The legend continues … Woodstock on the Scenic Rim
It’s the new Woodstock – a country music festival in a rustic setting that echoes the most famous festival of all.
While music festivals around the country are struggling, a new country music celebration has popped up on the Scenic Rim to restore hope for lovers of live music events.
Legends of Country headliners Sara Storer, Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley and Casey Barnes will get the mountains around Tamborine Village jumping on May 31 in the hinterland of picturesque Woodstock Farm.
The farm is home to Queensland charity Youth Enterprise Trust, with all profits from the event going towards YET’s programs connecting young people through environment, education and entrepreneurship.
Sara Storer is thrilled to have a new venue where she can perform with her mates – some of the biggest names in Australian country music – despite festivals around the country dwindling.
“It’s sad and it’s a worry that a lot of these big successful festivals are pulling the pin because the sales are down by at least half,” Storer says. “With figures like that, you just can’t take the risk and go ahead. It’s like, fingers crossed, we’ll just wait and hope for the best. You just can’t do that anymore.
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“So I think people are going to be relying on little local festivals such as this one, and I just hope everybody gets behind it.”
It’s a bonus that Legends of Country is raising funds for a cause close to Storer’s heart. She believes in the healing properties of music.
“People have forgotten how good live music is and how good it is for the soul,” she says. “I love that I can connect with people and have a yarn with people after the show too. It’s where you can all get together and, I guess, de-stress. And you’re doing it for a wonderful cause too, for our kids.”
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Storer’s new single, Layers, is about the pressure of social media on young people and how to better protect them. It went to number one for two weeks, something that took her by surprise.
“It’s a long time since I’ve done that and I’ve just got incredible feedback from this song,” she says. “I just wanted a new fresh sound as well, so there’s a bit more meat on the bones on these new tracks. I love singing about topics, in particular current topics with our kids.”
The Darwin local has won 22 Golden Guitar Awards in recognition of her talent and ongoing contribution to country music. She says she loves returning to Queensland.
“I love Queensland and they’ve always been great supporters of my music, which always helps,” Storer says.
“One of the most things I enjoy about touring is I arrive and go, oh righto, how much rain have they had? What’s been going on? But you’ve always got to be careful what you say to me. It might end up a song.”
YET spokesperson Don McDonald says Woodstock’s natural beauty and rustic charm is the perfect backdrop for this memorable day out.
“We are thrilled to present this extraordinary event that will bring together country music legends and a passionate community of fans,” McDonald says.
“Woodstock Farm is the perfect venue to showcase the beauty of the Gold Coast hinterland and we can’t wait to share this unforgettable day with music lovers of all ages.
“The Legends of Country festival is not just about incredible music, it’s also an opportunity to support youth programs that inspire and uplift the next generation.”