Redcliffe Rocks!

GreaseFest 2001

On the weekend 17–19 August rockers and lovers of cool cars from all over the country descended on the lazy seaside town of Redcliffe, 30 minutes north of Brisbane for a weekend of great music, and cars. Eight bands over three days were headlined on the Saturday night by Josie Kreuser from California. The weekend kicked off on the Friday night with a ‘Meet & Greet’ party. This was a great opportunity for everyone to mingle, check out the cars, cats and kittens, and the wonderful 1950s decor of the Fishbowl. The Fishbowl is a great venue for The Greazefest, an incredible place boasting the largest collection of 50s memorabilia in Australia. There was plenty of room for everyone, great food, a good sound system, a huge car park for hot rods and of course, a well stocked bar. The highlight on Friday night was The Satellite V from Sydney, and Johnny Green's Blues Cowboys kept the joint rockin' till the early hours. On Saturday, many cats and kittens could be seen soaking up the sunshine, and checking out the sights and shops of Redcliffe. The local traders were very pleased to have the greaser’s business. On Saturday afternoon the Rats & Rides Show was a great opportunity to stroll amongst the cool hot rods, and custom cars, while soaking up the sunshine and having a beer. There were many vendors selling, clothes, records, and all the usual good stuff one can buy at such events. There were over 1000 people, including curious locals, hot rodders, and rockin’ cats and kittens from all over the country.  Two bands entertained the crowd during the afternoon, first up was the Tractor Jacks, followed by The Starlit  Ramblers, both bands were excellent and deserved a spot on the main gigs in the evening. Greazefest Trophies were awarded  during the afternoon, congratulations to the following people. The Longest Haul Anthony Brander – 1957 Pontiac One Real Gone Ra Richard Thornton – 1929 Hi Boy One Helluva Hot Rod  Luke Griffiths – 1932 Ford coupe One Kool Kustom Craig Fountain – 1950 Buick  One Cool Custom Cycle Gary Winmill – Johnny Chopper Cycle Outstanding Support  Cruzin Magazine Anthony Brandar and Luke Griffiths drove up together from the southern suburbs of Sydney. Anthony's  suburb (Malabar) was a bit further south than Luke’s. So it was a close finish. Special mention must be made for the longest  flight Greg Shimp came all the way from Wellington New Zealand.  After a fantastic afternoon of cars, cool cats and kittens,  sunshine and great music we got some food, and put our cat clothes on for the main event, a long night of rock’n’roll headlined by Josie Kreuzer. The evening began with the Satellites from Adelaide performing their brand of high powered rockabilly. Next up was The Chrome Daddies. These guys gave us a great show of rockabilly/western swing/honky tonk. 
The Tailgaters, followed by blasting out their bluesy loud rock’n’roll. These guys got a mixed reception from the crowd. Some people took an opportunity to check out the rods in the car park. We were all waiting eagerly for Josie Kreuzer to make her appearance, and after what seemed an eternity Josie gave us a great show with her fabulous brand of traditional rockabilly and hot rod rock and roll. Josie was superbly backed up by Doug, Jon and Geoff from The Chrome Daddies. Sunday's Seaside Rat Ride saw over  50 cars in a slow crawl to Scarborough that caused the whole town of Redcliffe to stop and gaze in awe as the hot rods and customs roll by.  The weekend ended on Sunday evening at the Scarborough Hotel after the Rat ride. A very entertaining performance by The Fuelers, who created havoc with their very funny  stage show and audience participation. Greazefest will be on again next  year, so why not take the opportunity to relax in the sunshine as well as dig the cool cars and rockin’ music.  Spend a few more days in the area and soak up the 25 degree sunshine at the golden sandy beaches and Clockwise from top left: Josie Kreuser, Some of the rods and classics on display, The Fishbowl (inside and out). Above far left: Martine and Tony (Atomic Jive), Greazefest DJ Rockin’ Marc Rondeau, Josie Kreuzer and fellow Californian Lyn. Photos: Jenny Stephenson, Lori Lee Cash (www.robot-inc.com.au.) picturesque foreshore park. You are only a short trip to the centre of  Brisbane. Details of next year's Greazefest should be released early in 2002. Keep an eye on the Robot International web site at: http://www.robotint.com.au

  

 

 

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