Electric Sunshine Superdisco @ Mullumbimby Leagues Club Parklands, Mullumbimby (01-01-07)
It was a picture perfect evening with a spectacular ¾ waning moon accompanying brilliantly glistening stars from the sky above, patches of fast travelling overhead clouds gradually building up with condensation, then right on cue at the stroke of midnight, the Heavens opened up showering us below just as my intimate company and my eyes also shed joyful tears as together we jubilantly greeted in the New Year. There was simply no better start to the commencement of what would be the first day of the first month of a brand spanking Happy New Year – Welcome 2007!
Rested and recuperated from our wonderful NYE festivities somewhere in the glorious beauty of the Lost World, we again hit the road for pleasant travels down to another spectacular destination located in the beautiful lush rainforest of Mullumbimby tucked away in the far North-Eastern Coast of NSW. Anxiously excited, coupled with a wonderful sense of calm, our 1½ hour cruisy drive down South along the M1, provided us with plenty of visual stimulation on this truly picturesque day, allowing us to contain our excited agitation in wishing we had already arrived at our final terminus at the foot of Mt Chincogan. Born out of the late 60’s hippy generation, it was as though the electricity of the sun-shining rays was infusing us with the full spectrum of colour yielding the dormant rainbow child in us as we neared the serene venue of the so-called underground music festival spectacular ‘Disco Estupenda de la Sol Electrica’.
The Leagues Club parklands of the ‘Biggest little town in Australia’ provided the most perfect grounds in all sense of the word to stage the first instalment of Electric Sunshine Superdisco, as a welcome to the New Year and for many the site of unassuming NYE celebrations. The road perfectly positioned in the centre of the venue provided the ideal boundary of the defined parking, and camping sites spread over the lush green parklands to the left, with the massive area of the Electric stage set-up to the right, all aligning the banks of the bountifully inhabited Brunswick River. Immediately you were engulfed into the unique Brunswick Valley environment, as the mixed energies of the everyday world were stripped from your soul only to be replaced with those of peace and tranquillity, and open-mindedness.
From the drive through check-in, we chose our small area of lush grass along the riverbank to set up our base for the next 22 hours or so, comfortably positioned between half a dozen adults with the same amount of young spry children on one side, and well and truly seasoned male hippies and life-long ‘doofers’ on the other. At GMT +10 hours it was the peak of the day just past high noon, and in the background from the Electric Outdoor stage, proceedings were underway with the host in DJ Rock Hardson & Le Bad Krokodils providing mellow afternoon tunes that have been described as ‘dumb funk vegetarian jungle butt meets new wave boy band shoplifters’. A little meaty at times though without any cheese, the pleasantly interesting sounds were the appropriate appetite stimulant, as we tucked into our own full-hearted feast of nutritionally balanced lunch delights. Satiated with our hunger well and truly at bay, we were keen to venture over to the rather deserted area of the main outdoor stage which also accommodated the outdoor Sunshine Bar and Market Village to familiarise ourselves with the outstandingly awesome and colourful setup.
In truly respecting honour to the surrounding environment and natural world at large, in an endeavour to offset the carbon emissions from the festival’s activities, one could actively partake in planting one of 200 local native plant species. A collaborative planting and bush regeneration effort with the festival organisers and Brunswick Valley Landcare, it was a wonderful venture in counterbalancing the potential contribution to the global greenhouse problem. Skirting the river’s edge the Sunshine Bar Marquee and Beer Garden complete with a range of outback style BBQ delights, was one of two licensed areas where thirst-quenching cold alcoholic beverages could be purchased; though at this location there appeared to be no restriction of consumption in the vicinity. Bringing the funk from Ballina and the Bronx, sumo-sonic b-boy in Lindemon was warming things early in the afternoon, as one attempted to remained chilled with each swallow of refreshing potentially intoxicating potions.
Adjacently aligned along the border of the river and parkland grounds, a brightly decorated spectacle of stores galore provided a fantastic range of healthful food choices, from morsel snacks to substantial meals, abundant drink selection of fruit juices, energy drinks, and varieties of tea, coffee and hot chocolate combinations. An array of funky clothing whether single pieces or entire head to toe outfitting, hair and body decorations and adornments, massage and second-hand trinket shopping, as well as the latest in legal herbal products, the Market Village was amply stocked.
Diagonally left and right from the front of the Electric Outdoor Stage were two massive tee-pee style waterproof tents that provided ample shade and perfect positioning for full view of the entire spectacle. Directly in front of the main stage rising above and towering high over any other structure was a perfectly aligned steel-constructed pyramid-like configuration, which from out of the centre hung a giant 9 foot diameter mirrored glass disco ball. In the searing heat of the afternoon, this structure also doubled as a sprinkler shower, an ideal way to keep cool while things were hotting up centre of the main stage.
With our curiosity of the set-up satisfied at this stage, the sleep deprivation from the past 30 hours of being awake, along with our lunch and first ‘drinks’ also satisfying our higher order satiety centres, it was time to give in to our body’s request for much needed shuteye. In the shade of the enormous overhead trees, with our car boot raised offering more shelter from the harsh rays of the sun, we managed to doze comfortably as we were lullabied (believe it or not) by the sounds of none other than the ‘Queen of the Scene’, Jackie Onassid. Believable indeed as it was only a couple of hours into the proceedings’ schedule, so tuneage was still low-key. Only a couple hundred metres from the main stage speakers, as we managed a few hours sleep sprawled out with the thick tufts of grass allowing natures comfortable mattress, the din of the music seemed like it was miles away in the distance. A few hours later and our forty winks had certainly justified an overdue sleep; recharged, it was time to clean up, freshen ourselves with a ‘wet-one’ wash, a change of clothes in readiness to roll on and get amongst the festivities.
One of our neighbours with whom we’d engaged in a getting to know you chat, is a long-term regional resident who lives high up along the ascent of Mt Chincogan, and as fate would have it, was waterway security for the festival. A long-time goer of outdoor festivals and bush doofs, who in fact used to put many a party on back in the good old days of the early 90’s when goa was in its element in these parts, this guy was also displayed his wealth of knowledge as we were guests on one of his water patrols. Out for about 40 minutes on the beautiful Brunswick River we were fortunate enough to view the surrounding cane fields, dairy farms, and even the unused railway bridge that spanned the river. The tide was rather low which allowed us to see the many flora that formed the hedge of the banks, exposing many a root system of many spectacular native trees as well as the abundant mangroves. The sun was setting just as the clouds in the distance were turning a shade of pink, a postcard perfect time of day, we were also fortunate in all its glory to spot a number of bright blue Kingfishers as they flew and frolicked, as though coaxing us to cautiously follow them up along the banks. It was truly a wonderful voyage, and a perfect start for us ready to pick up the pace and up-the-gears right through until the end. As we arrived back to terra firma, the Funk trust DJ’s featuring Learned Hand & Will Styles were dishing out plenty of funk in their tunes as they proudly vocalised through their microphones just who they were.
Attracting all walks of life from far and wide, the obvious embracement of community with this event also encourages the local town folk for whom many have only the option of Electric Sunshine Superdisco to celebrate and welcome in the New Year. An area enriched with many young families, it was only befitting then that children less than 14 years of age were accepted to partake in the fun and frivolity free of charge. Embracing responsibility and respect among adults and the youth of our society sharing in such a unique and free-spirited affair, can only be positive for the entire experience and development of one’s own awareness and practice of peace, optimism and sensibility. In keeping with the regard for the attending youth, a fully enclosed red clothed tee-pee with an entry height of about 1m or so, was completely decked out with bean bags and cushions – their very own ‘Chill Out’ space, or so it seemed, was only for the younglings amongst us.
Wandering up to the Superdisco Indoor Bar and Club where a full array of thirst quenchers and bar nibbles were available; it was a real surprise to not have to go back to our base to gather our QLD ‘club’ membership to gain entry into this Clubhouse. There’s that infusion of community right there, happily greeted as though a regular member or indeed friend of the ‘extended Mullum family’. With floor to ceiling window views overlooking the main football field, there was a pleasant breeze, as wonderboy DJ Nick Taylor was near the end of his set, he certainly was pushing the mercury up, bolstering the temperature in the upstairs establishment. I’ve been privy to many a Nick Taylor ‘slut-punk-trippy-psy’ branded set, but on this occasion the ‘digital inspirator’ and ‘disco-tronic cult creator’ was laying down some real tasty breaking beats, that had the clubhouse shaking on its foundations. Everybody without a drink in their hand, or who was not seated, was grooving, whether on the spot or on the floorboards of the designated dance floor. Happy to have caught the closing tracks of his set, after the final swilling down of our evening heart-starters, we ventured back to our little posse for more of the same delights we had at lunch for our dinner, or rather a hearty entrée.
Bringing spectacular entertainment in the form of physical performances, boasting some of the most talented circus performing youth in Australia, Mullumbimby’s leading Spaghetti Circus showcased its nationally renowned status with highlights of some of their artistically breathtaking acrobatic, aerialist and contortion acts. Constructed alongside the main stage, in magical pirate theme, these feats provided some of the most amazing visually wondrous stimuli, enhancing not only the experience of the open-armed welcomed kids, but for us big kids as well. In fact roving the grounds of the main stage just about everywhere you looked your feast for sensory stimulation was certainly pushed to the overload threshold. From the brightly colourful funky, groovy, fabulous and kooky, it was one of those days that in terms of fashion and dress, anything was acceptable. Many a second look at the attire or hair-styles of people were taken, but here no angst or paranoia was stirred, it was all in wonder, amazement, and acceptance, in fact a sheer joy to be part of.
Taking our place under the shelter of the tent in front of the Spaghetti Circus outfit, we watched many of the performances for quite a while as well known innovative Melbourne DJ Nick Thayer funked the main stage predominantly with his brand of break beats. Heading over to the Sunshine Bar Marquee, local boy Lecktrolux had me kicking up the dance floor hay inside; there was no sitting around amongst the bails here, the sonar energy he was delivering had to be dissipated with full body dancing. With the choice of wanting to use the bathrooms under the clubhouse as opposed to the ample porta-loos, the walk away from the main area taking in the surrounds and the lighting luminescing was an incredible sight. However, it was walking back towards the Electric Outdoor area that the lighting spectacle was beaming in all its glory. No Egypt themes in sight, but there was something astoundingly significant with the positioning and arrangement of the colossal steel pyramid structure that encased the enormous mirrored disco ball. The marvellously powerful shafts of laser light emitted so strong, they reached far into the sky bouncing of the high-set white clouds, it was truly magnificent. With the strategically placed lighting beaming in every direction, and especially off the stunning disco ball, in the presence of the astounding configuration, many a time, I felt this overwhelming sense of emotion and existence, sort of a strong sense of Astrological connectedness. It may not make any sense as a reader, but those who were actually there, will immediately understand the feeling I’m trying to describe; it’s one of those ‘had to be there’ scenarios.
At this time *B*E*E*F pound system (N-Zed vs Non Ferrous vs Dave Slade)* were gracing the main stage, and with the Prodigy’s – Voodoo People belting out the sound system with raucous cheering from the crowd, our casual walk turned into a fast run to get to main stage to see what the commotion was. Walking directly under the disco ball with the aim of setting my sight to centre stage, the now muddy area from the sprinkler system’s down pour in the hours earlier through which I slid, didn’t faze me as I was awe-struck with the performance before my eyes. A very lean and thin man holding a sword almost the length of his torso was ‘sharpening’ the edges with an angle-grinder, and the sparks from the friction of the diamond saw and steel sword certainly halted any questioning belief that this was actually happening. Imagine if you will, step back in time and envisage the olden day wooden water pale carriers that would be suspended across the shoulders of the poor folk who used this method to collect water. Now come back, and imagine this carrier to be sword-like steel, with the pales being gas bottles hanging at each end, the performer at shoulder height with all the strength he can muster spins this device around, displaying the sheer might required to perform such a feat. Okay, so now visualise the middle of this device being placed over the handle of the just sharpened sword. He lifts the prop above his head holding onto the sword edge as he raises the tip above his mouth with his held tilted back. Has your heart and breathing rate all of a sudden rapidly increased? Well mine did, and I tell you from there on, after hearing someone exclaim, “Oh my god, you can see the staples down his chest”, I had to turn away, block my ears, and close my eyes. I know a bit about physiology, and this was no illusion, as brilliantly entertaining as this spectacle was, I could not allow myself to visualise such a feat, and endure the internal conflict of my conscious mind in trying to disbelieve what I actually would have seen.
Taking a walk away the previous enjoyable tunes at the Sunshine Marquee and Beer Garden were calling me; much to my delight another Brisbane local in DJ Khris was delivering really some nice minimal psychedelic tunes allowing me yet another dancing session. It was only a small area in this rectangular shaped tent with the entry side exposed extending out into a seated area with ottomans, tables, and hay bails built into couches, but it was rather cosy and indeed the most intimate of the three performance spaces. Satisfied with another boogie, and noticing the crowd thinning out in front of the Outdoor stage, we ventured over, where we were fortunate to join our other ‘neighbours’ in a get to know you chat. Again right in front of the Spaghetti Circus area, I couldn’t believe my luck when I was fortunate to witness the spectacle of without doubt the most marvellous and position-perfect contortionist I have ever seen perform – anywhere, ever!
The schedule of acts and DJ performances just got better as the evening progressed, and with Tim Healey of Coburn taking us home for the last couple of hours, the atmosphere was catapulted to new heights. Where else can you be celebrating the arrival of the New Year, which such wonderment, visual and aural spectacles, sharing the ambience with the backyard canine, sprightly youngsters, teenagers to young adults, middle aged to the senior citizens, all on the same karmic wavelength? Even when the weather gods in their infinite wisdom decided a cooling down was required in the final hours, the rapid influx of all beings under the shelter of the waterproof tents, as the relentless moisture teamed down outside, all did so without any sign of disordered chaos. Why can’t harmony like this occur outside in the existence of the real world? Anyway, it wasn’t too long before we all could dis-embrace from our sheltered group hug and continue on displaying our gratitude through dancing movements on the stage walkways and surrounding grounds as the elfish Tim Healey stirred us into a frenzy en-masse.
Within the last hour, each and every performer as though giving their encore performance or curtain call, united with the punters as they moved out onto a heavily guarded stage, dancing along with us, devoid of rehearsed routines; it was really special for the younger ones as many of them filled the space on the dancing walkways that extended out from the front of each side of the stage. Then knowing the end was near, as Tim dropped his last tune, the man of the day in his alias of DJ Rock Hardson closed the proceedings, just as he had done with the opening session 12 hours prior. As we gave our kudos for the experience of the day, so too did DJ Rock Hardson paying respect to the very great late King of Blues, Mr James Brown. Dropping some killer finale tracks, the crowd erupted giving Rock the esteem he unreservedly earned, it truly was the most wonderful production, a meticulously organised party, leaving absolutely nothing to chance. And on that note folks, you too should not leave your New Years Day activities for next year to chance; this is an absolute must for everybody.
Happy New Year ITMers!
