Tunes on Utes
Rappville Fire Fundraiser | 13 Jorgensen’s Lane in Brooklet | $20/ kids free
Tim Stokes presents Tunes on Utes on Sunday 8 March. The ‘you beaut’ line-up includes: Dylan Arnot and the Nightcap Shakedown, The Button Collective, Joel Salom and Sofiella and the Handsome Husbands. All proceeds are going to Our Two Hands who are providing direct bushfire relief funds for bushfire victims in the Rappville/Busby Flat area. They’re aiming to raise $5000 throughout the event.
It’s at 13 Jorgensen’s Lane in Brooklet, tix are $20, and kids are free. To book go to dylanarnotmusic.com
Cheynne Murphy
Byron Artisans Market | Railway Park, Byron | Saturday | FREE
Breathing Again is the new single from North Coast Australian folk-rocker Cheynne Murphy, and symbolises a renaissance and breath of creative energy for the award-winning songwriter. ‘This single represents a reboot of sorts. I had a serious car accident last year – hit from behind at 80k – on Father’s Day. It was a near-death experience. While the song is not directly about that, it was a reminder of the fragility of this life, and the song is an affirmation,’ says Cheynne.
You can catch Cheynne playing the new track, with special guests, this Saturday at the Artisan Twilight Markets, Railway Park Byron Bay. More details from www.cheynnemurphy.com
Lennon: Through A Glass Onion with John Waters with Steward D’Arrietta
Byron Theatre, Community Centre | Sunday
Created and performed by renowned Australian actor/musician John Waters and esteemed singer/pianist Stewart D’Arrietta; Lennon – Through a Glass Onion is part concert and part biography, revealing the essence of the life and astonishing talent of one of the most admired icons of the 20th century. It’s a compelling story, and features 31 quintessential hits of Lennon and from his collaborations with McCartney, including: Imagine, Strawberry Fields Forever, Revolution, Woman, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Working Class Hero, and Jealous Guy.
Sunday at the Byron Theatre, byroncentre.com.au
Australian Americana Music Honours
Bluesfest 2020
Bluesfest is proud to announce it will be hosting the annual Australian Americana Music Honours (AAMH), an event where artists come together to collaborate and celebrate Blues, Roots and Americana Music. The event has proudly partnered with, and is relocating to Bluesfest, produced by celebrated Nashville-based Australian music producer Nash Chambers for the Americana Music Association in Nashville.
‘We’re mighty proud to bring this event to Bluesfest, where we get to celebrate the world’s greatest music genre, with the world’s greatest artists, at the world’s greatest music festival. What’s not to love?’ says Nash Chambers.
In the spirit of celebrating musicians all over the globe expect the AAMH to bring their A-game with a selection of some of the finest musicians here at our very own Bluesfest home ground. A collection of selected artists will perform two songs each – one of their own and one in collaboration with another musician from the line-up, with a choice of songs that can be old, new, original or covers providing it is within the context of Americana Music. They will be backed by a great house band on a night that is all about performing great music.
‘I am thrilled to again partner with Nash Chambers to bring the third Australia Americana Honours to Byron Bay. What Peter Noble and his team have built in Bluesfest is a home away from home for Americana artists and music lovers around the world and we are so grateful to be part of this year’s Bluesfest line-up,’ says Jed Hilly, President of the Americana Music Association, Nashville.
Jed Hilly will be in attendance to present awards to the amazing Australian musicians and industry people for their contribution to Blues, Roots and Americana in Australia. Previous recipients were; 2017 Kasey Chambers and Brian Taranto, 2018 Shane Howard and Brian Wise.
Commenting on the announcement, festival director, Peter Noble OAM said ‘Americana music has grown to become a real force in the consolidation of roots music styles. It incorporates Blues, Gospel, Alt Country, Folk, Indigenous, Bluegrass and all the other music styles that have grown out of that. It is the music that I like to hear and in my estimate the people who attend Bluesfest want to see and hear. For that reason we have asked the Americana Music Association to agree for us to present the Australian Americana Music Awards at Bluesfest, and look forward to it becoming an ongoing fixture every Easter.
‘I’m also pleased to see the inclusion of Blues artists into the Americana Awards in Nashville and we intend to push the Aussie Blues artists even harder.
‘There will be further artist announcements as they are added. However, we have kicked off with some of the crème of the Australian Americana.’
Previous artists, when the awards were based in Melbourne, have included; Old Crow Medicine Show (US), Kasey Chambers, Busby Marou, Bernard Fanning, Valerie June (US), Margo Price (US), Catherine Britt, Diesel, Shane Howard, Yirrmal, Little Georgia, Kevin Welch (US), Allan Pigram, Joshua Hedley (US), Jordie Lane and the Sleepers, Ruby Boots, Henry Wagons, Weeping Willows, William Crighton, and Emily Barker.
Hosted by Henry Wagons, appearing at the 2020 Americana Awards Music Awards are: John Butler, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Ash Grunwald, Hussy Hick The Waifs, The War and Treaty. www.bluesfest.com.au
The Essential Collective
Lismore City Hall | Thursday and Friday | 6pm | FREE
Brisbane jazz outfit, The Essential Collective, will be providing the free pre-show entertainment at NORPA’s Courtyard Bar, from 6pm, before Jonathan Biggins’ performances of The Gospel According to Paul on Thursday and Friday. The Essential Collective is a group of young jazz musicians, led by guitarist Luke Stapleton. Luke is based in Brisbane where he is completing his master’s degree in jazz performance at the Queensland Conservatorium. Joining Luke at NORPA’s courtyard bar will be Benjamin Ryan on keys, and Dom Machen on drums. Together they will explore some of their favourites, from the likes of Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, alongside groovy fusion tunes, and a selection of Luke’s originals.
Adam Brown and the Dirty Channel
Lennox Hotel | Friday | 9pm
Adam Brown captivates audiences with his unique vocal style and expressive guitar sounds. Widely hailed as one of Australia’s best Dobro slide guitarists, Brown’s gigs and recordings leave listeners feeling energised and musically sated. Brown has honed his craft at venues across Australia – from festivals to pubs, clubs to private functions. Over the years, he has variously played solo, and been joined on stage by his dynamic band The Dirty Channel. Brown is also surrounded by an impressive calibre of musicians, having supported such luminous acts as Robben Ford, the Black Sorrows, Wendy Matthews, Yothu Yindi and the late Billy Thorpe. Brown has also played alongside Phil Emmanuel, Jake Lardot and wunderkind Joe Robinson. With a depth to his repertoire that demonstrates versatility and an impressive stylistic range, Brown has attracted a strong and loyal following.
Friday, 9pm, Lennox Hotel.
All Women Performers Night
Rous Mill Hall Rous | Friday | 6pm for Dinner
The Rous Mill Hall is having its monthly event this weekend in an amazing night of music with many wonderful female performers including an Indigenous dance group to open, then Sara Tindley as featured artist, as well as Grace Hickley (Grace and Hugh) Shelly Brown, Jodi Law, Verandah Fridays, Honeybees and more.
All monies raised from the night will go towards the Northern United Women’s Rugby League Team. Dinner from 6pm.
Friday, Rous Mill Hall, Rous Unplugged; All-Women Performers’ Night, 7pm.
