Patey & Doolie
Sunshine Coast’s Christian Patey has been making waves across the country as one of the best up-and-coming electronic artists. The one-man band combines electric guitar, synths and drums, all together, illuminating the room and taking the listeners on an uplifting journey. 2016 was a huge year for Christian with festival spots, TV appearances and support shows with Tash Sultana and Boo Seeka. The alluring vocals and upbeat feelgood vibes of Christian’s newest track Is This Real marks the anticipated return of the Sunshine Coast artist. Featuring alongside Christian will be female electronic artist Doolie, who recently took out Best Song in the Schools category of last year’s Queensland Music Awards. Doolie’s rich vocals, creative lyrics and big pop hooks have the young vocalist showing the early signs of a great frontwoman with a show that will get the house primed to pump. The Byron Bay Brewery from 7pm. Saturday. Free Entry
Coco on Sunday
COCO is set to deliver a new monthly event that brings creative and cool crowds to the tropical alfresco location of Byron Bay Brewery. The music will be funky and the vibes will be high with stacks of DJs including Al Royale, Mr Ha! Yes!, Lippo, Hot Rob and Sammond.
The monthly event is supported by the Party Shirt People, who provide the opportunity to purchase a killer happy shirt with proceeds going to local charity. Byron’s best Sunday session kicks off at 2pm. $5 after 4pm.
Falling for Flamenco
Bandaluzia flamenco return to Byron Bay on Saturday 1 April with one of Spain’s rising stars of contemporary flamenco singing, Naike Ponce. She recently released her debut album with Grammy-award-winning guitarist Jose Suarez Paquete; this will be a unique opportunity to see this incredibly soulful and revered flamenco artist in collaboration with the ever-popular Bandaluzia. Bandaluzia is an acclaimed modern flamenco ensemble led by ARIA-nominated guitarist Damian Wright. Bandaluzia was recently invited to perform at The Adelaide International Guitar Festival and was awarded The Pick of the Sydney Fringe at The Sydney Fringe Festival. An experience that ignites the senses with the grace of Flamenco. Byron Theatre on Saturday 1 April. Tickets on www.byroncentre.com.au or at the venue subject to availability.
Push It
Push is one of the premier cover bands with a reputation with venues and music fans as one of the most energetic and entertaining bands available. Push are hip, now, relevant and entertaining, keeping up to date with the latest trends and songs while throwing a few surprises in along the way. Push’s youthful exuberance will guarantee your venue to rock out in a big way! Ocean Shores Country Club on Friday at 8.30pm.
Diamonds on Show
Neil Diamond – The Man, The Music features approximately 30 of Neil’s most loved hits – from Cracklin’ Rosie, I Am I Said and Sweet Caroline through to a special Hot August Night tribute – audience members are left in no doubt as to why Craig Stewart is regarded as a ‘master craftsman’. With more than 2,000 shows to his credit, he was described in a national music magazine as ‘one of the most listenable singers to emerge this century’. Neil Diamond – The Man, The Music at the Bangalow Bowlo on Saturday from 7.30pm.
Wandering Treehouse
Adelaide’s roots soul trio The Wanderers have just released their sophomore EP Something of a Distraction where they deliver more of their earnest, infectious, blues-flecked jams enticing the listener from the outset, from lilting opener Loco to the downtempo strut of pseudo-gospel closer Mary Jane and everywhere in between. With the band having spent much of 2016 playing festivals and touring the country, they have built a reputation around their catchy harmonies, and groove-driven tunes as well as always putting on a damn good show. They play the Treehouse in Belongil on Saturday.
Datson on the Highway
Following the recent release of their debut EP Whispering Highway, psychedelic alt/folk singer/songwriter duo Datson Hughes are taking their music on the road. Having spent the past five years in the studio, Datson Hughes are now on tour forever. They have ‘packed up their books and clothes’ and are currently undertaking a year-long tour of their recent EP in the leadup to the release of their forthcoming album in early 2018. Datson is an old hand at touring, having enjoyed youthful success with his band Samurai Trash in the 80s, but Hughes is a novice, better known as a writer who penned a memoir Art Life Chooks in 2008
The pair share everything from creative output to the driving. On a range of strings from guitars to the tintinnabulatious handmade Appalachian mountain dulcimers, they play beautiful, lyrical songs of love, loss and redemption. The Whispering Highway is all about place, and time, and the way a song can compress a whole journey. With a hint of roots, think Gram Parsons and Emmilou Harris, Bob Dylan and Gillian Welsh. Sunday at the Poinciana Cafe at 10am. Free.
