Why build a festival?
Why Luke Griffis and Aaron Gaffney decided to initiate a grassroots campaign to fund Gingerfest, a music festival in memory of their friend.
Luke Griffis: “Nicholas’s life evolved around music, specially punk music, going to gigs, following bands around, The best way we thought we could celebrate his life was just this, a punk rock music festival.
“Some of my favourite memories with Nicholas are of me and him having a few beers, trying to come up with names for festivals or tours, most of them ridiculous. There was one show he was trying to get me to do for a couple of years called ‘Legally Blind’, that was his sense of humour. Even though he struggled with his eyesight over the years he could always have a laugh about it. Him quoting, “but I’m legally blind” when getting refused entry to a pub for being intoxicated become a trademark of his, and not surprisingly it worked 0% of the time.”
Pat Decline: “I thought it was a sick way to honour a legend mate of ours, I also thought it would go off and be a massive show!”
Ceeds: “As a band, we feel privileged to be invited to be a part of something so special. To play at a show that will really demonstrate how incredible this scene is that we have been a part of for 10 years now, celebrating our dear mate’s life.”
Johnny Barrington: “It’s important nationally because I think every group of friends, not just those in a punk scene, has dealt with loss (hopefully not always in the same tragic circumstances) and I think everyone can relate to losing someone special to them, especially a young person.
If we can get together and celebrate how important a life lost is to us, hopefully it sends a message about violence and respect for life. Gingerfest is about remembering what’s important – and it’s corny – but that’s respect for life, respect for others, passion for the things you love and the people you love.”
Jordan Burns: “I’m sure its something he would be proud of, to have and know that music is being played in his name and memory. Most festivals start small and grow, especially grass roots ones so, you never know where the event could wind up. Kind of like being a band.”
How to enjoy Gingerfest like ‘THE GINGER NINJA’ would have
The Ginger Ninja approach fans should adopt when attending Gingerfest.
Luke Griffis: “I’d like everyone to just come and have a good time. Check out all the bands, that’s what Nicholas did. He went to gigs and enjoyed not only the music, he enjoyed the company, the social aspect of it. More importantly though he enjoyed a tinny or 10!”
Ceeds: “Sometimes when horrific things happen, when there is a massive tragedy, those events can bring people together. I think that Gingerfest is an opportunity for fans of all types of punk music from across Australia to come together and celebrate belonging to a scene.
“There is no better ambassador for that than The Ginger Ninja. I think people have to approach it the exact same way Ginger would have. They should arrive for the start of the very first band, stay ’till the last chord of the last song of the night. In between that they can chat to every person there and drink a ton of beers with their friends.”
Johnny Barrington: “Check out some stuff you’ve never heard of. Have fun. Keep an eye out for me and Nathan from Born Lion shooting hoops at the Factory’s basketball ring.”
Watch: The Decline – Showertime In The Slammer
Nicholas’ legacy and what Gingerfest hopes to achieve
Where to go from here.
Aaron Gaffney: “The ultimate goal is to be able to keep putting this on year after year!”
Pat Decline: “I hope it can just bring us all together every year to remember how Nick was the Best guy!”
Johnny Barrington: “In a weird hopefully not morbid way, I reckon Nick would be proud of all this happening in his name. Hopefully it brings the scene together between cities and helps to make it all less cliquey between locations and labels. It’s punk.”
Jordan Burns: “We will all miss the Ginger Ninja coming to our shows and not just in Australia either because he would pop up in random places we were playing at as well. We hope he is smiling and listening to his favourite music wherever he is now. May he RIP (Rock In Peace).”
Gingerfest hits Sydney’s Factory Theatre this Saturday, 6th December. Details below.
Gingerfest 2014
Tickets on sale now
Saturday, 6th December 2014
The Factory Theatre, Sydney
Tickets: Factory Theatre
Gingerfest 2014 Lineup
Chris Duke & The Royals
Anchors
The Decline
Steel City All Stars
The Snowdroppers
Isaac Graham
Lost In Line (Acoustic)
Andy ‘The Mad Dog’ McDougall
28 Days
Bagster
Totally Unicorn
Born Lion
Clowns
Super Best Friends
Hightime
The Punk Rock Hillbilly
Revellers
Lindsay ‘The Doctor’ McDougall
Lincoln Le Fevre
