By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
MUSIC festivals not only bring the community together, they give musicians like rockin’ bluesman Chris Wilson a chance to catch up as well.
Wilson and two of his stable of backing players will hit next March’s Motor City Music Festival Friday night stage as part of a stellar line-up.
The Black Sorrows, Broderick Smith, Phil Para and Painters and Dockers are just some of the names opening the Labour Day weekend festival.
“It’s exciting, it generates its own energy,” Wilson enthused.
“It’s only the second year but you can tell already it’ll be a goer. Word of mouth is getting around and it’s great because Geelong needs a festival like this.”
Musical influences are important to Wilson, who cites Broderick Smith – playing the same night at Motor City – as a key mentor.
“It’s like a meeting of the tribes,” Wilson laughed.
“You run into them occasionally, or work with them, but it’s always great to catch up.
“Some of those people are really important, not just for what they do but for the industry.
“Broderick Smith, Joe Camileri, Vika and Linda Bull (playing on the Sunday) – we all like to have a chin wag, like any community be it musos or plumbers or accountants.”
Catching up with fellow musos is not the only aspect of Motor City that’s exciting Wilson about playing.
“Because we’ll have the band we get the chance to be on a bigger stage and crank it up,” he said.
“When you get a chance to let it all hang out it’s great.”
Wilson said he was also excited about the healthy state of the blues and roots scene.
“Geelong has a strong blues society that really bats above its average. Plus, there’s a new generation coming through now and their ability is above and beyond when I was their age.
“In 20 years we will look back and see if it was a golden age.”
Motor City Music Festival runs from 6 to 9 March at Geelong Showgrounds.
More information about bands and tickets is available at motorcitymusicfestival.com.au.
The Independent is a sponsor of the festival.
