16 March 2023

Reece Mastin and Mahalia Barnes headline Griffith's new Groove and Graze festival

| Oliver Jacques
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The band Fate Babies

John Samuelu-Kirby, 16, Timote Liu, 16, Jaylan Tia, 15 and Liliana Ah Kee, 15, make up the band Fate Babies. Photo: Oliver Jacques.

Chart-topping singers Reece Mastin and Mahalia Barnes will headline a new one-day music and food festival in Griffith called Groove and Graze on Saturday 18 March at the Burley Griffin Community Gardens.

Event organisers Pristine Productions have also secured an impressive line-up of local talents, including the Lolohea Brothers, Fate Babies, DJ Lady Barber and the Griffith Musicians Club ‘supergroup’. Comedian Marty Fields, who gained fame telling jokes on the iconic TV show Hey Hey It’s Saturday, will be emcee on the day.

Mayor Doug Curran urged residents to attend.

“The NSW Government is pleased to support the delivery of community events and festivals that are open for the entire community to attend, providing positive social and economic outcomes for regional communities – this created an opportunity for us to create a new music festival and Griffith Groove and Graze was born,” said councillor Curran.

“It’s great to see this event supporting the music and entertainment industry, combining both national and local performers – this will be an incredible all age event and I encourage you to get your tickets fast.”

READ ALSO Murrumbidgee Regional High’s Fate Babies to make theatrical debut

Reece Mastin was just 16 years old when he won the popular TV talent show X-Factor in 2011. He has since reinvented his career from teenage pop idol to rock ‘n’ roll young gun with two platinum number 1 albums and three consecutive chart-topping singles.

Mahalia Barnes has been in and around music her entire life as the daughter of iconic rock star Jimmy Barnes. Mahalia and her band The Soulmates have released three albums as well as several EPs, touring nationally and internationally.

Mahalia Barnes and The Soulmates on stage

Mahalia Barnes and The Soulmates on stage. Photo: Wysiwyg Pix.

The Fate Babies are a Beyonce-inspired teen musical quartet who first performed at the Grass Roots Under 30s Open Mic Competition at Griffith Regional Theatre in July 2023.

The foursome, who are all Year 11 students of Polynesian origin at Murrumbidgee Regional High School, do covers from their favourite artists Beyonce, Harry Styles and Destiny’s Child, as well as original songs such as Tell Me and Missing You.

The family event, made possible through sponsorship from the NSW Government and Griffith City Council, will see Tambourine Art Studio provide sand art and face painting activities for children. There will also be food trucks, coffee, ice cream and donuts and a bar serving alcohol for the adults, with ID required. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets.

“The new Stuart McWilliam Community Stage is the perfect venue for this kind of event and we cannot wait to showcase the facility. It should be a wonderful day with something for everyone to enjoy,” councillor Curran said.

READ ALSO Griffith’s first souvlaki shop opens permanently after December drama

Tickets are $10 for adults and under 18s are free but must still register their attendance.

You can purchase tickets and register your attendance here.

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