Review by Wanda De Verelle-Hill
Travelling to Island Vibe Festival is like a road movie that starts fast and slows right down. The urgency to make the ferry on time is relieved once on board the vessel and the opportunity to do nothing but observe how gorgeous the environment is, presents itself. As the mainland and pressure of daily routine slowly slips away, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) comes into focus, full of promise for an exciting weekend ahead.
Having never been to this island before I am astounded by its beauty and grateful that it does not resemble its close neighbour the Gold Coast. Perhaps the need to approach it by boat has saved it from the tyranny of the high-rise and false glory of glamour. An initial exploration of the island reveals tree lined walking tracks, ocean views, whales heading south with tails and fins flapping, turtles bobbing up and down and manta rays gracefully gliding past. The ocean is pumping out a huge left hand break filled with surfers at Point Lookout, and Cylinder Beach is looking good for a swim. Already this is a great experience.
The festival begins with a heartfelt welcome to country and series of traditional songs and dances performed by the Yulu Burri Bah Dancers, the traditional custodians of the Quandamooka region (Moreton Bay area), the Nunukal, Nughie and Goenpul people of Minjerribah and Moorgumpin (Moreton Island). Aunty Joan Hendriks speaks with passion about the importance of family and belonging, respecting one another and caring for country. Encouraging everyone to build respect and meaningful relationships over the coming weekend.
With Island Vibe underway, I feel blessed to be able to share in this positive and creative way of spreading awareness about what is truly important in life.
The weekend progresses and the island fills with smiling friendly people enjoying the island lifestyle and festival activities including weaving workshops and yarning circles, all to the soundtrack provided by the many amazing bands that keep the rhythms pulsing all weekend. There is plenty of grooving going on here as people dance to their favourite sounds and discover new tunes.
The festival area is an artistic explosion of island, tribal and reggae influenced imagery and sculpture. Completed by the living artworks of people just being themselves, wearing costumes or showing their tattoos. The aeons old tradition of people gathering, feasting, singing, connecting and dancing on the island continues, encompassing new influences and peoples.
While feeling the warmth and generosity of the Nunukal, Nughie and Goenpul peoples and enjoying the beauty and abundance of Minjerribah, it is truly humbling to be so warmly welcomed on to country and invited to participate in cultural sharing.
My favourite memories in the months to come will be falling asleep to the sound of the waves lapping the shore, strengthening friendships over shared meals, and visiting peoples homes away from home at various campsites and holiday accommodation around the island.
As I leave the island and prepare for the journey home my beloved collection of metal and rock albums in the car is unable to cater for what I now need to hear. There are gaps in my CD collection that will be filled by festival favourites: Tanuki Dub, Fyah Walk, OKA, Kooii and Band of Frequencies.
Island Vibe Festival
http://www.islandvibe.com.au/
http://savestraddie.com/site/
Related articles:
* Interview with Simon Jerrems – Fyah Walk
* Interview with Charles Wall (aka Bobby Alu) – OKA
* Interview: Peter Hunt – Kooii