ChillOut line-up announced

Daylesford GLBTI festival ChillOut has announced its full line-up for Carnival Day with New Zealand pop-jazz newcomer Kimbra joining blues and roots acts Lee Rosser and Dirty Lucy to take top billing.

The three will headline Carnival Day on March 13, one of the festival’s most popular events.

Although it’s perhaps risky to headline Carnival Day with lesser-known acts, ChillOut president Michael Brady said he’s convinced ChillOut audiences will love them.

“We were blown away by Kimbra from the first time we saw her and we knew she’d be perfect for Chillout,” Brady said.

“If you haven’t heard her, turn on your radio, or check out the YouTube videos on the ChillOut website, and turn it up loud, for hers is an unmistakable talent.”

Hollywood gossip blogger Perez Hilton certainly agrees. He has only praise for her third single Settle Down.

“She’s from New Zealand and she’s effing rad!!” Hilton blogged.

Keeping in theme — Bollywood in the Bush — internationally renowned Bollywood performers the Singh Sisters will perform on the same day, along with folky festival favourite Michelle Parsons.

“Renowned for her on-stage presence, Michelle brings to her live shows her own unique style, energy and charisma,” Brady said.

“She has been called Australia’s Melissa Etheridge … and we can expect to find the audience singing along and up on their feet dancing.”

This year stages will be split in two so crowds have a variety of acts to choose from.

Kimbra is set to join the Blow Waves, Michelle Parsons, Drags Aloud, Lee Rosser, the Singh Sisters, and Dolly Diamond and Luke Gallagher on the main stage.

On the second stage Dirty Lucy will lead the charge with blues/rock/folk artists Cyndi Boste, Kodiak, The Hazelman Brothers and Leda and Caleb set to get festival-goers dancing among the hay bales.

“This will be a ChillOut Carnival Day to remember,” Brady said. “Bring your dancing shoes, grab a sari, ready the hips and celebrate the colour, diversity, exoticism and fun of Bollywood.”

ChillOut has been running since 1997 and is Australia’s largest regional GLBTI festival. The event has attracted crowds of up to 25,000 in previous years, a far cry from the first event which drew a modest 100 people.

This year’s schedule of events is set to please most with the popular Slowest Lunch at Sault Restaurant kicking off proceedings, along with perennial favourites, the bush dance and the dance party.

Those who like to hit the racetrack for a flutter will love the addition of the inaugural ChillOut Country Races at Kyneton.

ChillOut runs from March 11 – 14.

info: For tickets, visit www.chilloutfestival.com.au