Since the very first a day on the green was staged on (Australia Day) January 26 2001 in Victoria, it has become one of Australia’s most loved, acclaimed and successful outdoor concert events with nearly three million patrons attending.
This season, which commenced in Mudgee NSW last weekend, a day on the green proudly celebrates its 400th show.
By happy coincidence, the 400th show falls on a weekend when two a day on the green events are happening simultaneously. We’ll be celebrating on Saturday November 19 at Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley NSW with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Russell Morris and Archie Roach and at Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley SA with You Am I, Something For Kate, Spiderbait, Jebediah and the Meanies.
400 shows is obviously a momentous feat in the turbulent live concert arena. But further to that achievement, a day on the green should be credited for its significant impact in other areas.
The event has turned the Australian touring industry on its head by making wineries must-do locations on both Australian and international artists’ touring schedules. That did not happen previously and not surprisingly, there’s now a plethora of copycat events.
Second, it has injected massive tourism dollars into regional areas like Mudgee, Armidale, Geelong, Launceston and SA’s Clare Valley where local businesses reap huge benefits when a day on the green arrives for the weekend and thousands of music lovers coming to town.
For 16 years a day on the green has also given a stage and valuable exposure to Aussie artists to perform to huge crowds. More than 75 Australian acts have played, with for example, Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly and Richard Clapton each playing more than 30 times while at the other end of the spectrum, it’s been a fantastic platform for young up-and-coming artists who can open the multi-artist bills.
After 400 outdoor shows (and ask any promoter how much more stressful that is than being indoors – hello mother nature!!!), the milestone is indeed a sweet one.
via: Chrissy Camp Publicity/Roundhouse Entertainment, AAMI & Sunsuper