Photo by Phil Kellow.
GreazeFest is back, with all the colour, flamboyance and style that aficionados have come to love and expect. The distinctive, chrome-accented cars, the unmistakable fashions and the real driving force, rockabilly music, will fill the Redland Showgrounds from July 31 until August 2. GreazeFest director and aficionado-in-chief is Lorie Lee Cash.
“Rockabilly music was born out of rhythm and blues and country music, but the concept of rockabilly now embraces the whole lifestyle. It was a brief period – from the mid-fifties to the emergence of rock and roll in about 1960, but it was a celebration of youth culture, the first time that teenagers were recognised as having their own tribe,” says Lori Lee.
The clothes styles for women were distinctive, bright and styled for dancing.
“Those full-circle skirts, almost the size of a tablecloth, were a reaction to the fabric shortages and restrictions of the war and immediate post-war years,” she says. “Colours were being celebrated too, in the wardrobe and in the home, and plastic was making an impact on everyday items and accessories.”
The fashion styles have gone through a resurgence in popularity, and a whole new generation of rockabilly devotees is snapping up the frocks.
“You can buy the genuine vintage articles, or you can buy reproduction garments. With reproduction clothes, you’ve a better chance of getting your own size; collecting and wearing vintage clothing is another whole level of dedication to your hobby, as long as they’re roomy enough to dance in!” says Lori Lee.
“When you put on your ‘best threads’ you feel fantastic, and it’s a delight to see hundreds of people – including the musicians – presenting themselves in wonderful outfits. Even at the Hot Rod show, there’s a costume; tucked-in T-shirts and denim jeans with rolled up cuffs. You can be whoever you want to be at events like GreazeFest!”
For more information on the music, the HotRod show, featured events and markets, go to www.greazefest.com.
