For Commotion by the Ocean festival organisers, blues and roots star Ash Grunwald isn’t just a coup. He’s a miracle.

“We’re very excited. It’s such a step up for us,” organiser and HomeBase youth officer Sarah Brooker said.

“We were on the lookout for big-name touring artists, and Ash had a show at the [Pacific Palms] Rec Club. So it was the perfect opportunity to get someone who would excite a lot of young people.”

Commotion, at Tuncurry’s John Wright Park by the banks of Wallis Lake, is a rustic, boutique jamboree – in real estate-speak. Even in PR-speak, it’s only charming and no-frills. But the signing of Grunwald, who spent most of 2008 touring Europe and is about to head for the UK via Canada, is set to change all that.

“Everyone seems a lot more excited about it this year,” Brooker said.

“Any time you can get big bands or artists, it makes it easier to get big bands the next time. It puts the festival on their radar.”

Alcohol-free events have a reputation about as cool as couples who trumpet their abstinence; the festival drew about 450 people in 2008, thinly spread across the day. It’s a hard-sell Brooker has fronted the last few years, and she stands by the anti-booze message.

“A lot of people say they wish it was at night, or that they could drink, but it’s about giving young people a chance to come together and socialise without getting smashed off their faces,” she said.

“It’s really up to them whether they want to be involved or not. What else is there for them to do around here? There are no activities, and nearly all the concerts that happen are at over 18 venues. I hope they come and have a great time and think “Wow, I didn’t even get boozed or take drugs”.”

Apart from Grunwald’s muddy, delta-drenched blues the indie-heavy line-up includes Sydney’s Lyall Moloney, the singer from last year’s headliners Love and War, and local acts Hydrafonics and Respect Sunday, who won their billing at the Taree and Great Lakes Battle of the Bands.

Joining them on the stage will be The Isabel Fire and Nick Bielby, with more to be announced.

Commotion by the Ocean is a free festival that starts 11am Saturday January 17 at Tuncurry’s John Wright Park.