John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew

We here at The Barn at Wombat Flat are humbled and incredibly grateful to John and boys for locking in this gig with us. What an opportunity to hear ‘a legend’ in an up-close and personal setting in a listening venue such as ours! This is one of those shows you will be telling your friends about for years!

“Some voices are like old friends, familiar at once not broken by time or distance.

Schumann’s voice carries the wind in from the outback. It has grains of red dust and yellow earth, it’s flecked with toil, hardship, humanity and love. It’s as old as the land, with a gnarled weariness, like the weathered bark of a gum, tinged with the light of hope.  

He sings of Australia, of its past and present, its people.

John Schumann, welcome, come in. Sing us your songs. He is here once more with his Vagabond Crew.”                                                            

Warwick McFadyen ‘The Daily Review’

John Schumann is one of the very few songwriters who have changed the way a nation thinks. Known for his leadership of the legendary folk-rock band Redgum, and his Vietnam veterans’ anthem, I Was Only 19, John Schumann’s career spans over 35 years.

He has received almost every award the industry has to offer – some twice over.

In late 2005, after a 15 year sabbatical with his young family, John Schumann returned with Lawson, a highly acclaimed album of songs drawn from the poetic works of Henry Lawson. John’s current band, The Vagabond Crew, named after a line in the Lawson poem, Knocking Around, had its genesis in the recording of the “Lawson” album.

Signed to a new label ABC/Universal Music in 2007, John also released Gelignite Jack – The John Schumann Collection, Behind the Lines and his 2018 album Ghosts and Memories –all recorded with The Vagabond Crew.

Packed venues and standing ovations demonstrate how John Schumann has earned for himself a stellar reputation as an inspirational, intelligent and defiantly Australian performer.

John Schumann and The Vagabond Crew are sought after to play at important and high-profile events here in Australia and overseas. John and has also travelled to East Timor, Afghanistan (twice), the Solomon Islands and Tanzania to entertain the Australian forces deployed there.

Described by rock historian Glenn A. Baker as “One of the finest songwriters this country has produced”, John’s songs have been paid the ultimate compliment by becoming the property of the people and the country they were written about. His lyrics are on reading lists in schools, colleges and universities throughout Australia.

John Schumann still lives in Adelaide. He has upset many people in positions of importance both there and interstate. He claims not to care.

With special guests
Mike Roberts and 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 second CD Bands of Steel in the middle of the Nullarbor plain for the centenary of the Trans Australian Railway! 

Mike and his wife Di are owners of The Barn at Wombat Flat. He only opens a show on rare occasions but couldn’t resist the opportunity to play on a night when there’s likely to be an audience who’d appreciate songs with stories and the old protest singer / songwriters who play them! (Sorry John!!)

Kerryn Hocking

Our artist in residence for this show is wildlife specialist Kerryn Hocking

Animals, drawing and painting have been Kerryn’s lifelong passions.
She began drawing horses, which then led to a deeper interest and respect for all other animals and their inter-relationships. Kerryn believes colour, light, nature, plants and animals can bring so much pleasure if one takes the time to notice.

Her art is directed towards bringing attention to the necessity for protecting all living plants and animals. She admires Nature’s remarkable diversity and hopes to encourage people towards an appreciation, respect, responsibility and understanding of the need to protect all of it in order for man and our planet to survive.

Kerryn is the Secretary of the Pastel Artist’s Society, a co-operative member of the Off the Slate Gallery at Willunga, a member of the Hills Arts Collective, a member of the Painters of the Flinders Ranges and a member of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists.

We have Barossa Street Food, Ricca Terra Wines, BVB beer, soft drinks, hot drinks for you to purchase on the night. NO BYO FOOD OR DRINK PLEASE.

Gates open 5:30pm / Show 7:00pm