We thought we’d move the shows for the colder months of June and July to Sunday arvo. Mind you, we’ll still have fires going, great music, food and wine to keep you warm!
Jen Lush with Cat Dog Bird
At the nexus of folk-rock and pop, this band of four let fly their original bittersweet songs laced with yearning and crosshatched with driving rhythm and guitar filled landscapes to hammer on your heart. They will be playing songs from their album Headfirst into the Riddle and a bunch of new tunes.
Cat Dog Bird are a band of music makers from the south of Australia, playing their original folk/rock music and stirring souls with bittersweet lyrics, melodic harmonies and rhythms that will take you on a long sweet ride into their musical landscapes. Jen Lush, Andy Voigt, Cliff Milne and Dave Branton blend guitars and mandolin, ukelele and melodica, drums and cajon, underpinning the rich, emotive vocals and stories embedded in their songs. Cat Dog Bird released their debut album Headfirst into the Riddle in 2014 and have performed over the past five years at a wide range of Adelaide music venues and festivals (Fleurieu Folk Festival and Semaphore Music Festival) including being featured on the 2016 SCALA album and The Semaphore Songs Project 2016. In 2015 their song Jervois Road won the Judith Crossley Songwriters Memorial Award at the Fleurieu Folk Festival. Cat Dog Bird continue to enjoy writing new music and developing their sound with a nod to influences by Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine, Neil Finn, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Cardigans, Fleet Foxes, and Calexico.
“The music itself is a clever mix of hooky melodies, catchy rhythms, disciplined arrangements and some very clever writing. Jen’s song writing is a reflection of her life experiences – and the lyrics very easily make a connection with the audience. She backs up a confident and friendly stage presence with a flexible and smooth vocal style that underscores the entire performance. She sings with the passion of a singer songwriter, but she also understands light and shade and the subtleties of storytelling.”
Dave Greenslade, Wirra Creek Music, 2012
Mike Roberts with Quentin Eyers
Mike Roberts is a storyteller. He tells you the back-story of the song then sings you the real story with the hook to the heart. This singer/songwriter weaves tales about war, good fortune, rural life, love, environment, politics and more. His debut album Travellin’ Shoes has enjoyed airplay around the world and has kept Mike busy with radio interviews and live performances. Mike claims credit for “the most remote album launch ever” for the release of his CD Bands of Steel in the middle of the Nullarbor plain for the centenary of the Trans Australian Railway!
“I think of Australia as home now although this is not where I started out. It’s always interesting to look back on the journey, though. Some days I wonder at how I got from the streets of New York to the back woods of Oregon, to the beaches of South Australia back to the fishing fleet in Kodiak, Alaska and of course eventually settling down with Dianne to raise Quarter Horses, wheat, sheep, puppies and a couple of awesome kids on our farm in SA’s Mid North. I was often playing music in bands or duos but mostly solo in small venues or around the kitchen tables of close friends who wanted to know the stories of the songs I sang. These are songs of two countries, of contrasts and commonalities, of observations and experiences, of joy and regret, of friendship and the good fortune to have been able to lead the life I have.”
Mike will be accompanied by his good friend, record producer, sound engineer and all around great muso Quentin Eyers.
Artist Jim Dunstan
Jim Dunstan is an artist based at Ngapala in South Australia. Jim has been painting for most of his life. His subject matter ranges from realism to surrealism. His work has been exhibited throughout Australia. Many of his pieces have been purchased by private collectors both here and overseas. He most often paints using oil paints on canvas on board. Jim is also a stone mason and his garden walls featuring his hand painted tiles can be found around the state.
Some of his paintings are inspired by music that he enjoys.
Ricca Terra Wines
Our partner for this event is Ricca Terra Farms. Ricca Terra Vintners is 16 years in the making. Ashley & Holly Ratcliff have grown and sold their grapes to some of the greatest winemakers in Australia. Today, Ricca Terra Vintners has established the mantra to blend grape varieties in the vineyard rather than in the winery….and make wines of interest with stories to tell!
Gates open 12:30pm, music at 2:00pm. Great wines from Ricca Terra and some winter warming food will be available for purchase. No BYO food or drink please…..you’ll thank us!
