Arriving at my first Goomfest felt like coming home.
The open fields, the collection of vans and tents setting up wherever there was space and music already playing ahead of the afternoon’s official line-up – there was a freshness to the air and a sense of community thrumming through every considered aspect of this small but special festival.
With its roots in love, joy, community and good music, Goomfest reminded me of my first music festival; Folk, Rhythm, Life (or Bilyana) in the beautiful backcountry of Eldorado.
The farm in Wangoom, which Goomfest calls home, was the perfect spot for camping and boogie-ing and, perhaps the size is what made it extra special. Though don’t let that stop you from buying tickets to the next one because I desperately need to go again and I’m here to convince you to join me!
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You can easily tell this festival is run by a group of passionate, joyous folk who are eager to spread that joy and welcome everyone into this space of belonging, while listening to some absolutely banging tunes well into the wee hours of the morning (with a leaving time of 3pm the next day, you’ll still get a healthy sleep-in).
Speaking of the tunes WOW did they give us a spectacular line-up. From the haunting and emotional sound of Geelong’s own folk outfit Daisy Kilbourne and The Chains kicking off the slightly chilly afternoon, to the uniquely dimensional soundscape of Portal Gun taking us on a journey through space before Dog Door, Alex Albrecht and Dragnet had something for everyone; from rock to notes of classical jazz electronica and Aussie Sprechgesang.
The next two acts; Rinse and Birdsnake, were my personal favourites of the night. Rinse was a divine mix of 90s pop-post-punk-rock-trip-hop (think Portishead, The Cure, Cocteau Twins – some of my all time loves) and a crew of musicians who played with the ease of people who belong on stage.
Birdsnake had everything a girl could want…saxaphone. Truly, if it’s got a saxophone, I’m on my way. Their rippling exploration of house and acid jazz paired with a bit of funk and dub, makes for the perfect 11pm concoction; a hypnotic entry into the middle of the night.
The rest of the night boasted Kuzco, Toni Yotzi and the ever-groovy Charlotte Rooney. Kuzco brought her all for the 45 minute set, an onstage energy rivalling those of the previous groups, despite being a one-woman-show and that buzz she gave us was carried on through both Yotzi and Rooney, wrapping up a night of splendour with all the feel-good stuff you could only hope for at larger gatherings.
Driving back down the dirt road towards home, I found myself wishing Goomfest was a week-long affair, or something I had to look forward to every single month.
I looked back and realised I didn’t have a single bad interaction with any of the people I met there, something I can’t say the same for other events I’ve been to, and I truly hope to see it return again so I can boogie my way through another night of bliss.
