Moonlight Mountains

By Kath Gannaway
WARBURTON’S second Moonlight On The Mountains Roots and Country Festival promises to be even bigger and better than last year.
The festival committee, Nathan Elbourne, Angela Hammon, Tony Hammon and Shane Hammon have put together an outstanding line-up of performers for the event, which is timed to capture the holiday mood between Christmas and New Year.
On stage at the Warburton Football Oval on Saturday 29 December, will be The Detonators, Red Rivers and Nailhead, the Peter Cornelious Trio, Fingerbone Bill and Gatorbait.
It’s a line-up guaranteed to take full advantage of the natural amphitheatre of the oval and provide audiences with an unforgettable night of blues, bluegrass, country and much more.
The Detonators, through their original songs, recreate the styles that made the mid to late 50s such a vital time in music’s history.
Their original blend of blazing, jump-rock blues is infused with the driving energy inherent in their heroes’ music – people like Chuck Berry, Little Walter and Hound Dog Taylor.
Peter Cornelius and the DeVilles have set the pace for many Aussie touring rhythm and blues bands. A multi-award-winning band with four full-length albums to their credit, they have toured Australia’s festival circuit as well as in the USA and the UK.
Red Rivers debut album Hillbilly Heart won a couple of Australian Independent Country Music awards and a Tamworth Golden Guitar nomination and he hasn’t looked back.
Fingerbone Bill brings their own mix of bluegrass, country and blues to the stage. A group of multi instrumentalists the members’ talents range from mandolin and bazouki to harmonica, banjo, guitar and amazing vocals.
With Gatorbait you get a return to the time of the old Sun sounds, where country met rockabilly.
Gatorbait’s music ranges from greats such as Johnny Cash, Wayne Hancock and Johnny Horton, along with their own originals.
Moonlight On The Mountains brings to the Yarra Valley a fantastic night of top entertainment for all the family.
Food and beverages are available on the night (no BYO alcohol).
The event is sponsored by the Warburton Community Bank, which may explain how the organising committee has managed to keep such a quality night affordable.
Tickets are just $15 and are available on the night.
People under 155cm (5ft. 1inch in the old measurements) get in for free but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Funds raised on the night will go to the Upper Yarra State Emergency Service and other local groups including Warburton Scouts, Rotary Club of Upper Yarra, Warburton-Millgrove Sports Club and River Valley Church will benefit from the event.
The music starts at 7pm so roll up, support a great community effort and have a great night in Warby.
Full details on the performers, and further information about the event is available on the web at moonlightmountainfestival.starkhost.com .