Curated by gender transcendent cabaret performer and jazz singer Mama Alto, the programme includes an event called 'Queering The Pitch: The Second Outing'. 'Queering The Pitch' showcases the power of music when it comes to going beyond the binary.
With a clear vision on what to expect at the festival's event, Mama pens an open letter reflecting on last year's and looking forward to this year's.
More than a bookshop, this is a cafe, a bar, a performance stage, a gathering place, a meeting space, a gallery, and a place for the queer, rainbow, LGBTQ+ communities – and anyone, and everyone, really – to connect, to create, and flourish. It is a beloved second home to many, and has a special place in our hearts as performers. So when the City of Yarra’s arts and culture team first approached Hares & Hyenas' Crusader (Hillis) and Rowland (Thomson) to be part of the annual Leaps & Bounds music festival, and Crusader asked me to be a part of curating a queer music programme, all the pieces made sense and fit together.
Last year, our contribution to the festival – 'Queering The Pitch: Music Beyond The Binary' – was a phenomenal success, far greater than even we had anticipated. Bringing together Indigenous hip hop, avant-garde instrumentalists, experimental improvisers, jazz divas, comedy singer-songwriters and more, we infused the show with the richness and beauty that queer spaces hold, showcase and nurture.
This year, we are back again with 'Queering The Pitch: The Second Outing', and I am thrilled to be showcasing a mixture of both well-known local treasures such as William Elm and Dealing With Dinosaurs, emerging talents such as Mx Munro, niche geniuses like Lore Burns, and icons showing us a different side of themselves. Lou, best known as one half of Pink Flappy Bits, will be singing solo; Trio Of Dips will be serving mischievous and fruity cabaret; and I myself will be exploring the new works inspired by the relationship of jazz and the moon. And that’s just a couple of the astounding talents we have lined up for you!
'Queering The Pitch' is two nights of fabulous music, and also of glorious diversity – at its essence, showing the rich and vibrant complexities of humanity and bringing us all together for a wonderful time.”
'Queering The Pitch' plays Hares & Hyenas on 5-6 July, as part of Leaps And Bounds Music Festival.
