By now most of you would have ditched your New Year’s resolutions. So, if you’ve been keeping a low profile in January, it’s time to play again in Feb! Boy, oh boy…
February means Big. Big Day Out Perth is at Claremont Showgrounds Feb 3, while the WAMi’s dole out BIG-time props on Feb 22. And all through the months some of the biggest and the gayest come to Perth – Don’t Stand Too Close to The Police (and with the crowds, chances are slim you will) at Challenge Stadium on Feb 1-2. Music with class comes in the form of Suzanne Vega with support from Sara Storer at Burswood Theatre on Feb 5. Rufus ‘Elton John, camp? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet’ Wainwright shows why Judy Garland lives again at Perth Concert Hall on Feb 9, while the Cat Empire get support from the Beautiful Girls at Belvoir Amphitheatre the same night. Get a glimpse of Mardi Gras yet to come with Cyndi Lauper at Kings Park on Feb 22, and for girls who wanna have fun but not with the singer who sings about it, perhaps PJ Harvey at Perth Concert Hall the same night is more your taste. Sonic Youth owns Beck’s Music Box on Feb. 23, while Feist has it on Feb 27. And Kelly ‘Take that Simon’ Clarkson at Perth Challenge Stadium on March 1 rounds out the month’s headliners.
Beyond the headline tours, there’s a lot happening among the up-and-comers, the local, and the indy. The bluesy Mia Dyson takes a break from supporting Joe Cocker for a solo show at the Fly by Night on Feb. 1. Electro Disco #2 – don’t worry, you didn’t need to see the first one to appreciate this sequel – ssssizzles with Brash ‘n Sassy, The Voltaire Twins and Electric Limousine at Mojo’s on Feb 8. The Fly By Night (Feb 23) and Bakery (Feb 24) plays host to a girl who very well should be every lesbian’s favourite alternative muso – Kate Miller-Heidke. Fast forward to the end of the month and mark your calendars for 3 very special events – RTRFM Music Quiz Feb 22 at Beck’s Music Box; Gimme Shelter (starring Kill Devil Hills and the Dave Mann Collective) raises funds for a homeless shelter at Fremantle Arts Centre on Feb 29; and Chocolate Martini continues to bring to Perth some of the best indigenous talent the last Thurs (Feb 28) of every month at the Bakery.
Finally, word to the wise: summer is at it’s zenith, so get in quick for the second half of festivals – Good Vibrations on Herrison Island Feb. 17; Future Music Festival March 2; Soundwave on March 3; West Coast Blues ‘n Roots March 15-16 at the Esplanade in Fremantle; and finally V Festival April 6 on the Esplanade Perth.
