MIC’S ON

Aireys Inlet music fest set for rock royalty

THE CAT’S out of the bag for the Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival after music sensation Tash Sultana’s stellar performance last year.

First time festival director Tony Caon said this year’s event, which will run from March 16-18, was expected to be bigger than ever with the line-up nearly double in size.

“Part of the town wants to keep it (the festival) a nice little secret but the secret’s well and truly out after Tash Sultana and the big crowds last year,” he said.

“We’ve got all the bands locked in and just making some last-minute changes here and there, getting all the stage gear sorted and stage decorations.

“This is my first year as director so it’s been pretty busy, there’s a lot of communication happening when you’re talking to 140 different artists.”

Mr Caon said the unique festival – where entry is free but donations are encouraged to support the festival – will once again feature a mystery special guest.

“I can’t give too much away other than the performer is Australian rock royalty,” he said.

Past mystery guests include Tim Rodgers, Mark Seymour, The Hoodoo Gurus and Dan Sultan, with artists this year set to benefit from the festival’s latest additions.

“The green room is going to be awesome, we’ve got amazing sound technicians, and there will also be a merchandise tent to give artists the chance to get back more for donating their time,” Mr Caon said.

“We wanted to really improve the onstage experience, artists love playing at the festival because of the opportunity to play to big crowds and with a great sound.”

This year a stage will run at the back of the Aireys pub for the entire weekend with people able to get an early taste of artists scheduled to perform.

“One of the bands, Midweek Blues, has put together a Spotify playlist for the music festival with all the acts on the line-up and posted it on our Facebook page,” Mr Caon said.

“I’m really looking forward to the festival starting and the chance just to listen to all the music.”

For more, click here, or head to aireysinlet.com.au.