Next month’s inaugural Newport Ska and Reggae Festival is putting Melbourne’s west on the international music map.
Festival director and ska vocalist Steven Montgomery said the world-class line-up had been noticed around the globe and artists were already asking to be part of next year’s festival.
Headlining is Jamaican reggae giant Stranger Cole, while other acts include Nicky Bomba and Pat Powel from Australia’s greatest ska export, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, in which Montgomery also sings.
“I’ve lived in Newport for 25 years and I just thought it was time to do something cool in Newport,” Montgomery said. “I’ve followed this music and loved it for a long, long time.
“An opportunity came up to have Stranger Cole come back to Melbourne and I just spoke to people that I’ve dealt with – Way Out West Roots Music Club have been fantastic – and then I went to see Brad [Spolding, director] at The Substation, and he was excited about it.
“Newport traders have been fantastic, too, and the [Hobsons Bay] council … all the stars aligned, basically.”
Other acts are The Ska Vendors, The Moonhops, DJs Systa BB and Mohair Slim, and the Newport Lakes All Star Band, which formed at Newport Lakes Primary School.
The festival is on November 22, 2-10pm, at The Substation. Tickets: $55, children free before 6pm. Details: thesubstation.org.au
