Hobartians are only just coming to terms with the success and spectacle that is this year’s MONA FOMA festival – now in its fourth year. With two more full days still to run, the lineup, the artestry is out of all proportion; no wonder this boutique festival is capturing the attention of artists and visitors from all over Australia and the world.

Last night’s line up included Dresden Dolls – where the audience was blown away by the powerhouse that is Amanda and Brian. The theatrics, the songs – originals and covers – Beastie Boys, Grinderman, and two others had everyone mesmerized. Amanda Palmer, who has the opportunity to play all over the world gushed “We love Tasmania, and how good is MONA FOMA – this is THE festival that we like most in the world.” High praise indeed and acknowledging once again the enormous success of Festival Director Brian Ritchie (ex Violet Femmes, New York), now living in Tasmania.

In yesterday’s line up performers were as diverse as Juliana Barwick, Senyawa (from Indonesia), Toshimaru Nakamara, Kellie O’Dempsey, and Prince Rama – the wizardy of melded Broooklyn beat and Hare Krishna psychedalia.

Veronica Foale’s blog and review has more coverage.

Wedenesday’s highlight and sell-out performers were ‘Girl Talk’ and Kate Burton took some great shots of one hell of a show.