Following its inaugural run in 2022, the Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival is back for 2023.
Ocean Grove is set to become a music hub once again with the return of the free Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival.
The Pavilion at Ocean Grove Park will host Australia’s second and only Acoustic Festival from 4pm on Sunday 12 March and it’s completely free as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s cultural festivals running through March and April.
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The Pavilion’s superb concert stage will bring remarkable acoustic talent from across the region including The Kite Machine, Famous Will Band, Hassall, Peter Paul and Marion, The King’s Poet and The Von Robertsons.
“Our region has some of the finest artists in the nation and you can see them perform with acoustic instruments and voices at The Pavilion in Ocean Grove Park. It’s a first-class concert stage and a perfect setting for this free concert,” says Artistic Director Jon Mamonski OAM.
This stellar cast of our region’s most loved players will prove how versatile the acoustic guitar can be. Dive into the full lineup below:
The Kite Machine
The Kite Machine channels the raw energy of prog to create a revolution of movement. Formed in Geelong, Victoria, TKM stood apart from their contemporaries, content to push the limits of their signature groovy, progressive style. This led to a slew of successful releases earning them 20k+ listeners on Spotify, multiple appearances at iconic festivals such as Queenscliffe Music Fest and East Coast tours with sold-out shows.
Famous Will
A local artist who is now a national favourite, Will Gardiner quit his job and sold everything to record his debut album and tour the country. Picked up by Triple J and showcased around the nation, Famous Will is now…. famous. With haunting songs like “The Story” and that folky/country feel, Famous Will and the band have a strong following across Australia and featured in last April’s Acoustic Festival in Ocean Grove.
Hassall
Hassall is a singer-songwriter & self-confessed rambler from the bottom right corner of regional Victoria. Stirring together addictive country soul sex-esque vocal hooks, taboo topics & lyrics relatable in the way you don’t want to admit, she emerges into a style self-described as ‘Australian share house-pop’
Peter Paul and Marion
This renowned folk quartet began as a high school project for Ocean Grover, Jon Mamonski. A big fan of Peter Paul and Mary, Jon reignited that high school dream 8 years ago and formed Peter Paul and Marion (and Ian) to perform original Peter Paul and Mary and Seekers songs. A perennial favourite at the Geelong Folk Club, there’s been concerts across the Bellarine, Geelong, Gippsland and at The Pavilion of-course.
The King’s Poet
Born out of the rubble of a world falling apart, The King’s Poet has been building to something huge in 2023. This six-piece alternative/indie/rock band builds its music on a bed of guitars, prioritising gritty layers and ridiculously catchy hooks. Despite their early beginnings, TKP has brought together a wealth of music experience which has led to massive local support and a huge anticipation for their upcoming debut EP release. Energy and passion paired with talent and experience. Great music done really well. See them put an acoustic spin on their original set at this year’s Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival.
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Von Robertsons
The Von Robertsons are a local powerhouse of a family band who will grab your attention from the get-go with their 70’s inspired sounds. With influences from blues & roots through to country & rock, The Von Robertsons know how to put on a mighty fine show for audiences. This Ocean Grove family band have something truly magical going on, and they are making their mark on the music scene, collectively as well as individually.
The musical family include award-winning artist, Andrea Robertson on vocals and guitar, David Robertson on drums (endorsed by Toca Percussion), award-winning Heath Robertson on vocals and guitar and rising talent Carly Robertson on vocals and bass, with the three vocalists interchanging singing lead and regularly breaking into stunning three-part harmonies. It’s true that the words “cool” and “family band” don’t usually go together, but The Von Robertsons defy this by delivering stellar performances time and time again. You won’t be able to resist this family band’s charm.
The festival begins at 4pm and it’s advised that you bring a rug and picnic and get there early for a good spot.
Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival takes place on Sunday, March 12 2023. For more info, head here.
