Where the F Were You on Friday Night?

Freo’s the place to be on a Friday night, no question.

Cold, gusty winds and rain didn’t stop locals and visitors from hitting the town.

Some partied to King Stingray at Fremantle Arts Centre.

Others ventured up to the North Freo Bowlo and heard from our Federal Candidates.

Or relaxed to poetry, storytelling, and solo musicians at the Fibonacci Centre.

Me, myself, and I sauntered over to Clancy’s on Cantonment Street to hear from Frack Free Kimberley and then enjoy a free concert.

After enjoying a nice fish supper, chewing the fat by the fireplace with a few friendly former strangers, we were ushered into the event space and watched inspiring videos about the campaign against fracking in WA.

Simone and Martin delivered a powerful message indeed about the pristine, sublime environmental values of the Kimberley and the potential impact of injecting “poisonous chemicals” into the ground and threatening contamination of currently undisturbed radioactive subterranean materials with local drinking water. Or rapidly forcing gallons upon gallons of water underground “like a bomb going off”. What would that mean for future generations?

The room in unison chanted, many times, “Frack Free Kimberley, Frack Off!”, and huddled together for a group photo with the snazzy placards.

Next up, Anne Schneider wowed us with her utterly beautiful, sweet voice reminiscing on how friends ultimately shape you over time, difficult days, and the swings and roundabouts of life.

And then we were truly in for a treat.

Described as an eclectic, quasi “piratey” band, The Dudes of Grace took to the stage with their tambourine, guitars, saxophone, chimes, double bass, and an accordion.

Cue the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies (or the other way round?!), life full stop, rolling on and on, then a few classics from Jungle Book (“I Wanna Be Like You”) and Ray Charles (“Hit the Road, Jack”). Glad I wore comfy shoes. Makes it easier for boogying with smiling crowds!

What a night!

The Dudes of Grace are returning to a stage near you at the Fibonacci Centre with Cat Meowsic on Saturday 12 April 2025 at 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased here https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1378784?qr=true&qr=true

Anna Schneider will also be playing with a band at Ode to Sirens on Friday 11 April 2025 at 7pm. Tickets are available https://www.odetosirens.bar/events/anna-schneider-the-corner-room

By Gayle O’Leary. If you’d like to catch up on more by Gayle here on Fremantle Shipping News, look right here!

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