Top acts headline REAF line-up

A mini-blues festival in Dampier headlined by Australian band The Waifs was one of the highlights of this week’s Red Earth Arts Festival line-up announcement.

The band will play alongside The Rubens, Katy Steele from Little Birdie, Melbourne soul outfit Saskwatch, Winterbourne, and Thom Lion and the Tamers on September 19 on Windy Ridge Oval for the REAF opening weekend.

The all-ages music event will come the evening after the festival opening which, like last year, will be a street party in the heart of Karratha, with roving performers, markets stalls, food and music.

Other events are an immersive theatre show called Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience which will include a three-course meal combined with improvised mayhem, a performance by the Gondwana National Indigenous Children’s Choir, a dance performance with local and professional dancers, a youth event, burlesque and a sundowner.

Mayor Peter Long said REAF was one of the City’s key events, attracting thousands every year.

“This year’s festival presents a wide range of event options set to impress not only the local community but to draw people in from surrounding regions with an experience that will further cement the City of Karratha as an arts and culture hub for the region,” he said.

“Blues by the Bay will be a contemporary blues gig in a relaxed setting for all ages.

“The audience will be treated to a great mix of bands and performers all while enjoying a picnic-style atmosphere on the edge of the Dampier shore.

“REAF Faulty Towers provides the community with a fun and delicious way to engage with arts and culture.”

Full program detail and tickets are available at www.reaf.com.au . The festival runs from September 18 to 27.