Gympie Muster announces workshops, panels, latest acts

Queensland’s Gympie Music Muster has expanded its offerings to more than just showcasing music.

In its 37th year the muster will also hold workshops and panels.

The Business of Music panel looks at how to navigate the new landscape of the music industry, as it goes beyond CDs to social media, streaming and a new approach to marketing and publicity.

The panellists include: social media expert Jess Riches from Enriches Business; Ken Outch who manages Adam Brand and Travis Collins and is a marketing consultant at Sony Music; Nick & Tom Wolfe from The Wolfe Brothers and their manager Steve White; a representative from APRA; and Brisbane music retailer Simon Homer who also runs record label Plus One Records.

Renowned harmonica player Ian Collard leads a harmonica workshop for all skill levels, and ukulele workshops feature the industry’s best.

The Muster’s Thursday night party launches festivities with

Girl Power tribute shows  – Pink’s Raise Your Glass, and Rebecca O’Connor As Tina Turner – Simply The Best.

Songs I Wish I’d Written – All Star Showcase will round off the festival on Sunday.

Beccy Cole, Sara Storer, Drew McAlister, Brad Butcher, Melinda Schneider, Matt Cornell and others will share the songs they wish they’d written from a multitude of genres and eras.

The Vox Guitar Jam, on Saturday in the Blues and Roots Bar has prominent guitarists – including Lloyd Spiegel, Kevin Borich, Fiona Boyse, Ian Moss, Tim Gaze, Minnie Marks and Phil Emmanuel – shred together.

Britain’s Albert Lee demonstrates his renowned hybrid picking technique.

The line dancing and rock ‘n’ roll dancing slots are back – this time, with a live band.

The daily Songwriters Sessions at the Grove see John Williamson, Travis Collins, Sara Storer, Tania Kernaghan and Casey Barnes talk about the inspiration behind their favourite songs.

Every day in the Muster Club, Back to the Bush Ballads features Jeff Brown, Bec Hance, Peter Simpson, Anita Ree, Dianne Lindsay, Dean Perrett and Glenn Jones.

The Muster Talent Search will be entertaining the Main Stage crowds from Friday to Sunday.

Nurturing new artists, the competition helped kick start the careers of Mark O’Shea, Drew McAlister, Liam Brew and Brooke McClymont.

Topping the prize pool is a trip to the country music capital Nashville.

The Gympie Music Muster runs from Thursday August 23 to Sunday August 26, 2018 in the Amamoor Creek State Forest near Gympie.