Australia’s first-ever Acoustic Music Festival will be held in Ocean Grove

OCEAN Grove is about to become home to Australia’s first acoustic music festival.

On Saturday, April 9, Australia’s first-ever Acoustic Music Festival will come to the Ocean Grove Pavillion.

The festival will be free entry to all, made possible as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s Surround Sound series running between March and April.

The festival’s artistic director Jon Mamonski, who has over 20 years’ experience organising music festivals and music events, said the festival would be the perfect way to celebrate local talent.

“The Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival is for everyone who loves acoustic music and who want to support live performances of local artists,” Mr Mamonski said

“Our region has some of the finest artists in the nation and we’ve been waiting a long time to see them perform.”

Mr Mamonski said as a first-class concert stage, The Pavilion in Ocean Grove Park would be the perfect setting for this free concert.

“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.”

Local artists turned national favourite, Famous Will, brings the folky/country feel that has taken him on tours around Australia back to his home town to play at the festival.

Young local talent Finnigan August, based on the Surf Coast, is comfortable on stage at just 15 years old, 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.

Finn has also shared the stage with the likes of Ash Grunwald and Bec Goring.

Renowned folk quartet Peter Paul and Marion, which began as a high school project and continues many years later, will also be playing at the festival.

Local Ocean Grove family band Von Robertsons will also play at the festival, with award-winning artists, Heath Robertson and Andrea Robertson on vocals and guitar, David Robertson on drums, and rising talent Carly Robertson on vocals and bass.

Other artists to look out for on the day include the renowned folk quartet Peter Paul and Marion, singer-songwriter Isabella Khalife, the six-piece rock and roll band The Fillmores featuring guitars, violin, keys, and group vocals.

Funded by the City of Greater Geelong’s Surround Sound series the Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival is free with no registration necessary.

The festival will kick off at 4pm and visitors are advised to bring a rug and picnic and arrive early to find a good spot.

For more information, head to www.oceangroveacousticfestival.com.au.