With headliners boasting names consisting of words like ‘Mental’ and ‘Angry’ it’s difficult to imagine anything other than a raging mosh-pit playing hardcore rock - but these groups were anything but.
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Showcasing acts like Angry Anderson with the James Southwell band, Blue Zoo Groove, Chasing Giants, Dorothy-Jane Trio, Roo Arcus and the iconic Mental as Anything, the Gundaroo Music Festival lived up to its word in giving a little something to all kinds.
From the swoon and swagger of Jazzy Blue Zoo Groove to the maxi-blend sounds of punk/rockers Chasing Giants, not even the looming weather could chase away the 3500 attendees.
“We rocked so hard we changed the weather,” lead guitarist Ben Corby from Chasing Giants claimed.
The four-piece Sydney band described themselves as a dry martini grade blend of Maroon 5, Boy and Bear, Olly Murs and Matchbox 20.
“We were so happy to come along and support such a great cause,” bass guitarist Maurice Webb said.
“We are huge fans of the Gundaroo Music Festival, we have been every year, but this is the first year we have played together.
“You can expect to see us next year though, that’s if they will have us.”
Although the Sydney boys have only seen the Gundaroo stage once, local musician and lead singer of Blue Zoo Groove, Steve Myers, is an old salt at the festival.
“I’ve been playing here since it started,” he said, “but me and the guys in the band have been playing with each other for around 20 years now, my son Jonah is the exception of course on the sax and keyboard.
“Maybe that’s how we have been able to get away without rehearsing until midday on the day of the festival.”
But Steve’s passion for this festival involves more than just the music.
Steve treated Scott Windsor, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in November 2012. Mr Windsor was the man behind the very first Gundaroo Music Festival which he set up to raise awareness and funding for research into MND. Scott passed away on April 17 this year.
“This is Scotty’s vision, his life was all about music, I’m just happy to be able to carry on this great legacy for him.”
It wasn’t just the stage that was full of energy, but the Gundaroo grounds teamed with activities like bubble ball and the monster four-wheeled drive show. Some tried their luck on the mechanical bull, while others prefered to have a nice meal and enjoy the music.
Angry Anderson, who played with the James Southwell Band, proved to be the life of the festival. His gravelly, timbre voice mixed perfectly with the band's classic rock vibe, getting much of the crowd to their feet.
“This was my first gig at the festival,” Angry explained.
“James encouraged me to come along and I couldn’t say no.
“This festival is lovely, everyone is so polite and there is just a great atmosphere.”
Local legend James Southwell was in brilliant form - luscious locks and all - showing those in the audience just what he can do with a guitar.
“I love playing these local gigs,” he said.
“I like it because there are no expectations. This is such a great cause and I’m so happy to be involved.”
Headliner Mental as Anything took to the stage to complete the festival, pulling out the classics like ‘Nips are getting bigger’ and ‘Live it up’.
With the festival only just wrapped up, organisers are already looking to next year's program. Event Director Scott Harding said the event surpassed expectations.
“We haven’t got the numbers yet but we think we raised the desired $50,000,” he said.
Scott said the event had already had many positive comments from its supporters, who were keen to see it grow next year.
