For nineteen years Sydney-siders have flocked to Glebe mid November to enjoy the Glebe Street Fair. A celebration originating from local shopkeepers keen to show their goods and wares, the Fair reflects the eclectic and village nature of Glebe. As the Fair celebrates its 20th birthday this year on Sunday 16 November, it does so with a new theme – the Glebe New Music Festival…

Once again Glebe Point Road will be closed from Parramatta Road to Bridge Road and the buses and cars will be replaced with a feast for the senses – food, drink, market stalls, music and entertainment. “Glebe has always been an area with a strong cultural identity and at this wonderful festival it shines through. Running successfully for twenty years, it is testament to the commitment of the Glebe Chamber of Commerce and the entire Glebe community. Its great to see a business and the community working together to produce such a fantastic local event,” said The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Lucy Turnbull.

“This year’s Festival is all about celebration. Firstly, we’re celebrating the 20th birthday of the Fair with a huge array of market stalls and activities offering something for everyone.

Secondly, we’re celebrating, through music, the creative spirit of Glebe as a vibrant part of Sydney’s inner city,” said Festival Director, Mr Steigrad.

Testifying to the resurgence of live music within the inner-city, within three weeks of the announcement of the Festival nearly one hundred artists had sent their demos and biogs to the organisers. Ranging from soloists to 8 piece bands; from reggae to rock; from well known to yet to be discovered – the enthusiasm to be a part of a music festival taking place in the inner-city has been overwhelming.

In addition to the best of Sydney’s live music, the Glebe New Music Festival will feature children’s entertainment, book signings, community groups, street theatre, chalk drawing and buskers. For more information on the key features of the Glebe New Music Festival, please refer to the following pages.

About Glebe New Music Festival

The Glebe New Music Festival is the latest addition to Sydney’s music scene. Marking the 20th anniversary of the Glebe Street Fair, Sydney’s longest running street fair, the Glebe New Music Festival will celebrate and profile a wide range of solo and group artists performing original music.

Whether its rock, jazz, acoustic or electric – the Glebe New Music Festival is a celebration of sound and creativity. It also still features the trademarks of Glebe Street Fair – eclectic stalls, food and beverages and the alternate atmosphere that is Glebe.

The Glebe New Music Festival is hosted by the Glebe Chamber of Commerce and takes place along Glebe Point Road (from Parramatta Road to Bridge Road) on Sunday 16 November,
10am – 5pm.

GLEBE NEW MUSIC FESTIVAL – KEY FEATURES

Live Music

All bands performing at the Glebe New Music Festival will perform original material and represent the best of Sydney’s live music scene. There is a mix of solo artists and bands and the music styles range from acoustic, rock, ska and folk.

The performers on stage include:

  • Alana – Female singer and 1 acoustic guitarist; soulful passionate originals.
  • Bionic Beat Boy and the Six Million Dollar Society Seven piece dance funk fusion band with horns, flute and electronica.
  • Daniel Martin – solo acoustic original ballads; new upcoming talent.
  • Janie – Female fronted 4 piece band; Rock Pop with a twist.
  • Kat Frankie – with a reputation of powerful songwriting and dynamic live performances, Kat Frankie has established herself as a regular on the inner western/eastern suburbs music scene.
  • King Vince – a 4 piece folk/world music band; World music meets Rock Pop originals.
  • Matt Ellis – a Sydney based singer/songwriter who has successfully toured throughout the United States and Asia. Matt’s solo album Peel was released in late 2000 and has been described as “an independent release of the highest quality by a brilliant, emerging Australian artist”.
  • Ora – 2 female fronted 6 piece band; Rock Pop originals.
  • Peach – a renowned solo acoustic country rock performer who has performed at Tamworth.
  • Sam Joole – Male fronted 4 piece band; Rock Pop originals with a hint of funk.
  • Sousasa – Slide based songs, kick ass rock, didge sounds and all the rhythms in between create one of Sydney’s hottest live acts to emerge in a long time.
  • The BBQ – an eight peace world music extravaganza! Each BBQ show is unique, performing their shows instinctively and giving their followers what they want plus special guests, diversity and an extensive repertoire.
  • The Follow – creating a huge buzz through their energy-reeling gigs, The Follow are a dynamic four piece progressive rock band headed by singer/guitarist Azaria.
  • Unpaid Debt – one of Sydney’s best punk-ska bands, Unpaid Debt have played support to international acts such as “U.S Bombs”, “Goldfinger”, “the Vandals”, “the Ataris” and “Snuff”.
  • Waiting for Guinness a vibrant, on-stage energy brings together an unusual line-up including accordion, double bass, guitar, horns, drums and banjo. Waiting for Guinness delivers something like a gypsy pantomime in a show that is original and humorous with an ironic edge.
  • PLUS, there will be music and art happening throughout the Festival creating a street celebration that reflects the diversity of inner-city Sydney. The acts include:
  • 4 Busking Pitches – 2 walk by, 2 circle
  • Sydney Samba Marching Band
  • SILO – A dynamic percussion troupe combining the sizzling rhythms of Africa with their own unique spicy blend of breaks, solos and variations.
  • Portuguese Dancers

Things for kids to see and do

Ensuring the Festival will be fun for all, there are heaps of things specially designed for children and youth. Some of it will take place along Glebe Point Road and others happen within the Glebe Youth Centre located at 84 Glebe Point Road.

Along Glebe Point Road, you’ll find:

  • Go Seek – appearing on the Main Stage at 10.00am, Go Seek is a Sydney-based children’s entertainment group with a unique and funky style popular amongst children 2-9 years of age.
  • Face Painting
  • Plaster painting workshops
  • Street Theatre
  • Childrens rides

At Glebe Youth Service (between 12noon – 5.00pm), check out:

Koori Radio live broadcast come and send your shout-outs and cheerios

Local rappers and groups performing with special guest MC Wire. There’s also the chance to be part of the Open Mic competition.

Art activities

Hoop shoot-out

Information and fundraiser stallsBook Signings

Proving that the Glebe New Music Festival is eclectic in every way– check out the 3 different book signings you can visit during the day!
Along Glebe Point Road, you’ll find:

10.00am – 5.00pm, Dave Darcy
“Outback Mongrels”
David Darcy is the best-selling author–photographer of Mongrel Country (published by Lothian Books in 2001). David Darcy and his dogs journey to some of the most remote locations in Australia’s outbackand spins some new yarns about what is out ‘beyond Burke’. Dave Darcy will be signing copies of his latest book, “Outback Mongrels” at the Glebe New Music Festival.

At Gleebooks, 49 Glebe Point Rd, check out:

12:00-2:00pm, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
“Bumbreath, Botox and Bubbles”
Another best-selling, block-busting, demystifying and fully sick New Moments in Science.
Karl Kruszelnicki used to be a ‘proper pukka scientist, engineer and doctor’, but is currently an author and science commentator on radio and television.
If you have you ever wanted to know how to resuscitate a man via his penis or why birds of a feather flock together then look no further. The colourful Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has all the answers in his latest book “Bumbreath, Botox and Bubbles”.
ß 2:30 – 3:30pm, Isabel Pacho
Guikalangu: A Cooking Safari, Tastes of Mozambique
“Guikalangu” is a tribute to Pacho’s home country’s cuisine that brings alive the tastes of Mozambique. While this book can only record some of the basic recipes and ways of preparing Mozambican food, it is important in passing down the knowledge I have inherited from my elders. I can only promise you a guide to the cooking habits, the recipes and brief stories about this food.

Stalls

A traditional and well-loved feature of the Festival is the wide range of stalls on the day. From airbrush temporary tattoos to acupuncture and massage, from Gozleme to Chilli Fudge and of course a huge range of gifts available just 5 weeks before Christmas – the Festival is guaranteed to delight and enthrall.

Opportunities to be Informed

Proving attending the Glebe New Music Festival is an educational and mind-opening experience as well as a great way to spend a Sunday, people will be welcomed and informed at the following stalls:

  • Political parties including: Australian Labor Party, The Greens, The Communist Party of Australia
  • World Society for Protection of Animals and Colong Foundation
  • St Barnaba’s Church
  • World Vision
  • Salvation ArmySpecial Mention

And while every part of the Glebe New Music Festival is special, there are a couple of features that warrant an extra special mention:

Traveling in Peace
The Glebe YHA will have a stall at the Festival to promote the “Hostels for Peace and International Understanding” campaign. This campaign aims at fostering world peace through travel and tourism.

Young people at risk draw strength from Music and Art
Come along and meet the team from Creative Youth Initiatives (CYI), a unique specialist service for homeless and at risk young people between 16-25. CYI run two core programs, Sounds of the Street and Artworks! Drop by to hear some of their music and watch the footpaths be transformed with wild new designs.

Newtown Car-Share

Visit the guys from Newtown Car-Share, Sydney’s first car-sharing initiative to find out how you can enjoy the benefits of having a car without the hassle and expense of owning one.