THE GIFT

With Mohamed Camera

Mohamed Camara was born in Guinea, West Africa, into the Manding family. At ten years old, Mohamed began an apprenticeship with Guinean master drummer Ton Ton Sylla, which led to Mohamed performing in many of Guinea’s leading ensembles including Ballet Bolonta, Les Sorciers de Guinée, and Ballet Destin.

Since arriving in Australia in 2007, Mohamed has fast become a highly sought-after African artist and ambassador. He has performed and conducted workshops at many leading events including Woodford Folk Festival, Darwin Festival and Apollo Bay Music Festival, and in 2010 Mohamed undertook a national tour with Guinean percussion and dance ensemble Muhanamwe.

Date/Times

Sat 21, 11:00 – 12:00

Stage/Location

Workshop

With the Superhoodz

SUPERHOODZ  are a young, vibrant, and fresh Hip Hop dance crew based in Melbourne. Superhoodz have been together for 5 years and have won a range of Hip Hop competitions Australian wide. Training with choreographers with credits of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, Britney Spears, Beyonce and Usher, Superhoodz aspire to be the best at what they do as well as to do what they love, which is to dance, entertain and inspire others.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 2:00 – 3:00

Stage/Location

Workshop Tent

Qualifications
: Bachelor of Architecture with Honours 1st Class

Biography
Jan van Schaik is a director of Minifie van Schaik Architects and a lecturer and PHD candidate at the RMIT University School of Architecture & Design. His approach to practice prioritises the cultural and civic nature of architecture and is manifest in The Centre for Ideas at the Victorian College of the Arts, The Australian Wildlife Health Centre in the Healesville Sanctuary, the Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Discovery Centre for Melbourne Water, a chain of confectionery stores, international masterplanning projects and a house here in Mildura.

In 2010 he exhibited a series of projects for the improvement of Mildura’s built environment at the London Festival of Architecture on behalf of the Australian High Commission.

He has collaborated extensively with artists and through the World Architecture Workshop, an ongoing research and teaching project with academics and professionals in Australia, France, Japan, Spain, China and the United States which harnesses professional and institutional knowledge to unravel intractable urban problems. His teaching focuses on cultural and civic design solutions applied to local briefs the last three of which have been located Mildura, respectively the Old Mildura Base Hospital Project, the Mildura Population Project, and the Mildura Solar Architecture Project.

As an invited examiner he contributes to architectural education and debate at RMIT University, Deakin University, the University of Westminster, the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Sint Lucas School of Architecture in Ghent, Belgium.

The civic component of his practice is augmented by a series of public artworks and his role as chair of the Melbourne City Council Creative Spaces Working Group which manages, curates and develops affordable space for the creative industries across Melbourne and Victoria.

His work is awarded, published and exhibited both locally and internationally.
For more information please visit www.mvsarchitects.com.au

Director, Centre for Art History and Art Theory
ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences

Professor Helen Ennis is one of Australia’s leading photography curators, historians and writers. She was formerly Curator of Photography at the National Gallery of Australia (1985-1992). She joined the Australian National University School of Art in 1995 and is Convenor of the Graduate Research program. In 2014 she became Director of the Centre for Art History and Art Theory.

Helen specializes in Australian photographic history, especially of the modern period, biography, death studies, curatorship and museology. Since 2000 she has curated 8 major exhibitions for the National Portrait Gallery, National Gallery of Australia, National Library and other cultural institutions. She is currently writing a biography on modernist photographer Olive Cotton, supported by funding from the Australia Council Literature Board. She was awarded the ABR George Hicks Foundation Fellowship in 2013.

Edgar Hechavarria Ricardo was born in 1975 in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba. He lives and Works in Havana.

He’s a former member of the acclaimed radical performance collective ‘Enema’ and a 2003 graduate from the Higher Institute of Art (ISA), Havana, Cuba.

Edgar has participated in a number of national and international events such as Havana’s 9th and 10th Biennials (2006, 2009), and 1rst Biennial End of the World in Usuahia, Argentina (2007). Among his most significant exhibitions are: solo exhibitions “Apuntalando” (2008), and “Patología de una Quimera” (2008) Group exhibitions include; International Festival of Performance, Miami Beach, Miami, USA (2014-2013), Proyecto Batiscafo, Multimedia and Documentation, collateral to Havana’s 11th Biennial, Cuba (2012), Cuban Gold: Viva la Reproducción, Prints by Contemporary Cuban Artists, London Print Studio, London (2011), El extremo de la bala -una década de arte cubano, La Habana (2010).

He has received several national awards, one of which is Premio X Salón de Arte Digital, Obra Impresa, Havana (2009).

Reviews about his work have been published by renown art critics and curators like Magda González-Mora for “Revista Atlántica No 55-56”, and Ibis Hernández Abascal for the catalogue “Punto de encuentro” (2009).

His works are in private collections in Argentina, Canada, EE.UU, and Spain.

For the 2015 Castlemaine State Festival, he is collaborating with Slow Art Collective and students from Castlemaine Secondary on Loomûsica, the Festival’s signature International Mentorship Project.

Madeline Hudson is a fiesty folk songtress and captivating storyteller who will take you on a journey from the wilds of the activist frontline to melodic musings of the soul. Performing songs on both guitar and mandolin with stompin dual foot percussion, Madeline’s dynamic energy is infectious.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 3:00 – 3:30

Stage/Location

Lounge Bar

The Zucchini-Clan – a wonderful musical troupe with a message to share with both young and old audiences.

Fresh from the Adelaide Fringe Festival where the Zooks played to resounding success with kids bopping & parents trying hard to not join in.

These musicians have been working hard for more than a year now to establish their almost pantomime-like show full of catchy tunes. Think The Wiggles but with more make-up and a strong message of sustainability and protection of the environment.

Date/Times

Sun 15,  1:30- 2:15

Stage/Location

Theatre Peppino
Workshop Tent

This is an adorable little variety show aimed at 2 – 8 yr olds, and is also great entertainment for all ages. The 2 monkey puppets (Bongo & Congo) play African drums, lead audiences in songs & dances, and perform magic tricks.

Famous all over Australia, this show is not to be missed.

“The Next Wiggles”
NT News

“The Next Bananas!”
Nicole Foote JJJ

“Beating Hi 5 hands down”
Adelaide Advertiser

Date/Times

Sun 15, 2:00 – 3:00

Stage/Location

Workshop Tent

Victoria Hammond is a local singer songstress who first picked up the Tenor Ukulele when she made the tree change and moved to Castlemaine six years ago.

Since then, Victoria has been captivating local audiences with her penchant for singing sad songs for the brokenhearted. Influenced by early jazz, blues and contemporary classics, her voice is sweet and sultry yet her performance style is cheeky and provocative.

Victoria will be performing for the State Festival an eclectic mix of her favourite covers from a variety of genres in her unique and intimate style.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 1:30 – 2:00

Stage/Location

Lounge Bar

with Vicky Jacobs

Glee is a bit like karaoke, but where everyone gets to be the star of the show. With added drama, flair, show tunes and jazz hands.

GLEE CLUB is a celebration of the cheesy tunes, lonesome looks and group singing sensations that reside in us all.

Vicky Jacobs is a noted musical director and pianist and has worked broadly in music theatre, playing in the orchestra pits for Xanadu, Dr Zhivago, Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, Respect: A Musical Journey of Women, The Lion King, and she is currently Assistant Musical Director on Jersey Boys and Musical Director of Motherhood the Musical.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 12:30 – 1:30
Sun 15, 3:30 – 4:30

Stage/Location

Workshop Tent

The Uke Joint Jumpers were established in a sly grog shop under an old speakeasy in the regional gold mining city of Bendigo, Victoria.

This eclectic group play their unique ukulele barrelhouse blues, covering the songs of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Louis Jordan.

One of Australia’s foremost acapella groups, the Trinity Tiger Tones do everything from classic barbershop numbers to contemporary pop/rock hits, and all in tuxedo!

Date/Times

Sat 21, 11:30 – 12:30

Stage/Location

Lounge

The Candystripes is the all girl, all amazing, glee club a capella vocal group for women at Melbourne’s Trinity College.

The Candystripes perform at college functions and events in the wider community.

This will be their first time performing in Regional Victoria.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 11:00 – 12noon
2:30 – 4:00 Workshop

Stage/Location

Lounge

‘If Dr Seuss started a rock band – This would be it!’

The Mighty bUZZniks perform an energetic, action packed show that will have the whole family buzzing!

Bridging the gap between music for toddlers and teens, the bUZZniks bring a show of diverse musical styles where hip-hop, rock, folk and pop back quirky lyrics for the little people.

Come on a fabulous musical adventure with this five piece live band of experienced musicians who create very cool music, funny stories, theatre and a lot of energy that will have kids moving and parents grooving.

Date/Times

Sun 22

Stage/Location

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Daredevil Dynamo Diva’s

Introducing three daredevil, dynamo, diva’s who are ready to rock!

Join Cindy, Donna and Gloria for a first class circus synthesis. These sisters are some of Australia’s most exciting performers. See them perform on 8m chair stacks, spin faster than a mirror ball, hula in a handstand, and swing through the air.. all bound together with their passion for rock.

Once the support act for David Mowie, now they’re here, for their world premiere. At no. one for 15 minutes The Dangles are one of the biggest female Aussie pop rock bands of the 80’s..

Their first free show in 25 years. Book a bus now!

“The Dangles are my all time favourite rock chicks.”
Molly Meldram

“Awesome riffs and bangin moves”
Rolling Stains magazine

Date/Times

Sun 22

Stage/Location

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Such As They Are

Mixing side-show with spooky macabre, Nightmare is a 5 minute performance inside a transformed horse float.

Entering up the ramp and under a smoke bellowing skull, audiences find themselves surrounded by a nightmarish tale told through miniature worlds, pop-out puppets, sensory effects and an unforgettable climax.

Enter if you dare!

(Unsuitable for claustrophobics and those easily scared)

Date/Times

Sat 14, Sun 15 & Sat 21, Times TBC

Stage/Location

Horse Float

A swinging 6 piece Jump/Swing Blues Band with drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, saxophone and vocals.

Currently the house band for the monthly Castlemaine Blues Jam. If you like the music of B.B King, Howling Wolf, Etta James, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bondi Cigars & John Mayall, bring your suitcase down!

Date/Times

Sun 15, 12:30 – 1:30

Stage/Location

Lounge

Come warm up, stretch your body, relax and get ready for a day of festival madness with Stretch City Yoga, Festival Style!

Bring your kids, friends, partner in crime, tense looking wanderer & yoga guru to our all ages, all abilities morning stretch out session.

With Sally Davis (trained & accredited Yoga teacher) & Mandy Fields (Castlemaine Circus School Trainer).

*Breakfast will be available after stretch – for both participants and general breakfast enthusiasts

Date/Times

Sat 14, Sun 15 & Sat 21, 10:30 – 11:15

Stage/Location

Outside Grass

The Real Hot Bitches have thrusted their way across the hottest stages in Australia with their core motto: ‘whatever you lack in technique, make up for with passion’. In this 80’s dance explosion workshop, the Real Hot Bitches will show you how to channel your dance passion and unleash your inner bitch.

All hot bitches welcome, girl bitches, boy bitches, whatever bitches. Wear whatever get’s you into the groove, the bitches recommend Lycra, one layer or ten.
For audiences of 15 years and older

Date/Times

Sat 21, 12:30 – 2:30

Stage/Location

Workshop

The Real Hot Bitches are a lycra lovin’, glitter explosion with a passion, a dance passion.

With all the lycra, lace, glitter, glory, g-string leotards, voluminous hair and power thrusts you can handle, the bitches bust out epic routines to the classic hits of the 80’s.

Date/Times

Sat 21, 4:45 – 5:00 Lounge Bar Victory Park

Sun 22, 4:15 – 4:30 Tree Stage Botanical Gardens

A DAY OF THE FAIRGROUND

Drawing inspiration from an old fashioned caravan, antique bottles and suitcases, red velvet curtains, and the strength and versatility of performers- the hybrid vaudevillian of Porcelain Punch Company took to it’s feet.

On the back of extensive regional, national and international tours, Porcelain Punch return to Castlemaine, for an electric showcase of some of Castlemaine and Melbourne’s finest vaudeville performers.

‘A day of the Fairground’ is a toffee apple and pink puffy fairy floss infused afternoon featuring live music, circus, physical comedy and contemporary clown on the vintage Teatro Peppino stage.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 4:00 – 5:00
Sun 15, 4:00 – 5:00

Stage/Location

Theatre Peppino

Perch Creek are a band of five energetic multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, four of whom happen to be siblings. This Melbourne-based band play harmony driven roots music with a creative energy and fearless spirit that sparkles with imagination and individuality.

With diverse instrumentation including guitar, double bass, keyboard, trombone, saw, banjo and tap dancing, Perch Creek combine five-part vocal harmonies with folk, roots and rock musical styles all threaded together by the band’s unique collaborative song writing.

Date/Times

Sun 22

Stage/Location

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

with CHRIS CLEMENTS

Renowned for her intimate live shows and witty banter, Nicola Watson’s smoky voice sings of romance and regret. Her songs present melodic storytelling, framed by simple picked classical guitar. Drawing comparisons with Jolie Holland and Basia Bulat, Watson recently returned to Melbourne after a long stint singing jazz in Japan.

Whether playing with full band or stripped solo, whether to large crowds or tiny bars, Watson’s performances are ever intimate. Immediate and arresting, her songs reveal the dark in everyday, in ways both dry and sweet.

“[Watson] is in a class of her own.”
Simone, Beat Magazine

Date/Times

Sat 14, 3:30 – 4:30

Stage/Location

Lounge

Australia’s newest and most colourful family music act the MicMaks are brothers Joel, Alan, Brian and Dean McInnes. The band boasts the world’s best drumming Panda ‘Drums the Panda’ and look out for ‘Bruce the Hairy Crocodile!’

The group have enormous fun performing their quirky songs for children and adults. They write and perform their own songs that focus on engaging children through colour, actions and movement. Music is a passion for all four and they feel privileged to be able to share it with their young audiences.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 12:15 – 1:00
Sun 15,11:00 – 11:45 & 2:45 – 3:15

Stage/Location

Theatre Peppino

The Melbourne Mandolin Orchestra was formed in 1967 and has thrilled and entertained audiences in almost all the capital cities of Australia as well as numerous cities in Europe and Japan during its overseas tours.

It performs a very wide repertoire of music spanning several centuries and numerous styles ranging from Renaissance to contemporary compositions, some of which were written specifically for this orchestra.

Date/Times

Sun 22

Stage/Location

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Mama Alto – a resplendent diva, a cabaret goddess, an exquisite countertenor, a jazz singer extraordinaire – is a creature of sequins, satin, feathers and diamantes. And so it may surprise that one of Mama Alto’s most beloved rituals is in fact the genteel and grandmotherly tradition of afternoon tea.

Sophistication comes in many forms darlings! Make yourself comfortable as Mama Alto pours you a cup of tea and sings you a cup of love. And who knows what surprises Mama and her musical director Tiffanni Walton might have for you… Do come along. It will be simply marvellous to see you.

“Beyond issues of camp or drag into something quietly and almost innocently beautiful.”
Adelaide Advertiser

Date/Times

Sun 15, 3:30 – 4:30

Stage/Location

Lounge

Melbourne’s premier male pop choir, comprising over 40 men, diverse in age, cultural background and experience.

Singing their own unique arrangements of pop music from the 60’s to today.

Date/Times

Sun 22

Stage/Location

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

Adopted by her current hometown of Castlemaine, Louise Adams’ overwhelming and all encompassing vocals have made her an ever increasing favourite in SA, Victoria and beyond.

Her gift is a strong and powerfully feminine voice. At times gravelly, at others smooth, but always sending tingles down the spines of everyone in the room. Her flair for writing original music and lyrics, influenced by blues, soul and garage rock is surpassed only by her ability to win over a crowd; leaving them yearning for more.

Date/Times

Sun 15, 2:45 – 3:30
Sun 22

Stage/Location

Lounge Bar

“Destiny is written on the dance floor and we know how to read!”

Famous Seamus and Sean-Tastic, will do anything to try and be famous. Satire, surrealism and silly comedy with flashes of surprising acrobatic skill and dance routines makes Lords of Strut, bright, tight and incredibly funny live entertainment!

“This is circus like you have never seen it before. In the air, on their backs and with very little clothing.”

Date/Times

Sat 21
4:00- 4:45  Lounge
Victory Park

Sun 22
2:00 -2:45  Tree Stage
Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

You go to the library, check the catalogue and ask about the availability of the book. If it is in, then you have a specific amount of time to read the book and to put it back on the shelf, undamaged…

Our Living Library is the coming together of individuals from all walks of life representing many different viewpoints, experiences and values in an open and safe environment.

The ‘Books’ are real people who are able to communicate their personal reality and are available to be ‘borrowed’ by an interested ‘Reader.’
Don’t judge a book by its cover!

Date/Times

Sat 14, 11am – 1pm
Sun 15, 11am – 1pm
Sat 21, 11am – 1pm

Stage/Location

Living Library

with Hoopy Hayley and Matman

Fresh from the bigtop comes a BamBam circus play area for children of all ages. Learn fancy tricks with hula-hoops, spinning poi, juggling balls, spinning plates, clowning, and more!!

Bring along a friend, it’s twice the fun! All equipment provided

Date/Times

Sun 22

Stage/Location

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens

BamBam Circus – Side Show for Smalls

Roll up! Roll Up! Ladies, gentlemen and all bald headed babies!
A vibrant circus spectacle guaranteed to provide a hoot of a time.
With clowns, hula-hoops, juggling, magic and slapstick.

After sellout shows at ‘Northcote for Kids’ and ‘Adelaide Fringe’ The Little Magnifico brings the Big Top down!

Date/Times

Sat 21, 1:30 – 2:15 & 4:00 – 4:45

Stage/Location

Theatre Peppino

Geraldine Quinn (Spicks and Specks, Rockwiz, Adam Hills Tonight) is a multi-award-winning rock cabaretiér who has performed all around Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

In 2014, Quinn was nominated for two awards in the New Zealand Fringe Festival and Best MC in the national Bustie Awards (annual Australian burlesque scene awards), and hosted the 2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival program launch.

She is healthily enamored of the work of David Bowie and not at all obsessed.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 12:00 – 12:40
Sun 15, 12:00 – 12:30 & 1:30 – 2:00

Stage/Location

Lounge Bar

Direct from hosting Adelaide’s ‘FRINGE IN THE MALL’ acrobat / hula artist and MC extraordinaire Eloise Green has performed at over 83 Festivals in over 15 countries around the world, including her performances in the comedy duo ‘OzStar Airlines’ who performed at the London National Theatre and have toured internationally and nationally for six years.

Join Eloise as she performs and MC’s in the Lounge Tent for an afternoon of fun times with a mixed bag of amazing performances.
It is always more enjoyable to laugh with others than laugh alone!!

Date/Times

Sat 21, 12:00 – 12:30, 1:30 – 2:00, 3:00 – 3:30

Stage/Location

Lounge Bar

Gentlemen of the Road

Transcending trends, capturing hearts and crossing boundaries, these 3 actors / musicians / clowns at the pinnacle of their powers flow seamlessly together – steady, joyful, resonant – in a celebratory performance.

A story without words unfolds… moments of inspired stillness… physicality and dynamism… rhythmic squeezebox… breakbeats and ballads… witty and charming… performed with impeccable timing.

This is where circus meets theatre and live music is played. A common ground where magic is made.

“Brilliantly Diverse, Mischievous and Expertly Coherent”
The Scotsman, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Date/Times

Sat 21, 2:45 – 3:15 – Theatre Peppino
Also performing with Castlemaine Circus School 11:00 – 11:45

Sun 22, 11:30 -12:15 Tree Stage, Castlemaine Botanic Gardens

With Eleanor Barkla

Cult classics, sentimental tunes and guilty pleasures are all etched into our toe-tapping psyche before we’ve even learned how to walk.

Join Miss Ellie Barkla in a dawdle down memory lane, as she performs for you through voice and keys, the melodies that have molded her childhood, with some questionable banter to boot.
Tunes from the likes of Eva Cassidy, Sting, Regina Spektor and Bob Dylan will be performed in Ellie’s own easy style, honed by seventeen years of family room soirées and sing-alongs.

Date/Times

Sun 15, 2:00 – 2:45
2:30 – 4:00 Workshop

Stage/Location

Lounge

The Duck Downpickers (formerly The Sitting Ducks) play acoustic Zyda-Jug-Holy-Billy Blues, a little tongue in beak!

Inspired by the home-cooked mountain music of the Appalachians, the Ducks cite among their influences Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers, The Skillet Lickers, R Crumb and The Cheap Suit Serenaders and Old Crow Medicine Show.

The Duck Downpickers are:
Gerry McDonald – Vocals, Banjo, Foot Percussion, Dulcimer, Banjo-Ukelele and Kazoo;
Jonathan Ashley – Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Melodic Banjo, Harmonica and Mandolin;
Clayton Jacobson – Vocals, Double Bass and 5 String Banjo;
Two flat footin’ Appalachian Limberjacks (puppets) name of Lester Flatt and his up-market girlfriend Emmylou Trailer-Parker.

createAbility, James Rigby, Jim Coad, Taffy Thomas, Sam Thomas, Charles Jenkins

The land, our body, and the way we communicate carries knowledge. This knowledge circulates, cycles and regenerates, taking what has gone before to build what is yet to come. Cultural Exchange is an exploration of creative material, between individuals, between cultures and between generations.

Artists from a range of backgrounds have collaborated with the createAbility drama group to develop a series of sketches, stories and songs that use physical performance, storytelling, song writing and visual representation to share the results of exchanging artistic knowledge. There are many ways to tell a story, and the best ones are told and retold.

Date/Times

Sat 14, 12:45 – 1:30
Sun 15, 11:00 – 12:00 noon
Sat 21, 1:00 – 2:00

Stage/Location

Lounge

The Chipolatas & Castlemaine Circus Inc.

Through a series of workshops and mentorships, internationally acclaimed circus performers The Chipolatas join forces with the newest clown-kids on the block the Castlemaine Circus Inc. to bring a newly developed work.

Highlighting new skills and shared moments of performance joy, this work creates a safe environment for these new performers, and we ask you to join us in warmly welcoming them to the stage.

Date/Times

Sat 21, 11:00 – 11:45

Stage/Location

Theatre Peppino

Charles has worked in the Juvenile Justice System and Gateway House. With the Festival of Healthy Living and the Berry St Organisation he has taught song writing in regional Victorian schools.

Charles has recently delivered songwriting workshops for the Bendigo Writers Festival, the Semaphore Music Festival and for the Telstra Road To Discovery program and taught songwriting at the University of Tasmania. He also runs songwriting workshops with up and coming Victorian songwriters in conjunction with APRA and The Push, Arts Victoria and The Australian Council for the Arts for the program Push Songs.

Date/Times

Sat 21, 3:00 – 4:30 Workshop

Stage/Location

Workshop Tent

Charles Jenkins is a Melbourne songwriter/musician and performer with more than 25 years experience in the Australian Music Industry.

A published songwriter for more than 20 years, Charles signed to Mushroom Publishing in 2004, and his songs have been placed in local and international television and film and recorded by artists of the calibre of Rebecca Barnard and Kerri Simpson.

He has been nominated for two ARIAS with the band Icecream Hands, and performed on the SBS music show RocKwiz. Of late he has co-written songs with Mick Thomas (Weddings, Parties, Anything), Angie Hart (Frente) and Suzannah Espie.

“He’s too good a writer not to be in your life.”
Sydney Morning Herald

Date/Times

Sat 21, 12:15 – 1:00
2:30 – 4:00 Workshop

Stage/Location

Theatre Peppino
Workshop Tent