Howlong Can You Jam is the brainchild of Andrea Shepherd, a local Howlong woman who is striving to activate the local music scene.
After attending the Girgarre Moosic Muster earlier this year, Ms Shepherd decided Howlong would be the perfect location to hold a similar event.
“Girgarre has a big festival every year, but they also have smaller music camps throughout the year. I just love the whole concept and believe it’s exactly what we need here in Howlong,” Ms Shepherd said.
“We don’t really have anything that caters for music lovers. What I am hoping to achieve is a relaxing environment where people come together, play music, learn new techniques, and meet new people.
“It doesn’t matter what skill level people have, it’s all about sharing the joy of music with one another, in a judgement free zone.”
The event has already attracted plenty of interest with sponsors jumping on board and the new owners of Kismet Riverside Lodge, Kerryn Arnold and Craig Copeland agreeing to host the three-day event.
“The response has been great so far. People in the community have expressed that they would love to come out and listen,” Ms Shepherd said.
“We have locked in 20 musicians from as far as Sydney, Melbourne, and Shepparton. I just happened to mention to some people at Gingarre what I wanted to achieve here in Howlong, and they immediately put their hand up and said they would attend.
“We still hope we can get more musicians to be part of the weekend. The more people that participate, the better the weekend will be. There’s plenty of talent right here in the Federation region, and we would encourage anyone who wants to participate to make contact.”
Kismet owner Kerryn Arnold said at least two permanent residents were keen to be part of the event as well.
“One resident in particular is so excited to have this music festival right here on his doorstep, and he has said he will participate,” Ms Arnold said.
“Some of the visitors have also said they would love to attend. The momentum is really building. As Andrea said, there isn’t really anything around here for people whose creative outlet is music. It’s a great idea and we believe the community will really embrace it.
“We are really excited to be hosting the event. We purchased Kismet three months ago with the aiming of reviving it to its former glory. We’ve got big plans for the park and being part of this wonderful music weekend is going to be a great way to reintroduce the park to the locals and wider community.”
Howlong Can You Jam kicks off on Friday, February 10 at Kismet Riverside Lodge.
Friday night will see “Walk Ups” where music lovers, either by themselves, with a friend or in group met will be able to perform.
Big River Bands will take place on Saturday night. Participants will be placed in groups and given Saturday to work together and create music with their new friends, before performing as a group on Saturday night.
“You don’t know who will be in your group, what instruments people may have, the music level of the others playing,” Ms Shepherd said.
“It’s a lot of fun and the creativity of each group will really shine on the night.”
Howlong Can You Jam is $30 per person for the whole weekend plus camping fees. Stay tuned for ticketing details. For more information contact howlongcanyoujam@outlook.com or vibist the Facebook page. Accommodation can be arranged through Kismet Riverside Lodge- 02 6026 5748.
