The sound of music will surround Penola when the Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering kicks off at McCorquindale Park next week.
There will be 49 musicians performing 17 acts throughout the weekend from March 1-3.
Topping the list of performers are Gallie and Fred Smith.
Other performers include Andrew Clermont, Cenris, Bluegrass Junction, Jasmine Beth, Anne Fraser, Sue Baker and the Sourdoughs, Kelly Menhennett, Chris Cavill, Jane and the Rain, The Thompsons, East of Sunshine, Pat Tierney, Duplicity, Marcus Cassells and the BAHA Collective, Mietta Symm and Music by RBT.
The event will kick off with a fun Beatles sing-along on Friday, March 1 from 4pm to 5pm in Rymill Hall with tickets available at the gathering office at the front of the hall for just $25 which also includes two concerts.
There will be seven workshops for those who want to learn new skills.
There will be harmony singing, ukelele jam, turning poetry into song, the mechanics of an acoustic guitar, song writing (with the two headline acts) plus an introduction to a lap steel guitar and how to fiddle a fiddle.
Information on each artist is available on the website www.pcmusicgathering.com.au or Facebook.
Gathering president Anne Miller said she is looking forward to the event.
“We are very excited to present a whole new line up this year, with only three of the most popular acts from 2023 invited back,” she said.
“Most have had international experience, and all have had national experience.
This is a unique opportunity to see this quality and variety of musicians together, right here in Penola.”
Mrs Miller said the artists performing hailed from the UK, Queensland, NSW, SA, Victoria and one local.
Last year 1200 people attended the gathering, with McCorquindale Park proving a great venue with excellent facilities, two undercover stages, plenty of room in the halls and only a short walk from the local shops and accommodation.
Mrs Miller said ticket sales were going well and are available online or from the gathering office.
Weekend passes re $80 and day tickets are $35 (10am to 11pm).
Evening passes (6pm to finish) are $25.
Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll will officially open the event on the Friday at 7pm.
A market will be held on the Sunday with numerous stallholders.
If anyone would like to have a stall they can apply on the gathering website.
Site fees are $20 and the committee is looking for more food stalls.
The office will be open from 9.30am each day of the gathering.
There are also plenty of onsite camping sites available.
“We urge the locals to come along and enjoy the event as at this stage it will be the last one to be held due to retirements from the committee, and unfortunately we have no one willing to take on this very successful and national recognised event,” Mrs Miller said.
“Anyone interested in taking on running this event is encouraged to contact the organisers.”
