The Grampians Grape Escape today announced the Quarry Mountain Dead Rats (QMDR), William Crighton and Chris Wilson will form part of an exciting and talented entertainment line-up at this year’s food and wine festival in Halls Gap, 6 – 7 May 2017.
The festival weekend is the grand finale to a month dedicated to the glorious food and wine produced in the Grampians, with Partner Events taking place across the region throughout April.
QMDR vocalist and mandolin player, Chris Wishman (aka ‘Wishy’) said the band was looking forward to performing at the festival.
“We’re really stoked to be heading to the Grampians to explore the region and play at the Grampians Grape Escape. The location is awesome and we definitely want to get involved in some grape stomping action,” Mr Wishman said.
QMDR’s instrumentation of banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, double bass and washboard combines to form a completely unique style of raw and gritty bluegrass beats that will have Grape Escapers up singing and dancing along in no time.
Featuring as one of Rolling Stone’s hottest rising stars in September last year, and off the back of two very well received national headline tours, William Crighton’s popularity as a must-see Australian performer is sky rocketing.
Having recently released a third single from his highly commended debut album, Crighton’s deep and captivating voice will leave the audience mesmerised while master of his craft, Chris Wilson entertains with his dynamic power performance which includes the harmonica and guitar.
Grampians Tourism CEO, Will Flamsteed said the event is a celebration of the region’s best.
“The Grampians Grape Escape is a month long celebration of the quality food and wine produced locally in the Grampians and we are delighted to be able showcase our best to visitors and locals alike.
“The festival atmosphere is something I look forward to every year and this year’s entertainment line-up will certainly add to that. There are heaps more artist announcements to come so stay tuned to our Facebook page,” Mr Flamsteed said.
Visit Victoria has invested $35,000 into the 2017 Grampians Grape Escape as part of the Victorian government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund.
Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Major Events, Danielle Green made the announcement at the inaugural Grampians Music Festival in Halls Gap recently.
“A month of fantastic food and wine in the beautiful Grampians – what’s not to love? The Grampians Grape Escape is a great way to bring people together and attract visitors to the region, which means more jobs and a boost to local business,” Ms Green said.
In addition to the exciting music line-up, the thousands of foodies and wine lovers descending on the magnificent Grampians National Park will be entertained by headline chef and television personality, Adam Liaw who will be hosting cooking demonstrations on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 May.
Masterclasses with local producers showcasing their talents and local vintners sharing their wine knowledge are again sure to be a hit with festival attendees, while connoisseurs will bid for the best Shiraz from the Grampians region in the hotly contested Barrique Auction.
For more information and to book for Grampians Grape Escape and Partner Events in the spectacular Grampians region visit grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.
