Some musical events are not to be missed and Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass festival Inc. have three upcoming gigs that fit tightly into that category.
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The boutique festival has become a go to event on the Mid North Coast and attracts performers from across the globe. A wonderful add on for the little town of Dorrigo and the plateau are the visits from performers from Australia and overseas as they tour at different times of the year. We hope that you can make your way to one if not all of the following concerts.
George Jackson Band, Megan Hall on Saturday April 27
The first of our next line up of gigs is the George Jackson Band (USA) performing at Megan Hall on Saturday 27th April.To help create a unique atmosphere to the evening we ask that you bring a plate to share at 6.00pm. Meet the performers and make new friends before the music starts at 7pm. $20.00 at the door. Cash only please.
George will be playing tunes from his new album Time and Place, an album of original old-time fiddle tunes from George Jackson and a star group of young musicians. NZ born, Nashville based, George is known here for his work with One Up Two Down, The Company, Peter Rowan and Chris Henry. On this whirlwind Oz tour, he'll be joined by Hasee Ciaccio (double bass) from the Molly Tuttle Band, Joe Overton (banjo) from Norah Jane Struthers' band , both from the USA, and George's good friend and long time bandmate Dan Watkins on guitar.
Expect the unexpected with such an amazing lineup. Bookings with Bridget 0428 415 078 / (02) 6657 1224
Manran, Old Gazette Theatre on Wednesday May 1
Next up on Wednesday May 1, performing in the Old Gazette Theatre, we are delighted to present Manran , one of the best known and best loved Scottish bands on the scene today.
With a central ethos built around the band's traditional Celtic roots, fiery tunes from fiddle, accordion, flute, uillean and Highland bagpipes bind powerfully to a rhythm section awash with elements of funk, jazz and rock to create some of the most innovative and uplifting instrumental music around. Coupled with songs in both Gaelic and English their music ranges from the explosive to the poignant.
"Mànran are an exceptionally talented bunch of young guys that are taking the music world by storm with their high energy, stomping tunes and phenomenal gaelic and english songs" - Donald Shaw, Celtic Connections
"A thrilling live act, Mànran are one of Scotland's best traditional outfits and their star is most definitely on the rise. Watch them go." - The Daily Record
Manran perform at the Old Gazette theatre at 7pm on May 1, tickets $30.00.
The Maes, Old Gazette Theatre on Saturday May 18
Our third gig not to be missed features multi-award winning Melbourne contemporary folk outfit, The Maes (formerly The Mae Trio) . The Maes will be performing at the Old Gazette Theatre on May 18.
A new track from sisters Maggie and Elsie Rigby is an exploration of human kindness, respect and trust in others flavoured with defiant optimism, delivered with gorgeous, Australian-accent driven, a cappella harmonies and frailing banjo.
Maggie says, "I wrote this song from a place of anger, I was angry about how I had been treated by someone. When I confronted them about it they told me that I was naive, that it was my inexperience that caused me to expect to be treated better. I thought hard about it and decided that I want to hold on to my naivety if that's what it is. I want to choose to trust and love and expect humans to be kind and generous and brilliant, albeit flawed and struggling along in their own ways. Elsie and our dear friend John Flanagan helped me to finish the song and it turned into a good old cathartic group sing - one of the best ways for humans to exist together!"
The Maes' upcoming self-titled record (set for release May 3) is a return to the sisters' folk music roots. Gentle, intimate and conversational, the album is an unadorned showcase of Maggie and Elsie's superb songwriting as well as honest, relaxed and stunning vocal and instrumental performances.
Born into the arms of the folk music community in Australia, Maggie and Elsie were side of stage at their first folk festival when they were four weeks old and have been absorbing and exploring folk music since that time. Since 2014, The Maes have been full time touring in Australia and overseas, winning over audiences with their striking songwriting, intricate instrumental arrangements and stunning vocal harmonies at some of the worlds largest and most prestigious music festivals such as, the Woodford and Port Fairy Folk Festivals in Australia, The Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals in Canada, Cambridge Folk and Celtic Connections festivals in the UK and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in the USA.
Their last, Nashville-recorded album Take Care Take Cover (2017) won them even more international acclaim including a 5 star review from The Australian and The Age Music Victoria Folk Roots Album of the Year. This highly anticipated new venture as a duo with special guests will re-affirm that The Maes are an exciting Australian act with lots more fabulous folk to offer!
Come and see The Maes along with one of our favourite cellists Monique Clare at the theatre. $30.00 concert at 7.00pm
Bookings for Manran and The Maes available at the door or online at our website www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au
Also through Bridget at 0428 415 078 / 0428 415 078