TREES AND MUSIC

The Rangebow Festival is back this August with a plethora of events to delight, surprise, move and entertain you.

Plant a tree

One of many that has piqued our interest is Plant and Party, coming to Russell Family Park, Montville on August 12, from 11am-4pm. This collaborative event combines tree planting in the park with a line-up of fantastic artists.

For those who have never been, Russell Family Park has sloping hills, a comfortable walking path, lagoon, rainforest walk, upgraded children’s playground, wooden bandstand, ample parking and the obligatory picnic tables, barbecues and toilets. It is also part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Poetry Trail.

The park has been lovingly planted out with native species over the years by dedicated locals, members of Russell Family Park Bushcare Group and the students at Montville State School. (If you would like to learn more about the history of this beautiful space, please visit: montvillevillageassociation.org.au/russell-family-park-bushcare-group)

The tree planting at this event is in collaboration with Barung Landcare, who focus on bush regeneration through their native nursery in Maleny.

Megan Lee from Barung Landcare said, "We are excited to be part of the Rangebow Festival again this year, especially through the Plant and Party event! This is a great way for people to experience the festival and give something back to the land they are gathering on.

“Connecting people just that little bit more to nature, conservation and community in a fun and meaningful way."

Who is performing?

- Shanleigh Rose (10.30-11am), with her contemporary fusion of alternative country and folk genres.

- Band of Frequencies (11.15am-12.15pm), one of Australia’s premier coastal roots bands, with their genre-bending signature sound.

- Andy V (12.30-1.30pm), a live-looping instrumentalist, who performs across various UK bass-driven styles, including Dub/Reggae, Latin and Drum and Bass.

- Rosa Mack and her seven-piece band (1.45-2.45pm), melding soulful and bluesy tones from the ‘60s and ‘70s, with a touch of rock.

- THUMP (3-4pm), an energetic, talented band who love their funk, and make everyone feel good!

We had a recent chat with Rosa Mack, who explained that she applied online through her booking agency to take part in this event.

“This is right up my alley,” Rosa shared, “as I have been going to the Woodford Folk Festival with my family since I was a kid, and it has a similar ethos.”

Rosa grew up with her father playing piano and her mother singing, so music was in the blood. “I knew from about four years old that I wanted to do music because of how it made me feel,” she said.

“I’ve been with my current band for three years and we are halfway through recording an EP. Our debut single will be released in October across all streaming platforms, and we have our live videos online already.”

Rosa has always felt connected to the hinterland, “We live in Brisbane, but my mum used to bring me up here and we would visit the cafes, the shops and walk around enjoying nature.

“It’s great to be part of the Rangebow Festival, as they are all about sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity, which is so important to me and the band. And the people here are so warm and welcoming, there is a strong sense of community, and I love that.”

To book your tickets, visit therangebowfestival.org/all-events/plant-dance-live-music-event