By Parker McKenzie
The Basin Music Festival returned from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 November, with musicians showcasing their talent during the long-running community event.
The volunteer-run festival has been held in The Basin since 2005, with free shows at The Basin Triangle and ticketed events at local bars and venues.
The Basin Music Festival Committee member John Mortimore said the event started because many people in the neighbourhood were “big fans of the Port Fairy Folk Festival.”
“We’d run into each other there and then join back at the pub and part of the conversation frequently was that somebody should start a music Festival in The Basin,” he said.
“The first music festival was held where we are standing now, but the stage consisted of a sheet of plywood lying on the ground. It had a lot of spirit though.”
The festival features local artists and young musicians, giving them the chance to perform live and hone their craft.
Musician Maz Green, who performed with her band at the festival on Friday 4 November, said it was a “surreal experience” to play on the main stage.
“I went to The Basin Kindergarten and St Bernadette’s Primary School, I guess you can say it is my hometown,” she said.
“Having two years of not being able to get out there and play, the more chance you have of people hopefully discovering and enjoying the music the better.”
Ms Green previously won the annual songwriting competition with her high school band and said the festival has given her the opportunity to develop her music.
“The hardest thing to do as a musician or a creative is figuring out who you are and what you want to sound like,” she said.
“The fact that even a small town can put on such a cool festival is really great as well. It always goes off; it’s always a good time.”
With a main stage and side stage set up at The Basin Triangle, performances were also held at the nearby Acorn Bar and Oak Tree Tavern.
Mr Mortimore said the festival does a great deal for the local community in The Basin.
“People who’ve never even been to the music festival love it because it helps the area. It’s part of the glue that holds the community together,” he said.
“It’s a common bond. Sometimes this place is absolutely packed.”
