne’s first two-day, one site music and arts festival for kids will set a new benchmark in family entertainment is at iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl 21 and 22 November, 2014. Instilling a love of quality music and the festival atmosphere in kids under 12 – and reigniting it in their parents.
Sprawl on the grass and soak up the festival atmosphere, or wander about and enjoy the various stages, music genres, zones and activities at Melbourne’s first ‘big day out for little people’.
Choose from Pre-schooler Friday, Festival Family Saturday or both – each day has a carefully selected mix of acts designed to appeal to kids both young and ‘not old yet…’
The idea was conceived by three Melbourne mum’s unwilling to put their own festival days behind them and convinced there was a gap in Melbourne’s market for an event that truly appealed to both kids and parents.
Founder and Director Jo Bertrand says similar events exist around the world and Melbourne is the perfect market for something like PlayFest.
‘We love our music, the arts and our city. And of course we love our kids! But trying to find something that combines all of that and keeps everyone entertained has until now – been a challenge,’ she said.
The PlayFest line up also features Melbourne’s own sextet The WooHoo Revue who are straight from Glastonbury , plus Sam Moran, Yo Gabba Gabba, Alex Papps and Abi Tucker (as seen on ABC4Kids’ PlaySchool), Ali McGregor, Em Rusciano, Georgia Fields and bands that have perfected the ‘adult-kid’ crossover genre such as The Mudcakes, The Rrrrrockets and the Mighty buZZniks.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and prices start at $38 for a single session ticket on Friday (3 hr sessions) and $55 for a single Saturday (all day) with family passes of four available.
PROGRAM AND LINE UP INFORMATION
FRIDAY: Choose from a morning or afternoon session perfect for preschoolers
PLAY-PEN MAIN STAGE: Abi Tucker and Alex Papps (as seen on ABC4Kids’ Play School) will MC as well as performing songs from their own albums. Ali McGregor’s acclaimed Cabaret Spectacular! Jazzamatazz show. Popular characters, Bananas in Pyjamas. The Kazoos will be putting on a Bear Hunt. The Mudcakes have been described as “Roots-rock aimed at discerning kids (and their equally discerning parents)”, and if Dr Seuss started a rock band, it would be The Mighty buZZniks .
SATURDAY: All day fun for the whole family
PLAY-PEN MAIN STAGE: Festival Family Saturday hosted by Luke & Wyatt from Nickelodeon will host an exciting mix of music and acts including Phil Jamieson’s Wooden Spoon, the super-talent WooHoo Revue, queen of postcard pop, Georgia Fields; the Minibikes with their endless summer vibe, and dance-inducing quintet, Mighty Duke & The Lords.
Yo Gabba Gabba needs no introduction to anyone under 12, nor does Sam Moran, star of Nickelodeon’s Play Along With Sam. The Rrrrrockets are officially ‘out of this world’ and The Playground Craze will sing and dance their way into the hearts of older kids.
BOTH DAYS The Mudcakes, The Mighty buZZniks, Ali Spazzy’s Kiddyrock and teen folk duo Charm of Finches.
BIG TOP CABARET MARQUEE: Em Rusciano with the voice that shot her to fame as one of the country’s original Australian Idols will perform a G rated comedy and cabaret show on Friday AM session and Saturday in the morning. Kids will recognize the tone of Nay Nay Let’s Play’s- Naomi Young as the voice of Hootabelle from ABC4 Kids.
Plus
• ROVING PERFORMERS Spot the Dog and Peter Rabbit, face painters, fairies, The Zucchini Clan and more.
• READINGS STORYTIME TIPI: Featuring Andy Griffiths and Sally Rippin, and Melbourne comedy stars Colin Lane, Frank Woodley, Cal Wilson and Claire Hooper.
• YAMAHA MUSIC CORNER: Music education workshops for the next generation of musos.
• IKEA LITTLE PLAY ZONE: Music and soft play for mini rockers under 3.
• The VARIETY LIVE LAUGH AND LEARN ZONE: quiet area to engage kids of all abilities with Brickfest (lego!)
• POLYGLOT THEATRE PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPS
• ST ALI JUNIOR SILENT DISCO
• MINI NAIL BAR, HEALTHY FOOD, GARDEN BAR, GREAT COFFEE..HEAPS MORE