Kiss My Grass @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne (26/01/08)
Ah. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Whenever I go to a summertime festival there it’s a little like coming home. The layout is similar from event to event, the Ferris Wheel is always on the top of the hill and to the left, an array of massive inflatable animals always adorn the stages and the music never fails to impress, ensuring a memorable day for all. And the third installment of Kiss My Grass was no exception. Kiss FM and Future Entertainment presented a buffet of tasty Aussie acts to celebrate our beloved Australia Day at Melbourne’s premier outdoor venue. Wrapped in Australian flags, some with lashings of green and gold zinc, the crowd was a youthful sea of energy, while Melbourne’s notorious weather was on its best behaviour, setting the stage for over 140 local DJs and 12 live acts over a massive 7 stages.
The organizers had clearly ironed out a few of the teething problems seen in the last couple of years, finally ahead of their game by providing free water to the revelers. However, I can’t help but gripe: why is it so hard to bring in an extra few portaloos so the wait to use the bathroom is less than 45 minutes? With my token whining over, I can continue. The quality and enthusiasm of all the acts was a great reflection of Australia’s strength in dance music, and the support for Kiss FM by both the artists and audience was evident throughout the day. With so many acts, each set was limited to a mere 45 minutes which would be quite the challenge for the artists I’d assume, yet each act seemed to put their all into this restricted time, belting our both well-loved classic and killer tracks. Each stage, dedicated to a particular genre, ensured all tastes were catered for.
The ‘Smirnoff Experience Area 21’ stage, the new concept space form the titular vodka brand, featured a circular bar and an elevated DJ platform, making for a unique area with the staff mixing up signature Smirnoff cocktails with flair. Kiss My Grass favourite Mark James, collaborating behind the decks with Derek K, thrilled the intimate crowd with mixes of tried-and-true crowd favourites: Daft Punk, Run DMC and U2 all in the blend. Their second stint of the day, later on the main stage, was another solid set and one of the highlights of the day.
The ‘Tongue Kiss’ stage got fans dancing to the beats of Harley Augustine, Kiss FM’s beloved Writemix Wradio presenter, who played a solid set jam-packed with rumbling beats. Next up was one of my favourite Melbourne DJs My Little Pony, who provided the crowd with a performance filled with deep grooves that was just hot, hot, hot. Yum Yum was up next, the smooth live vocals and witty banter well received by the crowd. Speaking of live acts – what a treat it was. On the main stage local favourites The Red Eyes performed their usual high-energy set, while Sydney trio Grafton Primary shook it up with their sugary hits and cataleptic dance moves. Closing the show on the main stage was Space Between the Beats, who tore up the decks, ending a great day with a stellar set.
Beautiful weather, 140 of our finest local DJs along with 12 live acts playing across a massive 7 stages, and all the proceeds going to our beloved Kiss FM. You just can’t go wrong, and all in all it makes for a first-rank way to celebrate Australia Day.
dlabz says...
dlabz says...
Was this your first festival, honestly the only thing you have to whinge about is the toilets, pretty much the worst festival I have ever seen lousy sound system, bad Djs terrible music and a bad crowd
Tennessee says...
i was dissapointed by kiss my grass...the first acts at the main stage left alot to be desired and it was quite obvious others felt the same way with waning numbers on the dance floor...the only saving grace for me was the quality of music found at the blow kiss stage.
blondebirdk says...
Well I saw my friend play Rob P.on the industry stage and thought he was amazing along with the wicked smirnoff tent - I had a ball
Sarah Link says...
no this is not my first festival. at least my 20th.