Five bands, lots of rods, customs, DJs, dancers, sunshine, and a venue right  on the Swan river all combined to make the first ‘Rant and Rave Festival’ a great success. The event was run by the ‘Perth Rock’n’Roll Club’.  The Club has been rockin’ for 15 years, running regular gigs, river cruises, and bringing artists across the Nallabor for the Perth rockers.  The day started in the car park of Raffles Hotel, in warm sunshine. Two bands and DJs entertained the crowd as they strolled amongst the rods and customs.  The first band was a new outfit called The Salt Flat Trio. Lead singer Felix is only nineteen. It is great to see young guys playing such good  traditional sound. They are a three piece along the lines of Elvis on Sun. Bass player Daniel said they admired the Austin band High Noon and also King Memphis. The crowd enjoyed  them so much they were asked back for another set. Next up was Rusty and The Drag  Strip Trio. Playing red-hot rockabilly. These guys are musicians who have played in rockin’ Perth bands for years. The boys gave another exceptional performance with the  crowd getting behind Rusty and his ‘Elvis’ style manoeuvres. They just seem to improve every time they play.  Tony Ing from Perth Rock’n’Roll Club said the day was a great success and thanked The Aces & Eights Car Club, and everyone else who donated their time, effort and equipment to  make the first annual Rant’n’Rave Festival a success.

Jump Drag and Shake
The evening part of the Rant’n’Rave  festival in the River Room at the Raffles Hotel began with Rusty & The Drag Strip Trio, followed by R&B  swingers Jus’ Jump. Both these bands can be seen around Perth on a regular basis, check the gig guide in  the back of this magazine. Then it was time for the main event of the evening, one of the best  Rockabilly bands around. The Flatfoot Shakers promised Raucous Rockabilly, Cool Hypnotic Rockin' Jive and Honky  Tonkin' Country Bop, they delivered exactly that. Three sets filled with their great  originals and covers including a sneak preview of their new CD ‘Shakin’ Tonight’.  Kieron’s vocals were superb, Peter’s guitar work was crisp and Jamie hit the skins with precision.  Unfortunately Slappin’ Dan could not make it to Perth and the stand-in bass player seemed to be just going through the motions. Richie from  Rusty & the Dragstrip Trio joined the boys on bass for one song and set the  place alight. Perhaps next time Richie could do the whole show. Thanks to the Perth Rock’n’Roll  Club for information and pictures. Any one wanting to contact the club should ring Tony on (08) 9401 9151.