CMC Rocks the Hunter is a three day festival, located at The Hope Estate in the picturesque Hunter Valley; this was my first time at this festival and let me tell you my experience was nothing short of spectacular.
Now in its fourth year in the Hunter, This year’s festival boasted the biggest line up of international country stars ever to hit our shores, including Toby Keith, Gretchen Wilson, Clay Walker, Thompson Square, Jim Lauderdale just to name a few, as well as a mega line up of local artist.
Whilst I love seeing the headliners at a festival as much as anyone else, the real festival experience for me is catching lesser known and up and coming artists for the first time, one of the real standouts for me being Blackjack Billy, these new age country rockers are an absolute powerhouse live and I reckon there is big things to come for this band.
Another of the many highlights for me was catching winner of three CMC awards, Morgan Evans for the first time with a full band. Man it was good, this local boy has the makings of a real super star across any genre.
This would have to be one of the most well organised, family friendly and well run festivals I’ve attended, even after a massive storm front with gale force winds passed through on Sunday forcing the closure of both stages for safety, they had the stages cleaned, mopped up and music pumping within an hour of the storm passing without a hiccup, with the full program steaming on as planned. All up it was a great weekend of class music with a cool and easy going vibe.
CMC Rocks the Hunter is on again in March 2015 and the organizers have promised that it will be bigger and better next year, so keep an eye on their web page for details www.cmcrocks.com.au , don’t miss out.
Will we be going back next year…… HELL YEAH!!!!
Story and Photos, Craig Wilson, Swamp House Photography
