Prefab Hearts joins Highlands Fest

10 February, 2023Posted in: News
 

It was in the sticky carpeted pubs and clubs of the early 80s that Mark Callaghan and Craig Hooper first met.

Mark was in The Riptides and Craig was in The Reels and the two bands regularly toured together, with Craig often popping up on stage to jam with the Riptides. Craig went on to play with Crowded House and the Church (among others) and Mark went on to form GANGgajang with Buzz Bidstrup and Chris Bailey of the Angels.

Tim Doyle also experienced his fair share of sticky carpet with his band Machinations and met Craig Hooper ‘sometime in the 80s’ when Machinations and The Reels frequently performed together.

It was only in 2019 when GANGgajang and Machinations were touring together that Tim and Mark discovered that both were long-term residents of the Southern Highlands, as was Craig!

It was a mutual friend that finally convinced Tim, Mark and Craig to ‘do something’ local together.

The trio immediately asked Barbara Griffin (Jon Stevens, Alex Lloyd, Christine Anu) to add her keyboard and vocal virtuosity to the combo.

The drummer’s seat went to Andy Thomson of T-Guitars and the Prefabs were away!

Performing a selection of classic songs by GANGgajang, Machinations, The Reels and The Riptides, the band’s first gig was at the recent Southern Highlands Festival of Lights opening in Corbett Gardens, where a great time was had by all.

As for the future, the band are pretty specific:

“We’re really excited to be performing at the upcoming Highlands Fest. It’s perfect for us. Our ambition is to only play in the Highlands and become a tourist attraction like the big potato… but with sticky carpet!”

Prefab Hearts will be joining Eskimo Joe, Ross Webb and the Rusted Track, Steve Cheers and Band, Richelle Bootsie Booth, We Mavericks, The Postcards, Lauren Amber, Duncan Reay, Angus Murray, Jess Howell, Zach Moses and Ruby Bagnell & Zahra Nasser at Highlands Fest on Saturday 4 March.

Highlands Fest is a FREE event for Wingecarribee residents being held at Bong Bong Racecourse on Saturday 4 March.

The event is proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Reconnecting Regional NSW program.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit highlandsfest.au.