Thousands Flock To Kingpin’s Ink N’ Iron

    Thousands Flock To Kingpin’s Ink N’ Iron

By Mark Humphrey

Lilydale, Vic/Aus.  19^th May 2015. Kingpin Kuztums have just re-written the script on what a show n shine car event should be with their much celebrated “Are You Vegas Enough” themed  series of rockabilly events showcasing their latest rendition the  Ink N’ Iron party held at the York On Lilydale complex  in the Melbourne suburb of Lilydale.

Creator of the Kingpin Kuztums dynasty Rob Bellio together with his hard working staff, had their hands full co-ordinating the day’s activities which kicked off at 2pm and went through the night with celebrated rockabilly band Rumblin Wolf closing the event just after 11pm. Rumblin Wolf headlined the entertainment package and delivered two sets of classic rockabilly music to see out what was an outstanding day of lifestyle entertainment.

With a 2pm scheduled start things looked steady with a couple of rows of custom street machines lined up providing spectators with a taste of what was to come. Within 45 minutes the designated display area for the custom machines was choc a block with cruisers having to find alternative ways to get their vehicles into the display area. Street Rods and customs were lined up as far back as 2kms just waiting to get their cars into the display area. Spectators had filled the car park along with the ANDRA drag racing display area which was situated at the main entrance. Inside the doors, Joy Ride kicked off the music entertainment with a 45 minute set in the main function room which was followed by The Detonators with 3 more local Melbourne bands lined up to take the entertainment right through to 11pm.Classic rides used for the Pin Up Model photography

The spectators mingling throughout the hundreds of cars and bikes on display in the carpark could have been forgiven for thinking this was just an awesome show n’ shine display. Just over an hour into the event the Russo Motorsport Team fired up their fire breathing supercharged outlaw funny car much to the delight of the large throng of spectators that had infiltrated the ANDRA display. With 2000+hp belting out through the headers it set the scene and indicated that this was going to be one outrageous party that would be burnt into the memory banks of those who attended for years to come. Russo Motorsports Supercharged Outlaw monster thrilled the crowd

And as if that wasn’t enough, Phil Parker from Parker Racing fired up his nitro breathing Top Fuel motorcycle giving spectators the sensation of breathing nitro filled air. Starting to get the picture! One minute you’re walking amongst classic rods, the next you’re head first in the ANDRA drag racing scene! What a mix and the start of your adventure into the Kingpin Kuztums Ink N’ Iron experience. Parker Racing's "Gracie" gave the fans a taste of Nitro filled air.

Classic cars, hot rods, low riders, bikes and rat rods filled the car park. Heavily inked dudes and babes cruised the York On Lilydale car park paying special attention to the low riders section and the cool spinner who was mixing the rap on his twin disc set-up. So cool!Cool low riders were a hit with the crowd.

By now hundreds of people had ventured inside the York On Lilydale with a continual stream of new visitors making their way to the action. As soon as you entered the building you were greeted with a number of activities. To the right was a free mini pin-up both where aspiring young models lined up to get that by gone era image taken. To the left a Pancho’s Kuztums air-brushing display was taking place creating a Marilyn Monroe image with a twist and just behind them were the first of the traders stands. From here you could either veer left or right to continue your journey through this amazing lifestyle event. Veering left had you smack bang in the middle of the heart and soul of Kingpin with their fabulous range of greaser wear on display for all to buy. Mixed in amongst this was a tattoo demonstration provided by Desperado Ink Tattoo Studio, a ladies hair - makeover & beauty stand, a couple of traders stands and believe it or not, a men’s barber shop! Yep you read right. 2 barbers flat strap giving dudes that greaser style haircut. And this was not a gimmick where the barbers gave a demonstration at nominated times. These boys were flat out filling the chairs as fast as they would empty. Simply awesome and just one small part of the jigsaw puzzle that was ‘Are You Vegas Enough’.

A very large part of the jigsaw puzzle was music and although every category in some form or another is entertainment, music headlined the bill leaving no doubt that Kingpin Kuztums is a huge supporter of local music. Veering right from the entrance had you entering the York On Lilydale function room where a temporary dance floor had been provided to cater for the rock n roll twisters. First up was new band Joy Ride who kicked off the indoors entertainment at 2pm with one set of classic numbers. They were followed by The Detonators with a dance routine by the Shimmy Shaker Show Girls splitting the Detonators two sets. The Shimmy Shaker Show Girls

Cherry Divine was up next and also doubled as the guest MC for the night announcing the finalists and winners in the Tattoo competition  with awards supplied by Desperado Ink and the Ink N’ Iron Pin Up Model with awards for this category supplied by Kingpin Kuztums. Ink N' Iron Pin Up Girls

Firebird Trio followed with a couple of sets and man were they rockin the room. Headline act Rumblin Wolf finish the night off just after 11pm. Rumblin Wolf’s lead guitarist and vocalist Dizzy Davidson greeted the packed function room with a big thank you to Rob Bellio and his staff for having the vision to put together such an amazing concept and was happy to have the band back together again after a bit of a lay off.

The music entertainment package as a whole was fabulous with all bands firing up the venue with their sets but there was no doubting why Rumblin Wolf had headlined the day. From their very first number, Rumblin Wolf had the floor packed with groovers rocking away to famous covers as well as their own compilations. It was a fitting end to a simply awesome standalone event that has significantly enhanced the Kingpin Kuztums branding and culture.

Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) have to be commended here for sharing the vision of Kingpin Kuztums Rob Bellio for without their support this venture may not have left the ground. In the wash-up it was a decision that has rewarded the 300+ licenced premises group with turnover on the day set to be their biggest ever single day haul surpassing past events that include rock icon Jimmy Barnes. The nominated charity beneficiary in this case Very Special Kids Charity also fared well with the generosity of the patrons amounting to somewhere around $5,000 for the day.

All up it was a fantastically organised day that seemed to go down without a hitch, one that was free for all spectators to come and enjoy. The combination of the trade stands, novelty events, ANDRA drag racing, various auto groups and live music made this event one for the ages and one that has been captured on video and film for all to enjoy.

Expect the DVD to be available for purchase in the coming weeks.                                                    Caprice Photography was the nominated photographer for the event and has produced some cracker images. Joker Photography had the assignment to cover the Pin-Up competition also with some outstanding results.

There were also plenty of other photographers on hand who have posted pics on the event’s Facebook page.

For more info on the DVD release, Caprice Photography, Joker Photography and upcoming events go to: https://www.facebook.com/kingpin.kuztums?fref=ts

Images From The Day

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