Announcing the new Program Director for Port Fairy Folk Festival 2021! Renowned Australian music programmer Justin Rudge joins the Port Fairy Folk Festival team.
Justin said: “Like the dedicated and loyal festival audience, I share a passion for live music across many genres, and I’m excited to bring my experience to such an iconic festival.” The 45th Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place from 5-8 March 2021. #pfff2021
Justin’s career began with booking and management at iconic live music venue, The Standard Hotel in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Since then he has developed a number of ventures worldwide and with a brilliant overview into the planning and development of local shows and festivals, as well as recording, tour logistics and management.
Justin has since expanded his work internationally, being involved in a variety of festivals and events including the Tonder Festival (Denmark), East Coast Music Association Conference (Canada), AmericanaFest (USA) & Americana UK (UK) internationally, as well as BigSound, Australian Music Week, Face The Music and AWME locally, right through to creative lead as music programmer for Echuca Winter Blues.
Justin will commence work on the 2021 program, collaborating with the volunteer committee, the artists, agents, managers, producers and stakeholders for the 45thPort Fairy Folk Festival.
‘While live music events worldwide face enormous challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 global crisis, I am excited to start planning next year’s festival and am confident we can face these challenges and provide the Port Fairy and folk communities with an unforgettable experience in 2021,’ said Justin.
Port Fairy Folk Festival President John Young said Justin’s experience and established career working in the live music industry provided an excellent platform for the Festival as it moves into a new event format following the impact of COVID-19.
‘We were very impressed with Justin’s background and solid experience in working with live music and festivals. Justin brings with him a wealth of experience, inspiration and ideas with community and folk music at the core. We are excited to be continuing the extraordinary work his predesecors, Jamie and Caroline, have done and are thrilled to be passing the baton onto Justin to deep dive into the planning of our world-renowned festival,’ said John.