The Barwon Club's annual alt-country event Lightning and Rhinestones returns this Saturday and they need a last minute push to make it happen.
Cowboy hats, boots and a bit of bedazzlement – Lightning and Rhinestones returns to the home of music in Geelong, The Barwon Club Hotel, this Saturday 13 July from 1pm. The fifth edition sees a return of Bony for their first birthday in what is set to be a celebration of all things country glitz and alt-country class.
But the fabulous, outrageously fun event is under threat of being cancelled if they don’t sell 100 tickets in the next 24 hours. Whether you’re holding out in case of the weather or simply fallen into the “I’ll buy tickets at the door” mentality, here are five reasons that you should buy tickets now.
Lightning and Rhinestones #5
Where: The Barwon Club Hotel, 509 Moorabool Street Geelong
When: Saturday 13 July, from 1pm
Tickets: $28.60. Buy them here.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The Lineup
A no brainer for jumping onto Oztix, adding to cart and checking out is the sterling lineup of musical power that Lightning and Rhinestones #5 boasts. Look at the headline of Ben Mastwyk and His Millions, who is bringing his psychedelic-country-cowboy charm to the stage. His 2023 single ‘Actually’ will be at the ready along with tracks from his 2021 Livin’ on Gold Street will be crowd favourites.
Coming in next is Eils and The Drip ready to rip into their set full of raw and relentless twanging tunes. Off of the back of touring with ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ rockers, Jet, the band will be upping their game, particularly with this years new single ‘Easy Rider’.
Sin City jump in next with their beautifully blended ’70’s rock and roll with country soul and country rock, rolling piano and riffing guitars, country shuffle and dualling country rock guitars. It’s about to get hot in the BC.
Bass-slingin, heart-breakin’, scene-stealing, stage-slaying Katie Bates is back again after a best-on-ground legendary performance at Lightning and Rhinestones #1, and Oz alt-country super-group quartet Tin Stars (ex GIT, Sweet Delores and Hazchem) bring their original slow burn twang to the stage.
Jumping in to accompany a favourite event on the Lightning Rhinestone festival front held by Honky Tonk HQ is No Sleep Til Texas, ready to get those feet flying.
Alt-country will be ablaze!
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The Dancing
Grab your partner, do si do – that’s right the line dancing and two-stepping will be in full swing in the bandroom. A raging success at every Lightning and Rhinestones festival, two-step dancing lessons will be back with the incomparable Honky Tonk HQ and Emma Bee.
The Fits
In his golden Elvis meets Dolly Parton three piece getup (gold suit, gold pants and gold boots), Ben Mastwyk will be a sight, but the country core that will be appearing both on stage and in the crowd will be like a Texan beauty pageant. It’s all in the name, Lightning and Rhinestones.
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The Cost
We understand that the cost of living is rumbling to the front of our minds but Lightning and Rhinestones is an absolute steal for a full day of entertainment. At only $28.60, you get to see six bands, get to attend a dance lesson, be part of a fashion show and most of all catch up with mates. Value for money? We’d say so!
Barwon Club are also chipping in to help with food specials that won’t break the bank.
The Legacy
Lightning and Rhinestones Festival not just an event. It’s become a staple of the Barwon Club gig calendar, a celebration of good-time country camaraderie and music and a showcase of alt-country musical talent. Just look at the effort they put into their fabulous skeleton, cowboy/girl poster – that’s just a taste of the detail that goes into the event that unfolds inside the Barwon Clubs walls.
After 5 iterations, Lightning and Rhinestones has cemented itself as a hero festival. It’s a core memory festival and one that entices community to continue coming back. One that will be remembered for years to come and one that you’ll never want to end. What more could you ask for?
Get on board, keep the tradition going and activate those core memories. Buy your tickets to Lightning and Rhinstone now here.
