I have a confession to make – I lost my Stonefest virginity this year. I am somewhat ashamed to say that I have never actually been before and, given that it just celebrated its 40th birthday, that’s a significant number of years where I’ve missed out on one of Canberra’s finest and longstanding festivals.

Needless to say, I am exceptionally glad I got to experience one of Canberra’s best music events, and one which has a rich history and experience that has spread itself across successfully across several generations. Whilst I was only able to attend on the Friday night, I certainly enjoyed myself to say the least and at the most, added a notch onto my ‘must see’ music experiences of the Canberra calendar year.

Spread across two stages, the organisers of Stonefest certainly have their technique of catering to a vast audience down pat, with a little something for everyone provided on the night. First up and commencing proceedings on the Superstage where Two Terrorble Tablists, a well known pair of talented DJs from Canberra who served to warm up the crowd for the night. TZU followed to the delight of hip hop fans and played appeasing tracks to an appreciative crowd. Kora, hailing from New Zealand, were the definite surprise of the night. They radiated a fantastic energy that extended to their audience, managing somehow to blend drum n’ bass, hip hop and rock, just to name a few genres, pulling off a truly memorable set.

Similarly, Blue King Brown followed and did not disappoint in firing the crowd up for Regurgitator. This wasn’t my first time seeing the ‘Gurge and had every reason to be excited – after a number of years together, their energy and ability to pull off a dope set has not escaped them, and their blend of old and new material certainly proved why they are still around. Tablists wrapped up the evening with the last set, which, although was slightly more energetic, still exuded their trademark laidback bounce.

As for the Arena, Spruce Lee catered to those with their dancing shoes on by pulling together a delightfully frenzied set, as did local act Bumblebeez and Dexter, who never fail to disappoint in getting a room well and truly moving.

I’m not sure how Saturday went, but if Friday night is anything to go by, things would have been well and truly kicking the next day. Props go to the organisers for apparently shifting the stages around a bit this year- the lawns really provided an ideal atmosphere for all aforementioned acts, especially being as diverse as they were in style and genre. Hopefully the 41st birthday will live up to expectations, if this virginal year of mine is anything to go by.