Eclectic lineup assembled for Fusion19

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

Headlining Fusion19 are Kardajala Kirridarra, Thandi Phoenix, Hot Potato Band and Big Sky Mountain. These unique Australian artists will bring an eclectic mix of sounds and styles to the Victory Memorial Gardens stage on Saturday 19 October.

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

“An exciting and eclectic line-up has been organised with some of the country’s most creative and talented performers.

“Along with our headliners, there will be a mix of other entertainment including a DJ, roving performers with a 60s sci-fi space theme and our local community performers.

“There will also be pop-up shops and for families fun activities, giant games and four hours of workshops with the hugely popular Trash Puppets.

“One of the biggest features of Fusion is the variety of food and this year will feature another huge menu of modern and authentic street food.”

Fusion19 will be held in the Victory Memorial Gardens and the Civic Centre forecourt from 4pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 19 October. To discover more about this year’s festival, visit https://wagga.nsw.gov.au/fusion or follow Fusion on Facebook.

Fusion19 is presented and funded by Wagga Wagga City Council ($50,000) and made possible by Major Sponsor Riverina Water ($25,000). Fusion is also supported by Origin and our Cultural Partner the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga and Media Sponsor The Daily Advertiser.

Fusion19

• Saturday 19 October, 4pm to 9.30pm
• Victory Memorial Gardens Civic Centre forecourt
• https://wagga.nsw.gov.au/fusion

Headliners

KARDAJALA KIRRIDARRA

Stories | Culture | Tradition

Kardajala Kirridarra bring past and present together with songs inspired by country.

A mesmerising performance thousands of years in the making, direct from the Northern Territory to the main stage at Fusion19 to mark the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages. Directly translated as “Sandhill Women”, the group weave a tapestry of traditional and modern music sung in Mudurra and English.

“Honouring language, culture and family with songs inspired by country.”

THANDI PHOENIX

On | The | Rise

Thandi Phoenix is one of most promising up-and-comers of Australian music, hear her raw, honest blend of pop and electronica at Fusion19. The hottest rising star of the Australian music scene, Thandi Phoenix has already been dubbed one of the country’s best live acts. Her latest single was produced with international hit-makers Rudimental, and she’s supported the likes of Tinie Tempah and Vera Blue.

“Powerful and honest, her vocals are the sort that will stop you in your tracks.”

HOT POTATO BAND

Big | Bold | Brass

A 10-piece group bursting with drumlines, horns and harmony will bring a street party to the main stage. It’s a New Orleans gumbo filled with horns, drums, plenty of pop and lashings of funk, ska and reggae.

“A ballistic bubble of brassy good times.”

BIG SKY MOUNTAIN

Raw | Real | Harmony

An all-female seven-piece from Sydney, Big Sky Mountain have brewed their own style of Americana country pop. Big Sky Mountain create a wide landscape of sounds, drawing in country and pop reminiscent of Norah Jones or Sheryl Crow.

Known for their energetic live performances, the all-female group are armed with melodies that are gritty yet vulnerable.

“Seven women, a kaleidoscope of harmonies and one trumpet – chaotic, earthy and real.”

ENTERTAINMENT

DJ FAIRBANKS

World | Music | Mixtape

DJ Fairbanks is digging deep into his stack of tracks from Africa, the Caribbean and South America at Fusion19. It’s a web weaved from 70s and 80s funk, disco, reggae and beyond to help you dance your way across the world in Wagga.

COSMIC BUBBLE BEINGS

Sci-fi | Space | Fun

Who’s that rocketing through the crowd at Fusion19? Make way for the Cosmic Bubble Blowing Beings! Little and not-so-little kids will be in awe of these twin rollerblading bubble blowers, who will be bringing 60s sci-fi vibes to mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

TWILIGHT TWINS

Bright | Light | Beams

Meet the illuminating Twilight Twins – the moon and star combo set to bring outer space in to land at Fusion19. The Twilight Twins will light up the festival to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It’s set to be out of this world!

TRASH PUPPETS

Create | Rework | Recycle

Want to see trash turned into treasure? The Trash Puppets teach sustainability through recreating and reimagining our waste and recycling. They will be hosting rolling workshops throughout Fusion19 that are guaranteed to entertain the kids.