IN Music

Fremantle loves music and music loves Fremantle. So it’s time to warm your hands and hearts during Hidden Treasures, two weekends of music in the port city.

Western Australia has a great musical history and Fremantle has long been called home by some of our finest established and emerging musicians. Names like Bon Scott, Kim Salmon, John Butler, Lee Sappho, Lucky Oceans and Eskimo Joe through to hot young power pop quartet San Cisco are inextricably linked to Fremantle. Numerous venues of course provide inspiration to music loving audiences who can take their pick of styles.

This makes Fremantle the perfect place to celebrate a winter music series. In its second year, Hidden Treasures runs across two weekends and brings together musicians and audiences of all generations to celebrate the contemporary and more well-known parts of Fremantle’s music culture.

Last year’s festival was based in the city’s West End and this year the four shows will be held in the East End at the heritage-listed 19th century old Fremantle Boys’ School building, now known as the Film and Television Institute (FTI).

Each night’s four band line-up will feature a collection of well-known musicians and up-and-comers but they all share Fremantle in common as either a home or a place where they played or continue to perform regularly.

Bruna Chiovitti is the festivals officer at the City of Fremantle but is also a long-time music lover and local music supporter and reminds us that there has always been an active music scene in Fremantle.

“The city has always been known for its music and has always produced great artists,” Bruna says. “From rock and pop to folk and blues, the music here has always been from all genres. Even though it’s a real port city, there’s always been music here and places people can play. We’re really proud it has such a good reputation for producing great music.”

With a mix of old faces and new voices, Hidden Treasures will feature sets from Kim Salmon supported by three young gun bands for Back to Cool, Rooster Police and Amani Consort are on the Freo House Party line-up and Jill Birt and Richard Lane join others on Teachers Favourites night. The New School Sirens will feature Kate Kelly showing off her new band The Trophy Wives and Spank reform for the night.

“We found last year that a lot of people who have lived in Fremantle all their lives had never been into the venues where we had the bands. If you’ve never been inside FTI, we’re encouraging locals to come to this festival too, which will bring a whole new audience to the space.”

Fireplaces will keep FTI’s outdoor courtyard warm and a collection of public instruments will be available for anyone wanting to have a jam.

Clancy’s Fish Pub – long-time local music supporters – is hosting a series of acoustic acts to enjoy over dinner before the bands start next door.

Hidden Treasures takes place on July 19 & 20 and July 26 & 27. Entry is $10 and the venues are licensed. Programs are available around Perth and Fremantle or downloaded one from www.fremantle.wa.gov.au.