We take a look at OOTW
Out On The Weekend
Seaworks, Williamstown, Melbourne
12 October 2019
Images: Jim Jacob
Words: Rob Dickens
It’s not just about the music.
Actually, it’s not just a festival.
Melbourne’s music scene is exceptional. So many talented artists, so many animated venues, large and small. Is it a paradox? Or is it, in fact, the result of the aforementioned already-crowded scene? But there are not many roots music festivals in the heart of Melbourne that have survived for any length of time.
This alone makes Love Police‘s Out On The Weekend all the more precious.
Now having passed the six-year mark, the 2019 version of this one-day Americana festival was an unabashed success. The line-up was a savvy concoction of:
- Australian greats (Don Walker, Brian Cadd – in fine form!),
- local promise (Little Georgia, Little Lord Street Band),
- established internationals (Felice Brothers (wonderfully shabby!), Pokey LaFarge, Molly Tuttle (breathtakingly good) and Jim Lauderdale (evergreen and omnipresent – I believe the latter’s first show in Melbourne with not just a band, but a BIG outfit!),
- overseas up-and-comers (Dee White, Sierra Ferrell, The Easy Leaves – all impressive!)
- three celebratory sets with hats off to classic albums released fifty years ago featuring a selection of Australian singers and instrumentalists – Nashville Skyline, Dusty in Memphis and Gilded Palace of Sin.
Not just music? Try these other offerings on for size.
Sunny and cheerful weather and “Location, location location!”
Haute Couture Western Wear – so many big hats, stunningly embroidered shirts, nay even suits. Jim Lauderdale (and Marty Stuart) are two of the best-dressed amigos in the country rock business. Jim has been visiting Manuel Cuevas in Nashville for years now (Manuel had worked for the famous tailor Nudie) and today he had some serious competition in the fashion stakes. In fact, I always look forward to seeing my friends attired to the max as they save their best gear for Out On The Weekend each year.
Photos: LTTL
Which leads me to…community. One of the great advantages of this day is the catch up with so many music friends, some I don’t cross paths with betwixt Weekends. Plus there’s the new acquaintances that add to the playful vibe of the day. There is, for me, no other event like that here, or one that even comes close.
We also had the Classic Car Show, Barber Shop, Greville Records, Ladies Lounge, vintage market stalls (Yesteryear Vintage Clothing and Goldtone Vintage) with some seriously good retro pieces.
Photo: LTTL 
Photo: LTTL
Food and beverage options were plentiful – Juanita Peaches, Beatbox Kitchen, Taco Truck, Billy Van Creamy, Candied Bakery, Royal Road, Two Birds Bar, Fancy Hanks BBQ and Pirate’s Tavern Bar. And some foot tapping opportunities.
Not just a festival? Love Police put on a stellar event for sure. But there’s more to their musical kit-bag – sideshows galore where Australian punters can see these wonderful performers in a full performance setting at local venues.
In the words of the Felice Brothers “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
We doff our brimmed hats to B.T. and Love Police.
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We take a look at OOTW
We take a look at OOTW
