Gladstone Square came alive on the 25th and 26th of February, as two awesome acts visited our town.
Beginning on Monday the 25th of February, the talented group RAW DANCE presented a live show to about 800 people who turned out to see these talented dancers jump. Unfortunately I didn't get to see this show as I was a bit pre-occupied with a Light Pirates workshop, but everyone who I spoke about it said I missed out. I heard from someone in the know that the Raw Dance crew had planned a dance routine to present in the encore - which is standard practise in theatre and live performance in Australia. But Port Augusta punters are so unused to live events that when the Raw Dance crew left the stage, they all left! So people missed out on an extra bit of show, because they didn't know about the encore etiquette (Clap until the performers come back and give you more). I guess we'll have to tell the next lot of performers that we need a bit more practice in theatre etiquette... but hopefully this year will sort us out.
I made it to the show by DBR and DJ Scientifuc, the next night. It was a beautiful balmy night after a hot afternoon, and about 250 people came to see the show, many bringing deck chairs and blankets for a relaxed evening out. I lay on the grass and listed to DBR waxing lyrical about his interesting life and the vibe of Port Augusta, and the singing, sighing strings of his violin. He loved getting down and dirty with that instrument, playing it in very unusual, experimental and percussive fashion but interspersed with sounds that showed he DID know how to play "properly". He was able to extract sweet melodies, abstracted tunes and rifs that echoed around the square, creating a wonderful evening ambience. He created a relaxing space, and I just let my mind drift off during the esoteric rambles... lying on the grass imagining I was in some exotic location.... in the heart of Port Augusta!
I grabbed some sounds and images of the show using my mob... just little slices of time. Enjoy!