The Vibe hits Adelaide
By Michael Arnold
A highlight of this year's Adelaide Festival will be the presentation of three raves and a number of club nights by new rave travellers the Vibe Tribe.
The Vibe Tribe, formed from the aspirations of community groups in inner city Sydney and northern NSW, have fought for over two years to keep Sydney's underground rave scene alive and prospering in the face of money-hungry and thug promoters.
Combining hardcore techno, acid and trance with radical, environmental and feminist politics, the Vibe Tribe have made a new and innovative contribution to rave culture. They have held raves for May Day and World Environment Day, and participated in women's raves and even a solar-powered rave.
In contrast to the expensive laser light systems of many raves, the Vibe Tribe create their own visual effects, with fire dancers, jugglers, stilt walkers and fluorescent pompoms.
Most of their raves have been free or by donation. Their last party before leaving Sydney, Acid Raindance, held at a nudist beach near La Perouse, attracted more than 1000 people, and has been celebrated by everyone who attended for its setting and diverse atmosphere.
The Vibe Tribe will kick off the Adelaide vibe with a full moon party, Space, on February 26 and will continue with Time on March 5 and Continuum on March 12.
Those of us in Sydney will be hoping they do a welcome home party when they return in a couple of months. The Vibe Tribe can be contacted by writing to PO Box 691, Newtown NSW 2042.