The inaugural Bobby Jack's Festival will come alive at the Walcha Showground on April 21, and the entertainment line up is impressive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A small group of live music enthusiasts are responsible for the event, declaring it a celebration of original arts and music for all ages.
There will be two stages – one for established acts and one for aspiring performers to get out of their garage – to promote original music and performing arts in the New England area.
The main stage line-up will feature Claude Hay, Goldheist, The Jug Addicts, Foundlings, Greg Windred's Racketeers, The Warts, Traces, The Grim Brothers and Caramello Cafe.
Festival-goers will also enjoy performances from Bellydance Earth & Sky and The Dunghutti Dancers.
All performers are from the New England area except Claude Hay. Hailing from the Blue Mountains near Sydney, this award-winning Australian solo artist invokes the best of stomping traditional blues, hard rock and booty-shaking funk, all delivered with slide guitar chops to burn and a vocal range to match.
Claude makes his guitars and says he’ll be playing two on the day. One is named Loretta and is made from a half rotted piece of spotted gum which Claude purchased for 50 bucks two years ago.
“Loretta is one of my favourites, she is a resonator synth guitar with more wires than NASA, and she be pretty,” Claude said.
“The new one I haven't named yet. I’m asking my audience for ideas. We’ll announce the winning name at the end of the tour.”
The ultimate do-it-yourself musician, Claude initially forged his live sound on the back of looping technology which allowed him to create a band vibe without the band. These days he is a popular fixture at music festivals around the world.
“My first gig sucked big time, but the crowd seemed to like it,” he said.
“It was my first gig doing the looping thing at a beach festival in Malaysia. I sung the wrong words, played the wrong loops and got paid a curry for it. But damn, it was a yummy curry, and as they say- 'when you fall down, dust off and get back up again’."
Former Armidale chanteuse Hester Fraser, who performs under the name Goldheist, will play as part of a trio for the Bobby Jack's Festival.
“Mark Spiteri (percussion) and Jessica Wright (violin) performed with me at the Sydney Opera House last year for our album launch in September,” Ms Fraser said.
“Jess is an Armidale local, now living in Sydney and studying at the Conservatorium of Music. Audiences can expect a colourful flower-filled show, with songs which speak to the heart of the community on a range of subjects, beautifully rendered with humour and grace by the Goldheist band.”
Organising committee member Stef Cook says there will be food stalls and creative workshops for both adults and children throughout the event. At dusk, a sculptural bonfire will be lit and a DJ will play after the final act.
“For those wishing to stay over, there are campsites and glamping tents available in the showground, and plenty of accommodation options in Walcha,” she said.
“To kickstart this (hopefully) annual event, we have kept the entry fees extremely low. Prices start at $15 for a concession, and it’s only $10 extra if you want to camp.”
Vanessa Arundale
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
Everyone has a story to tell and I like to help them do it.
