Return of Super Turtle

THE SESH MEN: Music promoters Hilton Goldsmith and Rory White have teamed up once again to present the popular Smash Summer Sesh, an eclectic smorgasbord of hand-picked acts, at Smash Palace this month. Picture supplied

You've pogged too much at the Christmas groaning board, the backyard cricket has retired to the shade, and your mates are back in town but the season is in the doldrums.

What to do? What to do?

Toe tap, rock out, pogo, head bang to the Summer Sesh IX's smorgasbord of 15 acts at Smash Palace, that's what.

Under the banner of Super Turtle, live-music promoters Rori White and Hilton Goldsmith are about to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the one-day festival with hand-picked, out-of-town and local bands.

The day-through-to-night-time line-up on December 29 includes Gisborne soloists singer-songwriter Keira Coogan, and loop pedal artist/guitarist/vocalist Jed Skuse; the swing/stomp/punk/rock sound of the MurderChord, a piano and drums two-piece; five-piece Wilda's heady blend of psychedelic funk/rock, and many more.

Launched in 2002, the inaugural Smash Summer Sesh was fraught with what is described as, in parliamentarian and six-year-old parlance, “learnings”.

“I started it because all my mates are good musicians,” White says.

“I thought they just needed a place to meet up. I asked around — this was before Facebook and texting; it was more about visits and bumping into them at the pub.”

Along with lining up acts, White made and pasted up the event's posters as some bands pulled out.

White confesses he was not overly organised for the first Sesh, a strictly local affair.

He has since developed the art of record-keeping, budgeting, seeking sponsorship, scouting out of town for acts, ensuring a range of genres are presented on the day, and has formed a working partnership with Hilton Goldsmith to help spread the load.

The reality is though, for one reason or another, bands do occasionally pull out.

“That happens every year. That's rock and roll. You have to adjust.”

Another learning for Super Turtle.

The brand name was inspired by a tattered, turtle-shaped cushion White picked up for 50c in the Salvation Army Family Store. Faded lettering on its soft shell reads Super Turtle.

Already stuffed — it's a cushion — the mascot has survived various gigs and has been decapitated in the spokes of a bicycle and stitched back together again.

Unlike the Super Turtle cushion, the Smash Summer Sesh IX promises to be a seamless affair. All acts will perform on Smash Palace's outdoor Sunshine Stage this year, but the day and night will come with a few surprise features and appearances to enhance the festival feel.

“I've got a good feeling about this Sesh,” White says.

“People are still amping for live music after two years of Covid restrictions. It'll start off with solo and youngster acts and will build into the harder stuff as the sun goes down.”

Smash Summer Sesh IV, Smash Palace, December 29, 4pm. Tickets $30 from undertheradar or Smash Palace.