Mullumbimby Music Festival is knocking on our door again this month for the 8th year running and this year’s line-up is as big as any that have been so far, if not bigger.
Leading up to the event itself, we took a few moments to catch up with the director of Mullum Music Festival, Glenn Wright, to find out a little more about this home-grown gem in the hills.
CG – What makes Mullum Music Festival different from other music festivals?
GW – I think the intimacy and the level of artist involvement make Mullum a special weekend. As most artists perform at the festival over a 2-3 day period, with some coming for the full 4 days, the artists tend to really become part of the festival. This is different to festivals that have different acts each day, and might only be a day or 2 day event.
Mullum Music is an experience, and I think all the best festivals are. In the lead up to the festival we announce a patron, have a youth mentorship program, do a tree planting and have a colouring-in competition. Then we open on the Thursday with an amazing opening night featuring a dozen acts from the festival in short gala like cameos, finishing the night with our patron Harry Angus and his Jazz Party. Friday morning we host a free concert at the Mullum Farmers Markets (one of the best farmers markets in the area), followed by a tour of the amazing award winning Mullumbimby Community Gardens, then followed by a bush tucker ID & rainforest walk through the beautiful Heritage Gardens. Friday evening we begin the festival proper with choirs on the streets and eight venues pumping out music. Saturday 8am yoga begins the day, followed by workshops, street theatre, a sustainability forum, gardening master-class, artist interviews and much more. Music then fills the town of Mullum for the next 2 days with 12 venues and back to back gigs. Just as we have a start to the festival we have a finish and Sunday we begin the day with our very popular Street Parade, lead by Harry James Angus, and I tag along playing bad trombone. Its New Orleans Street music, with over 50 performers blowing horns. Then Sunday is about let ones hair down and having a party. We celebrate the end of the festival with dance bands, and jams.
Throughout the four days the musicians of the festival are encouraged to collaborate and get involved. It’s a fun festival, unpretentious and the focus is on enjoying the music and the town of Mullumbimby.
CG – How do you go about programming the festival – what are the main things you look for in an artist?
GW – I try and have a balance, so not too much of anything and a bit of as much as I can find that is good. I try and not be ageist, sexist or favour particular musical styles. I look for good music. I like emerging artists but I also like those that have been doing it for a long time. I also like to take chances with the program and book some unknowns that I believe will be amazing.
CG – What are some of the acts or events you’re most excited about at this year’s festival?
GW – Ron Sexsmith (UK) (can’t believe he is coming), Montaigne (she is just amazing new talent and will be a household name in years to come), Robert Forster (iconic Australian song writing legend who still has it), We Two Thieves (I think they were one of the hits of last year’s Woodford festival), Arte Kanela (a favourite of the MMF, always a standing ovation), The California Honeydrops (US) (brilliant New Orleans style jazz, soul), Hauschka (Germany) (amazing soundscapes), Emma Donovan and the Putbacks (from Melbourne, one of our best soul acts), All Our Exes Live in Texas ( they are funny), Yeshe & Kurai (Yeshe is a local and world class, with an international profile, and Kurai from Zimbabwe is a dynamic performer, it’s a high energy collaboration and will get everybody out of their seats)  and Trinity Roots (one of my favourite groups in the world, from NZ – woo hoo!! ).
CG – What headgear are you going to wear at this year’s street parade?
GW – I’m going to wear an outfit similar to the TISM band in the 90s.  I think that will work well…
We can’t wait to see that one, Glenn.
Mullumbimby Music Festival tickets and information can be found at www.mullummusicfestival.com
