River of Art is set to enliven the Far South Coast for 10 days of festival fun when the curtain rises on opening night celebrations in Bodalla and Moruya this Friday, May 19.
“Up and down the coast from Durras to Bermagui, an amazing array of exhibitions, artist’s studios and venues will open their doors from Friday,” festival chairwoman Sue Barford said.
“Our 2017 festival presents a fabulous selection of music, theatre, dance and live performances - as well as showcasing the South Coast’s renowned visual arts.”
In Batemans Bay, young performers, edgy storytellers and dancers will be taking over the esplanade for Liquid Art from May 20-28. They’ll be performing everything from traditional African dance to live book readings.
Tuross Head is home to one of River of Art’s best loved and riotous highlights - the Festival Poetry Slam on May 20. With just 15 minutes to improvise and recite on a topic suggested by the audience, winning poets are decided according to their applause.
Then at Bodalla on May 25, don’t miss Oh My God, I’ve Been Kidnapped and I Hate What I’m Wearing – an hilarious all-singing, all-dancing crowd pleaser that parodies Hitchcock, cabaret torch song singers, pulp fiction horror and 1960s glamour.
Throughout the festival, music lovers can indulge in almost any genre. Treat yourself to an intimate string concert by the Aurelia Quartet, who will be performing glorious chamber music by Haydn and Schumann in the Four Winds Windsong Pavilion on Saturday, May 27.
Narooma will become a musical mecca as performers of all kinds hit town for the Australian National Busking Championships also on May 27. There will be bagpipe bands, honky tonk, choirs, singer songwriters, guitarists, drummers, harmonicas, sax, banjos, ukuleles, piano, tap shoes... and much more. Acclaimed classical crossover band, The String Family, will be performing several times during the event.
“Join us at the Bodalla Hall from 6pm on Friday, May 19 when the curtain goes up for River of Art’s opening night. Music and dancing are guaranteed thanks to performances by the Djaadjawan Dancers, Clive Dorien and Barny Barnbrook,” Ms Barford said.
Then head along to Moruya for more celebrations and kick up your heels to entertainment provided by Ironic Circus and the Paul Johnston Duo. Keep up with the latest festival news by visiting riverofart.com.au and follow on Facebook.
There’s only one day left to purchase your ticket to Flights of Fancy - EFTAG's wonderful Wearable Art Fashion Parade - this Sunday, May 21 at 4pm at St Mary's Performing Arts Centre. Enjoy champagne, canapes and an exciting show. Ticket sales close 10am sharp Saturday, May 20. Bookings essential.
