Bold new festival blends American mid-west and Mexicano vibes

A NEW music festival celebrating the fusion of American Midwest and Mexicano culture is set to bring big sounds to The Bowlo Bangalow on May 3 and 4.

The South of the Border festival is the brainchild of Mark Haughton, booker at The Bowlo and founder of Hometown Sounds.

“I have been wanting to do this style of festival for a few years now, but the timing has not been right,” he said.

“But this year all the bands I was after were available, so I went for it.”

Inspired by his love of American mid-west and Mexicano music and culture, Haughton saw the quirky symbolism in the festival’s name.

“It just so happens Bangalow is south of the Queensland border,” he said.

The lineup includes Bad//Dreems, GIMMY, Floodlights, Dice, Ethanol Blend and Drover.

“I like to put new bands on our line ups so people get to hear something they might not have the opportunity to experience prior to our event,” Haughton said.

“It’s basically bands I think suit the vibe. I have been a fan of a band out of Adelaide called Los Palms for a while and they are perfect fit. Full Flower Moon Band has the swamp twang thang going on, so they too were a first pick. Stoned Waves has that Argentinian outlaw psych cowboy style, and it is front and centre in their performance.”

Haughton, who stepped away from the music industry for 15 years, found his way back during the COVID era. A casual beer at The Bowlo with a friend turned into a career pivot when he realised it was exactly where he wanted to work.

“The general manager, Chris Watson, was very open to embracing live events, as The Bowlo used to be a stopover for bands who became national icons on their way through to Brisbane in the 1980s and ’90s,” he said.

With a music room under refurbishment and more upgrades in the works, The Bowlo is set to reclaim its status as a vital live music hub.