By BEN CAMERON
Festival hopes to put Pakenham on the live music map…
PAKENHAM is set to become home to a new youth music festival in just over two weeks which will also relaunch the career of one of the country’s better known alternative acts.
Firelight Music Festival, which will showcase bands from across the south eastern suburbs, will rock out Beaconhills Performing Arts Centre on 20 September.
Festival promoter Scot Leslie hoped it would put Pakenham on the live music map with local underage music fans faced with a dearth of music events and venues in the region.
“There’s not a great deal for the youth in the area,” he said.
“A lot of people have to go into the city for music and entertainment.
“And live music venues are going the way of the dinosaur, so we want to put Pakenham on the map as a great artistic venue.
“These are world class acts.”
One of those will be headliner, the reforming Antiskeptic, who have sold out gigs at Rod Laver Arena and have earned regular airplay on hip youth broadcaster Triple J.
Their 2002 tune Called came in at number 92 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 chart.
The band has been on a six-year hiatus but will launch their new album Stare Down The Ocean on the day of the festival.
One young punter will also have the chance to
kickstart their own music career.
“One lucky audience member on the night will also be walking away with a brand new guitar which has been kindly donated by ESP Guitars,” he said.
“There will also be more giveaways on the night as well, so make sure you book your tickets early.”
Joining the band will be heavy rockers One Kingdom, indie act Portraits of August and solo artist Land Of Seven Riders.
In the lead-up to the event, band Portraits of August will perform at Emerald Secondary College on Thursday and Chairo Christian College on Friday.
Firelight Festival is on Saturday 20 September from 7pm to 10.30pm at the Beaconhills Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are www.trybooking.com/FIPY
More info at www.firelightfestival.com.au
