Words by Ros Jason
Photography by Mark Moray, Wicked Rock Photography
Just back from ECHUCA MOAMA WINTER BLUES festival and had a blast.
The sensational lineup included award-winning blues/roots legend GEOFF ACHISON, COLLARDS GREENS AND GRAVY, SPOONFUL, the frenzy that is 19 TWENTY, JUSTIN YAP BAND and the reggae soul roots vibe of JESSE VALLACH’S band to name but a few.
Great friendly country atmosphere and really easy festival to be a part of as it’s all free. No tickets, no bookings, no wristbands. You just rock up and drop in wherever the fancy takes you. The historic PORT OF ECHUCA hosts the festival in the lovely old original pubs and local cafes and within the genre of BLUES AND ROOTS there is something for everyone.
Talented rising star singer-songwriter-guitarist JOSHUA BATTEN entertained his audiences with punchy original pieces, one highlighting the plight of MELBOURNE’S FESTIVAL HALL. Drawing on early influences Batten performed his take on several classic numbers including the DOORS and SANTANA, his powerful voice soaring as he demonstrated his looping ability to great effect.
Australian blues giant LLOYD SPIEGEL featured in a sensational surprise set with BLUES ROULETTE and we managed to catch ELECTRIC BLUES COLLECTIVE’S ‘..ridiculously delicious deluge of ferocious Chicago blues..’These guys were amazing, a festival highlight, their energy bursting off the stage as they entertained the crowd with their antics and fabulous blues bass, vocals and guitar. Not to mention the slick powder blue suits and pointy shoes. They just managed to complete their set before the rain started. Some of the venues are outdoors but most have fire pits so as long as you are rugged up and the weather holds out it’s all good.
The high street has lots of shops to browse through as you walk from one gig to the next with opportunities for local wine, chocolate and homemade fudge tastings, fashion boutiques, antiques, gifts and more. I popped into the COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION for a bit of a chat and was tempted by their delicious scones, preserves and lovely hand knitted items. I settled instead on a copy of their fundraising cookbook packed with classic country recipes, feeling great that I could support the important work that they do for farming and rural families across Australia.
Festivals are hungry work and there’s lots of good tucker from sit down pub meals to take away street snacks. The AMERICAN HOTEL does a delicious slow cooked lamb and we had a yummy chicken parma at the ECHUCA HOTEL. There’s always a crowd at the BEECHWORTH BAKERY, bursting with pies, slices, loaves and sandwiches and they also host a small outdoor stage. We caught a few muddy Mississippi Delta inspired numbers by the NEW SAVAGES as we dropped by for lunch.
The historic port has a fabulous INFORMATION CENTRE with guided tours available as well as PADDLE STEAMER CRUISES on the MURRAY RIVER. We did the tour and took a cruise last year and it was fascinating to revisit the history of Echuca having been Victoria’s main port, integral to the wool and timber industries. The ECHUCA MOAMA MARKET runs on the Sunday morning of the festival weekend, across the river in MOAMA with lots to browse through including handmade heat packs, clothing, candles, delicious local honey and more.
ONE NIGHT ONLY the BLUES BROTHERS TRIBUTE show drew a huge crowd which packed out the SHAMROCK beer garden to capacity. Favourites from the movie such as MINNIE The MOOCHER, SHE CAUGHT THE KATY and THINK got the crowd shaking their tail feathers.
CREEK’S screeching high energy blues rock alternative rhythms, DREAM BOOGIE’S stylish take on original blues numbers, and CATFISH VOODOO’S juke joint boogie vibe each brought their own unique style into the mix. As did up and coming guitarist CHARLIE BEDFORD with his original numbers and charismatic stage presence.
If you’re thinking of coming next year, book early as the accommodation gets snatched up quickly. Our hotel was right on the MURRAY set amongst beautiful tall gumtrees and we enjoyed lovely walks spying ducks, kangaroos and cockatoos.
We made it back to Melbourne by car in under three hours. I had to drag myself away as the sound of various acts drifted towards me on the chilly afternoon breeze.
The festival runs on the last weekend in JULY from THURSDAY night closing with the only ticketed event, the WRAP PARTY on SUNDAY evening which features a mixed lineup of festival highlights.
A great winter break, can’t wait for next year.
