The predicted rain and thunderstorms for the second day of the inaugural Earth Station festival stayed well away, instead Belair National park was coated in a warm and bright summer days sun.
The traditionally popular festival Saturday saw a much larger crowd pour into the venue, armed with cushions, chairs, sky's and more, to see some of the most anticipated performances of the whole weekend.
The gates opened at 10am and the morning started with a 'Friends of Belair National Park' weeding session. The first stage performance of the Yearlings took place at noon, as well as an interesting speech from Professor Lesley Hughes on The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity.
At 1pm the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra gave a rendition of some traditional Chinese music on the main stage accompanied by Pipa virtuoso Wu Man. A large crowd gathered on the grasses, desperately seeking a little shade from the warm afternoon sun to listen to the Chinese string and wind instruments and be transported by the meditative sounds.
The debate on Greening Australia's economy with Professor Mike Young, Sue Richardson, and Paddy Manning had people overflowing from the University of Adelaide Pavilion to hear what was on the agenda, and the start of the Pacific Curls performance at 2pm drew a large crowd to the Karka stage. Opening their performance with a Maori introduction, the Pacific Curls played a combination of instruments including electric violin, guitar, banjo and beat box, revving the audience up with their unique pop sound and drawing the cutest little crowd of jumping, dancing children to the front of the stage.
Ian Lowe gave a popular talk on the state of the Australian climate and its current political significance, which drew a large audience. Listeners lined up to ask questions on population growth, the use of genetically engineered crops and the impacts of climate on Immigration, fuelling a positive debate.
Sadly the much anticipated performance of Toumani Diabate and Band was cancelled, as the group was unfortunately caught up in an immigration battle that meant they weren't able to make it to Australian shores - but the much loved Vika and Linda Bull stepped in at the last minute with their band for an impromptu performance of their own songs and covers which were immensely popular. Cartwheeling children, hoola-hoopers, and dancers made the most of this warm afternoon, others just sat around soaking up the lively atmosphere as many, again, clambered for the shady spots to lay out their rugs and enjoy the plethora of food and drink on offer.
After a short break in the program Iwantja, from central South Australia, took to the Karka stage and rocked the crowd with their unique and award winning variety of music. At the same time in the Willows pavilion a crowd had gathered to listed to experts in wind and solar power talk about opportunities to grow Australia's renewable energy interests. The audience was heard cheering when it was announced that South Australia currently hosts the largest percentage of wind farms in the country.
The much anticipated performance from the Audreys at 5.30pm took place on the Internode (main) stage drawing a massive turnout on the grasses out front. The band, who have not played live for some time since the birth of Tash's baby, were absolutely on song for the afternoon performance.
At 6.30pm, and as the sun started to set, Wu Man took to the stage for her second performance of the day, this time playing solo on the Karka stage. Feeling lazy from the full on day of activities, much of the crowd lay out across the cooling grass to listen to the gentle rhythms of the Pipa. Wu's control of her instrument was phenomenal, and most were aghast as her fingers adeptly moved over the strings.
The afternoon speeches continued, with a talk about moving Beyond Ideology: The Politics and Policy of Climate Change, and How to Feed 9 Billion Mouths - Forever, but the biggest drawcard of the day was Zakir Hussain and The Masters of Percussion, who started a little late after some troubles getting the sound check complete, but then had the audience totally pumped as three energetic dancers opened the set with a Dhol drum display which was both acrobatic and musically skilful. The audience then settled in to hear the masters on a variety of traditional Indian instruments including Tabla and Sitar.
The popular Story Time kicked off again at 7.30pm for the second night in a row, with ever appropriate hay bales for seats, many youngsters gathered to hear their favourite books read to them. The final stage performance for the evening was Mista Savona with upbeat Jamaican music for the diehard festival lovers who hadn't yet jumped on the bus to start the journey home. Once again the night closed with a DJ, this time DJ Wipod, cranking bass beats for the stayers in the University of Adelaide pavilion, before the close to a long day with the last bus heading back down the hill at Midnight.
This festival, whilst appearing a little low on overall numbers has been incredibly popular with those who have made it up to Belair. The hype of the even seems to be overflowing too, with many more interested in making it to the Festival before the weekend is out. Tickets are still available at the door, and parking just a short free bus ride from the event can be purchased for the day for only $10 per car.
With one day left of this event, and weather forecast as high as 31 degrees, a great turnout is expected. WOMAD Earth Station Festival should definitely be checked out!
Paul Rodda
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