An array of local talent will colour the streets of Marrickville this October with the return of the annual Marrickville festival.
The festival will host local musicians, poets, comedians and artists who will entertain expected crowds of 50,000 people on October 23.
Marrickville Mayor Morris Hanna said: “I guarantee everyone will have their individual musical tastes catered for and the best part is that all performers are from the Marrickville area.”
As well as the diverse range of musical acts, the festival will feature international food stalls, free rides and a dance floor with lesson from the dance masters of local community groups.
Another highlight on the day will be the theatrical Doc Jones and the Lechery Orchestra, who blend clarinet, flute, accordion, bass and guitar. The band’s blues and swing sound, reminiscent of Tom Waits, will entertain audiences in the late afternoon.
“One of the songs sees a couple of the Lechers engage in a shameless dance using Chinese folding fans, we’d love the audience to join us in front of the stage,” said Doc Jones.
“We want audiences to sway and let the music take you where it takes you. It’s all about going home and feeling like you’ve been to a festival!”
Joining this year’s festival is Lion Mountain Studio, a project initiated by members of Sydney’s Sierra Leon community. The project was designed to assist African communities in music making and will showcase their hip-hop beats.
Egyptian soul singer Mariam Sawires will also perform.
“My music is inspired by American soul,” she said.
“I’m trying to bring something new to modern pop, to twist people’s ideas of what it is nowadays. The festival is one of the most exciting days of the year, everything around you is just so pleasing.”
Marrickville Festival will be held along Marrickville and Illawarra Roads on Sunday 23 October 2011 from 11am 5pm.
By Georgia Fullerton
