Gympie Muster August 2009

Saturday before the muster saw the Broadhurst’s (Trip Leaders), Heaths, Conlon’s and ourselves meet at the Caboolture BP at 8am to commence our adventure.   Conlon’s and ourselves were the Muster Virgins (1st time attendee’s) so drew the short straws, Greg got the verbal and guess who got the written.  Don Williamson had headed up the week prior to stake out the Club’s piece of turf and Thatcher’s (G1) were joining the party on Friday.

On arrival at the Muster site in Amamoor we were met with a small city in the making.   After locating Don and setting up our campers, Conlon’s and ourselves headed back to the big smoke to deal with the everyday commitments of work.  We would be back on Wednesday to commence our Muster experience.

John and Penny took us for a walk around the Muster site on Wednesday afternoon to acquaint us with where the individual stages / venues, food outlets, bars and loo’s were. There are camp site competitions and it is an interesting wander around the venue checking out the entries.

We took in a session of “Buddy Knox and his twin nephews in the Blue’s tent, (only Blue’s band I have seen with a didgeridoo as part of their instrument set up) The evening is cooling off as we head back for an evening session, again in the Blue’s tent.  Due to hot dry winds, a total fire ban is in place for the duration of the Muster.

When the Muster gets into full swing on Friday and Saturday there is a total of 13 venues playing at one time, so the opportunity to find music or poetry which appeals to you is easy.  If you get bored or find the performance not to your liking you just move on and find something else. The artists are friendly too as they just wander around when not performing and enjoy the entertainment and chat to anyone interested.

Well, Bill and I have had breakfast with the Bush Poets, danced to The Borderers, Craig Morrison, listened to Fiona Boyes, Troy Casser-Daley, Sandra Humphries, Joe Cammileri,  and seen a large number of Muso’s that we wouldn’t have seen had we not been to the Muster.   At times we have shared pleasant company and wandered off by ourselves on other occasions. We have had the privilege of sitting in on two jam sessions which I think were the highlight of my trip.  We have even participated in the challenge of the “Tarp Dash” to stake you turf for the main stage viewing and sat on the top deck of the XXXX Pub. But watch out for the Bundy Chicks.

Check out the photos on the club forum

All I can say is ATTEND, EXPERIENCE AND ENJOY.

Jen Parker