NOW IS NIGH
Few moments in life capture the truly unimaginable, where reality blurs and fantasy takes hold. It is within these rare instances that Yonder thrives. “Now is Nigh” offered such an experience for one night only, marking the first time Yonder reimagined an immersive event in an industrial inner-city location. This debut warehouse party by Yonder celebrated the culmination of two incredible weeks of Brisbane Street Art Festival (BSAF) events, murals, exhibitions, and showcases. Embracing the moment, “Now is Nigh” transformed Superordinary Northshore into a wonderland of live music, exhibitions, and performances, celebrating Southeast Queensland’s vibrant musical and artistic talent.
The event featured an eclectic lineup that included Bcharre, whose music, rich with Middle Eastern roots, created a cinematic auditory journey. The collective C H U R C H returned with their dynamic, on-the-spot stylistic improvisations, led by Ofa Fanaika. DancingWater brought a blend of neo-soul and punk, telling stories of societal injustices through spoken word and antiquated melodies. Desmond Cheese, the product of a long-term collaboration, delivered their unique sound, while DJs Jaia & Liav set the stage ablaze with their back-to-back hip-hop and house mixes.
The lineup also showcased Kitch, whose evolution from beatboxing to EDM reflected his cultural expression as a Samoan creative, and Life on Earth, an improvisational powerhouse creating one-time-only songs infused with jazz hop. Menajerie, a female-led funk and soul collective, energized the crowd with originals and beloved classics. Old Home offered a platform for poetry and spontaneous composition, while Ruckus Slam merged poetry slam with circus-like energy. Sacred Hearts delivered post-punk performances that transported audiences to shadowy clubs, Theatre of Thunder combined immersive sound with Butoh-based movement, and UQ Taiko shared the powerful art of traditional Japanese drumming. The Voices of Colour showcase featured LYDiE and Rura, highlighting their unique takes on Afrobeats and storytelling through song.
“Now is Nigh” was not just an event but an unforgettable celebration of artistic diversity and creative expression, marking a spectacular end to BSAF 2022. This inaugural warehouse party by Yonder will be remembered for its unconventional, strange, and eclectic atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.