Kevin Welch

Kevin Welch has a career spanning four decades as a recording artist and producer, as well as writing songs for others such as Roger Miller, Waylon Jennings, The Highwaymen, Solomon Burke, Linda Ronstadt, Patty Loveless, and many others. Most recently Grammy-award winner, Chris Stapleton, released a version of Welch’s MILLIONAIRE that went to number #1 on iTunes in its first week of release.

Producing a dozen records over the years, most for Dead Reckoning Records, the label he co- founded in Nashville in the mid 90s, Welch’s music has carried him around the planet, earning him deep respect in the musical community and fans from every walk of life, including the former president of the United States, Barack Obama.
Released at the end of 2017 was a retrospective, titled Kevin Welch: The Dead Reckoning Years, a double LP celebrating his music between1995-2005.

Almost eight years since the release of his last album, Patch of Blue Sky, Welch assembled some of the world’s finest musicians and returned to the studio in Nashville to make a new record. This hotly anticipated album is coming out mid-2018 and critics are already saying it is some of his finest work to date.

Bustamento

Nicky Bomba has jumped on his musical boat again to deliver a party filled island adventure with his new band BUSTAMENTO. A tropical shaking four piece that pays homage to the upbeat rhythms of the Caribbean, covering the Calypso, Mento, Early Reggae and Ska styles. And so the story goes…

While attending his first musical expo in Essen, Germany in 2003, Nicky’s GPS ears stumbled upon a sound that put a smile on his face. “I reached my destination and there before me was Stanley Beckford and his Mento group. The music had a happy familiarity. They were making words up on the spot and it immediately reminded me of my Maltese heritage where we would do the same thing. Island music eh?” Nicky and Stanley talked together about the cheeky nature of the music style and how important it was to their musical legacy. Hooked on the sound it launched Nicky into the first part of his musical pilgrimage –Jamaica, tapping the source of the music he loved so much. Arriving alone with guitar in hand, Nicky found himself, within 24 hours, in a studio recording at the Twelve Tribes compound in Hope Rd, Kingston. Days later he was adopted into the Hendricks family from the hills of Christiana and immersed himself in the music and culture.

On returning to Australia, Nicky wanted to start a new band. “Soon after arriving back home, I rang Barry and said I wanted to start a Mento group and he became a little giddy. We needed a name to kick it off and he mentioned Prince Buster, one of Jamaica’s recording pioneers and I had just read that he was named after Alexander Bustamente, the island’s first prime minister. It wasn’t too long before one of us said Bustament..o?

Bustamento. Sounded good, and for added value, a bustament in the Maltese language means “a very big boat”. We love boats. There it was.”

At the time, funk reggae outfit, BOMBA, was touring nationally and it seemed a natural organic flow to form the band with the same brothers. After sourcing some sweet old tunes they worked up a repertoire that developed into something really special. It was the type of band that could work at a totally acoustic level and still sound fantastic. The harmonies, the grooves, the fun element, the spontaneity, it all came together beautifully.

Intrepid Adventures to the Lost Riddim Islands, had begun. Nicky started writing songs that lent themselves perfectly to the genre and early this year (2012) the fruit was ripe for the picking. “We really wanted to capture the essence of the music referencing all the good things we loved about the form. We realised that you have to play this music together in one room, soaking up all the harmonic overtones and energies that fly when a band that has been playing together a long time do their thing.”

BUSTAMENTO called upon their good friend and award winning engineer Robin Mai and gave him the brief. He smiled and said “Old school eh? I mean real old school eh? Are you up for it?” The band replied…”Hey buster… we’ll kick it.. you just catch it!”

In what was a totally fun and inspiring experience, BUSTAMENTO recorded 23 songs in one weekend and realised they had something special… Jungle drums, sweet harmonies, banjos, ukuleles, double bass, piano, trumpets, saxophones, steel drums, mbiras, jazz guitars and a healthy dose of looseness was the order of the day. The band has an amazing chemistry and with brother Nicky And Michael side by side again, it was a winning combination.

“There’s a thing that happens when you’ve been eating, living and playing music together for such a long time. We both love the happiness that music brings. We often stopped and said… ’Would Mum like this?” She’s a bit of a party girl so we kept that in mind. Makin music with Barry, George and Paul has its own history via the Bomba and Overtones incarnations and that shines on this record. Peter, the relative newcomer, has added a wealth of talent and musicality that puts the icing on the cake. I’m really diggin these recordings and the fact that we tracked 23 songs in a week kinda says it all.” Some songs they developed a little further but the essence of the tunes had the spirit of the music that put the spring in their shoes. Coconut Woman, Freeman and the first single ‘Mañana’ (pronounced Man-yana) pays tribute to some of the great classics. Livin the Dream, Let’s Start Again and the classic mento form of Deep Sleeper Man Nicky wrote only recently when the vision became clearer. The grooves have been tried and tested already on energetic crowds across the nation.

Of the song writing experience Nicky states: “Eternity (Gozitan Love Song) was another moment I realised there was a real connection with Maltese folklore and the island music I loved. I was shown a simpler version of these chords in an old cafe in Gozo (Malta) by an eccentric fisherman one summer afternoon. The vibe lifted, we set up a groove and made up lyrics on the spot. I carried these chords through my travels and eventually wrote the classic love tale while on tour with John Butler trio last year. Paul’s performance was a first-take, never heard it before, piece of gold that created a scene in the studio because he wanted another go. We all said .. “Nah!.. that was it brother. Next song. ” He eventually saw the light!“

Ghamillu Karta is an old Maltese folk tune BUSTAMENTO ska’d up and Nicky sang in the mother tongue. Penny Drop was the most recent composition about those moments when the universe goes “ping!”. Wicked sax in that tune. Soon Come has a Motown feel but with enough feet in the ska camp to get a ticket. “Hope you enjoy the album as much as we did making it. Its a happy leap of faith where we put the energy and love of the music up front and centre. BUSTAMENTO!” ***All quotes lifted from ‘The Story of Bustamento’, written by Nicky Bomba under a coconut tree in Bali Nicky recently received the highly prestigious Music Fellowship Award from Australia Council and this album is one of many planned under that banner. As conductor of the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, drummer for the John Butler Trio and now with BUSTAMENTO, the next couple of years spells an exciting time in his musical journey.

Andrew Clermont

The borders of music tumble as Clermont challenges the musical moment. History has seen him with Troy Cassar Daley; The Waifs, Tom T Hall (USA) and Jeff Lang literally threw his guitar off when a Xmas duel at Woodford could go no higher. However Andrew did slip in with India(n) group Dya Singh soaring the ragas which morphed into multi-faceted BluGuru and often cutting loose with The Borderers.

His prime CD – The Longing – is a smorgasbord of acoustic finery. There’s also the over 20 years with Award Winning “Totally Gourdgeous” and his “International Supper Club “. Folk from around the world to jazz, blues and a little down home Country & Bluegrass with “The Lawnmowers” – after all he did win 3 Bluegrass Guitar Championships as well!

Watch him go from calm to berserk with flair!

Jam Session

Looking for a chance to show off your musical chops at the festival? Look no further than our walk-up jam session! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie looking to make some noise, our jam session is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow musicians and create something truly magical.

No need to sign up in advance – just bring your instrument and your passion for music, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together.

With a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse range of styles and instruments, our jam session is the ultimate celebration of creativity and collaboration. So come on down and let’s jam.

Jauntybelle

Jauntybelle is a trio of talented musicians that creates a unique and captivating sound by blending elements of indie-folk and bluegrass. The band is composed of Mel Tucker, Jesse Curran & Chris Rogers, each bringing their own distinctive style and personality to the group.

The group members are masters of multiple instruments including: guitar, banjo, mandolin and violin.

Together, Jaunty Belle creates music that is both melodic and atmospheric, with lush harmonies and intricate arrangements that showcase the group’s musical prowess. Their live performances are a testament to their skill and passion, with each member playing off of the others to create a truly captivating and engaging experience.

Singing Workshop

Discover the joy of singing with our all-ages singing workshop! No experience necessary – this is the perfect opportunity to explore your voice and connect with others in a fun and supportive environment.

Led by community music leader, Catherine Threlfall, this workshop will guide you through the basics of singing together, and singing in harmony/parts for a joyful group experience.

This workshop is more than just a lesson in vocal technique – it’s a chance to connect with others and experience the joy of singing together. You’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who share your love of music, and work together to create beautiful harmonies and express the emotions of the songs.

Our singing workshop is perfect for all ages, from children to seniors. Whether you’re a seasoned singer looking to improve your skills, or a beginner who has never sung before, our workshop is tailored to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals.

So come join us for a fun and inspiring singing workshop that will help you discover your voice and connect with others in a meaningful way. We can’t wait to hear you sing!

The Shared Affair

The Shared Affair is a talented and dynamic quartet that combines the best of bluegrass and folk music to create a sound that is both fresh and timeless. This group of musicians is united by their shared passion for traditional music, and their desire to share that passion with audiences around the world.

Comprised of seasoned musicians with years of experience in the bluegrass and folk scenes, The Shared Affair brings a high level of musicianship and artistry to every performance. Their instrumental skills are matched only by their vocal harmonies, which are rich and soulful, bringing the stories and emotions of the songs to life.

But what truly sets The Shared Affair apart is their ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. Their music is infused with a sense of warmth and intimacy, creating a feeling of shared experience between the performers and the listeners.

The Shared Affair’s repertoire is varied and eclectic, drawing from a wide range of musical traditions and styles. From foot-stomping bluegrass tunes to tender folk ballads, their performances are always engaging and entertaining.

Whether they are playing to a small, intimate crowd or a large festival audience, The Shared Affair always brings their A-game. Their energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and they never fail to get their audiences on their feet and dancing.

John O’Shaunessy

John writes songs to make sense of his world, always leaving space to allow his audience to enter and explore their own stories. His songs have been played at weddings and funerals.
John has a collection of songwriting awards and finalist listings in competitions, including the Australian Songwriters Associations, the Tamworth Songwriters Association’s annual events, and Music OZ.

He has worked in a variety of musical combinations and supported African band Osabisa, the Cockroaches before they became the Wiggles, Irish folk legend Andy Irvine,and more recently
Fred Smith.

He was a member of Sunraysia based band Bushfire and helped them gain the inaugural Bushwacker Award at the Tamworth Country Music festival.

John’s engaging vocals and fingerstyle guitar are enriched by the vocals of his partner Heather Humphreys.

Sunraysia U3A Choir

The University of the Third Age (U3A) choir is a group of passionate and dedicated singers who have come together to share their love of music and create beautiful harmonies. This dynamic ensemble is comprised of members from all walks of life who share a common desire to learn, grow, and express themselves through music.

The U3A choir is part of a wider community of lifelong learners who come together to share their knowledge and experiences. The choir is open to all members of the U3A community, regardless of their previous musical experience or ability.

The U3A choir has developed a repertoire that spans multiple genres. They sing everything from classical choral works to popular songs, and are known for their dynamic and expressive performances.

But the U3A choir is more than just a group of singers – they are a community of friends who support and encourage each other. The choir provides a space for members to connect, socialize, and build friendships while pursuing their love of music.

The U3A choir performs at a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and community events. Their performances are always well-received, and they are known for their professionalism, energy, and passion.

Rio Vista Social Club

Rio Vista Social Club is a lively ukulele group that brings a unique blend of music to audiences around the Sunraysia. This dynamic ensemble is comprised of enthusiastic musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, who come together to create a sound that is both eclectic and sometimes captivating.

At the heart of Rio Vista Social Club’s sound is the ukulele, an instrument that is beloved for its bright, cheerful tone and compact size. But this group is much more than just a ukulele band – they also incorporate banjo, guitar, fiddle, and percussion to create a rich and varied musical landscape.

Each member of the Rio Vista Social Club brings their own unique style and experience to the group. Their performances are infused with energy, joy, and a sense of community that is infectious. Whether they are playing traditional tunes or modern classics, the Rio Vista Social Club always brings their own distinctive flair to every song.

With a repertoire that spans multiple genres, from folk to pop, Rio Vista Social Club has something for everyone.

The Blues Berries

Formed approximately 20 years ago, Sunraysia’s own, The Blues Berries grew up in the era where radio and vinyl were king.

Influenced by flak and blues troubadours from around the globe, their music is timeless, genuine and performed with heart and soul.

Much more than rhythm and blues, the band displays sophisticated harmonies and virtuosity in the live shows, be experienced with a red wine in hand.

Tiny Feet

Tiny Feet are an exceptionally dynamic duo based in North West Victoria. Comprised of Australian musicians Ben Bamborough (guitar) and Stephanie Rogers (vocals), the duo is up-beat, captivating, soulful, experienced and will entertain you with catchy and quirky melodies.

Ben & Stephanie met during their studies, both completing a Bachelor of Contemporary Music at the renowned Southern Cross University Lismore Australia. Tiny Feet have a wealth of experience in the music industry performing, recording and teaching over the last 10 years in many different formats.

The duo have graced stages all over the east coast of Australia, the UK and Europe and have been a part of some exciting events such as; Edinburgh Fringe Festival (UK), Woodford Folk Festival, Top Class, Wotnext Competition,
Telstra Road to Discovery, Cullulleraine Music Festival, Byron Buskers Competition and Memmingen Folk Festival (Germany) just to name a few.

Tiny Feet, Facebook
Website

Gusto Gusto

Finalists for the 2023 Australian Folk Music Awards’ Artist of the Year, Gusto Gusto is West Preston’s best dressed band, playing music to make you dance. A flamboyant seven-piece show with a hefty dose of audience participation and non-stop dance tunes, we play loud, happy music that’s guaranteed to fill the dance floor. We’re also kind of funny.

In 2022, we hit the ground running with a frenetic first year that included performances at some of Australia’s finest music festivals, including Woodford Folk Festival, Cresfest and Cullulleraine Music Festival. We completed a sold-out summer tour with shows across Melbourne, Canberra, and Brisbane.

Secret Dance Party, our second EP came out October 2023 with a national tour including shows at Tablelands Folk Festival (QLD), Illawarra Folk Festival (NSW), River Folk Festival (VIC) and Cygnet Folk Festival (TAS).

With their irresistible energy and infectious tunes, Gusto Gusto starts the party.