:: Point Nepean Festival - April 2007

By: Mark Rasmussen

Having grown up on the Mornington Peninsula, I knew the drive down to Point Nepean was going to be a long one. Coming from Brunswick, however, it blew out to over two and half hours. Still, a small sacrifice to make with this being the inaugural Point Nepean Music Festival (PNMF), which was to be held at the very isolated, very serene and very picturesque Quarantine station. With the day shaping up fantastically well weather wise, the only thing left to day after parking the Kingswood, was to relax and enjoy the festival.

And that's exactly what I did. Set inside a small area overlooking the bay and its heads, the two stages, which were far enough apart not to intrude over the top of each other, provided ample room for people to easily come and go as they pleased. It suited the setting and atmosphere perfectly.

Due to the long drive and the Easter long weekend crowd who flock to the Peninsula, I missed the Custom Kings, but I was able to catch the back end of Piers Faccini. His folk/rock set was a good way to begin my PNMF experience. From there it was over to Mick Thomas & the Sure Thing, who despite his experience failed to ignite my interest. I took this as my cue to wander around the grounds and truly see what this festival had to offer. I have to say very little besides the food stalls and a mini market with the usual knick-knacks, but when compared to the corporate giant that is the Big Day Out, this is exactly how a music festival should be. It was again another big plus for a festival that despite not having a brilliant line-up, was enough to convince me it has a future - a very rosy one at that.

Back to the music, and this time it was to take in The Vasco Era, who through previous experiences, have been terrific. However, time and success can do funny things to a band. So when lead singer Sid, began their set with an awful cover version of Elvis‘ 'Can't Help Falling Love’, one couldn‘t but wonder why?!? His constant screeching and squealing completely ruined my perception of this band. Shame then, that when they actually played and rocked out as evidenced in their older material like 'Let It Burn’, instead of prancing around singing off key and irritating everyone in the crowd, they were good, but those moments were few and far between. I just couldn't help but think that since they have taken off, Sid has become one arrogant wanker, and that's assuming he wasn't one already. His total lack of respect towards the crowd by singing so poorly, and of the songs he covered, simply proved this band has a long way to go. If he hung around for Ben Harper later that night, he would have gained some valuable lessons on how to sing and perform.

Thank God for The Audreys! Their mellow, tranquil set was a welcome relief from the screechings on the main stage. Unlike Sid and band, when they chose to cover a song, such as the timeless INXS track ‘Don't Change’, they duly showed it the respect it deserved, putting in an absolutely spellbinding interpretation of a classic Australian song. They also had fun and got the crowd involved where they could.

Soon however, I was feeling the pull of African beats with the intoxicating sounds emanating from Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars. With a huge ensemble (nine in all) fitting across the stage, and in traditional purple get up, these genuine refugees brought the house down. They got everyone up dancing to their amazing rhythms, even providing those who sat in their boats just off the shore (and weren't there many of them?), a visceral treat. Clearly, a festival highlight, even garnering rave reviews from an on-the-way-to-being-very-intoxicated promoter Michael Chugg. They were simply amazing to watch, with a heap of energy and zest that brought about rapturous applause.

From there is was over to the many culinary delights on offer and a late lunch, before taking in the sounds of Mahalia Barnes, who tried valiantly, despite lacking any real stage presence or oomph! Terrence Simien and the Zydeco Experience, were exactly that - an experience. His zydeco/accordion was interesting to say the least. As the sun started to dip and the day's warmth gave way to an evening chill, I came across the only problem throughout the whole festival - a lack of toilet facilities. There was only one toilet area and after a warm day and many drinks, long lines soon formed. It was the only blight really but something that was being rectified, with more toilets being brought to the site throughout the rest of the evening.

The Sparrows were billed as one of this country's next “big” things but all I heard was a lot of racket. They might have made a lot of noise on the smaller stage but couldn't back it up with anything of substance. All guitars no heart. Despite the fact they were pulling off all the clichéd rock moves, their material failed to ever ignite the crowd but during their set one of the light towers by the jumping castle did catch fire, but that's about as interesting as it got.

Next stop was the main stage and Taj Mahal, with his very smooth roots/blues-fuelled music. He packed plenty of stage presence and was very entertaining, chatting frequently between songs to the crowd. In the process he had many singing his praises, from the youthful groovers to the older rockers. I was a little bored I must admit, and so took this as my chance to grab some dinner. I'm glad I did, because while Taj had the bulk of the audience, a few people had wandered over to the smaller stage to take in Soul/Gospel singer Ryan Shaw. Chowing down on my stir-fry combo, I watched as Shaw exuded confidence and belted out his songs with gusto. Shame that more people didn't take in his performance. Along with the Refugee All Stars, he was a definite highlight.

As I made my way over to the main stage, it was apparent everyone was here for one reason, and one reason only - Ben Harper. Without any doubt he was the draw card, and didn‘t everyone respond in kind. The normally squally Point Nepean winds even came to a standstill as Harper mesmerised all in a two hour, non-stop set. He played a great mix of songs from his more recognisable hits to older material through to his newer tracks. Set highlights ranged from the beautiful 'Waiting For You’, the classic ‘Burn One Down’, his amazing take on ‘Sexual Healing’ and the powerful ‘Better Way’. Harper, even climbed the sides of the stage scaffolding to show his appreciation towards everyone in the crowd, who sang along word for word to his music.

With a big screen backdrop working diligently behind the music, this is an artist at the top of his game. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Sierra Leone‘s Refugee All Stars’ exuberance and energy and Ryan Shaw's soul and passion, Harper was clearly the standout for the festival, and on the night's performance, my highlight for the year. It will take an astounding performance for his memorable gig to be beaten.

I'm not sure how many stayed to watch Tony Joe White, but for me it had been a long but rewarding day, and as I began the long drive back, I was happy, safe in the knowledge, that on the back of what I witnessed today, the Point Nepean Music Festival should be here to stay! The great vibe, the relaxed atmosphere and how well everyone mixed, the young, the old, families, combined with an amazing setting, was a great way to spend part of my Easter long weekend.

While the Big Day Out is nothing more than a corporate circus, the Point Nepean Music Festival reminded me of the much smaller, but better country fair. With one or two minor adjustments next year (more toilets & lighting), this has the makings of being one of the best festivals on the circuit, and you can't ask for much more than that.

The main PARADE stage

The small QUARANTINE stage

Ben Harper

Ben Harper

Ryan Shaw

The Vasco Era

Sierra Leone's Refugee Allstars