by Janine Hill

The Sunshine Coast’s festival calendar is about to grow by one thanks to accomplished Eudlo-based cellist Louise King.

Louise is the artistic director behind the fledgling Long Listen festival, which will be held for the first time from Friday, 29 September, to Monday, 2 October, at the Eudlo Hall.

A two-hour opening teaser on the Friday night will launch the boutique festival, which will comprise another five short, punchy events over the following three days.

Louise described the festival as an artist-led, musician-driven boutique festival presenting classics with a twist.

Louise, who is originally from the United Kingdom, has harboured dreams of running a festival since she settled in Eudlo 15 years ago with her Sunshine Coast husband.

She hopes the festival will not only become a regular event in her adopted home town but something that can be replicated in other small communities and create opportunities for artists in regional areas.

“It’s something I’d really, really like to see consistently in the community. This is a very different type of experience,” Louise said.

“It’s all about trying to connect artists with other artists that we do have living in our community.

“It’s trying to create that opportunity for creatives to explore and perform which doesn’t exist in every community.”

A musician and music teacher of international experience, among other things, Louise has drawn on friends and connections to put together the festival program.

The contemporary classical cellist will play with classical guitarist Michael Knopf in Bach for Breakfast from 10-11am on the Saturday, which will be followed by Spin Bird, a half-hour lunchbox listen from noon with Emily Granger on harp and flautist Tim Munro.

The next day will begin with Didge Daddiri, a didgeridoo soundbath and art workshop led by Nikita and Caleb Fitzpatrick from 10-11a, and then Mira Chorik and Layla Barnett will run Song Secrets, a songmaking workshop, from 2-3pm.

Louise and pianist Therese Milanovic will play classics for kids in the final event, Mad as a Hatter, from 10-10.30am on the Monday.

Tickets from $5-$65 plus booking fees are available from https://events.humanitix.com/long-listen.

Louise has invested her own money to bring first Long Listen this far but is seeking sponsorship and donations. She has a goal of $50,000 to deliver Long Listen in 2024. For information, email louise@cellodreaming.com.au.