Thank Folk It’s Friday – 25th January

January 25, 2019 at 12:29 (News, Week in Review)
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“The beauty of Woodford is it’s a week long festival, culminating in a liminal Fire Event timed to usher in the new year rising from the ashes of the old. However, even someone only able to attend for two to three days can still catch a majority of the performers, and be immersed in a whole other world, where music reigns supreme, and almost every interest is catered too” – KTBell reviews the Woodford Folk Festival with photos by Stuart Bucknell. Review here

Releases This Week

Stay Human
Stay Human Vol. II – Michael Franti & Spearhead
iTunes

Timber and Steel Recommends – Go To This Gig

Sam Buckingham w/ Sarah Humphreys

Sam Buckingham

Not only is Sam Buckingham kicking off her tour this week, she also has the amazing Sarah Humphreys joining her for her Canberra and Sydney shows

Thursday 31st January – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Friday 1st February – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW

Gigs Next Week

A Tribute to the Music of Tom Petty feat. Michael Carpenter, Smith & Jones, Lachlan Bryan, Sam Hawksley. Gretta Ziller, Kylie Whitney, James Van Cooper, The Sweet Jelly Rolls
Friday 25th January – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Aleyce Simmonds
Friday 25th January – The Barn, Tamworth, NSW

Alice Skye
Saturday 26th January – Melbourne Zoo Twilights, Melbourne, VIC

Alison Ferrier
Wednesday 30th January – The Vineyard, St Kilda, VIC

Andrew Swift
Friday 25th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW

Andy Baylor
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

Andy Nelson
Friday 25th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW

Archer
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

Archie Roach w/ Alice Skye, Briggs
Saturday 26th January – Melbourne Zoo Twilights, Melbourne, VIC

Balit Narrun Festival
Saturday 26th January – Treasury Gardens, Melbourne, VIC

Beaso
Friday 25th January – City Sider, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Albert, Tamworth, NSW

Ben Leece
Friday 25th January – DAG Sheep Station, Nundle, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW

Ben Mastwyk
Friday 25th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Peel Inn, Nundle, NSW

Benny Allen
Friday 25th January – Post Office Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Sider Diner, Tamworth, NSW

Bill Chambers
Friday 25th January – The Tamworth Opry, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

Bluegrass Comes To Tamworth feat. Kristy Cox, Pete Denahy, Amanda Cook, Mustered Courage, Montgomery Church, The Weeping Willows
Friday 25th January – Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

Bluegrass Parkway
Saturday 26th January – Thirroul Railway Institute, Thirroul, NSW
Sunday 27th January – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW

Brad Cox
Friday 25th January – The Albert Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Bread and Seaweed w/ Jordan Kenny
Friday 25th January – Red Bar, Sydney, NSW

Broads
Sunday 27th January – Noisy Ritual Urban Winery, Melbourne, VIC

Brothers3
Saturday 26th January – Wests, Tamworth, NSW

Calexico
Friday 25th January – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 26th January – Odeon Theatre, Hobart, TAS
Sunday 27th January – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC

Canberra Folk, Roots & Reggae BigJam
Sunday 27th January – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT

Cat Canteri
Wednesday 30th January – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC

CK and The 45s
Saturday 26th January – The Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Claire Anne Taylor
Friday 25th January – Rowella Hall, Rowella, TAS
Thursday 31st January – The Junk Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 1st February – Mudgeeraba Summertime Sessions, Mudgeeraba, QLD

Cloudbird
Saturday 26th January – Peel Inn, Nundle, NSW

Cruisin’ Deuces
Friday 25th January – Southgate Inn, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Damien Rice
Friday 1st February – City Recital Hall, Sydney, NSW

Dana Hassall
Saturday 26th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW

Dearly Departed
Saturday 26th January – Newcastle Blues & Roots Festival, Newcastle, NSW

Dennis J Leise
Saturday 26th January – Rezza House Concerts, Melbourne, VIC

Fanny Lumsden
Friday 25th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW

Festival of Small Halls Australia feat. Fru Skagerrak, Liam Gerner
Friday 25th January – Nangus, NSW
Sunday 27th January – Bloomfield Hall, Orange, NSW
Wednesday 30th January – Clarence Town, NSW
Thursday 31st January – Fredrickton School of Arts Hall, Fredrickton, NSW
Friday 1st February – Toormina Community Centre, Toormina, NSW

FolkSwagon feat. Tenderfoot, Leroy Lee, heart.beats.mind
Wednesday 30th January – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Georgia State Line
Saturday 26th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Great Aunt
Friday 25th January – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Byron Artisan Market, Byron Bay
Sunday 27th January – The Campus Wallace, Gold Coast, QLD
Thursday 31st January – Oodies Cafe, Bundaberg, QLD
Friday 1st February – The Black Market, Albuon, QLD

Green Mohair Suits
Wednesday 30th January – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW

Gretta Ziller
Friday 25th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – Tom Petty Tribute Show, The Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Hannah Aldridge
Friday 25th January – The Pizza and Wine Club, Kyneton, VIC
Saturday 26th January – Rezza House Concerts, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 27th January – Red Lion Brewery, Kilmore, VIC
Wednesday 30th January – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 31st January – Blarney Books and Art, Port Fairy, VIC
Friday 1st February – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong, VIC

Hat Fitz and Cara
Thursday 31st January – The Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Friday 1st February – The Milton Theatre, Milton, NSW

Hayley Marsten
Friday 25th January – Court House Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Hello Tut Tut
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

Honey
Friday 25th January – Bingie Pottery, Bingie, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Bingie Pottery, Bingie, NSW

Honky Tonkin’ feat. James Ellis and the Jealous Guys, King Arthur
Thursday 31st January – The Rook’s Return, Melbourne, VIC

Imogen Clarke
Friday 25th January – The Tamworth Opry, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

Irish Music Session
Thursday 31st January – Toowong Bowls, Toowong, QLD

Irish Mythen
Friday 1st February – The Caravan Club, Melbourne, VIC

James Edge
Friday 25th January – The Albert, Tamworth, NSW

Jed Rowe
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

Jen Mize
Saturday 26th January – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Jenny Mitchell
Friday 25th January – The Albert Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

John Butler Trio & Missy Higgins
Friday 25th January – Wignalls Winery, Albany, WA
Saturday 26th January – Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, WA
Friday 1st February – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth, WA

Justin Bernasconi
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

Kevin Bennett & The Flood
Friday 25th January – DAG Sheep Station, Nundle, NSW
Friday 25th January – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 27th January – The Pub, Tamworth, NSW

Kirsty Lee-Akers
Friday 25th January – Diggers, Tamworth, NSW

Knott Family Band
Friday 25th January – Sound Feast, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Saturday 26th January – City Sounds, Queen St Mall, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 26th January – Sheoak Shack, Nimbin, NSW
Sunday 27th January – House Concert, Nabiac, NSW
Thursday 31st January – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Kristen Lee Morris
Friday 1st February – The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Newcastle, NSW

Kristy Cox
Friday 25th January – Bluegrass Comes To Tamworth, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Tamworth Opry, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

Lachlan Bryan and The Wildes
Friday 25th January – Tom Petty Tribute Show, The Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Tamworth Opry, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Rezza House Concerts, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 30th January – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC

Lady Folk feat. Estelle Conley, Clare Hennessy, Christine Jane
Thursday 31st January – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW

Liz Frencham
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

Liz Martin Band w/ Darby, Reza Feza
Thursday 31st January – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW

Local Musician Variety Night feat. David Ross Macdonald, Melanie Horsnell, Sam Martin, Pete Wild, Kate Burke
Monday 28th January – Tathra Hotel, Tathra, NSW

Lolo Lovina
Friday 1st February – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW

Lord Howe island Summer Festival
Sunday 27th January to Saturday 2nd February – Lord Howe Island, NSW

Lucero
Thursday 31st January – Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 1st February – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD

Luluc w/ Tesse
Friday 25th January – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW

Lyn Bowtell
Sunday 27th January – The Albert Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Magpie Diaries
Friday 25th January – Tomerong Hall, Tomerong, NSW
Thursday 31st January – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle, NSW

Mandy Connell
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

Marlon Williams w/ Florence & The Machine
Saturday 26th January – The Domain, Sydney, NSW

Matt Ward
Friday 25th January – DAG Sheep Station, Nundle, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Peel Inn, Nundle, NSW

Medusa’s Wake, Handsome Young Strangers, Essem
Sunday 27th January – Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW

Megan Cooper
Saturday 26th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW

Michael Waugh
Saturday 26th January – Moonshiners Honkytonk Bar, Tamworth, NSW

Mitch Power
Friday 25th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – Roadshow Deluxe, The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW

Mojo Juju
Saturday 26th January – Balit Narrun Festival, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 1st February – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, VIC

Montgomery Church
Friday 25th January – Bluegrass Comes To Tamworth, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Barn, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Welders Dog, Tamworth, NSW

Mr Alford
Saturday 26th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 27th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW
Wednesday 30th January – Coal and Cedar, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 1st February – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW

Mumford & Sons w/ Michael Kiwanuka
Sunday 27th January – RAC, Arena, Perth, WA

Mustered Courage
Friday 25th January – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – Bluegrass Comes To Tamworth, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

Nat Henry
Saturday 26th January – Peel Inn, Nundle, NSW

Nathan Seeckts
Friday 25th January – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW

Newcastle Blues & Roots Festival
Saturday 26th January – The Wickham Park Hotel, Newcastle, NSW

Newstead Live
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Castlemaine, VIC

Numeralla Folk Festival
Friday 25th to Sunday 27th January – Numeralla, NSW

Out of Abingdon
Friday 25th January – Bingie Pottery, Bingie, NSW
Friday 1st February – Ollie Masons Cafe, Eden, NSW

Pete Murray
Saturday 26th January – Sunset at the Soundshell, Kalgoorlie, WA
Wednesday 30th January – Narrabeen RSL, Narrabeen, NSW
Thursday 31st January – Honeysuckle Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 1st February – Miranda Hotel, Miranda, NSW

Rory Phillips
Friday 25th January – ICMA Showcase & Awards, South Tamworth Bowling Club, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Pub, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – TSA Songwriter Sessions, Tamworth City Bowling Club, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 27th January – Storytellers, City Sider Motor Inn, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 27th January – The Albert, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 27th January – Bushwackers Chardonnay Show, The Longyard, Tamworth, NSW

Rose Zita Falko
Friday 25th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Press 2340, Tamworth, NSW

Round Mountain Girls
Friday 25th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Albert Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Sam Buckingham w/ Sarah Humphreys
Thursday 31st January – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Friday 1st February – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW

Shaky Stills
Sunday 27th January – The Merri Creek Tavern, Melbourne, VIC

Shane Nicholson
Friday 25th January – The Tamworth Opry, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

Skyscraper Stan
Sunday 27th January – The Junk Bar, Brisbane, QLD

Smith & Jones
Friday 25th January – JB HiFi Stage, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – Tom Petty Tribute Show, The Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 27th January – The Pig & Tinderbox, Tamworth, NSW

Stella Donnelly
Friday 1st February – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth, WA

Steve Smyth
Friday 25th January – Tomerong Hall, Tomerong, NSW
Thursday 31st January – Kings Cross Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Friday 1st February – Dashville, Belford, NSW

Stiff Gins
Saturday 26th January – Balit Narrun Festival, Melbourne, VIC

Tamworth Country Music Festival
Friday 18th to Sunday 27th January – Tamworth, NSW

The April Family
Friday 25th January – Tom Petty Tribute Show, The Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW

The Bean Project
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

The Beautiful Girls
Friday 25th January – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

The Black Sorrows
Friday 25th January – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Bargo Sports Club, Bargo, NSW
Sunday 27th January – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW

The Bushwackers
Friday 25th January – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 27th January – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

The Grubby Urchins
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC

The Hillbilly Goats
Friday 25th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – The Pub, Tamworth, NSW

The McClymonts
Friday 25th January – Fanzone, Tamworth, NSW

The Northern Folk
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live Music Festival, Newstead, VIC

The Pigs
Friday 25th January – Longyard, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Longyard, Tamworth, NSW

The Sweet Jelly Rolls
Friday 25th January – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – Tudor Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – Tom Petty Tribute Show, The Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Albert Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Saturday 26th January – Welder’s Dog, Tamworth, NSW

The Tamworth Opry feat. Shane Nicholson, Too Arcus, James Blundell, Bill Chambers, Kristy Cox, Amanda Cook, Paul Costa, The Weeping Willows, Ben Ransom, Gina Timms, Imogen Clark, Liam Brew, Sam Hawksley, Lachlan Bryan
Friday 25th January – Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

The Weeping Willows
Friday 25th January – Bluegrass Comes To Tamworth, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – Medicine Show Sessions, The Press, Tamworth, NSW
Friday 25th January – The Tamworth Opry, Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW

Thelma Plum
Saturday 26th January – Yabun Festival, Victoria Park, Sydney, NSW

Whoa Mule
Friday 25th January – Tumbarumba Wines Escape, Tumbarumba, NSW
Friday 25th to Monday 28th January – Newstead Live, Castlemaine, VIC
Monday 28th January – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC

Winter Wilson
Friday 25th January – Humph Hall, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 31st January – Upper Lansdowne Hall & Happenings, Upper Lansdowne, NSW
Friday 1st February – Tradewinds Folk Events, Newcastle, NSW

Yabun Festival
Saturday 26th January – Victoria Park, Sydney, NSW

Friday Folk Flashback

“10,000 Miles Away” – Bellowhead

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Woodford in a Nutshell

January 21, 2019 at 08:13 (Festivals, Reviews)
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Photos by Stuart Bucknell, full album on our Facebook page

Timber and Steel loves a good festival, and Woodford is no exception. The premiere Folk Festival is forever growing and developing to highlight and showcase both the beauty of the natural surrounds, and a diverse array of musical greats and emerging artists.

The beauty of Woodford is it’s a week long festival, culminating in a liminal Fire Event timed to usher in the new year rising from the ashes of the old. However, even someone only able to attend for two to three days can still catch a majority of the performers, and be immersed in a whole other world, where music reigns supreme, and almost every interest is catered too.

For the 2018/19 Woodford experience, our intrepid reporters spent a little over 2 days exploring Woodford’s many stages and acts.

Bright and early on the Friday morning of Woodford, our two trepidation reporters trundled in to Woodfordia. It’s been an age since we last visited but it still felt like home. In our brief visit, we caught as many acts as we could, here are our highlights.

Our first stop was to catch the Hussy Hicks and in spite of the early time of day, The Pineapple Lounge was PACKED! Their healthy rhythms kept every foot tapping as the days’ heat began to rise. Their musical passion was on display as Through The Windmill enthralled the throngs and the hot guitar interlude had the crowd cheering. The dynamic duo’s strong connection on stage commanded all attention and ensured rapturous applause. See our photos online.

Mark Lang (of Skipping Girl Vinegar fame)’s only Woodford set had something for everyone, whether you were a fan or new to Lang’s melodic storytelling. With tunes “for our good friend Donald Trump”, to songs about “letting go of all your frustrations”, or just a true reminder of “living in the now, living in the present”, Lang proved time and time again how his music welcomes audiences, connects, and entices them to participate, punching the air hammering home political commentary, or singing along in full voice. See our photos online.

The Strangest Dreamers delivered a dreamy set of layers and stories to entreat and enchant. They had us with a bluesy lament, kept us with a song from the history books of Joe Hill, about The Rebel Girl Elizabeth Gurley Flynn; and delighted us as they trilled through their eclectic set of fun and frivolity. See our photos online.

Scandinavian fiddle trio Fru Skagerrak had the crowd clapping along from the very opening. Their trad style fiddle to warmed up the crowd as we all enjoyed a refreshing brew. Their skill and prowess shone on stage, the sensitivity of every nuance and note had us enraptured, and Scandinavia’s best was truly in fine form for all to see. Though something tells me this may have been their mellow set, for the daytime crowd… See our photos online.

Lindsay Lou gave us a delectable Americana, full of sass treating us to a set full of songs like Sugar with beautiful harmonised backing vocals, mandolin, and just the right amount of funk to give it that tap along beat. Her delightful accent trilled through the lyrics giving them a lively interplay amongst the skilled musicianship of the tight knit group. Stunt Double, written for her brother, gave a deeper, more earthy opening with lyrics and vibe reminiscent of a Missy Higgins style tale. Her cover of Bill Withers’ I Wish You Well showcased that she is sunshine personified on stage. See our photos online.

The Halcyon stage, we could hardly catch a view of The Fergies as they absolutely packed out the place, and the humans filling the space moved as one to their fun, upbeat, frivolity. They were the name on lips around the festival, ‘did you see The Fergies??’ See our photos online.

Tullara seemed like a dark horse, but the beautiful harmonies proved it was a golden set to capture. Joined on stage at times by additional friends, she delivered heartfelt and raw honesty with tales of her life through song. Particularly beautiful and melancholic was the emotive Five Weeks which then lead in to Six Months – a powerful storytelling experience for the audience.

The Loveys were perhaps the most aptly named act, with classic one liners, witty remarks and sensational sense of style teamed with dulcet tones and a European Cabaret vibe. I never thought I would say the words “she is rocking the bassoon” but here I was, saying them out loud to a bassoon solo. Their set had everything from a comedic lament about old age, to a lullaby about dementia Daddy Joined The Circus, and the terrific harmonies in Beautiful Woman dedicated to a French cross dresser.It was a set that caught you off guard at the same time as being completely in tune with the vivacious women. At one point I realised the drummer was playing a tea cup. Literally, rhythm section on a tea cup – and that of course was perfectly normal and in tune. They had the whole audience clapping along, and to no surprise, inspired a standing ovation.

The Cat Empire can always be relied on to bring the party to any hill, dale or amphitheatre, and Woodford was no exception. With an extensive back catalog mixed in with new album songs, their set was utter decadence from start to finish. Their new songs like Killer, and unreleased Anybody, demonstrated the enthusiasm for their infectious brand of music, playing homage to The Cat Empire of old while injecting some of their newer sound and style melding is infinitely danceable, clap-alongable. Steal The Light, written as joyful instead of happy, featured a chorus horn interlude that was spine tingling, and a call to action that the crowd wilfully answered with their cheers and dancing. As always, a world class entertainment.

Les Poules a Colin brought delicate fiddle and mandolin intricately woven with electric instruments in a blanket of sound that wrapped the audience up and drew them closer. Singing songs in native French, the group from Quebec somehow made French sound more musical than English, especially lifted by stunning twin harmonies. A real stand out was a kind of murder story, performed in bi-lingual tandem with haunting banjo, occasional stomp box, and dual vocals telling the tale, punctuated with stunning three part harmonies. By their own admission, their final song was “very danceable” – they weren’t kidding, the dance floor was full within seconds!

We could only stop in briefly by for Hat Fitz and Cara’s Breakfast BBQ, with Sally and the sizzling sausages already well underway! Cara gave us a new song never played live, played with a “we’ll just see how it goes” finesse that charmed the morning crowd.

Irish Mythen, one of our all time favourite performers, delivered yet another powerhouse set on the Woodford Grande stage. Starting out with something a bit political in What If We Built A Wall, it didn’t matter the time of day, or the lack of sunglasses, Irish was on fire with lyrical passion and gutsy guitar filling one of the largest venues, and taking every audience member along for the ride. Mythen has such a powerful voice, and a Capella prowess that makes your spine tingle, inspiring rapturous rounds of applause. Between songs, her wit and banter is so effective, we could mistake her for a stand up comedian. We were transfixed as she effortlessly brought us to tears with 55 Years, elated by a spirited rendition of I Wanna Dance With You, and a moved with the gravitas of Little Bones. As always, Tullamore Blues had the entire crowd singing along enthusiastically, only to be surpassed by a rousing, a Capella rendition of Mercedes Benz that everyone stood and sang along too.

Lucy Wise was the epitome of sweet and pure as her voice descended on the expanding crowd, infused with good humour delivered in earnest. She shared her New Year song, inspired by her mother, accompanied by ukulele. Her set was down to earth and personal, with You Are Here about facing anxiety, Winter Sun about the affects of Melbourne’s weather and accompanied by her sister Rowena, and the heartbreaking Where Did You Go with her other sister Ruth – glorious harmony woven with beautiful sentimentality and sense of loss.

Trad Attack, a blast of energy from Estonia, used archival recordings alongside lead vocals creating the most fascinating soundscapes. Immediately the dance floor is full and enthusiastic. Most of their set was full energy with moment where we simply wondered what next crazy instrument would be brought to the fray. The fact the crowd can sing along with an archival recording how to make butter demonstrated they are clearly the party folk band – reminiscent of Australia’s own Crooked Fiddle Band.

The Spooky Men’s Chorale were the cheeky chaps as we always expect, taking great pleasure in testing the Auslan interpreter with the many abstract concepts in We Are Not A Men’s Group. Ever a popular act, the audience was large, and delighted with the quirks and perks of the Chorale and all their interpretations of everyday life.

The Raglins poured copious harmonies you could drown in with renditions of favourites like The Palmers Song, and The North Country Maid getting everyone in the mood. Song after song delivered in a spellbinding performance. Particular highlights were Robert’s admission that he’d always promised himself he’d never write a love song, that was until he fell in love, inspiring Luna, and the performance of an old Bush Ranger ballad rewritten with new melody and less racism, Ben Halls Gang.

Glenn Cardier and Christian Marsh at Pineapple Lounge had the bluesy goodness rolling forth with licks of harmonica on A Case of Mistaken Identity. Their set was peppered with fun, moving in to rockabilly swamp thing with a raucous jam in Ringmaster Blues, and sliding through mellow, energetic, enchantment and more.

Mel Parsons unleashed a voice and style so mellow, yet steeped in luxury and richness. Opening with some slow songs to warm up the crowd, then picked up the tempo and vibrancy with I Got The Lonely, and a great selection of tracks from her new album, Glass Heart.

Julia Jacklin treated everyone at the Ampitheatre to a spellbinding night of favourites, like Eastwick, Leadlight, and Don’t Let The Kids Win. Her laid back style soothed the audience as the days heat was swiftly replaced with a cool evening chill. Everything about Jacklin is enchanting, her guitar  declared “You Got This!!” on a hand written tape sticker, and she certainly did, the picture of cool, calm and collected. Hay Plain had the crowds transfixed and swaying along in pure bliss, awakened as the intensity pops and Jackson’s vocals oozed over the audience.

The Little Stevies battled adversity as Byl’s voice had gone AWOL and they were down on numbers as Cliff on electric guitar had been too sick to make Woodford. But Beth stepped in to the spotlight and delivered exquisite lead vocals throughout the set, while Byl managed to bring harmonies and jovial, if quiet, banter between. Old favourites like Accidentally and I hold My Breath had everyone delighted, while the new tracks were a fresh and exciting journey to explore. 

The Waifs were much anticipated and the Ampitheatre was alive with energy and enthusiasm. Old favourite Lighthouse struck a note with everyone singing along, while Sun, Dirt, Water gave a sexy and sassy edge. Love Serenade was a bit more lighthearted and playful, while London Still was breathlessly perfect, much to the acclaim of the audience.

Two days at Woodford were glorious, and we couldn’t leave without squeezing just a couple of last acts in the morning of our departure.

The Bushwhackers were a blast with a shanty, a whirl and jig, a sparkly coat and largaphone, a hoedown and everything in between. Leave it in the Ground elicited a positive response from the gathering crowd in spite of the early time. The most amusing highlight was the enthusiastic Auslan interpreter who was literally dancing and sign-singing along with each and every song. Another Trip To Bunnings now comes with its own audience participation thanks to the Auslan sign for Bunnings (bunny ears).

The final set we caught at Woodford was a firm favourite, the Stiff Gins. As always, their music is storytelling and evocative, we could see the east win gently stir the blossoms over the land, their glorious harmonies had us winging our way home with them, and we witnessed the leaves turning in  Narrandera. You know you’re a part of the band when you’re allowed to sing a song, and Lucas on guitar also brought to the stage Chance Meeting. It was a delightful start to the day, and still a wonderful way to end our festival visit.

As always, Woodford Folk Festival delivered diversity, beauty, and glorious memories in a world made perfect by music. If you’ve never been, you really must put it on your bucket list!

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It’s beginning to look a lot like… Woodford!

December 12, 2018 at 10:47 (Festival News, News)
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While the silly season is in full swing, the folkier of us are looking beyond the tinsel and jolly man in a red suit, and are planning the trek to this year’s Woodford Folk Festival. If you haven’t yet made your New Years plans, it’s not too late to get in on the folk action and plan a post-Christmas trip to Woodfordia.

For those still on the fence, let’s take a quick look at why this year’s festival is going to be a great time for all.

The line up is a heavy blend of traditional and discovery, with a delight around every corner for all discerning music lovers. With heavy weights (and our namesakes) The Cat Empire topping the bill, the scene is set for a party. Timber and Steel favourites like Dan Sultan, Julia Jacklin, Irish Mythen, Hat Fitz & Cara, Emily Wurramara, The Waifs, Alex the Astronaut, Stella Donnelly, and Stiff Gins will join more than 2000 artists, musicians and presenters in over 400 acts, over 25 venues throughout the festival.

We’re excited to see some favourites diversify as The Little Stevies become the Teeny Tiny Stevies for their appearances at the Children’s Festival spaces, making the festival, as always, a very family friendly affair. The array of workshops on offer, once again delivers the ultimate in experiences for any festival goer, from yoga to craft, there will be a workshop to suit anyone.

With major infrastructure improvements for this year’s festival, multiple accommodation options to suit every budget and accommodation style, the Woodford Folk Festival is a completely immersive experience where you can choose your own adventure. Whether you participate in The Game, in The Fire Event, or just take in some amazing Australian and international music, it’s the most exciting way to spend your post-Christmas haze.

Whether you visit for a day, or stay for the whole week, there is a journey made just for you. Head over to the website and explore the different journeys you could take at this year’s festival.

When: 27 December 2018 – 1 Jan 2019

Where: Woodfordia, QLD

Tickets: from $25 for kids, from $165 for adults. Book online

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The Railsplitters Announce Woodford Sideshows

November 29, 2017 at 09:08 (News, Tour News)
Tags: , , , , ,

The Railsplitters
Image Courtesy of The Railsplitters

With the summer festival announcement season well and truly upon us it’s exciting to see so many visiting artists now announcing headline shows while they’re in the country.

The latest band to drop tour dates is Rocky Mountain five-piece The Railsplitters. The band, known for their high-energy fussion bluegrass, will be touring throughout January including shows at Woodford and the Cygnet Folk Festival.

Check out the full list of dates below:

Friday 29th December to Monday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, QLD
Tuesday 9th January – Old Museum, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 10th January – No 5 Church Street, Bellingen, NSW
Thursday 11th January – Wauchope Arts Hall, Wauchope, NSW
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January – Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet, TAS
Friday 19th January – Rosny Barn, Hobart, TAS
Saturday 20th January – Mountain Mumma, Sheffield, TAS
Sunday 21st January – Django Bar, Sydney, NSW

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Breaking Trad Announce Australian Tour Dates

November 28, 2017 at 08:42 (News, Tour News)
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Breaking Trad
Image Courtesy of Breaking Trad

Irish trad three piece Breaking Trad – made up of Dónal Murphy (accordion), Niall Murphy (fiddle) and Mike Galvin (Guitar/Vocals) – will be teaming with renowned singer and bodhran player Gino Lupari for an Australian tour this January.

Breaking Trad will be touring off the back of an appearance at the Woodford Folk Festival with a bunch of dates up and down the East Coast, finishing up at next year’s Illawarra Folk Festival.

Check out the full list of dates below:

Friday 29th December to Monday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, QLD
Tuesday 2nd January – The Rails, Byron Bay, NSW
Thursday 4th January – Mullumbimby Ex Services Club, Mullumbimby, NSW
Friday 5th January – Mick O’Malleys Irish Pub, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 6th January – Leadbelly,  Sydney, NSW
Sunday 7th January – The Black Malabar, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 11th January – Yuin Folk Club, Cobargo, NSW
Friday 12th January – Heyfield, VIC
Saturday 13th January – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 14th January – Hotel Nicholas, Beechworth, VIC
Monday 15th January – Tathra Hotel, Tathra,  NSW
Friday 19th to Sunday 21st January – Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli,  NSW

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Eleanor McEvoy Returns for January Tour

November 23, 2017 at 13:33 (News, Tour News)
Tags: , , , ,

Eleanor McEvoy
Image Courtesy of Eleanor McEvoy

Irish music legend Eleanor McEvoy has announced she’ll be back in Australia this January with a bunch of East coast dates.

Having already been announced for the Woodford Folk Festival, the Cygnet Folk Festival and the Illawarra Folk Festival, Eleanor McEvoy is rounding out her visit with a bunch of headline shows in New South Wales, Tasmania and the ACT. Check out the full list oif dates below:

Friday 29th December to Monday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, QLD
Saturday 6th January – Sussex Inlet Surf Club, Sussex Inlet, NSW
Sunday 7th January – Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham, NSW
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th January – Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet, TAS
Monday 15th January – Masonic Hall, Lindisfarne, TAS
Tuesday 16th January – Mountain Mumma, Launceston, TAS
Wednesday 17th January – Jack Duggans, Bathurst, NSW
Thursday 18th January – Irish Club, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st January – Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli, NSW
Sunday 21st January – Petersham Bowling Club, Petersham, NSW

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Thank Folk It’s Friday – 20th October

October 20, 2017 at 12:18 (News, Week in Review)
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

TFIF

This Week in Folk

All the News From The Week That Was

– The National Folk Festival revealed its first six artists including Faustus, Belshazzar’s Feast, Katey Brooks, Mick Thomas and The Roving Commission, 19-Twenty and Frumious. Details here

– Folk music super group Haas Kowert Tice have added mandolin player Dominick Leslie to their lineup, changed their name to Hawktail and released their new single “Unless”. Details here

– Adelaide based electro-folk singer-songwriter Timberwolf announced his long awaited debut album Íkaros. Details here

– Justin Townes Earle added two more Melbourne dates to his current Australian tour. Details here

– English nu-folk band Matthew and the Atlas released their new single “Palace”. Details here

– Swedish Americana duo First Aid Kit announced Sydney and Melbourne shows when they’re in the country for Bluesfest. Details here

– José González also announced sideshows when he’s in town for Bluesfest. Details here

– The 2017/18 Woodford Folk Festival lineup dropped including John Butler, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Beautiful Girls, Husky, Holy Holy, The East Pointers, The Babe Rainbow, Timberwolf, Montaigne, Mama Kin Spender, Vaudeville Smash, The Hi-Boys, Cheap Fakes, Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, The Small Glories, Baker Boy, Apakatjah, Joanna Wallfisch, AMISTAT, TinPan Orange, Sampa The Great, My Bubba, Lior & Paul Grabowsky, POW Negro!, The Railsplitters, Yirrmal and the Miliyawutj, Breaking Trad, Jeff Lang, Liz Stringer, Charm of Finches and many more. Details here

– Americana singer-songwriter Shane Nicholson released his new video “I Don’t Dance”. Details here

– The Illawarra Folk Festival dropped its huge 2018 lineup including Eric Bogle, Cass Eager, The Go Set, Breaking Trad, Maggie Carty and Mairtin Staunton, Claire Anne Taylor, Devil on the Rooftop, Golden Whistler, Handsome Young Strangers, Lizzie Flynn, Paddy McHugh, Shelley’s Murder Boys, The Button Collective, The Northern Folk, The Raglins, The Royal High Jinx, The Scrims, Big Erle, Jane Aubourg, Kay Proudlove and many many more. Details here

– The Port Fairy Folk Festival added even more artists including Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Breabach, Sásta, SugaTree and Fiona Kershaw. Details here

– We premiered the new live video from Áine Tyrrell “Burn Up Those Notes”. Details here

– Canadian singer-songwriter Terra Lightfoot released her new single “Norma Gale”. Details here

– WOMADelaide announced its first round of artists for 2018 including Le Vent du Nord, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Anoushka Shankar, Dan Sultan, Yirrmal & the Miliyawutj Band and many more. Details here

– Mexican instrumental virtuosos Rodrigo y Gabriela added to their WOMADelaide appearance with dates in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Brisbane. Details here

– Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Georgia Fields announced her chamber-folk mini-album Afloat, Adrift in collaboration with The Andromeda String Quartet. Details here

– Folk super-group I’m With Her, with bassist Paul Kowert covered Adele’s track “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)”. Details here

– Roots singer-songwriter Nahko released his new video “Dragonfly”. Details here

Interviews

“We’re always trying to grow our sound, trying to find new ways to help us get a bigger sound. Tim (Chaisson) plays the fiddle and has a bit of foot percussion going on with the stomp box and tambourine. Koady (Chaisson) plays the banjo but also does a bit of pedal work with some effects, some bass stuff with his feet. I’ve mostly played guitar over the past couple of years but I play keyboard as well and we’ve been slowly bringing that into the show as well. We just try to see what we come up with” – Gareth Hugh Evans chats to Jake Charron from The East Pointers. Interview here

Releases This Week

Brooke Russell and The Mean Reds
The Way You Leave – Brooke Russell and The Mean Reds
iTunes

Great North
The Golden Age – Great North
Bandcamp

Husky
Bedroom Recordings – Husky
iTunes

Jess Locke
Universe – Jess Locke
iTunes

Jordan Merrick
Songs From House Arrest – Jordan Merrick
Bandcamp

My Name Is Bear
My Name Is Bear – Nahko
iTunes

Pete Wild
Calm – Pete Wild
Bandcamp

Terra Lightfoot
New Mistakes – Terra Lightfoot
iTunes

Timber and Steel Recommends – Go To This Gig

Downtown Folk Festival feat. Hollow Coves, Garrett Kato, Harry Hookey, Grizzlee Train, Tullara, Luke Morris, Asha Jefferies, Nick Cunningham, Alana Wilkinson, Feelds and Darby.

Downtown Folk

The boutique Downtown Folk Festival hits Sydney this Saturday with a huge lineup including Hollow Coves, Garrett Kato, Harry Hookey, Grizzlee Train, Tullara, Luke Morris, Asha Jefferies, Nick Cunningham, Alana Wilkinson, Feelds and Darby.

Saturday 21st October – Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW

Gigs Next Week

Áine Tyrrell
Saturday 21st October – The Old Castlemaine Gaol, Castlemaine, VIC
Sunday 22nd October – The Gasometer, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 26th October – Meander Valley Performing Arts Centre, Deloraine, TAS
Friday 27th October – The Founders Room Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart, TAS

Ainsley Farrell
Friday 20th October – Botany View Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 22nd October – The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 26th October – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW

Alex The Astronaut
Saturday 21st October – The Treehouse, Byron Bay, NSW
Thursday 26th October – The Lansdowne, Sydney, NSW
Friday 27th October – Uni Bar, Wollongong, NSW

Alexander Biggs
Saturday 21st October – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW

Angie McMahon w/ Ainsley Farrell
Thursday 26th October – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW

Ariela Jacobs w/ Jack the Fox
Tuesday 24th October – The Workers Club, Melbourne, VIC

Ashlea Reale
Sunday 22nd October – Rustico Tapas, Rockingham, WA
Friday 27th October – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood, WA

Belle Harvey
Thursday 26th October – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, WA
Friday 27th October – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, WA

Ben Salter
Friday 20th October – House Concert, Lennox Head, NSW
Saturday 21st October – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 22nd October – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 25th October – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Thursday 26th October – Details TBA, NSW
Friday 27th October – Marrickville Bowls Club, Sydney, NSW

Benny Walker
Sunday 22nd October – Smiths Alternative, Canberra, ACT

Bernard Fanning
Friday 20th October – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 21st October – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday 26th October – The Croxton, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 27th October – Thursday 26th October – The Croxton, Melbourne, VIC

Bob Evans
Saturday 21st October – Rock the Boat, Queenscliff, VIC

Brooke Russell and The Mean Reds w/ Xani, Cookie Baker
Saturday 21st October – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC

Busby Marou
Friday 20th October – Norwood Hotel, Norwood, SA
Saturday 21st October – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier, SA
Thursday 26th October – Pier Live Pelly Bar, Frankston, VIC
Friday 27th October – The Burvale Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

C.W. Stoneking
Friday 20th October – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 21st October – Mojos Bar, Fremantle, WA
Thursday 26th October – Howler, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 27th October – Howler, Melbourne, VIC

Candice McLeod
Thursday 26 October – Night Market, Alice Springs, NT

Cass Eager
Friday 20th October – Django Bar, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 22nd October – The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba, NSW
Friday 27th October – The Stag and Hunter Hotel, Newcastle, NSW

Chris Pickering
Sunday 22nd October – The Standard Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Claire Anne Taylor
Saturday 21st October – Delamere Music Fest, Delamere Vineyard, Pipers Brooke, TAS
Friday 27th October – Illume at Killynaught, Boat Harbour, TAS

Darcy Fox
Friday 20th October – Star Bar, Traralgon, VIC
Saturday 21st October – The Precinct Bar at Eastridge, Chirnside Park, VIC
Sunday 22nd October – The Bay, Mordialloc, VIC

Darebin Music Feast
Thirsday 12th to Sunday 22nd October – Melbourne, VIC

Delamere Music Fest feat. Halfway to Forth, Thieves, Claire Anne Taylor
Saturday 21st October – Delamere Vineyard, Pipers Brooke, TAS

Devil on the Rooftop
Friday 20th October – Compass Pizza, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 21st October – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC

Diana Anaid
Sunday 22nd October – Cruelty Free Festival, Sydney, NSW

Docklands Blues Music Festival
Sunday 22nd October – Wonderland Spiegeltent Blues Garden, Melbourne, VIC

Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Dorrigo, NSW

Downtown Folk Festival feat. Hollow Coves, Garrett Kato, Harry Hookey, Grizzlee Train, Tullara, Luke Morris, Asha Jefferies, Nick Cunningham, Alana Wilkinson, Feelds and Darby
Saturday 21st October – Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW

Elbury
Friday 27th October – The Brat Cave, Brisbane, QLD

Elizabeth Hughes
Sunday 22nd October – Jam Gallery, Sydney, NSW

Fallon Cush
Friday 20th October – LazyBones Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Fanny Lumsden
Friday 20th October – Wharf Hotel, Munyard, TAS
Sunday 22nd October – St Johns Craft Beer Bar, Launceston, TAS
Wednesday 25th October – Sheffield Town Hall, Sheffield, TAS

Fergus Bailey and The Teeth
Friday 20th October – Vic on the Park, Sydney, NSW

Finders Keepers Melbourne Market
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne, VIC

Fleurieu Folk Festival
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Willunga, SA

Foghorn Stringband
Friday 20th October – Canberra Musicians Club, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 21st October – Metropole Guest House, Katoomba, NSW
Sunday 22nd October – Thirroul Railway Institute Hall, Thirroul, NSW
Monday 23rd October – Nerrigundah Ag Bureau, Nerrigundah, NSW
Tuesday 24th October – Leichhardt Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 25th October – Sunset Studio, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 26th October – House Show, Uralla, NSW
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo, NSW

FolkSwagon feat. Tullara, Maia Marsh, Cecilia Brandolini
Wednesday 25th October – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Franklin Folk Club feat. Matthew Dames and Anna Talbot
Saturday 21st October – Palais Theatre, Franklin, TAS

Gareth Brannigan
Friday 20th October – The Brothers Public House, Melbourne, VIC

Get Folked Punk
Thursday 26th October – LazyBones Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Gretta Stanley
Saturday 21st October – The Grass Is Greener Festival, Mackay, QLD

Gretta Ziller & Andrew Swift
Saturday 21st October – Billyroy’s Blues Bar, Bendigo, VIC
Sunday 22nd October – Ceres, Echuca, VIC

Hannah Matysek
Sunday 22nd October – The Lady Hampshire, Sydney, NSW

Harry Hookey
Saturday 21st October – Downtown Folk Festival, Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 22nd October – Secret Garden Concert, Camden, NSW
Friday 27th October – House Concert, Clare Valley, SA

Hello Tut Tut
Friday 20th October – The Post Office Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 21st October – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC

Holly Throsby
Friday 27th October – Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW

Hush: An Evening of Quiet Music feat. East Brunswick All Girls Choir, Davey Lane, Sean Pollard, Kelso
Wednesday 25th October – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC

James Thomson & the Band of Free Love
Friday 20th October – Dashville, Upper Belford, NSW

Jed Rowe
Friday 20th October – The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton, SA
Saturday 21st October – Patchewollock Music Festival, Patchewollock VIC

Jeff Lang
Saturday 21st October – Baha, Rye, VIC

Jess Ribeiro
Friday 20th October – The Workers Club, Geelong, VIC
Saturday 21st October – The Toff in Town, Melbourne, VIC
Tuesday 24th October – The Tote Front Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 26th October – Karova Lounge, Ballarat, VIC

Jim Lawrie & Robert Muinos
Friday 20th October – The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW

Jo Jo Smith w/ Lucie Thorne & Hamish Stuart
Friday 20th October – Numurkah Foodbowl Festival, Shepparton, VIC
Saturday 21st October – Under the Sun Cafe, Strathbogie, VIC
Sunday 22nd October – House Concert, Castlemaine, VIC

Joseph Tawadros Trio
Thursday 26th October – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Justin Townes Earle w/ Joshua Hedley
Friday 20th October – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan, VIC
Saturday 21st October – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC
Sunday 22nd October – Peppermint Bay Hotel, Hobart, TAS
Wednesday 25th October – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide, SA
Thursday 26th October – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 27th October – Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle, WA

Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Kangaroo Valley, NSW

Karl S Williams
Saturday 21st October – Kyneton Music Festival, Kyneton, VIC

Karin Page
Saturday 21st October – Rush Festival, Gympie, QLD

Kaurna Cronin
Friday 20th October – The Bassandean, Perth, WA
Sunday 22nd October – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle, WA
Thursday 26th October – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Friday 27th to Monday 30th October – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo, NSW

Ken Nicol
Friday 20th October – Albert Park Port Lounge, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 21st October – VRI Hall, Warragul, VIC
Friday 27th October – House Concert, Melbourne, VIC

Kim Churchill
Friday 20th October – The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 26th October – Solbar, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Friday 27th October – Soundlounge, Gold Coast, QLD

Kristina Olsen
Sunday 22nd October – The Cheese Factory, Meadows, SA
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Fleurieu Folk Festival, SA

Kyneton Music Festival
Friday 20th and Saturday 21st October – Kyneton, VIC

Lambchop
Saturday 21st October – Badlands Bar, Perth, WA

LEO
Sunday 22nd October – Coledale Markets, Wollongong, NSW

Les Thomas
Friday 20th October – Kingsbury Bowls, Melbourne, VIC

Liam Gerner
Sunday 22nd October – The Union Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 27th October – Royal Theatre, Castlemaine, VIC

Lime & Steel
Saturday 21st October – Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Katoomba, NSW

Lisa Crawley w/ Herriot Row
Friday 20th October – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC

Lizzie Flynn
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, NSW
Thursday 26th October – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 27th October – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC

Lloyd Spiegel
Sunday 22nd October – Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend, Marysville, VIC
Thursday 26th October – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Friday 27th October – The Camelot Lounge, Marrickville, NSW

Luke Morris
Friday 20th October – The Record Crate, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 21st October – Downtown Folk Festival, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 26th October – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC

Lyall Moloney
Thursday 26th October – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 27th October – The Chippo Hotel, Sydney, NSW

Marrickville Festival
Sunday 21st October – Marrickville, Sydney, NSW

Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Marysville, VIC

Michael S. Galloway, Eush, Soda Eaves
Sunday 22nd October – The Old Bar, Melbourne, VIC

Mihka Chee w/ Martha Chess-Phelps, Black Iguana
Friday 27th October – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW

Mile Twelve
Friday 20th October – Patchewollock Music Festival, Patchewollock, VIC
Saturday 21st October – Mountain Mumma, Sheffield, TAS
Sunday 22nd October – Brookfield Shed, Margate, TAS
Tuesday 24th October – Mountain Pickers Club, Ferntree Gully, VIC
Wednesday 25th October – Yinnar Pub, Yinnar, VIC
Thursday 26th October – Smith’s Alternative Bookstore, Canberra, ACT
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo, NSW

Mitch King
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Swagger Music Festival, Wandiligong, VIC
Thursday 26th October – The Workers Club, Melbourne, VIC

Monique Clare
Sunday 22nd October – Bellingen Brewery, Bellingen, NSW
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October, Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo, NSW

Musical Response to Precipice Exhibition feat. The String Contingent
Saturday 21st October – Australian National Capital Artists, Canberra, ACT

My Nightingale
Friday 20th October – Pop-Up at ANU, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 21st October – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW
Friday 27th October – Illume at Killynaught, Boat Harbour, TAS

Mysterious Universe
Saturday 21st October – Staves Brewery, Sydney, NSW

Nick Cunningham and Luke Morris
Saturday 21st October – Downtown Folk Festival, The Factory Theatre, Marrickville, NSW
Thursday 26th October – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC

Numurkah Foodbowl Festival
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Shepparton, VIC

Oktoberwest
Sunday 22nd October – Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW

Old-Time Music School
Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th October – Dorrigo, NSW

Out of Abingdon
Friday 20th October – 5 Church Street, Bellingen, NSW

Paddy McHugh
Friday 20th October – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide, SA
Friday 27th October – The Old Museum, Brisbane, QLD

Patchewollock Music Festival
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Patchewollock, VIC

Pete Wild
Friday 20th October – Candelo Town Hall, Candelo, NSW
Saturday 21st October – Windsong Pavilion, Barragga Bay, NSW

Queen Porter Stomp w/ Whoa Mule
Friday 20th October – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW

Ralway Bell
Friday 20th October – Riverside Hotel, Northam, WA
Saturday 21st October – North Perth Town Hall, Perth, WA
Thursday 26th October – Quindanning Inne, Quindanning, WA
Friday 27th October – Harvey Dickson’s Rodeo, Boyup Brook, WA

Rock This Country Blue
Saturday 21st October – The Kuranda Billabong, Kuranda, QLD

Richard Perso
Sunday 22nd October – Star Hotel, Yackandandah, VIC

Rick Hart w/ The Weeping Willows
Sunday 22nd October – The Skylark Room, Upwey, VIC

Riley Pearce
Friday 20th October – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Swagger Music Festival, Wandiligong, VIC

Rowena Wise w/ Ben Whiting​, Peter Sonic
Tuesday 24th October – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Shane Nicholson
Monday 16th to Monday 23rd October – Rock The Boat Pacific Cruise Pacific
Friday 27th October – Lonestar Tavern, Gold Coast, QLD

Sime Nugent & The Capes
Sunday 22nd October – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC

Slim Dusty Country Music Festival
Tuesday 16th to Sunday 22nd October – Kempsey Showground, Kempsey, NSW

Songs Inspired by Americana feat. Mitch Power, Alison Ferrier, Bill Jackson
Sunday 22nd October – Tago Mago, Melbourne, VIC

Sparrow-Folk & My Nightingale
Friday 20th October – Pop-Up at ANU, Canberra, ACT

Stella Donnelly
Friday 27th October – Fremantle Festival, St John’s Church, Fremantle, WA

Stillhouse Union
Friday 20th October – Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club, Hornsby, NSW

Swagger Music Festival
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Wandiligong, VIC

Sydney Social Square Dance feat. Narrownecks, Mac Traynham and Shay Garriock
Saturday 21st October – Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, Sydney, NSW

Tablelands Folk Festival
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Yungaburra, QLD

The Austracana Travelling Revue feat. Carpenter Caswell, Smith & Jones, The April Family
Friday 27th October – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill, NSW

The Black Sorrows
Friday 20th October – Imperial Hotel, Eumundi, QLD
Saturday 21st October – Wynnum RSL Club, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 22nd October – Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point, QLD

The Bottlers
Saturday 21st October – The Phoenix, Canberra, ACT
Sunday 22nd October – The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW

The Bushwackers
Sunday 22nd October – Lizottes, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 27th October – Gumbramorra Hall, Sydney, NSW

The Grass Is Greener Festival
Saturday 21st October – Botanic Gardens, Mackay, QLD

The Morrisons
Sunday 22nd October – The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW

The Northern Folk
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd October – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Monday 23rd October – Rad Bar, Wollongong, NSW
Wednesday 25th October – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 26th October – The Black Malabar, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo, NSW

The Orbweavers
Sunday 22nd October – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC

The Royal High Jinx
Sunday 22nd October – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC

The Snowdroppers
Saturday 21st October – Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT

The Stetson Family
Monday 23rd October – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

The Village Festival
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th – Edinburgh Gardens, Melbourne, VIC

The Weeping Willows
Sunday 22nd October – The Skylark Room, Upwey, VIC

Tim Guy
Sunday 22nd October – Rochester Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Timberwolf
Sunday 22nd October – Secret Location, Sydney, NSW

TinPan Orange w/ Jess Ribeiro
Friday 20th October – The Workers Club, Geelong, VIC
Saturday 21st October – The Toff in Town, Melbourne, VIC

Tori Forsyth
Saturday 21st October – The Playhouse Hotel, Barraba, NSW
Friday 27th October – Johnny Ringos, Brisbane, QLD

Traveller & The Deslondes w/ Andy Golledge Band
Friday 20th October – Marrickville Bowls Club, Sydney, NSW

Tristen Bird
Friday 20th October – Rocksteady Records, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 21st October – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Sunday 22nd October – 90 Mile Wines: Wharf Barrel Shed, Goolwa, SA
Thursday 26th October – Babushka Bar, Ballarat, VIC
Friday 27th October – The Taproom – Shedshaker Brewing, Castlemaine, VIC

Tullara
Friday 20th October – The Record Crate, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 21st October – Downtown Folk Festival, The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 22nd October – Jam Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 25th October – FolkSwagon, Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 26th October – The Black Malabar, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 27th October – Cambridge Hotel, Parkes, NSW

Twin Peaks
Friday 20th October – Eat Street Markets, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 21st October – Queen Street Mall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th October – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo, NSW

Vanishing Shapes
Friday 27th October – House Concert, Sawtell, NSW

Xani w/ Brooke Russell, Cookie Baker
Saturday 21st October – Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC

Yirrmal and the Miliyawutj
Sunday 22nd October – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Z-Stay Delta
Saturday 21st October – The Stag & Hunter, Newcastle, NSW
Sunday 22nd October – Hardys Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay, NSW
Wednesday 25th October – The Basement, Sydney, NSW
Friday 27th October – Sound Feast @ The J, Noosa Heads, QLD

Friday Folk Flashback

“Both Sides Now” – The Tallest Man On Earth

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Interview: The East Pointers

October 18, 2017 at 09:30 (Interviews)
Tags: , , , , ,

The East Pointers
Image Courtesy of The East Pointers

Canadian celtic trio The East Pointers have taken their sound to the next level with the release of their highly anticipated new album What We Leave Behind.

With an Australian tour on the horizon we sat down with Jake Charron from the band to chat about the album and what Australian audiences can expect when they hit our shores.

Gareth Hugh Evans: You released “82 Fires / Tanglewood” as a double A side a few months ago as a taster of the new album What We Leave Behind.

Jake Charron: That’s right. We’ve got a new album, released worldwide September 29th, called What We Leave Behind. The first two tracks we released are a sneak preview of the album – one instrumental track called “Tanglewood” and one song which we’ve been using as a single called “82 Fires”

GHE: From listening to both tracks, but I guess particularly “82 Fires”, it does sound like you have gone for a more epic sound than on your last album Sweet Victory. It sounds like there’s a lot more production behind it. Is that right?

JC: That’s definitely fair to say. There’s more production. I think “82 Fires” might be the most epic sounding song on the record but the whole thing is a bit more produced. One thing we wanted to maintain was to create tracks that we’d be able to replicate live as a trio. With the exception of a few layers here and there we should be able to get through most of it live.

GHE: I was going to ask about that. You guys have a pretty unique set up live where you’re using effects and percussion to build out your sound. How does the stage set up work to get such a big sound from just the three of you and acoustic instruments?

JC: We’re always trying to grow our sound, trying to find new ways to help us get a bigger sound. Tim (Chaisson) plays the fiddle and has a bit of foot percussion going on with the stomp box and tambourine. Koady (Chaisson) plays the banjo but also does a bit of pedal work with some effects, some bass stuff with his feet. I’ve mostly played guitar over the past couple of years but I play keyboard as well and we’ve been slowly bringing that into the show as well. We just try to see what we come up with.

GHE: I always assumed the bass lines were coming from you. I didn’t realise they were coming from Koady.

JC: You’re right – most of the bass has been coming from my guitar. I forgot to mention that! I have an octave effect on my guitar which gives it the bass lines. But some of the new album effects are triggered with Koady’s feet which we haven’t been touring live much yet. That’s part of new sound.

GHE: Going back to “82 Fires” – it’s true that song was inspired by Australia? It’s from a story you guys heard down in Tasmania, is that right?

JC: Totally. We were down in Tasmania, I guess it would be a year and a half ago now, touring with Liz Stringer who’s one of our favourite people and favourite singer-songwriters from down your way. We played a show in Chudleigh that was nearly called off because of the fires that were happening. It was pretty extreme – I think it was the most they’d seen in a while and a gentleman was telling us that there was 82 fires on the loose that night. We had a day off and we put that song together.

GHE: Over the last couple of years you’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in Australia. Is there something about the place that keeps you coming back and touring extensively?

JC: We love it. A big part of it was the first impression. As a band it was one of the first tours we did, coming down to Australia, and I think because of that it’s always going to be close to us – some of the amazing festivals we got the opportunity to play just as the band was getting up and running. We’ll come back any time we can.

GHE: You’ve also built a solid fan base here as well. You sell out a lot of shows and your sets are always hard to get into at festival. It must be lovely to come halfway across the world and have a fanbase here.

JC: It’s been really nice. We’re grateful that people have welcomed us and accepted our music and just come out to dance. Australian’s seem really up for dancing and having a good time and that helps us put on a show. It’s such a great place to tour and a nice festival scene. And the weather’s great too!

GHE: I do like the fact that you don’t just stick to the traditional folk festivals when you come out. Like this time around you’ll be playing the Mullum Music Festival and the Queenscliff Music Festival which are both festivals that, while they do have a lot of folk and acoustic artists, they’re not just folk festivals. And by playing these festivals it opens you up to people who aren’t folk or trad purists but are instead just music lovers.

JC: We’re looking forward to branching out a bit this tour. We all grew up loving trad music and listening to a lot of the traditional stuff and thinking “I don’t know why more people don’t know about this music”. A lot of times they just don’t have a chance to see it. If you don’t grow up in the scene where the folk music happens it’s hard to discover certain things. It’ll be nice to play for people who don’t know what we do. And I think the new album branches out a bit too, which is maybe a nice thing as we’re doing the same circuit down there.

GHE: Is the new album mainly instrumental like Sweet Victory or is there a lot more songs this time?

JC: There’s a few more songs. I think the split is five songs, six instrumental tracks. At the core of it all we’re still an acoustic trio that’s tried to beef up our sound a little bit. There’s some new ideas, a few new influences but at the root of it is that celtic folk that we play.

GHE: I’m also getting Americana influences, in “82 Fires” in particular

JC: That’s totally fair to say. We listen to a lot of stuff that’s coming out of America. The album was recorded down in Nashville – not sure if that effected the sound much. We worked with one of our heroes Gordie Sampson who’s an amazing songwriter and producer living down in Nashville. It was dream to work with him. He has his own input to the sound as well.

GHE: Well I’m loving the album and I’m super excited about the tour. Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me today.

JC: Thanks for making this happen.

What We Leave Behind, the new album from The East Pointers is available now. The full list of dates for their upcoming Australian tour are below:

Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Thursday 30th November – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Sunday 3rd December – Toff in Town, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 6th December – Sepulchre, Hobart, TAS
Thursday 7th December – Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre, Canberra, ACT
Friday 8th December – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC
Saturday 9th December – Metropole, Katoomba, NSW
Thursday 14th December – Jive, Adelaide, SA
Friday 15th December – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin, NT
Saturday 16th December – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany, WA
Sunday 17th Dec – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle, WA
Wednesday 27th December to Monday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, QLD
Thursday 4th January – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Friday 5th January – Old Museum, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 6th January – The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 7th January – Lizotte’s, Newcastle, NSW

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Woodford Folk Festival Announces 2017/18 Lineup

October 17, 2017 at 14:10 (Festival News, News)
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Woodford
Image Courtesy of Woodford Folk Festival

At long last the Woodford Folk Festival have dropped their huge 2017/18 lineup and as can be expected it’s a mixture of some of the most exciting artists in the world of folk, rock, roots, acoustic and beyond.

While the full lineup is too big to print here (you can check out the programme on their official site) the Woodford Folk Festival has called out a bunch of highlights including John Butler, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Beautiful Girls, Husky, Holy Holy, The East Pointers (CAN), The Babe Rainbow, Timberwolf, Montaigne, Mama Kin Spender, Vaudeville Smash, The Hi-Boys, Cheap Fakes, Molsky’s Mountain Drifters (CAN), The Small Glories (CAN), Baker Boy, Apakatjah, Joanna Wallfisch, AMISTAT, TinPan Orange, Sampa The Great, My Bubba (SWE/ICE), Lior & Paul Grabowsky, POW Negro!, The Railsplitters (USA), Yirrmal and the Miliyawutj, Breaking Trad (IRE), Jeff Lang, Liz Stringer, Charm of Finches and many more

The Woodford Folk Festival takes place from the 27th December to the 1st January in Woodford, Queensland. For more information, including how to get your hands on earlybird tickets, check out the official site here.

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Listen to the New Double A Side from The East Pointers, “82 Fires / Tanglewood”

September 4, 2017 at 11:26 (Album News, News, Single News, Tour News)
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The East Pointers
Image Courtesy of The East Pointers

Canadian folk music trio The East Pointers have just released their brand new double A side single “82 Fires / Tanglewood”.

“While in Penguin, Tasmania we spoke with an older gentleman, a lifelong resident, who said that there were 82 wildfires currently on the loose in Tasmania, the most in over half a century. It hit home the severity of what we were all experiencing,” banjoist Koady Chaisson explained. “It was a restless few days for us. Small human decisions about where to live or whether or not the show would go on didn’t matter, Mother Nature would always have the final say. Being in the middle of that brings an immediacy about it, you can feel powerless.”

The tracks are taken from The East Pointers’ highly anticipated second album What We Leave Behind which is due on the 29th September. Take a listen to them both below:

The East Pointers are heading back to Australia for the Mullum Music Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and the Woodford Folk Festival with headline dates still to be announced. The festivals dates are here:

Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Wednesday 27th December to Monday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, QLD

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