Countdown to festival

Erin Pearson
THE countdown is on to this year’s Queenscliff Music Festival, with just 70 sleeps until acts like Kate Miller-Heidke, John Williamson and Little Red roll into the seaside village.
New festival director Michael Carrucan announced the confirmed 14th annual line-up would “impress”, with Skipping Girl Vinegar, Mr Percival and Pikelet joining the bill.
“We just want to keep people entertained,” Carrucan said.
“I love the fact we can put on Public Opinion Afro Orchestra and next the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re nine or 60 years old, there’s something for you.”
A self-confessed “80s music reject”, Currucan said the 2010 festival line up would deliver over 80 acts presenting 150 performances in 13 venues across Queenscliff from November 26 to 28.
Direct from three years of staging large scale concerts in Macau and a decade at the USA’s Telluride Blues and Brews Festival, Carrucan said even he was looking forward to the long list of artists.
“I can see the latest greatest on the contemporary stage with Kate Miller-Heidke or go over and relive my youth with the Black Sorrows and Vika and Linda,” he said.
Carrucan promised this year’s festival would continue the tradition of encompassing all types of music from blues and roots through to rock, classical, jazz and reggae.
A live version of ABC television music trivia program RockWiz would be a highlight.
“It’s been selling out shows all around the country and providing a really interactive experience.”
Carrucan was particularly excited about American performer Kaki King.
“People will want to check out how she can play a guitar – she will blow you away.”
Carrucan attributed the success of the festival to its 500 volunteers.
“Anything from wristbanding to helping run bars and stage-managing, they’re on board and it’s great testament to the volunteer spirit we have in this country,” he said.
They’re part-owners of this festival and it’s a community-based and community-run festival – it’s Queenscliff’s festival.”
Carrucan said stage changes would put more pressure on organisers.
“A new stage had been added, called The Crossing Stage, and the existing Lighthouse Stage will open a day earlier for the Friday night,” he said.