Benz World Blog » Mullumbimby

Ruby Mills

Jason Benz — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:01:03 +0000

This is Ruby Mills singing with the Melbourne Ska Orchestra at Hotel Brunswick on Friday. They delivered a high-energy ska show with a huge dollop of reggae. The set was a mix of classics like Pat Powell’s famous version of “The Best Things In Life Are Free” and new stuff from their latest album “Monte Loco Rides Again” which continues their recent spaghetti western vibe. It was also great to see newer members of the band given the freedom to create fresh new takes on traditional MSO songs.

Hotel Bruswick hosted The Wailers earlier this year when Bluesfest folded and international artists found themselves with plane tickets to a festival that had been cancelled. The venue is unique and great for live music. There is a large open courtyard which faces the riverside park so the number of people who can enjoy the music exceeds the capacity of the venue.

Thanks to Ruby for a great night out and putting my name on the door. It has inspired me to dust off my camera after the vacuum Bluesfest left behind. If you are playing in a band within a bicycle ride of Mullumbimby, leave a comment and I could cover your gig next.

Valley Festival

Jason Benz — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:15:00 +0000

This is Kooii playing at the Music In The Valley Festival in Main Arm today. It was a beautiful day to cycle up from Mullumbimby. The line-up was impressive, almost every act had been recommended by someone over the last few weeks. I particularly wanted to see Kooii live, as their mix of reggae, afro-beat, and world music creates a very cool groove sound that makes you want to dance. The local brewery had set up on a deck overlooking the stage, so I took the chance to sample a few of their range. I discovered the festival is the main fundraiser for the local school, so every drink helped the kids. I did my best to do my bit.

Mullum Laneways

Jason Benz — Sun, 05 May 2024 13:27:41 +0000

This is the first Mullum Laneways festival which grew from a one-day event in 2023 by Kaleido Mullumbimby. When a friend asked if I wanted to shoot the festival, I did not need persuasion. When I drive down the mountain to Bluesfest I avoid the highway and hug the southern edge of the old volcano. It takes a bit longer but it is a stunning drive through tunnels of trees and past ancient rainforests. I also get to drive through Mullumbimby which always struck me as a beautiful town to relax in.

Maybe it’s the tall palm trees and low-rise federation-style buildings on the wide open streets filled with quirky boutiques, organic cafes and head shops, or maybe the Northern Rivers‘ mild subtropical atmosphere in this pocket of paradise gives Mullumbimby its super chill vibe. This festival was the perfect excuse to stop in Mullumbimby and it did not disappoint.

It began with a flash mob of ukulele players in sombreros playing “Dance the Night Away” appearing in the town’s centre crossroad which had been reclaimed for people on foot. They then broke into “Jamaica Farewell” as they walked down the street to a stage set up on the road where Bunny Racket put on a great performance of fun/kid/rock. Then I turned around and saw these colourful street artists spreading smiles to the kid’s faces.