Episode 1 - The Rise

The Rise & Fall of Easterfest is a celebration of the Easterfest and Australian Gospel Music Festivals, that ran for almost two decades in Toowoomba.  In this first episode, we’ll be looking at the rise – how did the festival get started in 1999 and then grow to become one of Queensland’s major events?  How did things like local Christian music scenes and the growth of Christian radio in Australia also help? You’ll hear from Isaac Moody (former Easterfest/AGMF CEO), Dave Schenk (former Easterfest event manager and later festival director) and Linda Monteith (Easterfest event manager), as well as other players who helped to get the festival running and growing.  You’ll also hear from many of the artists who graced the stages in the early years of AGMF and Easterfest.  You can also keep those nostalgic vibes going with our special Easterfest and AGMF playlist on Spotify.  ‘Carnival of Flowers Toowoomba’ (Prepared by the Queensland Minister for Lands and Irrigation) audio courtesy of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.  Soundtrack: Zero (Rhubarb), Your Sweet Voice (Paul Colman Trio), In Love With You (Claire Hazzard), Kitchen by Kitchen (Dumpster), Exerciser (Rhubarb), New Tragedy (Battered Fish/Leo Nine), Cravin' Mild (Dumpster), Run (Paul Colman Trio), Finest Unreliable Friend (Claire Hazzard), Psalm 121 - He Watches Over You (Sons of Korah). All original music used with permission.    This podcast is brought to you from the studios of 96five.  It was written and presented by Justin Rouillon.   You can find more podcasts like this by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app from your app store, or going to the 96five podcast page on our website. Support the show: https://www.96five.com/donate/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.