The Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering will bring music to people’s ears next month.
Music lovers will come together at McCorquindale Park from March 17 to 19 to enjoy a jovial weekend filled with music, workshops, jam sessions, open mics and more.
Penola Coonawarra Acoustic Music Gathering committee members Anne and Leigh Miller said they were thrilled for the event to return to McCorquindale Park.
“We were disappointed we had to cancel it last year because of COVID, but we are looking forward to putting it on again,” Mr Miller said.
“COVID restrictions have been reduced so we can have the numbers that we want coming along.”
“We really are excited to have it all back again because it was such a wonderful atmosphere,” Ms Miller said.
“We were so ready to go last year except COVID restrictions made it impossible.
“So it will be lovely to have it back and to have music in the town in a venue where it is comfortable, it is clean and it is safe.”
The major sponsors of the gathering are Wattle Range Council, Bendigo Bank and Stand Like Stone, who have shown generous support.
A stacked line-up of talented artists and bands from the local area, interstate and internationals will take to the stage.
The gathering will be headlined by internationally renowned blues artist Fiona Boyes, who won the Best Blues Player in Memphis in 2017 and has been a finalist over the last nine years.
Artists include iconic folk musician Eric Bogle, Mount Gambier’s Anne Fraser, Kelly Menhennett, Penny Burke, Corey Theatre, Mal Webb, Sime Nugent, Greg Champion and Andrew Clermont.
Bands and duos include Bluegrass Junction, Brushwood Folk Band, Courtney Robb and Snooks La Vie, The River Pearlers, Marcus Cassells and Azlan Harris, Vetter og Villskap and the Stumpy Gully Bush Band.
“Their skill and musicianship is mind-boggling,” Ms Miller said.
People can get involved with workshops including guitar, harmonica, singing, song writing, Irish drum and guitar and the much-loved jam sessions will also take place again.
“But for those who do not play music but still love music, we have still got concerts going,” Ms Miller said.
“There will be absolutely something for everyone.”
The Bendigo Bank School Program and Youth Mentoring Program will run on Friday, March 17, tutored by talented multi-instrumentalists Andrew Clermont and Mal Webb.
“Between them, I do not know if there’s an instrument they cannot play,” Ms Miller said.
The students who participate in the Youth Mentoring Program will showcase their talents in a ‘Stars of the Future’ concert, which will be held on stage during the main concert.
A $200 prize will be awarded to the best and second-best performers on the night, courtesy of Bendigo Bank.
“It is really an amazing opportunity for kids in this area, these are international performers,” Ms Miller said.
The Sunday Markets will also take place again with music to entertain people who wander through.
Mr and Ms Miller hoped people of all ages would come along to enjoy the three-day event.
Weekend passes are $70 per person, day tickets $25 per person and children under 16 enter free if accompanied by an adult.
Camping is available from Tuesday, March 14 until March 21 and unpowered sites cost $10 per night with plenty of toilet and shower facilities available.
The committee is still seeking volunteers, who are rewarded with day tickets to enjoy hours of entertainment from 10am to 11.45pm.
