By Nick Cooper
Walking into the colourful, welcoming outdoor beer garden at Littlefoot Bar in Footscray is not an unfamiliar experience for me, as a long time patron and fan of what goes on down there. If you haven’t yet been to the pearl of Footscray’s entertainment and culture precinct for a bite, drink or boogie, please hurry up and do so.
But this particular Sunday afternoon, I felt electric anticipation for the very first SummerSapphic, in spite of extreme heat. After admittingly looking up the term ‘sapphic’ a few days prior (go on, do it!), I immediately appreciated the intentional music programming and artwork. The brain-child of Littlefoot co-owner Liana Lucca-Pope, SummerSapphic is a series of fortnightly gatherings centred on queer women, featuring performances by queer artists. Programmed by local musician and Littlefoot’s long-term booker and party prince Steven Clifford Veale in consultation with queer colleagues in the music industry, the line up of talent is truly something to be admired and attended.
The lucky audience bore witness to an incredible, intimate performance of always beautiful and sometimes dark songs by Melbourne indie powerhouse Kate Alexander (in duo format with partner Hana Brenecki, the harmonies … PHWOAR!). Kate took us on a journey through her striking original music and lyrics straight from the heart, simultaneously evoking PJ Harvey, Kurt Cobain, and Patti Smith. A talent in the genuinely ‘must see and follow’ category.
After much needed cold drinks, the numbers swelled nicely for bona fide future superstar Queenie to hit the stage. A rambunctious character by her own admission, and joined by her beautiful big Gretsch White Falcon (that’s a guitar – look it up too), all I can say is that this performer must be witnessed to be appreciated. A voice like a gilded electric planer (think Janis Joplin meets Chrissy Amphlett, in a bath with Tammy Wynette), banter like a horny, drunken sailor, and the ability to interfere with the audience via generous heaps of goosebumps, tears, and shrieks of whatever pleasure and pain combined is, Queenie left everyone, including herself, in a puddle of exhausted satisfaction. Special shout out to Littlefoot’s other co-owner Stuart who rolled out a portable air conditioner mid set to dry and blow back Queenie’s red hair, plastered to her face and neck.
Score – 4.75 stars (only because nothing is perfect, and I was drenched in sweat). You 100% must attend the next SummerSapphic featuring Eaglemont and Geography. Amazing, even if you’re not a queer woman!
Details and tickets via Littlefoot’s website and socials. Six events fortnightly from 11 February–21 April.
