Headliners announced for Fusion18 on Saturday 20 October

Published: 10 Sep 2018 10:02am

Wagga Wagga’s premier springtime celebration of live music, food and culture is set to be one of the biggest yet.

Headlining Fusion18 are Mama Kin Spender, Oh Mercy, Henry Wagons and Woodes. The unique Australian artists will bring an eclectic mix of sounds and styles to the Victory Memorial Gardens stage on Saturday 20 October.

“Fusion has grown to be one of the city’s biggest events, with more than 10,000 people from the region and beyond,” Wagga Wagga City Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said.

“We’ve curated an exciting line-up with some of the country’s most creative and talented performers.

“Along with our headliners, some of our Fusion18 favourites will return with DJ sets, including a DIY solar-powered sound system.

“The roving performers are always a hit and this year there will be everything from stiltwalkers to pop-up New Orleans-style music.

“The full line-up of modern and authentic street food will be announced in the coming weeks, along with our community performers and popup shops.

“This year we will also have fun activities, giant games and more for families, plus a unique drawing table that amplifies your scratches and scribbles.”

Fusion18 will be held in the Civic Precinct and Victory Memorial Gardens from 4pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 20 October. To discover more about this year’s festival, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/fusion.

Fusion18 is presented by Wagga Wagga City Council and made possible by major sponsor Riverina Water County Council, media sponsor The Daily Advertiser and cultural partners the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga and Riverina Community College.

FUSION18

When: Saturday 20 October, 4pm to 9.30pm

Where: Civic Precinct (corner of Baylis and Morrow streets)

What: Free multicultural street festival with performances by Mama Kin Spender, Oh Mercy, Henry Wagons and Woodes, plus roving entertainers, DJ sets, kids’ activities, street food and more.

More information: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/fusion

MEET THE HEADLINERS

Mama Kin Spender

Mama Kin Spender is a lightning bolt moment between friends and co-writers, ARIA-nominated Mama Kin, and producer Tommy Spender. It’s a stripped back duo of songs that rattle, roll and tremble, with brooding guitars, primal drums and howling harmonies.

www.facebook.com/mamakinband

www.instagram.com/mamakinpics

www.youtube.com/user/Mamakinm

Oh Mercy

Alexander Gow, the Melbournian behind the ARIA Award-winning Oh Mercy, has established himself as an iconic Australian act. At 29, he’s regarded as one of Australia’s most-acclaimed singer/songwriters with a breadth of literary influences and a love of pop hooks.

www.facebook.com/ohmercy

www.instagram.com/ohmercyband

www.youtube.com/user/OhMercyBand

Henry Wagons

Henry Wagons is the mad professor of song. His fierce intellect was once hurtling toward a career as a philosopher, but was derailed by a record deal. Timeout NYC summed him up as Nick Cave singing the Johnny Cash songbook.

www.facebook.com/henrywagons

www.instagram.com/henrywagons

www.youtube.com/channel/UCf6yzDE0gxNr3xEkMAsjAmQu

Woodes

Woodes is the moniker for Melbourne-based producer, singer and songwriter, Elle Graham, whose quick ascension into the limelight has caused many a head to turn. She’s on high rotation on triple j and FBi Radio, as well as being a favourite of US actress Emma Roberts.

www.facebook.com/woodesmusic

www.instagram.com/woodesmusic

www.youtube.com/woodesmusic

WHAT’S ON

Entertainment

  • Roving performers Stiltuesque, Low Down Riders and Bubble-blowing Unicorns will weave their way through the mountain of picnic blankets and chairs. You will be dancing on the streets to perennial festival favourites The Dancing Account and Cumbia Massive DJ Collective (+ DIY Hi Fi solar-powered rig) as they drop back-to-back DJ sets.

World Food Village

  • The full line-up of modern and authentic street food will be announced in the coming weeks.

Playspace

  • Hone your hand-eye coordination skills with totem tennis, play a round of quoits or tie yourself up in knots in a game of Twister. If it is a battle of the mind you are seeking, challenge friends and family to a game of giant tower blocks or giant Connect Four.

Sound of Drawing

  • Polyglot Theatre’s Sound of Drawing brings together textures and technology in soundscape of kids’ own making. On the long, broad drawing table, children wear headphones and hear their scratches, swirls, tapping and scribbles.