What a finale for Melbourne Rockabilly Meltdown 2014 which was held at Shoppingtown hotel in Doncaster. Great venue, hotrods and Klassic cars on display, 1950's merchandise for sale, fashion parade by Vivien of Holloway, 1950's style Miss Pin Up competition, tatts & ink competition, 9 bands, lots of dancing - the lot! And the rain stayed away which was exactly what the promoters were hoping for.
The event was held for the first time at Shoppingtown hotel and I think it is a winner. A large venue with all the facilities - dining & bar facilities, auditorium, lots of parking within and in nearby Westfield Shopping Centre and just off the Monash freeway. It has an even bigger dance floor than the Gully's main room. And a big screen on stage that even Milton from Flipside Rock & Roll would envy.
I misssed the first event at the Wheelers Hill hotel but had a great time at the next two at Monash and Shoppingtown hotels. Queensland again was well represented with a big contingent of supporters along with other fans coming from Perth and Tassie etc. The Flattrackers & Whiteliners clearly were the crowd favourites with contrasting rockabilly styles. Although it was termed a rockabilly event, the music covered a wide genre from rockabilly, rock & roll, rockin' blues and even neo swing. The Meltdown rockabilly scene is diverse but brings together both the younger crowd and Baby Boomers generation. Some are keen on the fashion & ink whilst others just love the bands and music. But I feel the love for rock & roll dancing is the gell that brings everything together. It is a big very part of the Melbourne Rockabilly Meltdown, and almost its soul.
Full credit to the promoters (the Jollys), all the participating venues and the bands. DJ Jazza did a great job with his mix of rockin' and swingin' tunes during the break and well done to MC RobE too.
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