moo~sic muster

In 2003 you would not have said that Girgarre had a 'music scene'. Despite this, three musicians setup on a bale of hay at Girgarre's earliest farmers market with twelve locals enjoying the offerings. It was the height of the millennium drought and Girgarre was suffering badly socially and economically. From this day, an idea sprouted and the Moosic Muster's small, but strong, roots were laid. No-one could have imagined the huge success the annual festival would have and the tremendous support it would receive.

The now iconic Girgarre Moosic Muster attracts more than 1500 music lovers and skilled players from city and country, stamping it as a major fixture on Victoria’s acoustic festival circuit. The tutors and bands still work free of charge. For more than a decade, this unique muster has encouraged and taught thousands of beginners how to play music and provided a platform and exposure for many established and emerging musicians, songwriters and bands.

The festival has promoted the personal joys of making your own music, whether your bent is country, folk, blues, traditional Aussie bush songs, bluegrass, Celtic, pop, gospel or more contemporary styles. From the muster has sprung monthly jamming and teaching sessions coined Jigarre Jammin’, which attract up to 70 musicians every month to the township.

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The burgeoning Girgarre music scene has also given birth to several new bands who now 'give back' by performing within their own communities in northern and central Victoria. Through it all, the muster has kept its true heart ~ its community base. It’s still the most friendly and affordable acoustic music event in Victoria.

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