The Waifs -- Broome

(27 Mar 2011, Broome) we went to see the Waifs play at the Mangrove Resort on Sunday night. A stage was set up outdoors in the garden terrace which overlooks Roebuck Bay and the mangroves along the shore. This was the last gig of a 6 week tour and about 1200 people attended the show. A mixed crowd of all ages -- we all enjoyed the show.

Doors were supposed to open at 5:00 (they opened late) and the Waifs played from 8:00 or so until closing after encores around 10:00. We arrived early expecting a queue which did form but wasn't that big. We were first in the gate when it opened -- with Kate's bum knees we wanted to find some seating.

We got a table just at the edge of the terrace where we could enjoy the views, the sea breezes and the concert. A standing room/sitting on the grass area in front of the stage filled right up.

Donna Simpson (that's her in the photo) told a story about the last time they had played here. She took a tumble off the stage and cracked her head open. She had to go to the hospital emergency (they call it the "casualty") to have her head stitched together. Now they have a fellow back stage who watches her and keeps the stairs lighted so she doesn't fall again. They've dubbed the back stage stairs "Donna Falls".

They also told a story about their formation some 19 years ago and how they had started out here in Broome (everyone you meet says the Waifs are from their home town). Their song "Take It In" tells of those early times forming in Broome and moving to Melbourne with strong memories of the warmth, the mangoes, the beach and Australia's red dirt. "Take it in, take it all in. Now is a time which will not come again". Other great tunes I recall are "London Still" and "The Bridal Train". Thoroughly enjoyed their music.

Met some characters from Broome who love the outback and especially the Kimberley. We're not going further east/north as roads are closed. But we're told it's a wonderful country. ... with plenty to shoot (feral dogs, cats, pigs, goats, and more). Sounds like Texas.