The Orbost Club Hotel was the place to be on Saturday, May 16, as the Snowy River Country Music Festival returned for its second year, proving once again that the regional live music scene is thriving.
For the second year in a row, the festival was a complete sell-out, drawing a packed crowd for a night described by organisers as “unreal music and a whole lot of good chaos.”
The event, a collaboration between the Orbost Club Hotel and Serendipity Music Events, featured an all-Gippsland lineup, showcasing the depth of talent within the region.
The musical journey began with Tegan Blackstock, who set a warm tone for the evening with her heartfelt melodies and country favourites. She was followed by the award-winning Harry Hook is Real, who performed a set of original tracks and welcomed several guest artists to the stage.
The energy shifted gear with the debut performance of Joe Blake & the Cut Snakes, who delighted the crowd with a mix of country classics delivered with a unique twist. The night reached its peak with Three Chain Road, whose high-energy set of crowd favourites had the entire venue dancing until the final note.
Beyond the music, the festival was a major win for local hospitality. Both performers and attendees praised the Orbost Club Hotel for its welcoming atmosphere, further establishing the venue’s growing reputation as a premier live music hub in East Gippsland.
Organisers were quick to credit the many hands that made the night possible.
“A huge thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes – the sound crew, bar staff, volunteers, and everyone who ran around making it all happen,” a spokesperson for the Orbost Club Hotel said.
“A big shoutout to security and police for keeping everything safe and running smoothly across the weekend.”
Special credit was also given to Serendipity Music Events for their coordination of the “seriously well-run weekend.”
The success of the festival has bolstered the hotel’s mission to put Orbost on the map as a key destination for regional touring acts. Following the positive feedback, the Orbost Club Hotel and Serendipity Music Events have confirmed they are looking forward to collaborating on more large-scale events in the future.
