Page 54 - Tropic Magazine Issue 36

TROPIC • MUSIC

Round two

FESTIVAL
Savannah in the Round is back
even bigger and better this year,
with international acts on the
bill for the first time.

Words: Renee Cluff
The inaugural Savannah in the Round
Festival in 2021 saw more than 11,000
music lovers descend on the Mareeba
Rodeo Grounds for three days and nights
of fun, festivities, camping and dancing
as an endless procession of country, rock,
roots and pop acts stormed the stages.
It was quite the feat given Australia was
in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic,
with the event making national headlines.
For this year’s second festival, the
Cairns Hinterland retains its position as
Australia’s new home of country music
and with borders open, organisers have
certainly doubled down. Now stretching
over four nights and taking in the
Queen’s birthday long weekend from MacKenzie Porter
late September, the festival includes two
international acts among its 30-plus Home-grown fan favourites are also sure
strong lineup. to light up the stages, with Adam Brand,
Headlining Savannah in the Round We’re set on bringing The Waifs, Vanessa Amorosi and The
2022 is Brad Paisley, a highly decorated Black Sorrows among dozens on the bill.
global country superstar who is touring 25,000 people “There are real industry legends coming
Australia this year. Paisley has three through the gates as well as current chart-toppers,”
GRAMMYs to his name, while all 11 of his James said. “The celebration is quickly
studio albums are certified Gold or higher James Dein becoming the premier destination event
by the Recording Industry Association of Festival Director for music and camping fans across
America (RIAA). Australia and the world.”
For punters looking to get the party
“The local audience is strong but this started early, there’ll be a special Thursday
has always been about event tourism for night kick-off event in the Big Top Music
the Far North. You can see Brad Paisley Hall featuring The Buckleys, Eurogliders,
at the Rod Laver Arena, or you can fly Christie Lamb, The Badloves and
to Cairns and visit the Mareeba Rodeo McAlister Kemp.
Arena, stay in the region and take in the Also in 2022, there’ll be an Indigenous
most stunning backdrop for any festival cultural program as well as visual art
in Australia.” displays, sideshow alley activities and
Canadian singer-songwriter MacKenzie plenty of paddock-to-plate local produce,
Porter rounds out the international acts. including a world class BBQ exhibition.
2021 festival numbers
She’s just made history on Billboard The festival comes complete with a
• 11,000 music fans Country Airplay’s chart for her duet with variety of accommodation options from
• 44 acts Dustin Lynch, Thinking ‘Bout You, which drive-in DIY campsites to deluxe on-site
• 3 days and nights has been in the top ten for 27 weeks and glamping, as well as a pre-constructed
number one for six weeks. tent village.

54 • Tropic • Issue 36