“Brunswick is a diverse melting pot of so many different people and cultures, and I wanted the music program to reflect that – to bring music from all over the world, that people who live here don’t get to see regularly.”
That diversity makes for a unique and exciting showcase of music. The festival has a strong international presence on the extensive lineup, including Sahrawi singer Aziza Brahim, who was born in a refugee camp, and The Hot 8 Brass Band, all the way from New Orleans.
“Brunswick Musical Festival has always been really strong in presenting an international lineup. We’re continuing that legacy, but I really wanted to expand it out genre-wise.”
Now in its 29th year, Brunswick Music Festival is Australia’s longest running inner-city festival. This impressive longevity can be attributed to the local scene, Wilson says, to the musicians and venues of Brunswick.
“Melbourne has such a strong music scene, and musicians and venues keep it going week to week. If it wasn’t for the regular musicians and venues that work every week, I don’t think we’d see the demand for international musicians.”
That’s an exciting thought, but doesn’t come without its challenges, particularly for the programmers.
“Something I’ve thought about quite a lot, is that any week of the year could be called Brunswick Music Festival. It’s such a hub of music already, so putting on a music festival in an area that’s filled with music every day, how do you give that atmosphere?
“We get to showcase our town halls, Mechanics Institute, library, Coburg Town Hall. During festival time we get to close off Sydney Road and utilise the venues that aren’t used throughout the year. That gives it that festival atmosphere.”
Between running the Women of Soul series, presenting her show on PBS, working as artistic director for Stonington Jazz Festival, and finishing up her next album, Wilson has certainly put her stamp onto the festival, with many of the events striking a personal affection.
One such event is the International Women’s Day concert, which will see Wilson perform alongside a storytelling showcase of women, including vocalists, a full orchestra of strings, spoken word artists, and DJs.
“Brunswick Music Festival has always fallen around women’s day, but I don’t think there’s been a concert of this magnitude in the festival that’s specifically curated for the day. It’s a really special event celebrating women in music. I’m really proud of that show.
“It means a lot to be involved in a music community that’s inclusive and diverse. I love working with other female artists. It’s going to be very different to the Women of Soul shows, and other shows I’ve been involved with in the past. It’s going to have a real storytelling theme to it.”
By Claire Morley
