Rhythm on The Ridge

Rhythm on The Ridge is a music festival celebrating Dance, Rhythm, Reggae and World Music. The event will take place at the breath-taking 'Barn on The Ridge' on the outskirts of the Budawang Mountains, Yuin Country. We had such an amazing time last year and are so excited to bring this incredible day of music back to the Budawangs!

We are so excited to feature some of Australia's most exciting reggae, afro beat and world music artists;

KOOII

Kooii’s music is a vibrant weave of interlocking rhythms, emotive melodies, and rich harmony, brought to life through performances that celebrate the vitality of music and its natural call to dance. Drawing on African, jazz, and reggae influences, the group is led by singer and trumpet player Peter Hunt, whose songwriting is shaped and elevated by a band that collectively orchestrates both the music and its live expression.
Renowned for their dynamic performances, Kooii creates an atmosphere where the music leads and the audience follows—inevitably drawn into the dance. Their lyrics explore themes of searching for and finding belonging, carried by a sound that is distinctly their own.

THE STRIDES

Hailing from Sydney, The Strides embodies Reggae power. Led by roots man Ras Roni, Fijian MC LTL GZeus, and Sierra Leonean ragga powerhouse Blacker C, they offer an explosive, authentic musical blend of classic roots reggae with hip-hop nuances, their sound fuses dance hall, dub beats, and reggae-pop.
With 18 dynamic years on stage, The Strides have rocked Australia's major festivals like Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Blues and Roots, WOMAdelaide and Vivid Festival. Sharing stages with legends including Tony Allen, Julian Marley, Groundation and Third World, this 9-piece powerhouse stands as a reggae icon. Through a fusion of cultures and instrumentation, they unite under a universal consciousness, cementing their status as a global musical institution.

GARFISH

A dedicated meditation on the instrumental style pioneered by old world Jamaican masters such as Sly and Robbie, Jackie Mittoo, Tommy McCook, Ernest Ranglin and The Skatalites, where jazz language meets the rhythms of Kingston. Garfish have embraced and nurtured this musical heritage, showcasing the talents of some of Sydney’s most innovative and groovy musicians stretching out over hypnotic reggae beats.

MISTER OTT

Fronted by acclaimed saxophonist Matthew Ottignon, Sydney outfit Mister Ott merge mesmerising eastern sounds, melismatic horn lines, tight jazz/funk, and hypnotic grooves with a psychedelic edge. Their third album ‘In The Flow’ features tripped out dubs from engineer Richie B, afro cuban bata drumming over styles ranging from future disco, vintage voodoo funk and psychedelic ethio jazz. This is international flavoured future jazz for the dance floor.

SEEN HERBIVORE

Inner West based jazz(ish) group Seen Herbivore merge high energy, vitamin dense grooves with unfettered improvisations, sending listeners on a journey that is equal parts captivating and enriching.

Seen Herbivore is led by Adelaide born saxophonist Tom Andrews who pays homage to an eclectic array of influences in his compositions, from contemporary jazz artists Butcher Brown and Corto Alto to legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

THE DROMADEROS

The Dromaderos are back again at Rhythm on The Ridge after blowing minds last year with their incredibly tight set of rocksteady reggae. Made up of musicians from Sydney (Warrane) and Milton (Yuin), this band is a beautiful example of the incredible music network we have on the south coast, bringing people together to celebrate music.

"GET TOGETHER" - A TONY ALLEN TRIBUTE BAND

is an Australian Afrobeat ensemble dedicated to celebrating the groundbreaking rhythms and musical legacy of legendary Nigerian drummer Tony Allen. Led by award-winning trumpeter Nick Garbett, the project unites an elite, heavy-hitting roster of Sydney’s finest jazz, funk, and groove musicians. The powerhouse band is known for locking into deep, hypnotic polyrhythms and explosive horn arrangements that channel the raw, improvisational magic of Allen’s historic work with Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 and his own solo masterpieces.

What to expect?

• A view of Pigeon House Mountain (Didthul) and beyond

• World class music from 7 exceptional bands; The Strides, KOOII, Seen Herbivore, Garfish, Mister Ott, The Get Together - Tony Allen Tribute Band, The Dromaderos,

• Delectable Food and Beverage - Pizza, Mexican and Icecream!

• The Barn on the Ridge Bar will be open (NO BYO!!) 

• 'Welcome to Country' and Smoke Ceremony from local Murramarang Yuin mob (2:30pm)

• A full day Festival from 12:00pm - 9:00pm (COME EARLY SO YOU DON'T MISS THE BANDS!)

• A family friendly event (kids welcome) 

• Kid under 9 come free!

• $10 Shuttle Service from Ulladulla to the Festival and Back (limited tickets available!)

• PLEASE NOTE: CAMPING ON SITE IS NOT PERMITTED - All patrons will have to leave the venue once the event is finished

What to bring?

• A hat and sunscreen!

• A picnic rug!

• An umbrella incase of light rain or for shade!

• Your Dancing Shoes!!!

• Extra Cash for Band Merch!!!!

SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE (read carefully) -

The Shuttle Bus ticket is a return ticket which will get you to the festival at The Barn on The Ridge and back to either Milton Showgrounds, Ulladulla Civic Centre, or Burrill Lion's Park.

The bus will only go once either way, so it is your responsibility to be at the bus stop at the correct time, as there are no refunds for missing the bus.

Timetable;

Town ----> The Barn on the ridge

12:00 - Milton Showgrounds

12:15 - Ulladulla Civic Centre ( on the Highway out the front)

12:30 - Burrill Lions Park (Next to the BBQ's and toilet block)

12:45 - The Barn on The Ridge

The Barn on The Ridge ----> Town

21:15 (picks up from inside The Barn on The Ridge next to the ticket office/foyer)

***Please note that tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE, however in the case of Extreme wet weather the Festival will be moved to a later, drier date.