THE Vintage Belles are set to take audiences on a nostalgic journey when they perform at Studio 188 as part of this year’s Galvanised Festival, a show shaped by deep local roots, old world charm and a fresh collaborative twist.
For founder Rebecca Djapovic, the group’s signature sound was born from a lifelong love of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.
She says the storytelling of those early artists helped shape the trio’s warm, harmony driven style.
But the Vintage Belles themselves emerged from a far more personal place, two first-time mums seeking connection, creativity and a way back into performing.
“We started singing together for joy,” Rebecca said.
“Then the idea grew, we welcomed another member, and we’ve been going about seven years now.”
This year’s Galvanised Festival holds particular meaning for her.
Born and raised in Ipswich, and a fifth-generation local, Rebecca spent years performing in Sydney, Melbourne and overseas before returning home two years ago.
Being part of a festival that celebrates the city’s heritage, she says, feels grounding.
“It’s personally fulfilling,” she said. “I’ve got such ties to this place, so performing in an Ipswich based festival that honours its history is really special.”
The Vintage Belles will share the stage with Lisa Burton and The Knockout Collective, a collaboration that has shaped both the energy and direction of their set.
Together, they’re paying tribute to the Queen’s Park bandstand, once a hub of community music in the early 1900s, where locals gathered with pop out lyric books to sing along.
Modern songs will also appear in the set.
The Vintage Belles perform at Studio 188 on September 12 as part of a celebration of Ipswich’s past and present.
