“I’m so excited to be a part of Bello Winter Music as patron for the second year! One of my favourite festivals in the world, in my favourite town,” said Carty.

Musically is has been another huge year for Jack, fresh from a massive run of UK and Australian album launch shows, award-winning songwriter Jack Carty and former Papa vs.Pretty bassist, Gus Gardiner, will bring their brand-new album HOSPITAL HILL to Bello Winter Music in 2018.

HOSPITAL HILL has been described as a coming together of poetry and playfulness, of vulnerability and cinematicity, via two of Australia’s most exciting young composers, living on opposite sides of the world.

As festival patron, Jack will again have an unmissable presence, performing throughout the four days of music, workshops and street performance that surprises and delights and unites thousands of attendees each winter.

Festival director, Glenn Wright recalls the moment he chose Jack as Festival Patron.

“Jack Carty is a rare artist, more like a painter in some ways than a songwriter. His music is everything it should be but there is more, and there is a sense of depth that comes from an artist rather than technician. 

“It was the second year of the festival and I was starting to think about who would be a fitting choice for the Patron role. I was looking for somebody that represented us, what we were trying to achieve through Bello Winter Music.

“I was in the Diggers Tavern and Jack was across the bar and drinking with some locals. He was laughing and he just screamed out as a local-made good bloke, back on his home turf. We had a beer and chat and I knew he would be the perfect choice for Bello. He’s got Bellingen in his boots, and that's why I like him.”

When asked about Bello Winter Music, Carty reflects, “...having grown up in a small town before moving to the city and diving headlong into a world of independent artists, the two constants in my life so far have been music and community. They coexist in a perpetual cycle, each informing and fostering growth in the other. I can’t think of a better expression of that than Bello Winter Music – a collaboration with, and celebration of, the community I still call home today.”

With another album under his belt, Jack can surely look upon his young career with pride. His album Home State was independently released in Australia in August 2016 and debuted at #36 on the ARIA Albums Chart and #1 on the AIR %100 Independent Album Chart. His talent for melody, wit and a gorgeous turn of phrase won him a much-coveted, biannual APRA Professional Development Award; saw him play Spain’s famous Primavera Sound Festival and tour nationally with Josh Pyke.

Jack Carty will perform on opening night as well as Saturday and Sunday with Gus Gardener and Friday with Satellite Strings.

About Bello Winter Music

Bello Winter Music (12-15 July) is a small, family-friendly event that takes over the streets, cafes and halls of the NSW Mid North Coast town of Bellingen.

Bello Winter Music is the love-child of Spring’s Mullum Music Festival and has sold out each year so book early.

Tickets and camping information are available now at www.bellowintermusic.com