The fifth annual Mullum Music Fest kicks off tonight, and once again Mullum’s venues and halls will be teeming with music lovers enjoying a high calibre of musicianship.
Director Glenn Wright told Echonetdaily, ‘We put a lot of love into this – it’s not just about picking the artists; it’s about putting them in the right places so the performances are comfortable and their best comes out.
‘Sales are up 20–30 per cent,’ he says. ‘I get a sense that the whole town is getting involved.’ He says shops throughout the town have been decorating their windows with a music theme. ‘Judging and prizes will be awarded to the winners this week,’ he says.
Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce president Dean Stanford told Echonetdaily the he and the entire chamber was very supportive and right behind the festival.
‘It’s a great festival, both for me on a personal level and as community member,’ he said. ‘It’s a great format as it uses the whole town and it’s affordable. Everybody benefits.’
Artists from all over the world are included: Mali bluesman Boubacar Traoré, The Abyssinians from Jamaica, Joe Pug from the US, Chilean Nano Stern… Nationally, Glenn said, ‘we’re also excited by Melbourne’s Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes’.
Festival highlights
‘One of my two favourite moments from past festivals is catching Nano Stern play in a Mullum Cafe, while the other was a tribute to singer/songwriter Jesse Younan, a very good friend of mine who passed away five years ago. This year we are very proud to put it on again.’
As for other acts, he says Tim Freedman’s gig at the Courthouse is a chance to see the performer in an intimate setting, ‘much like the early days in Sydney’.
As for other activities, there are mystery gigs, youth mentorships and performances, and even a late-night jam at the Courthouse that will be led by local bassist Thierry Fossemalle.
Sunday street parade
‘The Sunday street parade is happening again, and will include some of the festival performers,’ says Glenn.
‘At around 11am we will come down the main street, starting from the Council chambers, and end up out the front of the Civic Hall.
Glenn says the festival, along with the recent Mullum Show and Community Gardens day event, recognises the nature of Mullumbimby and community. ‘Without planning it, these events are all happening close to each other. They are a great fit.’
The festival runs November from tonight until Sunday. Tickets and full lineup are at www.mullummusicfestival.com.au.
