Line-up grows for escape
Prominent Australian indigenous musical artist Deline Briscoe will perform with a six-piece band at this year’s Grampians Grape Escape at Halls Gap.
Briscoe joins the list of entertainers and celebrities at the festival on May 6 and 7 at Halls Gap after a sold-out international tour with Black Arm Band.
Another guest for the annual wine and food pilgrimage will be culinary dessert queen Kate Ferguson.
The weekend celebration represents the grand finale of a month of festival events in the region, while championing the wine and food produced in the Grampians.
Promotors have described Briscoe as ‘empowering and inspiring and likely to sweep Grape Escapers off their feet’ with her rhythmic grooves and songs.
Briscoe said she looked forward to performing at the festival in a location rich with indigenous history.
“I value supporting local producers and can’t wait to soak up the regional atmosphere,” she said.
Ferguson meanwhile, having taken out first place in reality television program Zumbo’s Just Desserts last year, said she too was delighted to be a part of the festival.
“I can’t wait to share some of my tips with festival-goers,” she said.
“Spending time with the kiddies creating amazing cupcakes will be a real treat for me.”
Adding to an entertainment mix heavy with talent will be folk singer Freya Josephine Hollick, alternative folk music project, Vanderlay and acoustic roots and blues artist Nick Charles.
They will join Chris Wilson, William Crighton and Quarry Dead Mountain Rats, already con- firmed on the festival schedule. Banjo-wielding blues performer Karl S. Williams and indie surfrockers Shag Rock will bring their own unique sounds, while Demi Louise’s romantic tunes will also provide ‘the perfect’ accompaniment for people sampling wine.
Organisers have confirmed the festival will also offer plenty of activities for children.
More information about Grampians Grape Escape and partner events is available on website grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.
• Halls Gap will host a Folk for Refugees concert on May 27. Story page 20.