A generous crowd of locals and visitors flocked to the banks of the Blackwood River for a night of music, food and wine at the first Augusta Presents concert last week.
Augusta Presents spokesperson Caroline Foley said patrons enjoyed a stunning vista over the river and the Southern Ocean as they settled in to enjoy the evening.
"The Weather Goddess looked upon us favourably with a clear night, a stunning moon and a gentle breeze to create a magical evening for our inaugural event," she said.
Opened by Augusta Margaret River Shire President Ian Earl, with a welcome to saltwater country by Zac Webb, local band Doxy began the evening with some lively jazz-swing numbers.
The Weather Goddess looked upon us favourably with a clear night, a stunning moon and a gentle breeze to create a magical evening for our inaugural event.
- Caroline Foley
Headline act Jessie Gordon and her quintet delivered an impressive repertoire of jazz and blues warming up the crowd as temperatures turned crisp.
Ms Foley applauded the efforts of the volunteer group and community support to get the event off the ground.
"Our event was only possible with the generous funding support from Lotterywest, The Augusta Margaret River Shire and the Southwest Development Commission as well as our sponsors: Glenarty Wines, Hamelin Bay Wines and Howard Park Wines and partners: Margaret River Chocolate Company, Cambray Cheese and Margaret River Cracker Company," said Ms Foley.
"Augusta Volunteers never cease to stop donating their time, enthusiasm and positive contribution to our Community, from the Lions Club of Leeuwin, St John Ambulance, Augusta Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and the many local individuals helping out on the night.
"We were lucky to be able to utilise the new River Festival stage for its premiere showing and what a brilliant asset this new stage will be to the town for future events."
The inaugural concert was enthusiastically supported by the community, with tickets selling out within weeks and demand high for more events in the future.
