EVENTS DIARY

Things are starting to get hot down in Augusta as the Augusta River Festival draws closer on Sunday 28th February.  Held annually since 1996 the 2010 festival promises to be bigger than ever with bands, fireworks, markets stalls, Harley motorbike rides, urban-art workshops and the infamous drink can regatta.

Ever heard of the infamous milk carton and beer can boat races? Well keen locals now have their chance to join those elite few in the pursuit of local legend and all round tomfoolery.

The only conditions are that the boat must float and be able to carry two people around a short course. Those who make it to the finish line with the boat most intact will win the race.

Following last year’s efforts and antics this year’s event promises to bigger and a belly full of laughs with great cash prizes for First Place. Those interested in entering are encouraged to start collecting their cans asap. The more cans, the bigger the boat and the more chance of winning.

Those interested in creating a team of such elite athletes can call Jasmine on 0433 562 384 or just simply show up on the day. Entry is $10 per boat and nominations form will be available from the information van on the day.

This year’s entertainment line up includes the beats of Mellifluous, Indigo Duck, Deb ‘Spoons’ Perry (from Australia’s Got Talent fame) and plenty more. The Augusta Youth Dance and Drumming will keep things moving along with Saahirah Bellydance.

This year will also feature Urban Art Workshops whereby local youth in the shire can create their own works of art. With a range of side show amusements and water activities everyone is sure to be entertained.

The fantastic Kite Man will also make an appearance with his colourful kite displays. This year the kite man will also be running courses through the local primary school with the kids then displaying their creations at the festival. A workshop will be open to the public on Wednesday 24th February for anyone else who wishes to participate.

The ever-popular fireworks display over the Blackwood River will wrap up another fantastic Augusta River Festival.

The festival is a great venue for those wishing to showcase their wares with a huge turnout of local and out-of-area visitors. The licensed area on Georgiana Molloy Park will offer adults a relaxing venue from which to enjoy the festival.

Entry to the festival will be $2 and the Festival will be a DOG FREE event. Due to hygiene and safety reasons anyone bringing a dog into the area will be asked to take it home.

The 2010 Augusta River Festival is proudly sponsored by Healthway, Lotterywest, the Augusta Margaret River Shire, Festivals Australia, the Augusta & Districts Community Bank, BHP Billiton, the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association and many more.

For more information contact:

Jasmine Meagher
Chairperson
Augusta River Festival Committee Inc.
jasmine_meagher@hotmail.com
0433 562 384

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 13 & SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14
Leeuwin Estate Winery, Margaret River, returns to the ‘great legends’ genre for the 26th annual Leeuwin Concert Series. Michael McDonald, a five-time Grammy-winner and hit maker Boz Scaggs, join forces for a show that will delight their audience.

The two longtime friends, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs, will each perform from their extensive catalogues heavy with hits which include “Lowdown,” “Lido Shuffle,” “We’re All Alone,” “Sweet Freedom,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and many more.

McDonald has been a fixture in American pop music for over three decades. After emerging out of the local scene in his hometown of St. Louis, he first came into the spotlight as part of Steely Dan’s touring band in the early 1970s. He contributed vocals and keyboards to the band’s classic albums Katy Lied, The Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho. While working with Steely Dan, McDonald also joined the Doobie Brothers, where his voice became the group’s focal point on such songs as “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Minute by Minute,” and, unforgettably, the Number One single “What a Fool Believes,” which won the 1980 Grammy as Song of the Year.

Scaggs began his solo recording career in 1969, with an eponymous album for Atlantic Records that features members of the famed Muscle Shoals rhythm section. That album has achieved a kind of legendary cult status for the extended blues foray “Loan Me A Dime”. Scaggs is a multi-dimensional singer whose 1976 album ‘Silk Degrees’ was one of the landmark pop titles of the decade. That album spawned several hit singles (“Lowdown,” “Lido Shuffle,” “Georgia,” “We’re All Alone” and “It’s Over”), reached number 2 on the Billboard album chart, and eventually sold over 4 million copies. It also brought Scaggs a Grammy award: “Lowdown,” which was voted Best R&B song.

With two of the music industry’s greatest performers in a special double billed Leeuwin Concert, this promises to be a night to remember! Guests are welcome to stay after the main performance to enjoy the party atmosphere and dance to the post concert entertainment.

Order Forms have been posted to those who had registered on the Leeuwin mailing list. Order forms for any remaining tickets will be available to download from www.leeuwinestate.com.au on Friday October 2.