Aston Shuffle to headline at Googfest 2018 this weekend

More than 10,000 people are expected to pitch their picnic rugs on Googong’s Rockley Oval and dance the night away in what has become one of the biggest live music festivals in the ACT region.

Canberra local Mikah Freeman of Aston Shuffle will headline the festival with some local performers also getting their chance to showcase their talents.

The duo of Mikah Freeman and Vance Musgrove have been making music together for a decade, putting their own unique spin on “house”, the electronic genre with its roots in the DJ dance clubs of 1980s Chicago and New York.

The Aston Shuffle also host the popular Friday night radio program in Australia reaching more than a million listeners with The Friday Night Shuffle on Triple J.

“Googfest is going to be such a community festival where 10,000 Googonians once a year get out and dance. I am really looking forward to it. Safia told me how much fun they had and what a great community event it is, so I am looking forward to Saturday,” Mr Freeman said.

Mr Freeman plans to bring his wife and two daughters to the festival which will be the first time they would have been to one of his gigs.

“It is actually my daughters birthday the day after so I am tempted to get 10,000 people to sing her ‘Happy Birthday’. I’m sure there isn’t anything more embarrassing for an 8-year-old than 10,000 strangers singer too her.”

“Canberra produces more than its fair share of amazing talent and we are thrilled to have Aston Shuffle topping the lineup this year,” said Googong Project Director Malcolm Leslie. “Googfest is all about fun and their brand of lively dance music will be a perfect soundtrack for the night.”

Now in its fourth year, Googfest is renowned for delivering big-name acts alongside some of the most exciting new talents in Canberra’s music scene.

For the first time this year, organisers put out a call for local performers to nominate themselves to perform at Googfest 2018, with organisers inundated with local performers competing for the break of a lifetime.

After a lengthy decision, Sophie Edwards, Ned Philpot, Mondecreen and The Baker Boys Band were selected to support Aston Shuffle on Saturday afternoon.

“We had a tough decision selecting the final four but we’ve put together a program that is just right for kicking back or kicking up your heels on a warm summer night,” Mr Leslie said.

“There’s a great mix of talent and styles, with a blend of original tracks and favourite covers that everyone can sing along to. It’s great to see Canberra’s homegrown talent making it big on the world stage.”

Googfest is a free family event with a full program of exciting live music, gourmet food trucks and a fireworks finale. Get there early to claim a good seat.

Admission: Free
Info: googong.net