Words: Brooke Hynch
Photos: Paul Blackburn
Those girls got grace!
Sirromet – what can I say – whoops you did it again! Another awesome outdoor concert. A Day on the Green, a picture perfect day, not a cloud in the sky and just a slight breeze blowing, just enough to cool the sweat beading our brows as we stood in line waiting for the gates to open.
In true Aussie style – footwear ranged from steel cap workboots to bare feet, with fashions’ ranging from mid-drift tops to fashion-forward and sun-conscious moo moo’s and everything in between. The one thing consistent in the fashion for the day was the great Aussie broad-rimmed akubra or the American cowboy hat (and boots of course), a salute no doubt to the act of the day. Sun sensible dressing being a necessity at any sun-drenched outdoor concert in Queensland, the day was matched nicely by the Sirromet sunshine girls that were dotted amongst the crowd dispensing free sunblock to anyone who needed it dovetailing nicely with the free water refilling stations also available onsite – great call Sirromet! You rock!
Carla Wehbe
Sydney based Carla Wehbe kick started the afternoon off powerfully taking on the stage and opening with her original song from 2021, “It Hurts to Love You” and with it, she held the audience in the palm of her hand as she soulfully told the story of lost love with words like “I know I said that I wouldn’t leave, but it hurts to love you. Tell me how I’m supposed to heal, when I still want you.” The words stretching out to the crowd with an impressive demonstration of vocal range in a unique blend of pop and soft rock with R&B influences, Carla brought a refreshing and soulful sound to her performances with her distinctive and sultry tone. Her voice has a smoky quality to it, that reminds me of Reba McEntire’s edgy sound. Carla’s vocal control is impressive for one so young, and she knows how to use it to her advantage. Her ability to switch between soft, intimate moments and powerful, belting choruses is a testament to her skill as a singer. Whether you’re a fan of R&B or pop, Carla Wehbe’s singing style is sure to leave an impression and draw you into her world as she feels it. This emerging artist is definitely one to watch!
Elle King
Elle King of Ohio, quickly followed Carla on stage and wow that mama’s got punch! Not only was she touring with her 2-year-old (kudos to her), but she brought so much energy and vitality to the stage, that it’s hard to believe that she ever suffered post partum depression. In her fearless eye-popping red number, with her confident stage presence, King owned that stage with her soulful smoky tones, raw authenticity and powerful storytelling. She captured the audience’s attention when she shared a story about being a young child when she was told she’d never become a singer, well clearly I’m happy to report that she’s showed them how wrong they were! Her ability to switch between rock, blues, folk, and pop and her consistently impressive vocal range, is a testament to her artistry.
In a storytelling style reminiscent of country legends like Dolly Parton, Elle managed to keep the audience just as enthralled with her between-song stage banter as she did with her singing. It’s a rare combination of talent, but I think King pulls it off. I look forward to watching her evolving accomplishments as an artist and I’m sure there are only good things to come!
The Chicks
The Chicks broke the stage open kicking their night off with their 2020 hit “Gaslighter”. Quickly followed by “Sin Wagon” and it only went up from there!
Interspersing their playlist between old favourites like “Wide Open Spaces”, “Travelling Soldier” and “Not Ready to Make Nice”. The crowd was encouraged by Natalie Maines (lead singer) to “get up and dance in front of your chair and sing along if you want to, don’t worry about it if anyone behind you tells you to sit down”… the crowd of course responded and a rising Mexican wave could be seen as thousands of clearly suppressed singers and dancers rose out of their chairs air punching, whistling and cheering her on. I don’t honestly think many of those people sat down again all night.
The Chicks have said since 2020 that they “wanted to meet this moment” and that’s very clearly reflected in their newer work, which whilst still in the anthem or ballad style of their old favourites, their style has evolved into songs like “March March” and “My Best Friend’s Weddings” which are filled with empowerment messages, not just for girls coming of age but for soul weary women, overcoming the loss and grief of long term relationship break downs and clearly the message that “I’m better off without him” was resoundingly felt throughout the crowd as heartfelt whoops, air punches and “F*ck Yeahs’ ricocheted around the amphitheatre as those messages of independence and strength were well and truly received.
It’s no surprise then that when Maines, Emily Strayer (Singer, Banjo Player and multi-instrumentalist) and Martie Maguire (Singer, Fiddle Player and multi-instrumentalist) of The Chicks said their last goodbye by singing “Goodbye Earl” that the crowd were left feeling that all their nostalgic buttons had been pushed, and maybe, just maybe, they’d have room for a new song or two on their Chicks playlist.
PS. Yes in case you’re wondering I am now the proud owner of the bumper sticker that says – “Earl’s in the Trunk” sold at the merch stands. 😉
Well done to all the artists and to A Day on the Green and Sirromet, you certainly met the moment. 🙂
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