It’s relaxed, intimate, and very Wonthaggi: the Bass Coast Pickers on stage at last year's Wonthaggi Acoustic Music Festival
By Catherine Watson
WONTHAGGI town hall will once again come alive with the sound of strings, voices, drums and shared stories as the Wonthaggi Acoustic Music Festival returns for a second year on July 4-6.
The three-day celebration of acoustic music promises to warm the heart and soul, offering performances by more than 40 musicians, two community bands, informal jam sessions and workshops, all wrapped in a distinctly local and welcoming spirit.
WONTHAGGI town hall will once again come alive with the sound of strings, voices, drums and shared stories as the Wonthaggi Acoustic Music Festival returns for a second year on July 4-6.
The three-day celebration of acoustic music promises to warm the heart and soul, offering performances by more than 40 musicians, two community bands, informal jam sessions and workshops, all wrapped in a distinctly local and welcoming spirit.
Last year’s inaugural festival set the tone, but organiser Ellen Hubble says this year’s expanded program marks a deeper embrace of community.
“A lot of festivals become a bit musician-exclusive,” she says. “Not deliberately, but they can end up being more about musicians learning from each other than about reaching out to the public. With WAM, we really wanted something that belongs to the town.”
The network is growing. This year, with flyers at markets and face-to-face chats with locals, word has spread. “People tell us, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve heard about that – my dad’s playing!’” Hubble laughs. “It’s working."
The town hall is noted for its good acoustics but it’s also about warmth and accessibility. There’ll be a coffee van, a mead truck and people can bring their own drinks and food to the evening concerts. "It’s relaxed, intimate, and very Wonthaggi,” says Hubble.
“A lot of festivals become a bit musician-exclusive,” she says. “Not deliberately, but they can end up being more about musicians learning from each other than about reaching out to the public. With WAM, we really wanted something that belongs to the town.”
The network is growing. This year, with flyers at markets and face-to-face chats with locals, word has spread. “People tell us, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve heard about that – my dad’s playing!’” Hubble laughs. “It’s working."
The town hall is noted for its good acoustics but it’s also about warmth and accessibility. There’ll be a coffee van, a mead truck and people can bring their own drinks and food to the evening concerts. "It’s relaxed, intimate, and very Wonthaggi,” says Hubble.
The fabulous Invy Horn Band kicks off Saturday's music with a stroll through town.
The lineup includes 10 bands and acts, among them community favourites like the Wonthaggi Uke Band and a local drumming circle, as well as acclaimed regional groups. “We’ve been lucky not to have to look far,” says Hubble.
“There’s so much talent in Bass Coast – Strat and Lyndal from Invy Horn Jam, Michael and Mary Whelan, Alison Chapman from the Bass Coast Pickers.
“So many people don’t even know this incredible music scene exists here. We want to give everyone a taste of what’s already happening in the region – and maybe inspire them to get involved themselves.”
The festival also features opportunities for new and emerging performers.
"It’s not just about headliner. We’ve designed the program so anyone – at any level – can jump into a jam or learn a tune in a workshop. That’s the tradition of acoustic music: it’s been passed down around kitchen tables and firesides for generations.”
That grassroots feel runs deep through the festival’s DNA. It was inspired by volunteer-run music gatherings in towns like Harrietville, Beechworth, and Bright – festivals that combine family-friendly atmosphere with serious musical talent. “We raised our own kids in that kind of environment,” Hubble says. “It’s powerful – growing up around music and community like that.”
The goal is to create continuity, grow awareness and give locals a stage.
“So many people don’t even know this incredible music scene exists here. We want to give everyone a taste of what’s already happening in the region – and maybe inspire them to get involved themselves.”
The festival also features opportunities for new and emerging performers.
"It’s not just about headliner. We’ve designed the program so anyone – at any level – can jump into a jam or learn a tune in a workshop. That’s the tradition of acoustic music: it’s been passed down around kitchen tables and firesides for generations.”
That grassroots feel runs deep through the festival’s DNA. It was inspired by volunteer-run music gatherings in towns like Harrietville, Beechworth, and Bright – festivals that combine family-friendly atmosphere with serious musical talent. “We raised our own kids in that kind of environment,” Hubble says. “It’s powerful – growing up around music and community like that.”
The goal is to create continuity, grow awareness and give locals a stage.
The Friday night concert features the ever popular Strat and Lyndal, founders of the Invy Horn Band, opening for John Flanagan, a feature of the festival scene and one of Australia’s finest lyricists.
John Flanagan is in concert on Friday night
The internationally acclaimed Davidson Brothers return. The acclaimed Davidson Brothers return for the Saturday night concert. Born and raised in nearby Yinnar, the brothers are a living example of what community-based acoustic traditions can foster, from local talent to international stages.
Their success underscores the mission of WAM: to showcase the richness of acoustic music and encourage its growth in the region.
“It’s not strictly a folk festival,” Hubble says. “But it has that feel – acoustic, welcoming, inclusive. We want people to bring their instruments, their snacks, their families. We want them to sing along, join a jam, or just listen and enjoy.”
For a cold July weekend, WAM offers a rare kind of warmth – a chance to gather in the heart of town, celebrate local talent, and revel in music that’s been at the core of communities for generations.
Bookings at Trybooking.
Their success underscores the mission of WAM: to showcase the richness of acoustic music and encourage its growth in the region.
“It’s not strictly a folk festival,” Hubble says. “But it has that feel – acoustic, welcoming, inclusive. We want people to bring their instruments, their snacks, their families. We want them to sing along, join a jam, or just listen and enjoy.”
For a cold July weekend, WAM offers a rare kind of warmth – a chance to gather in the heart of town, celebrate local talent, and revel in music that’s been at the core of communities for generations.
Bookings at Trybooking.
FRIDAY 4 JULY
4pm-5.30pm Bring your instruments for informal jamming.
6.30pm–Late – Evening Concert
- Strat & Lyndal with Jim Green – folky favourites
- John Flanagan – one of Australia’s finest lyricists
9.30am – Invy Horn Jam Parade from Apex Park to Town Hall
Morning to Afternoon – Live music & community fun
- Emerald ByLaw – fresh local duo
- Mojodreaming – young talent showcase
- ACDC Choir – led by Tracey Miller
- Los LLajtay Mantas - Pan pipes, Charango, guitar
- Karavana Flamenca – flamenco, rumba, and Spanish rhythms
- Smiley–Doherty Band – multi-instrumental energy
- Bass Coast Pickers – homegrown harmony
- Davidson Brothers – award-winning bluegrass legends
9.30am – Workshops
- Gospel Singing with Jacqui & Dani Paulson
- Learn-a-Tune Jam – open to all instruments & levels
- WAM Band – local ukes, drums & BCAL
- Canti Populari – Italian folk fun
- Keachange – original local songs incl. The Old Whistle
- Open Mic – sign up & share your music!