JESSE NEILL
THE CHANGE Original Music Festival rocked Gawler over the weekend with two packed out shows in the courtyard of the Kingsford Hotel.
Six bands performed across Sunday and Monday, and audiences reached capacity on both days.
Now in its sixth year, festival convener and local musician Martin Johnson said he is still amazed at the big turn-out and community support CHANGE receives.
“It just shows you how much our local community values this festival and loves to hear new music,” he said.
“All of the musicians that come up (to Gawler), especially those doing CHANGE for the first time, they just love it.
“There’s not many other places they can go and just play their own music in such a supportive environment.
“It was like one big family coming together to enjoy each other’s company and listen to new music.”
Mr Johnson also said the shows pulled a diverse crowd and that he saw all ages in attendance.
“I saw an 18-month-old girl who jumped around in her mum’s arms all afternoon,” he said.
“I also saw some couples who would’ve been in their eighties, so there’s appeal for a wide spectrum of the community.”
The local busker thanked the businesses that helped support the event through sponsorship, or by providing their venues.
He also acknowledged Gawler mayor Karen Redman for opening the festival and supporting it since its inception.
Although he doesn’t like to pick favourites, Mr Johnson said his highlight was seeing the contrast between the new bands that were taking an exciting opportunity to kick-start their career, and the older, more experienced performers.
“It’s great to see the older bands moving up and guiding the younger ones a little bit, but also to see that new music’s coming through,” he said.
“It’s not stopping and in 10 years’ time it will probably be the current newbies helping out the next lot of young up-and-comers.
“It’s an exciting time to see new music from great local artists who are enthusiastic about their performances, and I just think it’s great to see everyone support such quality music.”
CHANGE festival will have its final day this Sunday, with talented duo Exeter Blues kicking off proceedings in the beer garden of the P/A Hotel at 2pm.
For more information about this free event, visit the CHANGE Original Music Festival Facebook page.