Editorial
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When last weekend’s Elton John concert at WIN Stadium went off without a hitch, it showed just how great Wollongong can be as a large-scale music destination.
The result of a massive effort and cash injection from various stakeholders – including the state’s tourism and venues bodies, and mega-promoter Michael Chugg – the concert will no doubt be lauded for leading the way, and (hopefully) attracting other large acts to our city.
But – as the glittering memories of Elton John fade – it’s worth remembering that (much as we hope more cash and attention for tourism and culture will continue to flow Wollongong’s way) we can’t always rely on this type of support from the government.
This week, we’d like to reserve our applause for three young local blokes who have shown that – thanks to their hard work and creativity – Wollongong’s music scene is a resounding success anyway.
From a cramped, tiny bar operating out of a hole-in-the-wall on Kembla Street, Yours and Owls has become one of the region’s most credible music brands.
In Stuart Park for its fourth year, the sell-out festival has been bigger and better than ever (as even residents who didn’t attend would know, after listening to the sounds of Saskia and the Presets ring out over most of the central-northern suburbs until late both nights).
To be able to attract big names – like 2017’s At The Drive In, Safia and The Presents – back to play at the park year after year is a feat in itself, and shows how well respected the founders are in Australian music circles.
It’s also great to see their commitment to staging local and up-and-coming acts on the Rad Stage (named for the venue which now operates from their original hole-in-the-wall).
But music aside, the festival has also become an outlet (and employer) for Wollongong artists from all fields – creative arts students from UOW, environmental collectives, food vans and street artists all get a look in.
So, after shouting it from the stadium-tops last week that Wollongong needs more of the big stadium gigs like Elton to mark its place as a musical destination, this week belongs to founders Ben, Adam and Balunn who have shown that it’s possible for the city to forge its own way. Here’s hoping there’s plenty more talent hiding out in our cramped little bars and laneways.