Checking in to OK Motels: Rochester

2.5 hours north of Melbourne, the little town of Rochester became a musical utopia for the day. OK Motels is a festival that does things a bit differently. Founded by Kate Berry in 2018, OK Motels stages music weekenders in partnership with regional towns that are often recovering from natural disasters like the floods that hit Rochester in 2022. As a regional gal myself, what I love about OK is the collaboration with the towns and the locals who live there. OK doesn’t just roll up and take over a paddock to be its own ecosystem for a bender. All of the small businesses and pubs host us visiting city folk - and we warmly accept the invite. My friends and I stayed in nearby Echuca (in a motel of course) before hopping on the shuttle bus and heading to Rochy. 

 

Image: Public Figures at The Criterion for OK Motels Rochester 2025. Credit: Jack Murphy @rana_thefrog

 

Kicking things off, we headed to The Criterion to be front and center for Public Figures. Framed on stage by towers of silver kegs shining in the sun, their energy was electrifying. Lead vocalist Evie Vlah entered into the crowd interjecting the otherwise lowkey beer garden audience and really revved us up for the remainder of the day. 

 

Beyond the music, OK also runs a range of activities to help you bond with mates old and new. There was friendship speed dating, devonshire tea, tarot readings, but my highlight was boot scooting. Within the gorgeous Shire Hall, the hardwood floors were trodden with the heels and toes of us all. Who knew you could line dance to ‘Milkshakes’ by Kelis?!

 

After replenishing with a steak pie from the bakery, it was time to head to The Shamrock - which is, according to local legend Wayne, the favoured watering hole for catching up with mates. Here we caught rock trio Loose Lips set by poking our heads through the window behind the bar. Eager punters caught onto this prime viewing location and by the third song, we became the front row of an increasing second crowd. 

 

Then we caught a few sets at The Rochester Hotel. We stood behind two silver haired ladies who pulled up chairs to sit in the front row becoming much appreciated shade for the pair. It was probably the hottest part of the day when our Canadian guests Kacy & Clayton performed an array of tracks from their folky discography. The crowd not only offered attentive listening but also SPF for our stars. Keeping time by tapping her platform boots on the decked stage, Kacy with her second cousin Clayton had the crowd in the palm of their hands. Hearing ‘A Lifeboat’ live within this country pub setting was truly a special moment.

Image: Wrong Way Up on the mainstage of OK Motels Rochester 2025. Credit: Jack Murphy @rana_thefrog | Image: Drifting Clouds at OK Motels Rochester 2025. Credit: Jack Murphy @rana_thefrog

 

Then the main stage opened the gates ready for the evening ahead. My personal highlight was dancing to the synthy afro dance beats of Wrong Way Up who never fail to get the crowd dancing. As the sun set, the powerful vocals of Terry Guyula from Drifting Clouds captivated the crowd. And then the stars came out for Marlon Williams’ dulcet tones. For potentially the last time ever, Kacy & Clayton joined him to perform their 2020 project ‘Plastic Bouquet’. This was the album that introduced me to both of these artists so I was ecstatic to hear them live. Kacy’s Saskatchewan humour (mixed with a beer or two) and chemistry with Marlon was something truly magical to see. The bright twang from Clayton’s steel guitar during ‘I Wonder Why’ reverberated in the crisp night taking up as much space as the ethereal vocal harmonies of Marlon and Kacy. 

 

As the final song played, my friends and I floated to the bus before tucking back into our motel, which you could say was OK. But this weekend in Rochester was much more than OK, it was fantastic.

 

Image: Marlon Williams with Kacy & Clayton at OK Motels Rochester 2025. Credit: Jack Murphy @rana_thefrog