Artists

Blackwood Program Artists


 

BRECKIN

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June 25 | 12 - 1pm | Sivani House - 15 Martin St, Blackwood

Breckin is the moniker of award-winning artist, poet and now singer-songwriter, Heather Marsh. Her debut album Shiner garnered international attention, with single 'The Story Bridge' selected as a KEXP Song of the Day. Raised in a sun-drenched suburban Petri- dish of strip malls and wall-to-wall carpet, Breckin made her escape to an enclave of decadents and artists. Forever ruined for reality, Breckin now inhabits what Martha Graham describes as the 'blessed unrest', walking between the pedestrian and the divine, telling tales from the depths and the margins. Compared in turn to Neko Case and Joanna Newsom, her indie-folk songs interlace enveloping warm acoustic tones with sparkling finger-style guitar picking. www.breckinmusic.com


Cat and Clint

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June 25 | 1.45 - 2.30pm | St Martin's Chapel - Martin Street, Blackwood

Cat and Clint have charmed audiences around Australia and Overseas with their take on Old Time Mountain Music. They reside in Blackwood, Victoria which is fast becoming one of the biggest Old Time and Bluegrass hotspots of Australia. The talented multi-instrumental duo will have you mesmerised by their sweet vocal harmonies, then dancing and hollering to driving fiddle and banjo tunes. Clint's original songs are featured as well as haunting ballads, traditional fiddle tunes and vintage country blues.


Shape Note

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June 25 |1 - 1.45pm |St Martin's Chapel, Martin Street, Blackwood

Learn to sing in stirring 4-part harmony! Shape Note is a community singing tradition rooted in southern Appalachia, USA, and now increasingly popular across the USA and Europe. We sing for the joy of it, not for performance, using music written from 1770 right up to today. Join Natalie, Shawn, and local singers from Blackwood for an uplifting immersion into this unique music. No experience needed, just a willingness to dive in and sing! Natalie and Shawn have been leading Shape Note singing workshops for many years. Highlights include workshops at the Blackwood Bluegrass Academy (held in the church now being reopened) and the Blackwood Music Festival, as well as the Daylesford Singers’ Festival and others. 


Sing Pub Sing

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June 25 | 12 - 1pm | The Blackwood Hotel, 22 Martin Street, Blackwood

Andrew Price is the choir leader and chief warbler for community choir, Woodend Warblers and associated with many singing projects including Men In Suits and Urban Sea Shanties. Tara Flinn is a choir leader, singer, performer, vocal teacher and creative director of mums and bubs community choir MaCapella.  Elly McKinnon is a singing teacher, vocalist and host of children's music classes, Elly's Music Playtime.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SacredHarpMelbourne


Fiona Ross & Shane O'Mara

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June 25 |2.45 - 3.30pm St Martin's Chapel, Martin Street, Blackwood

Tradition bearer Fiona Ross has secured her reputation as a highly gifted interpreter of Scots song. Finalist for Scots Singer of the Year in Scotland’s prestigious Trad Music Awards, she continues to fly the flag for Scots song here in Australia. Fiona’s honest, earthy singing style and extensive repertoire showcase the richness of the tradition. ARIA Award winning guitarist Shane O'Mara has collaborated with a host of luminaries including Paul Kelly and Chris Wilson. As a duo, these two highly accomplished artists present a captivating Scottish set that is both steeped in tradition and imbued with contemporary flair. Their album, Sunwise Turn, won Music Victoria’s Best Folk Album award 2020 and was a finalist for Traditional Album of the Year in the Australian Folk Music Awards 2021.

Website: www.fionaross.com.au
Social media: www.facebook.com/fionarosstrad


Hardrive Bluegrass Band

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June 25 | 3.45 - 4.30pm St Martin's Chapel | Martin Street, Blackwood

One of Australia’s favourite bluegrass bands, features high-lonesome vocals and high energy instrumentals from Nick Dear fiddle/mandolin/vocals, Mick Harrison on banjo, Lachlan Dear guitar/ vocals, and Matt Ryan on double bass.  They play traditional and original songs, and old-time Mountain tunes in an authentic bluegrass style.  The hard-driving rhythm for which they are renowned, is an art form they have perfected over many years playing together. Hardrive are two time winners at the Victorian and National Country Music Awards for ‘Best Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Album’ and ‘Album of the Year’, being the first traditional acoustic bluegrass band to win this award.  Hardrive was recently featured on the radio program ‘Southern Style’ on PBS106.7.  


The Trentham trio - Blackwood Program | Blackwood Post Office | June 25 |5 - 5.45pm

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The Trentham Trio features Malachy Walsh on guitar, Ameliah ‘Bug’ Melville on bass guitar and Coen Cursio-Brundle on drums. They have a whole six months of performing up their sleeves, playing at the Trentham Christmas Carols, Macedon Ranges Music Youth Stage in Woodend and Gisborne, and at the prestigious Trentham Spud Fest. They play a mixture of original and cover tunes ranging from rock, funk and blues to beats that make you want to get up and dance. 



Gordon Program Artists


The Martini Set Trio

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July 2 | 1.30pm - 2.30pm | Gordons at Gordon - 69 Main Street, Gordon

The Martini Set Trio ensemble plays swing music from the 1930s to modern Indigo. Two shots of Bobby Darin with a twist of Louie Prima and a slice of Dean Martin shaken not stirred

The performance and showmanship is top class. Sydney Fringe , Hope Est , Manly jazz festivals & national television appearances

www.facebook.com/themartiniset/


Anni Neptune

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July 2 | 2.30pm - 3.15pm | Shambles Antique and Boot Shoppe - 95 Main Street, Gordon

Solo acoustic folk/pop/blues performer with an extensive catalogue of original songs and a unique cover style. Currently funded by Arts Access Victoria, producing an album of songs that highlight neurodiversity and emotion recognition. My vocals have been described as having a sweet, soulful sound contrasted with wisdom and depth. Lyrics of the work aim to express universal concepts, self development and emotion through simple storytelling and metaphor.

www.instagram.com/anni_neptune/


Freya and Tom McGowan

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July 2 | 3.30pm - 4.15pm | Shambles Antique and Boot Shoppe - 95 Main Street, Gordon

Freya and Tom are a daughter/dad duo from Ballarat.  Freya has been singing since she could string two words together and the pair have been performing live since Freya was six. Their influences are mostly on the folk/country side and include Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Joni Mitchell and others. Freya and Tom have performed live to air on radio, at festivals, featured on podcasts and love to play gigs throughout Victoria whenever they can. 

www.facebook.com/freyaandtommcgowanmusic


The Milla Williams Duo

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July 2 | 6.00pm - 7.0pm | Gordons at Gordon - 69 Main Street, Gordon

Milla Williams with Geoffrey Williams accompanying on acoustic guitar are a Daughter & Dad duo playing soulful chilled out acoustic vibes. Covers by artists such as Jorja Smith, Lianne La Havas, some originals. As well as being a finalist in the regional Busking Championships, busking in Daylesford, Mornington Peninsula and Ballarat Bridge Mall Farmers Market, performing for the Centre for Multicultural Youth and City of Ballarat Youth Awards events, Milla has been a feature performer at the Boite Schools' Chorus Hamer Hall and Melbourne Town Hall and has had a track released on Sonika Records. Milla is a captivating singer songwriter, well loved by audiences near and far and is now teaming up with her dad to offer performances at markets and other venues.

https://www.instagram.com/millasophiia/


Geoffrey Williams

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July 2 | 7.30 - 8.15pm | Gordon Hotel, 92 Main Street, Gordon

Geoffrey Williams is a singer songwriter performer with a career spanning over a quarter of a century. He is a loop artist creating music out of thin air! Think Experimental soul - beauty, harmonies and grooves!  Career highlights include:  - 5 albums on major labels such as Atlantic Records and EMI,  - Writing for artists such as Michael Jackson and Dusty Springfield,  - Becoming the 2017 Australian National Busking Championships - Open Winner  - Playing at Wembley Arena, Montreux Jazz Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Bendigo Blues & Roots & BeHearNow 20, Harmony Fest ‘21

www.facebook.com/mrgeoffreywilliams/ 


 CYNTA

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July 2 | 6.30 - 7.15pm | Gordon Hotel, 92 Main Street, Gordon

Pop and soul inspired singer/songwriter CYNTA encourages deep emotional connection with her unique vocals and heartfelt original songs. Passionate about advocating for mental health and kindness as an emerging artist, CYNTA builds her music on the foundation of advocating for these values, both through her originals, performances and charity busking.

Instagram

Tik tok



Bacchus Marsh Artists


Billy Digger

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July 9 | 1 - 2pm | Yo Barber, 60a Grant Street

Bill Digger is a folk rock project coming out of Dunnstown by multi instrumentalist Lachie Murphy. The solo act has recently released his debut track No Through Road via all streaming platforms and a film clip on YouTube.

Youtube channel


The Darlings Family Trust

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July 9 | 2.45 - 3.30pm | Local Tap Room, 60b Grant Street

Duo from Gordon Victoria writing, recording and performing their own brand of country folk music. 

Spotify Channel


The Milla Williams Duo

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July 2 | 6.00pm - 7.00pm | Gordons at Gordon - 69 Main Street, Gordon

Milla Williams with Geoffrey Williams accompanying on acoustic guitar are a Daughter & Dad duo playing soulful chilled out acoustic vibes. Covers by artists such as Jorja Smith, Lianne La Havas, some originals. As well as being a finalist in the regional Busking Championships, busking in Daylesford, Mornington Peninsula and Ballarat Bridge Mall Farmers Market, performing for the Centre for Multicultural Youth and City of Ballarat Youth Awards events, Milla has been a feature performer at the Boite Schools' Chorus Hamer Hall and Melbourne Town Hall and has had a track released on Sonika Records. Milla is a captivating singer songwriter, well loved by audiences near and far and is now teaming up with her dad to offer performances at markets and other venues.

https://www.instagram.com/millasophiia/


Ian Banks

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July 9 | 5.00 - 5.45pm | BM Music Bowl, Bacchus Marsh Bowling Club, Lord Street

Having toured Australia as well as overseas, Ian has years of experience and stories that reflect in his music. Sharing the stage with headline acts such as:     Suzie Quatro (UK/USA), Leo Sayer (UK),  The Angels,  Russell Morris,  The Black Sorrows,  Marcia Hines, Evermore, The Screaming Jets, Shannon Noll,  Ross Wilson,  Jon Stevens (Noiseworks/INXS),  Diesel,  Dragon,  Richard Clapton,  Daryl Braithwaite.

www.facebook.com/ianbanksmusic


NIASHA 

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July 9 | 7.00 - 7.45pm | Flanagans Border Inn, 139 Main Street

NIASHA personifies the saying that dynamite comes in small packages! Singer, rapper & spoken word poet, the Zimbabwean-born soul performer delves into the topics of love, identity and the journey of life. Her artistry is set to leave your soul tingling with her eclectic vocals and energy packed performances with her band. What sets her apart is her ability to shift between genres so effortlessly from soul to R'n'B, Dancehall, Trap, Hip-Hop and the list goes on. She is passionate about community initiatives and programs that support young people and worked with CoHealth Her music has garnered attention on radio stations such as Triple J, Triple R, PBS and FBi Radio with one of her songs "Boss Queen" landing on an Australian-made Youtube Series.

Drongo and the Crow

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July 9 | 3.45 - 4.30pm | Local Tap Room, 60b Grant Street

We love our Australian history and the songs that recount our colonial past. Our music celebrates Australia’s shearers, miners, drovers and sailors and the families that supported them. There's stories of flood, fire, drought and storms and the challenges of living in an unforgiving country.

We include plenty of old favourites as well as less well-known songs that illustrate that old way of life. We also mix songs of hardship with comedy, and sneak in some more recent songs that hark back to an earlier time.

www.facebook.com/DrongoAndCrow


Crank Williams and Patsy Decline

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July 9 | 6.00 - 6.45pm | BM Music Bowl, Bacchus Marsh Bowling Club, Lord Street

Crank Williams and Patsy DeCline's music has been described as a happy collision between the Ramones tour bus, and Merle Haggard's cattle truck!  

Let Crank and Patsy take you on a tour of the musical twelve step program of Alt/country, Blues, Americana, Southern Gothic and roots music that'll have you cashing in those chip's, grabbing the nearest drink and kicking up those Cuban heels to the sound of ballads and duets that trawl the highs and lows of love won, love lost and good old love on the run! 

soundcloud.app.goo.gl/JBcm7 



Ballan Program Artists 


Fiona Ross and Shane O'Mara

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July 16 | 1.00 - 2.00pm |Rosie the Caravan | The Wine and Deli Co., 120 Inglis Street

Tradition bearer Fiona Ross has secured her reputation as a highly gifted interpreter of Scots song. Finalist for Scots Singer of the Year in Scotland’s prestigious Trad Music Awards, she continues to fly the flag for Scots song here in Australia. Fiona’s honest, earthy singing style and extensive repertoire showcase the richness of the tradition. ARIA Award winning guitarist Shane O'Mara has collaborated with a host of luminaries including Paul Kelly and Chris Wilson. As a duo, these two highly accomplished artists present a captivating Scottish set that is both steeped in tradition and imbued with contemporary flair. Their album, Sunwise Turn, won Music Victoria’s Best Folk Album award 2020 and was a finalist for Traditional Album of the Year in the Australian Folk Music Awards 2021.

Website: www.fionaross.com.au
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/fionarosstrad


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July 16 | 12.00 - 1.00pm |Rosie the Caravan | The Wine and Deli Co., 120 Inglis Street

Bringing Continental Café music to your door, this energetic trio are inspired by the rich & varied musical traditions brought to Oz by the various emigrant waves.

Specialising in jazz, Latin, lounge and European styles, let these passionate musicians take you on a journey to another time and place when music and life were intertwined in a lovers’ embrace.

Jen, Terry and Silas are all members of The Royal High Jinx, a folk cabaret festival band playing original music at many festivals around Australia and Europe.

jenhawleymusic.com/
www.facebook.com/theroyalhighjinxband


pBones

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July 16 | 1.00 - 2.00pm |Sweet n Sassy |Shop 4, 22 Fisken Street

The pBones are trombone quartet formed from a selection of Ballarat's finest musicians. Combining virtuosic ability and comedy into a performance suitable for all ages and interests. This performance will bring together Hugh McKelvey, Katrina Bird, Bronwyn Castles and Wade Carman for an enjoyable afternoon of merry music.

www.facebook.com/groups/418837064948721


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July 16 | 4.00 - 6.00pm |Ballan Mechanics Institute, 143 Inglis Street

Some of the Shire's most talented young people have collaborated to deliver a dynamic program or original and covers. The Young and Local Program is a  mentorship program part of Moorabool’s Live and Local program. The aim is to build capacity of young people within the shire interested in producing events and performing and to progress their careers within the music industry.  

Anthony Cariolo 
Anthony is a piano/keyboard player and has been playing 10 + years and he is interested in metal music. He has instagram, facebook and youtube accounts for showing his piano covers of Alestorm songs. 

Enjay Hue 
Enjay plays indie rock with grunge and punk influences. He plays guitar and is an upcoming solo artist. 

Tom Hughes 
Tom is from Gordon and plays acoustic guitar. He plays Spanish or fingerstyle guitar. 

Kelly Joyner (production) 
While he doesn’t play an instrument, Kelly loves music and getting involved in community events. He joined Young and Local to offer behind the scenes support and to learn a little bit about what goes on backstage at a live music event. So far, it has been a great experience. 

Jesse McLay 
Jesse is an upcoming guitarist who has been playing for 4 years. He is into a whole mix of genres but takes his main inspiration from Polyphia. 

Lucas Mifsud 
Lucas is an upcoming musician in search for a band with the same interests as him: rock, grunge and metal. Lucas plays guitar and bass. 

Quinn Mills 
Quinn is a young guitarist who started at age 10. He aspires in inspire people with music and encourage young people to get into it. Quinn enjoys playing music from bands such as ACDC and Foo Fighters. 

Skye Moore 
Skye is a singer/songwriter who recently moved to Bacchus Marsh. After spending a childhood in England and her adolescence moving around Australia, she found solace, escape and friendship in music. Skye started learning flute around 2004 and picked up other instruments like guitar and keyboard. Now she is working on her confidence as a performer. 

Quilby Nelson
Quilby is an aspiring classical trained pianist, interested in less performed works, particularly by female composers. She is also an emerging rock keyboard player and is the local keyboardist in the local band, Rock n’ co. 

Shafiah Nelson 
Shafiah Nelson has been playing violin for thirteen years. She completed her 5th Grade AMEB violin exam in Year 10, and studied violin for her Music Performance subject in Year 12 at a 7th grade standard. She teaches private music lessons in both violin and piano, and is currently studying Creative Writing at RMIT University with the hopes of becoming a published author. 

Zeb Nelson 
Zeb is a local pianist who has been learning music for 11 years. Zeb enjoys writing his own music and hopes to become a film score composer in the future. 

Paper Cranes aka Lauren Camilleri 
Paper Cranes is a local musician who recently decided to follow her dreams of becoming a full-time musician. What sets her apart from other musicians is her handmade paper cranes that she likes to hand out when she performs around Victoria. 

The Eight Budgies aka Kate Nicholson 
Kate is twelve and lives in Greendale. In her spare time she trains budgerigars, writes books, reads books, attends contemporary and classical ballet dance classes and loves going to horse riding camp each school holidays. She loves singing, coming from a long family line of singers, and has commenced learning a lot of instruments.  She’s doing well with piano and guitar, has tried piano accordion, violin, harmonica and also wants to play recorder and flute. She loves music, singing and dancing because they each allow you to express yourself through words, music, and movements. She joined the program because she likes to perform in front of people who appreciate music. She’s so glad to be part of Hide + Seek because of the great opportunity to meet other youth who enjoy music as much as she does. 

Anna Seymour 
Anna is 14 and a first-time performer, has recently started learning the guitar and loves singing, Anna has an interest in poetry and most of the arts, and ambitions of becoming a professional musician. 

Jayden Vermeend 
Jayden Spence is a classically trained rock guitarist who uses his knowledge of audio manipulation to create music that fuses ambient sounds intertwined with electronic beats and heavily distorted guitars. His music is the culmination of years of music listening, writing and eventually finding his own unique sound. 

Adaleeta Watson
Adaleeta is a 16-year-old bass player who has been playing bass ever since she was 13. She has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD when she was a small child. Her interests include archery, sewing, music, gaming and martial arts. Her genre is a mix and match of all music. 


Jeremy Beggs

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July 16 | 12.00 - 1.00pm | Zest Cafe, 1/130 Inglis Street

Jeremy Beggs is Western Victorian based troubadour with Country Rock leanings. He is the heart-on-his-sleeve type songwriter, telling everyday stories from his perspective as a husband, father and teacher.  Jeremy honours the struggle, resilience and joy of the mundane in his songs, a cathartic communion to share with all.  Jeremy has recently performed solo and with his band at Eats 'n' All, Cresfest and Tamworth Country Music Festivals and looks forward to sharing the stage with Kate Ceberano and The Badloves at Cilobration Under the Stars. Jeremy is currently working on new original material heading towards his next release. 

www.Facebook.com/Jeremybeggsmusic 


Honeyfields

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July 16 | 3.00 - 4.00pm |Rosie the Caravan | The Wine and Deli Co., 120 Inglis Street

Honeyfields may look familiar but their interpretations of old and new songs are refreshing, original, and steeped in the Australian folk music culture they grew up with. A new project from The Beenies girls, the trio are back performing vocal and instrumental music at its finest. After a 16 year hiatus from recording, and a name change, Honeyfields are delighted to present their new record ‘Fortunes Wheel’. The album is a collection of traditional and self-penned songs from a range of folk genres and features the sublime three-part harmonies and multi-instrumental talent of Cat Moser, Corinn Strating, and Nicola Strating. 

honeyfields.bandcamp.com


The Suburban (Riley Beech) 

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July 16 | 2.00 - 3.00pm |Rosie the Caravan | The Wine and Deli Co.,120 Inglis Street

Songwriter Riley Beech presents 'The Suburban' with music which highlights the beauty, pain, humour and significance of the everyday and presents them with a distinctly honest and dry wit with bouncing rhythms, passion and melodic hooks.

www.facebook.com/suburbanfolkrock


The MirLyn duo

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July 16 | 1.00 - 1.45pm |The Great Western Hotel | 110 Inglis Street

In 1996 Miriam Skinner and Lyndon Kriss, through a desire to experiment with cello and nylon stringed acoustic guitar, began developing arrangements of their favorite music. People seemed to enjoy this rather unusual combination of instruments and so…

MirLyn was born. Since then, MirLyn has performed in many different situations and have been both the focus of attention and also the background, adding atmosphere and ambience to special occasions when people are gathered together to enjoy each other’s company.


Andrew Borg

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July 16 | 3.00 - 3.45pm |The Great Western Hotel | 110 Inglis Street

Andrew started playing guitar at the age of 12. He started out as lead guitarist when joining the band scene, playing in many bands by the time he was 30. Being in many different bands helped him become a versatile player, playing lead, rhythm and acoustic in any genre, blues and soul being his favourite. He is situated in Gordon. Victoria.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063506055896


Dave Weston

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July 16 | 2.00 - 2.45pm |The Great Western Hotel | 110 Inglis Street

Dave Weston is a Geelong based musician performing classic songs from yesteryear through to present day. Dave performs solo acoustic versions of his broad repertoire with a glint in his eye and a great sound to match. Dave caters for the occasion with professionalism and a fun vibe and delivers his performance with passion and quality musicianship.


Murphy Holmes

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July 16 | 4.00 - 4.45pm |The Great Western Hotel | 110 Inglis Street

Murphy Holmes are a 2 piece act from Ballarat. The pair have been busily playing across multiple venues and festivals since 2018, including a number of shows around Europe in 2019. Known for their unique blend of covers from 60’s right through to modern hits, the duo are a sure thing to get you up and dancing with their strong feel for rhythm and gusto.


Pete Daffy Trio

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July 16 | 6.00 - 4.45pm |The Great Western Hotel | 110 Inglis Street

Pete Daffy Trio plays a mix of Honky Tonk Country, Rockabilly & Hillbilly Bop from the 1950’s. Featuring soaring old timey vocals of Pete Daffy, the “slappin” Bull fiddle thump of Jordy Hickey and the electrified bluegrass crossover guitar of Lochy Dear. Bring your dancing shoes as the band is sure to put some fine steps into the people’s feet.

Facebook

www.Facebook.com/petedaffy


Eastenders

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We formed last year on Australia Day as a 3 piece original band. The 2 founders had a plethora of songs they wrote during the covid period which they were testing out when they reached out to me to rehearse for the drums. We immediately hit it off, and have since recorded an album titled 'Down the Highway' which was nominated for the National Blues and Roots charts. We play gigs extensively throughout Melbourne and the greater Geelong area and are now recording our 2nd album which will titled 'Hit Em' Hard'  and we're Balliang East locals

www.eastendersband.com