The Gum Ball Music and Arts Festival

Rolling back into the secluded bush land confines of the Hunter Valley NSW, the 8th annual Gum Ball Music and Arts Festival is well and truly back for 2012. Set to be held Friday 27th & Saturday 28th April 2012 organizers have released a first and secnd round line up that’s sure to entice the festival connoisseurs among us.

Artist’s taking the journey from all ends of Australia, include Brisbane’s favourite indie-pop heroes Custard, Sydney’s dreamy jungle folk players Jinja Safari, blues legend Ash Grunwald featuring critically acclaimed vocalists Vika & Linda Bull, Melbourne’s finest alt-country outfit Wagons, Darwin’s biggest soul export Sietta, International guitar virtuoso Kim Churchill, Adelaide’s monolithic tech-pop six piece Fire! Santa Rosa Fire!, coastal drifters Benjalu and West Oz’s emerging rock and roll superstars The Joe Kings.

And that’s not to mention the creative force behind The Beautiful Girls, Mat McHugh performing hits from the band’s catalogue with additional special guests. ARIA award winning Aussie rock stalwarts Front End Loader will also be there, alongside the 60’s inspired rhythm and soul spectacle, Clairy Browne and Bangin’ Rackettes. Also appearing are Melbourne’s ‘ferocious and infectious ones to watch’ The Delta Riggs, alternative electro hip hop master The Tongue, Seattle based alt-rockers Massy Ferguson, Aussie meets Caribbean big band Eucalypso featuring Gleny Rae, raucous in the traditional sense Two Rivers Blues, and from the other side of the stream, The Perch Creek Family Jug Band bringing their unique blend of bluegrass/country blues and old time jazz.

The Gum Ball has an enviable reputation for selecting some of Australia’s greatest established and emerging acts, each year providing a diverse musical programme. The festival provides camping and BYO options in a beautiful kick back country environment.

WHAT: The Gum Ball Festival
WHEN: Friday 27th – Saturday 28th April 2012
WHERE: Hunter Valley, NSW
PRICE: $165 for Standard Weekend Admission.

For more info see The Gum Ball website