CATEGORY

Music

Band hits high notes

The band Palinola has officially released its debut EP Static Divide, marking a major milestone for the talented trio with strong roots in the Darling Downs. Band members: (left) Ambrose Barton on bass, (front) Patrick Back singer-guitarist and (right) Brady Wilson on drums.

Lismore Theatre Co (LTC) – In the Hall of the Mountain King

The name: The Hall of the Mountain King may not be familiar to everyone, but there would be few who don’t recognise Greig’s music - one of the most famous classical ‘riffs’ ever written. LTC are bringing to the stage a world premiere of award-winning writer Henri Rennie’s funny, fanciful spin on a Scandinavian classic.

Gathering plenty of piping good enthusiasm in Maclean

Maclean celebrated its 120th Highland Gathering in style across two massive days of events on the Easter Long Weekend ... Over 130 competitors travelled from as far as Perth, Melbourne, and Townsville to compete in the 33 solo events on the program.

‘There to Lend a Hand’ – Josh Arnold pens powerful anthem to celebrate Rural Aid’s 10-year milestone

Golden Guitar-winning singer-songwriter Josh Arnold has released a moving new song, There to Lend a Hand, in celebration of Rural Aid’s 10-year anniversary.

From Tibet to Tamborine Mountain, singer-songwriter’s musical journey 

Tibetan-Australian singer-songwriter Tenzin Choegyal is inviting music lovers to join his cultural journey in a one-night-only performance in the Scenic Rim. His Whispering Sky concert at the Vonda Youngman Community Centre ... 16 May, will showcase his extraordinary vocal ability and mastery of traditional instruments such as the lingbu (bamboo flute) and dranyen (three-stringed lute).

Music, trucks, fish, beef – Six big events coming to Richmond Valley

The busy time for events in Richmond Valley is May–August. Mark these events in your calendar because you won’t want to miss them.

Denmark’s Brave New Works set to continue its long run

One of Australia's oldest festivals, Brave New Works, is 31 years old and will run from April 3-6. Beginning in the late 80s, Denmark Arts has presented the event every year since.

Leading the stray back into the game

Lorraine Dutton aka Lawless is a Barkandji woman, born in Broken Hill, raised in Bourke with a deep connection to Wilcannia. Back in 2017, Lorraine teamed up with Desert Pea Media (DPM) ... Lorraine has continued her work with DPM and is now being paid to improve her skills as a singer/ songwriter.

Guerilla piano in Maldon for Castlemaine Fringe

An underground piano movement is putting donated upright pianos in prominent locations around the shire as part of Castlemaine Fringe Festival, which runs from Friday 21 March until Sunday 6 April. One of the pianos will be plonked at Maldon Bakery and available to be played by the public or in pop-up concerts by ‘Pianists at Large’.

Mali Heart Street Art Festival shines again in Cumming Avenue

For the fourth time, the annual Mali Heart Street Art Festival returned to Birchip on Saturday, bringing together locals and visitors alike for a day of shopping, hospitality, and reconnecting with family and friends along the bustling Main Street.

Home Ground Sounds

The Cohuna Kangas hosted the inaugural Cohuna Home Ground Sounds music festival at Cohuna Recreation Reserve on Sunday and it was a big success ... Special guest artist, Shannon Noll, was a surprise bonus for the festival goers as he performed with his Australian Idol compatriot Rob Mills.

Campers everywhere – except at festival site

They came from all Australian states, and even from overseas. Their destination was the annual Esoteric Music Festival site, north of the Donald township. Sadly, though the weather was ideal, their journey was cut short by several kilometres, when the popular event was cancelled early on its first day, Thursday last.

Festival forges ahead

The decision to issue a planning permit to this year’s Esoteric Festival was made conditionally at Buloke Shire Council’s ordinary meeting held on Monday night in Wycheproof. The Council had announced its decision to deny a ten-year planning permit late last week following health and safety concerns, as well as emergency services regulations.

Festival application refusal

The Buloke Shire Council has advised the organisers of the 2025 Esoteric Music Festival to cancel the event due to Council officers recommending the refusal of a planning permit based on significant health and safety concerns. With the Festival’s previous five-year planning permit expiring after the event last year, an application for a new ten-year permit was submitted in September 2024, with approval required to enable this year’s event to be held in Donald from 6 to 11 March 2025.

After eight years, opera returns to Art Deco civic hall

It’s been a long time coming – the last time there was opera at the Casino Civic Hall was in 2017. The upgraded civic hall will again host a night of country music and opera in May.

Uncle Vic Simms

As mentioned on page one, Leroy Johnson and the Waterbag band played the Culture on Country Survival Day concert last January. The original plan had Leroy and band opening the stage for Uncle Vic Simms. Uncle Vic wasn’t feeling so good so he swapped the playing order.

Quietly achieving

Community might know that local man, Kyle Whyman is the bass player for The Black Shadows, but did you know he is also the bass player for Leroy Johnson and Waterbag band.

Western Riverina welcomes Flamenco for Everybody

Doscover the toe-tapping energy of Flamenco when award-winning dancer Annalouise Paul and some of Australia’s finest musicians bring Flamenco for Everybody to Regional NSW. This red-hot, live performance features poetry, percussion, Flamenco guitar, contemporary and flamenco dance and storytelling … that comes to Western Riverina from March 3-14 and Outback NSW from April 1-12.

Home Ground Sounds

Cohuna is hosting a one day music festival, Home Ground Sounds, on Sunday March 9 at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve with gates opening at 2pm ... The event is a unique opportunity to experience world class musical performances and help support the local community as the night will raise funds for the Cohuna Kangas Football Netball Club, Cohuna Show, Cohuna Athletics and Nondies Cricket.

Musicophilia with Jessica Lowe: Bellringing

Jessica Lowe. Bellringing, also known as campanology, is a unique form of music. I always enjoyed hearing the bells ringing from St Andrews Anglican Cathedral when I lived in Lismore ...

Troy Cassar-Daley takes home five Golden Guitars

The 2025 Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) were held in Tamworth on January 25, with Clarence Valley country music star and proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man Troy Cassar-Daley one of the most celebrated artists on the night. Cassar-Daley won five Golden Guitars, bringing his total to a record 45.

Farewell concert “Text Me Back”

One of the Clarence Valley’s most promising musical talents, Sumira Mahoney will say farewell to the region with a special concert including family and friends titled ‘Text Me Back’ at the Harwood Hall on January 31, before she leaves to study musical theatre in Sydney.

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