THOUSANDS of groovy chicks and guys are expected to do their thang at the Redland Showgrounds next month for the Redlands Rockabilly Revival #2.
The event celebrates the music and style of yesteryear, with retro rock fans and pin-up gals to line up for rocking tunes, pin-up fashion and chromed-up cars on Sunday, March 12.
It’s been put together by Robot Productions, the company behind the popular GreazeFest Kustom Kulture Festival which is in it’s 18th year, and is supported by Redland City Council.
It’s the second time the event has been held.
Robot director Lori Lee Cash said the revival would feature bands and DJs, specialty market stalls, barbers and hair stylists, a pin-up parade, gourmet food village and hundreds of hot rods.
“Rockabilly is a cross-generational genre of music that everybody enjoys, from grandparents to grandkids. It has an infectious beat that is very catchy and makes you want to dance,’’ Ms Cash said.
“...It is a very social scene that gathers together people with similar interests in a very safe, family-friendly environment.”
Mayor Karen Williams said hosting the festival was part of council’s focus on bringing cultural events to the region.
“Redlands is growing as an attractive event destination and with such a successful event last year, we are proud to support the Redlands Rockabilly Revival,” Cr Williams said.
Headlining the show will be Sunshine Coast group, A Band Called Twang, which is at the top of the rockabilly scene. The band’s repertoire combines rockabilly and Americana.
Lovejoy Surf will aim for a foot stompin’ good time with its instrumental hits from the 50s and 60s.
The Hi-Boys, Little Billy, The Haymakers and DJ Leapin’ Lawrie will also perform, meaning visitors should bring their dancing pumps.
The rockabilly sub-culture was born in the 1950s when Elvis Presley combined rhythm ‘n’ blues with country music and created a sound that changed music.
Ms Cash said rockabilly had thrived and Queensland’s scene was one of the strongest, with Brisbane’s GreazeFest attracting more than 10,000 revellers annually.
“Our goal is to produce events such as the Rockabilly Revival to maintain a calendar that ensures the scene’s longevity,’’ she said.