Riverfest 2012: The bands

The music talent in this town is exceptional and it excites many when the River Festival comes around, writes Jim Kelly, because unlike seeing your favourite local band in a pub or school play, at the festival you get to see them all on the same day on the same stage. Each band giving their all for 40 minutes or an hour.

I took responsibility for the music at the festival when Flock of Budgies were asked to play at it their first time and I realised that every band playing deserved to be on that stage. Each and every member of these bands didn't lick their talent off the ground and put their time and effort into learning their instruments and lyrics, making it suit their band, not to mention the bands that have their own original tracks.

Jim Kelly

This album has but a few songs (originals, mash-ups and covers) from each band and with their permission we hope to raise funds for Riverfest 2013. With their efforts and the help of Steven O'Connor, who produced the album, we hope to make next year even better with many great ideas already in the pipeline. Also thanks to Martin Anderson for his work on the album cover and inlay card—he has put a lot of free time into this also to help make it work.

This album makes a perfect Christmas present for a young person in your life who's into live music.