CP Was Invited to See Jess Mauboy at the Manly Barracks — Here's the Low Down on the Show (and the Spectacular Venue)
The Australian Idol alum shone bright — and ICYMI, there's a diverse lineup of stand-out performers getting ready to take to the cliffside stage this spring, too.
Live music events are one of life’s greatest joys. As big a call as that is, the feelings induced by being part of a crowd, watching someone take the stage and sharing in their creative fruits warrants it — and it’s a sentiment shared by the whole CP team.
Lucky for us, we were invited to the launch performance of the inaugural Night at the Barracks, the season of performances from stand-out musos (and some dancers) hitting the The Barracks Precinct on Manly’s North Head this season.
Until Sunday, September 9, you can groove to a wide range of live acts under the stars. From Jess Mauboy‘s sparkling start and Björn Again‘s ABBA mastery, to Winston Surfshirt and James Morrison, there really is a show to suit all.
A significant slice of Night at the Barracks’s beauty sits with its location. Rich in history, surrounded by nature, delightfully al fresco and (if you’re on the city side of the bridge) reachable via boat. From the top level of our ferry, CP‘s Ella Geracitano and I watched as the city lights sparkled across the harbour before we curved round the bend to pull into the Northern Beaches wharf. Arriving by boat? Vibey.
A few minutes on a bus, tickets at the ready, we were walking along the lit-up pathway with a crowd unmistakably enthusiastic about an evening with Jess Mauboy.
Connection, Celebration and Country
Car-rang-gel (North Head) is an area with deep significance to the Gayamagal People, the traditional owners of the stunning patch of bush just a short way from Manly’s buzzy streets. The precinct was also once a quarantine station keeping smallpox and scarlet fever at bay, as well as the site of North Fort, a key site of Australia’s defence during World War II.
Setting the tone for what would be a truly spectacular night was the most considered acknowledgement of Country I’ve witnessed. Josh Sly of the Bripi and Wiradjuri Nations and Kaleb Taylor of the Gamillraay Nation took to the stage, addressing the cultural importance of both the land we were on and that across the wider world. Then, a smoke ceremony, an exceptional yidaki (didjeridu) performance and an address that highlighted Mother Nature: “We come from Mother, and after we’ve lived our life, we’ll return to Mother. We’re all visitors.”
We were also in for a literal taste of the Northern Beaches. A long line snaked back from a food truck evidently dishing up fan faves, with pizza, a well-stocked bar and local artisanal cheese. Plus, a stellar roll call of Manly restaurants are offering deals you can take advantage of before or after your show.
The one and only Jess Mauboy
Jess Mauboy is undoubtedly a star. The multiple ARIA Award-winning artist opened her set with uptempo banger ‘Saturday Night’ — and with her long flowing mermaid-like hair, a striking patent brown leather trench, the start could not have been stronger. The crowd was ready, having been warmed up by the fresh energy and incredible vocals of Becca Hatch, and the vibes only continued to grow over the night.
Under a full moon, the effortlessly cool Mauboy kept it fun and authentic. With her rapid shoulder movements, sequinned backup vocalists, hips shaking, Mauboy had the the entire crowd — made up of both young and old — grooving in their seats. But, that seated dancing only lasted the first few songs for some, with an impromptu dance floor gaining bodies and momentum with each new track.
Mauboy fans are a passionate bunch. The good vibes were plentiful, and the love for the Darwin-born star were barely contained. Roses were passed up to her as she belted out her hits — and a stellar rendition of ‘Show Me Love’ — and the hands of fans held, with a palpable sincerity and generosity in the way she interacted with her captivated audience.
In short: nab tickets, stat
From this glowing write up, I’m sure it’s clear the experience was a goodie. Every seat had an unobstructed view of the stage (and towering screens framing the stage were a happy bonus), beams of light shone up into the night sky and the audio quality was premium. Mauboy sets the bar high for the rest of the season, but with such a great lineup, there’s no doubt that every itieration will deliver a sensational night of music, creativity and community.
Night at the Barracks is on from Friday, September 9 till Sunday, October 9. To nab your tickets and to check out the full lineup, head to the website.
Imagery: Jordan Munns and Wade Whittington