People’s Choirboy heads to the Kimberley

The 20th Kimberley Moon Experience is set to be bigger, better and funnier than ever, with an Aussie music legend and self- proclaimed “nut” promising to bring big laughs to the region’s favourite concert. Aussie pub-rock band Choirboys frontman Mark Gable will act as master of ceremonies on the Moon’s stage, an announcement met with a resounding cheer at the Ord Valley Events business after-hours function last November. While the crowd of Ord Valley Muster sponsors, stakeholders and East Kimberley leaders was excited Mr Gable would be part of the concert, many were surprised Gable would be involved with the concert as the host and not with his band. But the rock veteran, famous for hits Run to Paradise and Big Bad Noise, is no stranger to hosting gigs. His experience includes hosting last year’s Big Red Bash music festival in Queensland, the Lions FeNaClNG Festival in Karratha, and multiple radio shows. “I’m a totally nut-fruit cake when it comes to talking; I have a lot to say about everything and anything,” he said. “These kinds of events throughout Australia are becoming more and more popular and as they should, too, because it’s a celebration, not just of Australian music but of what is Australia and what we know is Australia. “Supposedly, I’ll just be MCing but I think I will go up there, push Jon Stevens off stage and sing a Noiseworks song.” The concert’s musical line-up includes headliners Jessica Mauboy and Jon Stevens, of INXS and Noiseworks fame, blues and roots duo Busby Marou, up-and-coming talent Emily Wurramara, and DJ Feline. Gable’s presence will be a change of pace for the event, which did not have an official MC last year. He said he takes pride in connecting with the audience and making sure they feel they are part of the performance as well. He has even gone as far as to get off the stage and physically interact with punters, as seen at the FeNaClNG Festival, pictured. “I reach out to them because I don’t see myself as anything different than they are; I know there are some performers that do, but I think I’m a person just like they are, I just have a pretty weird job,” Gable said. The Aviair HeliSpirit Kimberley Moon Experience will be at Celebrity Tree Park on May 16..