Geelong Showgrounds
March 7, 2014 to March 9, 2014
Geetroit Rock City was shaken up as the inaugural Motor City Music Festival hit the showgrounds over the Labour Day weekend. Celebrating 20 years of the Blues Train, there were some fantastic artists showcasing over the weekend. A couple of my favourite sets included the big electric guitar showcase featuring Australian blues royalty in Lloyd Spiegel, Jimi Hocking and Geoff Achison.
Tribute act Saturday went down a treat, with thousands of people pouring in to get their fix of Thunderstruck, Appetite for Destruction and of course, Kisstroyer. Singing ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’, it was sensational and was the closest thing Geelong will get to seeing Kiss perform in their backyard.
The food vendors were also impressive, with a diverse selection of food on offer. I give top marks to Jack the Ribber and Flying Wok dumplings that gave an alternative to the usual music festival hot chips and Dagwood dogs.
Having programmed the Live and Local stage, one of the definite highlights was seeing The Kite Machine in full flight. A massive crowd poured into the venue which saw a massive dance-off to ‘Ghostbusters’ at the end of their set. Although there was some noise bleed from other venues, the unearthed talent that showcased across the weekend showed that Geelong has some serious musicians that are definitely worth watching and supporting over the next twelve months.
Closing out the weekend was a fireworks display that will definitely be remembered for many years to come.
A positive festival experience – and I can’t wait to head along and be involved with it again next year!
Written by Tex Miller