The Pavilion at Ocean Grove Park will host Australia’s first Acoustic Festival from 4pm on Saturday April 9 and it’s free.
The festival is part of the City of Greater Geelong’s Surround Sound series running through March and April.
The pavilion’s superb concert stage will bring remarkable acoustic talent from across the region including Famous Will Band, Isabella Khalife, Peter Paul and Marion, Finnigan August, The Fillmores and Von Robertsons.
“Our region has some of the finest artists in the nation and we’ve been waiting a long time to see them perform,” artistic director Jon Mamonski said.
“The Pavilion in Ocean Grove Park is a first-class concert stage and a perfect setting for this free concert.”
The festival begins at 4pm and it’s advised that you bring a rug and picnic and get there early for a good spot.
Registration is not necessary and for more information, go to oceangroveacousticfestival.com.au.
The Artists
Famous Will
A local artist who is now a national favourite, Will Gardiner quit his job and sold everything to record his debut album and tour the country. Picked up by Triple J and showcased around the nation, Famous Will is now…famous.
With haunting songs like ‘The Story’ and that folky/country feel, Famous Will and the band have a strong following across Australia.
Isabella Khalife
Isabella Khalife captivates audiences with sweet sounding vocals and impresses with her multi-instrumental ability.
A master melody shaper, she uses her skill to tell emotion-filled stories through her acoustic pop originals with lyrics that are honest and real.
She takes to the stage with her acoustic guitar and loop pedal. Her ability to both bring a full room to silence, listening to her delicate yet powerful voice, or fill up the space entirely with vocal and instrumental loops, is something quite unique.
The Fillmores
The Fillmores play a brand of sincere and catchy rock and roll taking cues from greats such as The Go-Betweens, Talking Heads and The Clean alongside modern acts such as The Ocean Party, Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett. Hailing from Melbourne/Naarm and Apollo Bay (Gadabanud/Katabanut Country) the project began as a creative outlet for brothers Jack and Seamus Fillmore and has slowly evolved into a six piece group featuring jangling guitars, soaring violin and keys, and anthemic group vocals. The last few years has seen The Fillmores release a handful of singles and EPs, their latest release ‘Moonsurfing EP’ (a collection of bedroom recordings and song sketches recorded through isolation) saw the band creating its most distinct and diverse music yet.
Finnigan August
Finn is based on Victoria’s Surf Coast. At only 15, he is already comfortable on stage with his festival appearances including, the main stage at The Lost Lands, Queenscliff Music Festival, 2 Worlds Festival, Happy Wanderer Festival and Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival as well as sharing the stage with Ash Grunwald and Bec Goring. Mentorship with Chris Wilson from a young age resonates through Finn’s soulful harmonica bending and vibrato.
With a love for writing, his music incorporates the sound of folk/blues which is reinforced through his solid jazz guitar chops. Finn is currently in the studio recording an EP.
Peter Paul and Marion
This renowned folk quartet began as a high school project for Ocean Grover Jon Mamonski. A big fan of Peter Paul and Mary, Jon reignited that high school dream eight years ago and formed Peter Paul and Marion (and Ian) to perform original Peter Paul and Mary and Seekers songs. A perennial favourite at the Geelong Folk Club, there’s been concerts across the Bellarine, Geelong, Gippsland and at The Pavilion of course.
Von Robertsons
The Von Robertsons are a local powerhouse of a family band who will grab your attention from the get-go with their 70s inspired sounds.
With influences from blues and roots through to country and rock, The Von Robertsons know how to put on a mighty fine show for audiences. This Ocean Grove family band has something truly magical going on, and they are making their mark on the music scene, collectively as well as individually.
The musical family include award-winning artist, Andrea Robertson on vocals and guitar, David Robertson on drums (endorsed by Toca Percussion), award-winning Heath Robertson on vocals and guitar and rising talent Carly Robertson on vocals and bass, with the three vocalists interchanging singing lead and regularly breaking into stunning three-part harmonies.
