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Woodstock 1969

Aug22

Three days of Peace and Music

An advertisement for Woodstock 1969
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On the 50th anniversary of Woodstock it seemed only fitting to write about it… I have been watching so many documentaries and interviews recently of stories from people that attended!

Woodstock was held at a dairy farm in the town of Bethel, New York and ran from 15th August to 18th August 1969. It was organised by four men all in their 20s. The idea behind the event was to make enough money to build a recording studio near the arty New York town of Woodstock, and it is now known as the most famous and most talked about concert throughout history.

Michael Lang, one of the guys who organised Woodstock
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There were over 500,000 people who attended the three day concert. The tickets were originally sold for $18 in advance and $24 at the gate, but the fence was so flimsy it was knocked down and hundreds of thousands more people attended for free. They ran out of food on the Friday night and resorted to concession workers from Food for Love. The army had to air lift in the supplies and the performers. One thing we can learn from this event and the hippy generation is that with 500,000 concert goers there was no violence that occurred – just peace ✌️

The audience at Woodstock
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The line up of artists was incredible and included:

  • Jimi Hendrix
  • The Who
  • Janis Joplin
  • Grateful Dead
  • Joe Cocker
  • Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
  • Joan Baez
  • Santana
  • Richie Havens
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival
  • Sly and the Family Stone
  • Jefferson Airplane
  • Blood, Sweat and Tears
  • and so many others
Janis Joplin at Woodstock
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The Who at Woodstock
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Wow… how impressive!!

There was a lot of nudity, music, love making, drugs, yoga in the fields, fun and games, dancing, and a whole lot more love making and drugs. In interviews they described themselves as “spawning in the water like fish”, swimming and bathing in the same water. There were other stories of babies being born in the fields but no evidence is available.

Audience at Woodstock
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The concert ended with Jimi Hendrix playing the Star-Spangled Banner.

Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock
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It would have been a life changing experience to have attended Woodstock. This 3-day festival has changed the world, becoming a cultural touchstone and paving the way for rock festivals and outdoor concerts we attend today.

Tiki Safari

Oct17

On Saturday, my friends and I went to the Tiki Safari held by Barfly Promotions, the makers of the Sydney Rock ‘n’ Roll & Alternative Market

at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville.

The Factory Theatre Marrickville

It was a fantastic afternoon and night! The event is held annually at the Factory Theatre, however it was my first time. What a great place to hold an event, with three levels and an outdoor area!

At the Tiki Safari

There was some fantastic stalls, including Blue Belle Vintage Clothing, Heart Shaped House Vintage, Bred and Butter Vintage, Beyond the Sea Swimwear, Shramek Art and a Tiki mug stand.

I purchased some great items too: leopard capris, green ‘Dolores’ top, retro salt and pepper shaker, tribal doll and a few hair accessories.

And food stands, including Bovine and Swine Barbecue Co, which was delicious, or a chicken and chips stall.

Bovine & Swine Barbeque Co

There was fantastic performers, including DJ Andy Travers, Los Monaros, Hellcat III, Pacific Dreamz Polynesian Dancers, DJ Rod Almighty, Pat Capocci, DJ Jay Katz , Rosa Maria and Thurston Howlers…. and you could not resist dancing along! It was fantastic live entertainment!!

Hellcat III

Pacific Dreamz Polynesian Dancers

Roda Maria

Thurston Howlers

There was a Tiki Fashion Parade too, full of gorgeous retro tiki outfits.

Source credit: https://instagram.com/heartshapedhousevintage?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=1cs0xz7aox1my

It was a fantastic event, and we will definitely be back next year. Can’t wait!! Have you ever been to the Tiki Safari or something similar? Let me know about you experience.

Back soon ….

Ridiculously Retro xx

Sydney Rock ‘n Roll Alternative Market

Aug1

We had the best day at the Sydney Rock ‘n’ Roll Market held at The Manning Bar in The University of Sydney. I went with my daughter and our friends.

Sydney Rock ‘n’ Roll Alternative Market

The University is stunning with the beautiful old buildings and this added to the atmosphere of the event.

There were games on the lawn like checkers, snakes and ladders and bowls to be enjoyed by all generations

There were so many old cars to admire and everyone was getting photos with all their favourites.

The centre of the building had a fantastic feature with vintage suitcases spiraling towards the roof. It looked absolutely fabulous.

There were three levels of market stalls and more outside on the lawn, along with some food stalls and a fantastic DJ playing a great collection of 50s and 60s music.

There were so many great stalls, some that we recognised and some stalls that we remembered for future reference! We bought so many goodies. There were clothes, accessories, bags, shoes, homeware and a massive selection of records for sale. Hundreds and hundreds of records… It was fantastic! We bought so many that we had been searching for.

In the bar there were bands performing and a lot of swing dancing. The atmosphere was fantastic! I am definitely inspired now to take swing lessons so I can join in soon! (But that will be a future blog)

Have you been to the Sydney Rock ‘n’ Roll & Alternative Market? It is well worth it! The whole vibe of the event is excellent. The people were lovely. The music fantastic. The shopping inspirational. I just loved everything about the whole day. I will definitely be at the next one on 25th November 2018. See you there!!

Back soon….

Ridiculously Retro Xx

Spooky Celebration👻

Nov1

Last weekend Doughbox Diner held a 50s Halloween with staff & diners dressing up in scary Halloween outfits.

Above: Doughbox Diner Instagram

The diner was decorated extra special for Halloween and it had a special mix of 1950s Halloween music. The whole atmosphere was so enjoyable!! Each table also had spiderweb tablecloths.

Above: the Diner’s decorations

To compliment the Diner’s decorations, the staff members were dressed fantastically spooky in their Halloween costumes! They all looked so excellent!! Anyone who attended the restaurant over the weekend and was dressed up for Halloween, were given a discount on their meals. You were even welcome to go there to trick or treat.

Above: Friends with a diner worker

They also had spooky meal specials to indulge in over the weekend. They were handing out ‘blood red’ cordial syringes, chocolate ‘eye balls,’ and drinks that bubbled like a ‘witches brew’.

The whole night was a really enjoyable experience!

On Halloween night I went to the Drive-In’s for a special screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Above: Rocky Horror

I adore this movie and the night was a great experience! People dressed up and decorated their cars. It was so much fun to see such a classic movie with a cult following at the drive-in’s!

Above: cars decorated at the drive in

What did you do for Halloween? Let me know, I would love to hear about it.

I hope you had a very Spooky Halloween!!👻☠️🎃💀🕷

Back Soon….

Ridiculously Retro Xx

Tongan Weddings

Oct25

In a Tongan life, families are paramount with each member playing a defined role. Women have a higher social standing with some authority over other male family members. They are a traditional culture and are enthusiastic about their traditions!

This week I had the fortunate opportunity to attend a traditional Tongan wedding as my good friend invited me to her sons wedding. It was celebrated over Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

A Tongan Wedding celebration involves

  1. Celebration before Wedding – Fakalelea
  2. The Wedding Day – Ma’utohi
  3. The First Sunday – ‘Uluaki Sapate

Thursday

On Thursday we attended the pre-wedding party: the celebration before the wedding. The families and friends come together to show happiness that they are going to get married.

My outfit for the Fakalelea: ChicStar nautical dress, Dangerfield handbag & TUK black & white polka dot heels.

This involves a ceremony spoken in Tongan. The women dance with some wearing ta’ovala, a woven mat worn around the waist. The ceremony includes a lot of singing and dancing with both families bringing quilts, baked goods and hampers of food. These items are also presented to people attending. A pig is also traditionally given from the groom’s family to the bride’s.

Tongan dancing and the presentation of gifts 

The Bride and Groom

I was given a gorgeous purple quilt, a hamper and two cakes. They are very generous people and their community and traditions are warm and inviting. They were all so friendly! The whole ceremony was very enjoyable and I couldn’t help but join in the festivities.

Saturday

This is the big day where the couple are united in a beautiful wedding ceremony.

My outfit for the wedding day – Hot Chocolate platform shoes, Dangerfield handbag, black shift dress & Leona Edmiston coat

The Wedding Day is an extravagant affair. The ceremony consists of the 15 groomsmen, 15 bridesmaids, 2 page boys and 6 flower girls, and the bride and groom.

The Bride and Groom in modern more westernised attire

The Bridal Party

The ceremony was beautiful. Though it was spoken in Tongan & I did not understand the words, it was still really interesting and captivating. When the Tongan people sing they are so harmonised, it is stunning!  The couples then sign papers and the ceremony comes to an end.

Some of the guests wear a ta’ovala, the Tongan mat, while others wear a kiekie, an ornamental girdle around the waist. Both are worn as a sign of respect to the newly married couple.

Guests wearing a ta’ovala

Kiekie worn at special occasions

The whole bridal party outside the church

The limo for the bridal party

The Bride and Groom in their car leaving the church

The Reception

The reception had 1000 people attend. Yes, that’s right… 1000! I have never been to such a huge reception. Seated at the head table were the bride, groom and the community elders. Then the two side tables seated the parents and the bridal party.

The reception centre

The food was glorious and the Tongan music was so enjoyable!

My friends and I at the reception

The wedding cake was extravagant. I have never seen anything like it.

The wedding cake

Extra cakes at the wedding

The reception consisted of speeches, gift giving, dancing, and a lot of food. Some dancers were lathered in oil in which guests placed money on them, either for the dancer or used as a fundraiser.Traditionally, the Bride’s family give traditionally woven mats to the groom’s mum, and then reciprocated for the bride’s mum. This is undertaken throughout the ceremony. Some mats may cost up to $20,000. They are kept under the mothers bed and brought out for other formal occasions.

Sunday

The 1st Sunday after the wedding day there is another celebration.

My outfit for the Sunday celebrations –  vintage Spanish-inspired dress purchased at Bondi U-turn, Hot Chocolate platform shoes

This commenced with a 2 hour church ceremony. Once again, the reception was spoken in Tongan, accompanied by loud singing & spectacular harmonising!

The married couple with myself and friends

Following this, was a huge feast at the hall consisting of plenty of snacking food and a total of 60 pigs! There were many stories told from different speakers and many prayers spoken. Any remaining food was packed up by guests and taken home.

The reception after church

There was a head table at the reception that consisted of the bride, groom and the community elders. Some Tongans sat in front of the head table wearing the traditional Tongan mats.

The Tongans are a very traditional community, with guests treated in a welcoming and friendly manner. I really enjoyed the three days of celebration! It was such an interesting and fun experience to be involved in a totally different culture and understanding their rituals and traditions!

Have you been to another cultures wedding? Send me messages of your experience, I would love to hear about it.

Back soon….

Ridiculously Retro Xx

American Graffiti

Sep5

The drive-ins are playing retro movies and last Saturday the feature was the classic movie American Graffiti.

Skyline Drive in

 

The retro experience at the drive in.

Website: eventcinemas.com.au

 

I was so excited as I love the movie. There were some hot rods and classic cars, which my husband and I were hoping for.

Waiting for the movie to begin

 

Old car window speakers are still next to each car space, to add to the retro feel.

 

There is a retro diner with yummy food

 

American Grafitti is about the last day of summer holidays for a group of friends. The whole movie is set over one night, and involves cruising the streets of California and listening to the DJ, Wolfman Jack, play rock’n’roll music and all the adventures that they go through on this one night. It is the last night of their freedom before they become working adults. It is about the cruising and rock’n’roll culture of the times.

Some cast members

 

Mels drive-in diner, where a lot of the action occurs

 

The music score is fantastic featuring songs such as Louie Louie, Rock Around The Clock, 16 Candles, That’ll Be The Day, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, At The Hop, Surfin’ Safari, Barbara Ann, The Great Pretender and many more. It is really worth a listen with the 41 great songs on it.

American Graffiti Soundtrack

Image: amazon.com

 

This is a great movie and well worth seeing. The next retro drive in that I want to go too is “The Wild One” which is being screened in a few weeks.

Have you been to the drive ins lately? Let me know, I would love to hear about your experience.

Back soon….

Ridiculously Retro Xx

Stray Cat Strut

Aug24

Stray Cats were a rockabilly band formed in America in 1979. Rockabilly music blends country with rhythm and blues. The band was formed by guitarist and vocalist Brian Setzer. Other members included double bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom.

 

Stray Cats Logo

Image: stray cats.com

 

The band was influenced by music such as Gene Vincent, Bill Haley and the Comets and Eddie Cochran. They performed at the famous CBGB club, and gained a huge following. In addition to playing rockabilly music, they wore rockabilly style clothes, such as creepers, western shirts and drape jackets.

 

Stray Cats original line up

Image: wikipedia.org

 

In 1981 they released their self-titled debut album, with hits such as Stray Cat Strut, Rock This Town and Runaway Boys. It was a huge success.

 

Stray Cats original self titled album

Image: amazon.com

 

The second album, Gonna Ball, was not as successful as the first album. Following this they released their third album, Built for Speed, which went double platinum. It has hit songs such as Rock This Town, Stray Cat Strut,Rumble in Brighton and Built For Speed. They went on to produce more albums, along with “best of” albums. There was also changes to the original line-up in the band, but Brian remained as the singer.

 

Stray Cats 3rd album – Built for Speed

Image: img.discogs.com

 

In 2008/2009, Stray Cats toured Australia! These shows were a part of their Farewell Tour and completely sold out. They played at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney. What a show!!

 

Advertisement for Stray Cats concert in 2009 at The Enmore Theatre
Image: Setzerarchive.com

 

In 1990, Brian formed a new band: The Brian Setzer Orchestra. It is a jump blues swing revival band. Jump blues is an up-tempo style of blues. It was popular in the 1940s and it is a combination of rhythm and blues and rock and roll.

 

Brian Setzer Orchestra

Image: modesttoview.com

 

Whenever anyone gets into my little VW Beetle, I am usually playing a Stray Cats CD… really loud! I just love their music (which is why I had to write this blog), it makes me feel so happy and gives me the urge to get up and dance. I absolutely love the beat of the double bass in their music. The sounds are great and the lyrics will make you want to sing along, as they are so catchy!

 

When you can, get a listen to some Stray Cats. I am sure you will love it, as much as me! You will probably feel like dancing too. (Though it’s a bit hard when you are driving) The double bass sound just makes the music, as well as Brian’s voice.

What is your favourite band? Message me, I would love to hear what you are listening to.

 

Back soon….

 

Ridiculously Retro XX