Upcoming events.
Marc Ryan "The Beautiful Bogan" Comedian
Event recommended for 18+
Adelaide Comedian Marc Ryan, better known as The Beautiful Bogan, has been performing stand up comedy for the past 10 years.
With 4 and 1/2 star reviews from The Adelaide fringe shows he has written, Marc has performed alongside Wil Anderson, Adam Hills, Dave Hughes, Fiona O’Laughlin, and toured New Zealand with American comedian Kevin Tate.
However, over the past 4 years Marc has been a mission to use his lived experience of mental illness (PTSD, Depression and Anxiety). He created his own epic tour The Beautiful Bogan vs The Black Dog which entailed 30 gigs in 30 days, from mining camps to a local church, a boxing gym, a skate ramp and many more crazy locations.
HIs aim is to normalise the conversation around mental health and especially let men know they are not alone in their struggle. In recent times Marc has delivered his message of hope to drought communities on Eyre Peninsula and fire ravaged towns on Kangaroo Island.
Marc is not afraid of get vulnerable and open up about his personal demons if it can help another person feel less alone.
His mission is to change one life at a time.
Ash Grunwald @ the Star Hotel Yackandandah
Australia’s foremost bluesman Ash Grunwald has announced a new National Tour to coincide with the release of his new single - Life Without You, a chilled groove about going the distance in a relationship and having gratitude for your loved ones.
A collaboration with Garett Kato, most well-known for producing Tones & I’s ‘Dance Monkey” and many of Ziggy Alberts most recent releases - this is a track that hits you in the feels.
Ash Grunwald has inspired a generation to hit the road in an old beat-up old van to ‘surf by day jam by night’. Throughout his career, he has supported legends James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among numerous others, and played sold out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America. With six Australian Top-50 albums to his credit, alongside five ARIA and four AIR Award Nominations, two APRA Awards, and gong for Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.
Witness Australia’s most exciting blues act in action at Star Hotel Yackandandah
HIS LATEST SINGLE Life Without You Is Out Feb 2
Aaron Pollock live at the Star
Australias record breaking new talent ‘Aaron Pollock’ has wowed the modern blues and folk world as one of the cleanest and most entertaining singers and guitarists internationally. At only 26 years old, Aaron has ticked all of the ‘folk-poet-troubadour’ boxes, travelling the world as a singer songwriter, becoming a finalist at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2020, as well as receiving both 2021 ‘MV Best Blues Artist’ and 2020 ‘MV Best Blues Album’ nominations. Touring extensively across both the United States and Australia, Aaron has built healthy and dedicated followings of die hard folk and blues fans, who rave about Aaron’s ability to transport them back in time with authenticity and conviction. He plays a fierce guitar, writes a great song, and stands up as one of the finest young entertainers you will have the pleasure to watch in the modern era.
#3 Australian Blues and Roots Album Charts w/Live! At the MBAS House Of Blues (Current Charting)
#9 Australian Blues And Roots Album Charts w/ Troubadour Blues
2021 Music Victoria: Best Blues Act Nominee
2020 Music Victoria: Blues Album Of The Year Nominee
2020 International Blues Challenge Finalist
2019 MBAS Melbourne Blues Challenge Winner
#2 Australian Regional Charts w/ Sweet Home Chicago
#3 Australian Regional Charts w/ Love In Vain
#4 Australian Blues Album Charts w/ The Blues Tapes
#8 Australian Blues Album Charts w /Anxieux
Harmony Byrne + Miluo Moon
Harmony Byrne:
Australian singer/songwriter Harmony Byrne first stunned listeners with her wide-ranging debut, Heavy Doors, produced by Spoons Jim Eno, which saw her explore folk, alt-country, blues, and gospel with a confident yet introspective tone.
2019 saw her play SXSW and a massive national tour with The Teskey Brothers, precluding a period of isolation where Byrne recorded an acoustic E.P in her home studio, entitled The Songs I Sing When No One Is Listening.
Now she’s back in action, playing solo and with her band, with the likes of Amyl & The Sniffers, Alice Skye and C.W Stoneking.
If you’re after a powerful voice that can both devastate with muscular ferocity and affirm with skilled restraint you may want to watch this cracker of a fire Byrne.
Milou Moon:Milou Moon is a Naarm-based psych rock project fronted by French-American artist Emily McGill. It is made up of Em, Sam O’Neil (Sunnyside), George DeSilva, and Jevaan Waldron. Inspired by the classic psych movement of the 60s and 70s, wistful vocal melodies and hypnotic guitar soundscapes form the essence of Milou Moon’s dreamlike approach.
Milou Moon has released several singles on dolphin love records (Matahara, Sean Heathcliff), selling out their debut single launch show, in anticipation of their debut debut EP ‘Trails to Centre’ on March 22.
Spotify
Whiskey Dram at the Star
Whiskey Dram is a hard folk band, with influences ranging from traditional folk, punk, blues and bluegrass, with a penchant for sea shanties and Australian folk songs. The full line-up includes guitar, banjo, double bass, mandolin, fiddle, trumpet, concertina, flute, tin whistle and percussion.
Mitch Grainger Live at the Star
Mitch Grainger
www.mitchgrainger.com
Mitch Grainger is a perfect paradox. A white guy from Australia, who infuses the blues & roots
genre’s traditional styling’s with a confidence, and depth of spirit, that has seen him
compared
to the likes of Robert Johnson* by American music critics.
His sound, built on a talented configuration of vocals, harmonica and guitar, has quietly been
maturing for over 25 years like a fine single malt whiskey while he’s been performing and
re
cording behind the scenes with some of Australia and the world’s greatest artists; such as
Malcolm Young (AC/DC) and Harry Vanda (The Easybeats) to name but two.
When stepping into the light with his 2015 breakout solo acoustic release ‘The Blues’, Mitch
Grainger and his high
-
energy stage show burst onto the blues & roots scene, like a field holler
echoing from the deep dark south through a dusty 50’s tube amplifier.
He packed houses in the US, Australia and Scandinavia, performed at prestigious festivals
, such
as the American Folk Alliance in Kansas City, and earned standing ovations while opening for
Tommy Emmanuel across the North East of the USA.
Then, like the Sasquatch, he disappeared, turned recluse, and spent the next two years focusing
on inventi
ng and patenting a revolutionary new harmonica microphone called Dyna
-
Mic, which
subsequently was used by Bob Dylan.
Now, with a growing global fan base that includes over 120,000 subscribers on various social
media Mitch Grainger is taking his raw emotional form of Blues & Roots music up the
metaphorical Mississippi river, out of the acoustic domain, and into the voltaic with a new
double album entitled ‘Plug It In’
.
--
*“Grainger plays pure acoustic blues with the hear
t and soul of Robert Johnson. His light
-
fingered guitar and mournful
harp perfectly play up Grainger’s modern lyrics and traditional
-
sounding melodies; close your eyes, and you can feel the
heat and smell the dust of Mississippi”
Suzanne Cadgène, Elmore M agazine.
“I’ve watched him search within himself for his true identity as an artist...have a listen to his music...Mitch has come of
age”
Harry Vanda.
--
Dog Trumpet (2 orig members of Mental as Anything) - Star Hotel Yackandandah
Dog Trumpet is spearheaded by brothers Peter O’Doherty and Reg Mombassa, original
members of iconic Aria award winning and Hall of Fame band Mental As Anything.
Featuring Bernie Hayes on Bass and Vocals and Declan O’Doherty on Drums and Vocals.
Dog Trumpet are performing for the first @me @:
The Star Hotel Yackandandah Vic Friday 21st June 2024
to launch there brand new single.
Come along and enjoy a great night of music and entertainment.
They will be dipping into their deep catalogue of original songs and eclec@c covers and
classic Mentals songs.
Lloyd Spiegel Live at the Star Hotel Yackandandah
Melbourne Blues artist Lloyd Spiegel has been touring the globe for 30 of his 40 years. The 14 time Australian Blues Award winner has one of the most interesting stories in music, having grown up on stage learning from, and touring with the founding fathers of modern Blues.
Spiegel is a driving force in modern Blues in this country and one of it’s most respected guitarists, recently being name in Australian Guitar Player Magazine’s list of the 50 greatest aussie guitarists of all time.
The current show features Lisa Baird on Trombone and long-time collaborator Tim Burnham on drums. Combined with Spiegel’s guitar wizardry, powerful and knack for storytelling, this trio with a twist delivers a truly unique entertainment experience that reinvents the blues and dispels the cliches associated with it.
“A revelation, the consummate performer, an Oz Blues & Roots icon.”
- Rolling Stone
“A guitarist almost without peer, Spiegel deconstructs how the blues guitar is supposed to operate, makes sweet love to it, then kicks it out the back door”
- Australian Guitar Player Magazine
“Spiegel is ALL presence, authority, rhythm and drive. He epitomizes control, soul and passion with white hot ferocity and blazing instrumental mastery dangerous enough to spark a destructive inferno.”
- The Age, Melbourne
Daniel Champagne @ The Star
The young virtuoso recently described as “the finest guitar player of this generation” has been selling out shows all over the globe and will be bringing his dynamite live show back home audiences this Spring!
BIOGRAPHY
Growing up in the Bega Valley on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia the story goes that the young singer-songwriter and one of a kind guitar virtuoso first picked up his instrument of choice as a 5-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing wherever he could, honing his craft and developing the dynamic live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he finished school, turned professional and hit the road without looking back.
The following 15 years have seen him independently release 7 studio albums, tour relentlessly around the globe, play some of the biggest festivals under the sun and share stages with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, INXS, John Butler, Lucinda Williams, Ani DiFranco, Judy Collins and Rodrigo y Gabriela.
He has been described as “the finest guitar player of this generation”, “a leading light in acoustic music” and “a performer that must be seen to be believed” and through October and November he will be touring back home in Australia where it all began!
WHAT THE PRESS SAY..
“The word Prodigy seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man’s skills, he coaxes sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws.” The Calgary Herald, CANADA
“Today I saw the future of Folk – Festival goers flocking in the thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper.” The Firefly Column, USA
“Daniel Champagne is a crossroads. Fusing the strong traditions of Blues, Folk and other roots art with pop showmanship and admirable lyrical ability. I firmly believe that he will become an ambassador for roots music in a time where it desperately needs representation.” The Indie Blender, CANADA
“reinventing roots guitar” Rhythms Magazine, AUSTRALIA
“Watching Daniel Champagne perform is a once in a lifetime experience. He is a true prodigy that plays like no one else could possibly play unless they spent at least two lifetimes studying the art.” BW Review, NEW ZEALAND
“Daniel Champagne exudes a natural ease on stage, as he sings poignant lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies that invariably whisk the heart up with grand romanticism. Coupled with an exhilarating guitar talent that transcends mere acoustic playing to replicate a whole band, Champagne is just magical” Themusic.com.au, AUSTRALIA
"You feel as if he just invented the instrument yesterday and was discovering its possibilities afresh” Ted Gioia (American jazz critic and music historian)
Simon Marks
Beginning his career with an invite to perform as part of the West Coast Blues and Roots Festival troubadour singer/songwriter Simon Marks has gone on to perform thousands of shows both domestically and overseas, releasing 5 independent albums and selling over 15,000 copies along the way.
From performing festivals stages to bars, barns, house concerts, art galleries and everything in-between, including even one time aboard a sinking ship, Simon Marks is nothing if not adaptable. He shares with his loyal listeners a show full of honesty and conviction that is a true joy be a part of, and to be experienced at least once in your lifetime.
Rick Hart (Duo)
RICK HART - SHORT BIO
For The Country Record said “Hart is a refreshing counterpart to the plethora of male singers who have gone awry of country tradition. Hart is a perfect antidote to whatever bro-hangover still looms over.”
With a voice that floats with soulful warmth and honesty, Rick Hart’s words and melodies weave through all the dynamics and extremes of human emotions and relationships. A tapestry of melody soaked simplicity and thoughtful imagery.
This multi award winning songwriter (2014 Songwriter of the Year, Australian Songwriters Association awards), seamlessly weaves For The Country Record said “Hart is a refreshing counterpart to the plethora of male singers who have gone awry of country tradition. Hart is a perfect antidote to whatever bro-hangover still looms over.”
With a voice that floats with soulful warmth and honesty, Rick Hart’s words and melodies weave through all the dynamics and extremes of human emotions and relationships. A tapestry of melody soaked simplicity and thoughtful imagery.
This multi award winning songwriter (2014 Songwriter of the Year, Australian Songwriters Association awards), seamlessly weaves country, soul, blues, rock’n’roll and folk to create a soundscape all his own. With influences of the likes of the Rolling Stones, The Band, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Gram Parsons, Tom Petty and Springsteen, shining through.
Australian Country music icon Bill Chambers said, "I've worked with Rick Hart, he's a superb songwriter! Rick's music is a unique combination of roots and country."
After a lengthy hiatus, this Melbourne alt country troubadour will be releasing his long awaited third album ‘In The Midnight Sky Alone’ in early 2024, his most heartfelt and introspective offering to date.
Phil Para - Live at the Star
Blues, rock guitar legend Phil Para has become known as one of Australia's most dynamic guitarists, vocalists and songwriters. Notably holding down a residency at the iconic Espy Hotel in St Kilda playing every Saturday to packed houses for over 25 years. Phil's name became the stuff of legends with touring artists such as Metallica, Eric Burden, Adrian Belew and many more dropping in to see him play. Carlos Santana cited Phil in an interview saying "Phil may even play my songs better than me"
One of Melbourne’s hardest working and best-known musicians playing sold out shows every week, Phil and his powerhouse trio, perform a range of his original rock/ blues/ latin fusion songs alongside classic guitar-oriented covers such as Hendrix, Santana, Clapton, Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughan etc. Phil’s multi-instrumentalist son Denzil Para joins him on drums, guitar, and some vocals and Jason Nehill drives the bottom end on bass. Phil’s powerful presence, passionate renditions and guitar showmanship make for a thrilling performance that mesmerises his audiences and keep them and coming back time and again.
“Phil actually becomes Hendrix when he plays one of Jimi’s songs” …..Eric Burdon
Yackandandah Folk Festival
Yackandandah Folk Festival is a total community event. It has developed a great reputation for providing some of the best overseas and touring acts, as well as assisting in the nurturing of younger performers.
In addition to great music over the weekend, the festival allows all of the other community groups and sporting clubs to participate so that the festival has become a weekend celebration of fun. The aim of the festival is not to be the biggest or the best, but quite simply to provide great music in a friendly relaxed and participative environment. We aim to build friendships and a sense of community and would like all of our friends to return each year. Hope you enjoy your Yackandandah experience.
"Some artists need to be seen to be believed" Hussy Hicks Live at the Star Hotel Yackandandah
Straddling the line between Folk, Blues, Country, Rock and Roots, Hussy Hicks have earned themselves a mighty reputation, growing, from festival openers to festival favourites, seeing the group now appear at the biggest blues and roots festivals in Australia, The USA and across Europe while selling out their own tours across the three continents.
The band led by the duo of Leesa Gentz’ (vocals), Julz Parker (guitar) have spent the last fourteen years touring and forging their place as one the most treasured and celebrated working musical duos, whilst also being equally comfortable performing as a trio or in full band format, having taken home the Gold Coast Artist of the Year and Album of the Year honours. The band have released seven studio albums and played 1000’s of gigs, festivals, carving out a global reputation for their emotive lyricism, energetic live shows and fiery, frenetic instrumentation.
"Some artists need to be seen to be believed, and Hussy Hicks fit that category." - Sarah Howells, Double J
“Hussy Hicks Rock!” – Michael Franti"
A not to be missed act that are ready for the world" - Peter Noble, Bluesfest Director
“These girls epitomise everything I admire about great music - instinct, passion, courage, creativity and a distinct refusal to compromise theirvision" - Kim Cheshire, Country Update Magazine"
Watching Julz Parker play her custom-made acoustic dreadnought is nothing short of breath-taking; a stark reminder of the huge gapbetween simply ‘playing guitar’ and the ability to make an instrument the extension of your musical imagination.”- Sabian Wilde, X Press Magazine
“Probably the best band you’ve never heard of” - Planet London
General Admission (seating available) $25 + booking fee,
or
$30 on the door.
Or come to both events over the weekend - $50 + booking fee for entry to
both Daoiri Farrell on Saturday Night and Hussy Hicks on Sunday
Afternoon.
Authentic Irish folk musician Daoirí Farrell live at the Star Hotel Yackandandah
‘Daoirí Farrell is singlehandedly spearheading a resurgence of the authentic in Irish folk music…he is rightly in demand all over the world.’ Irish Music
It’s commonly accepted that Dublin-born singer and bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell is one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years.
A product of Dublin’s famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his own solo live career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards to ALSR Celtic Music accolades.
He has received endorsements from the likes of Christy Moore (‘Daoirí has assumed the mantle of Luke [Kelly]’), Mark Radcliffe (‘What a voice’) and Dónal Lunny (‘Daoirí is one of the most important traditional singers to emerge in the last decade’), with his music and live performances earning the acclaim of respected publications including MOJO, The Irish Post, Songlines and more.
General Admission (seating available) $35 + booking fee,
or
$40 on the door.
Or come to both events over the weekend - $50 + booking fee for entry to
both Daoiri Farrell on Saturday Night and Hussy Hicks on Sunday
Afternoon.
Luka Bloom - Live at the Star Hotel Yackandandah
Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom is a master of the concert stage.
His incredibly gifted electro-acoustic guitar playing guarantees an impassioned live performance of his original, poetic and melodic songs.
Luka’s concert arsenal includes both tender and dynamic original material and a surprisingly eclectic selection of other people’s work.
Over the years Bloom has brought his inspiring lyrics and sumptuous melodies to clubs, theatres, festivals, bars and arenas all over the world, but he has a special place in his heart for Australian audiences and has earned a devoted following in this country.
CIGAR BOX BLUES + BARBECUE WEEKEND
CIGAR BOX BLUES + BARBECUE WEEKEND ⭐️
FRI FEB 2 - STEVE PLATER
7:30 - 9:30 PM - FREE ENTRY
SAT FEB 3 - 8 BALL AITKEN
DOORS 7 PM - SHOW FROM 7:30 PM - TICKETED
🎟️👉https://bit.ly/8_ball_aitken_feb_3
SUN FEB 4 - ANNA SCIONTI
2 - 5 PM - FREE ENTRY
— — — — — — — — — —
⭐️ 8 BALL AITKEN ⭐️
Swamp-blues-rocker 8 Ball Aitken has toured the world for more than a decade performing across twenty countries to date. He’s earned a loyal fanbase from his live shows and internet videos, while paying his dues as a singer, songwriter, slide-guitarist and producer.
Since relocating to Music City, USA in 2012 from his native Australia, 8 Ball has worked with many of the best in the blues business today. In 2021 8 Ball won second place in the International New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival hosted by blues woman Samantha Fish.
During COVID lockdown 8 Ball self-produced three new albums from his house in Nashville. The musicians on the recording include Buddy Guy’s Grammy Award winning producer Tom Hambridge on drums, George Thorogood and the Destroyers saxophone player Buddy Leach, Sydney soul singer Taya Chani on backing vocals, and his brother Dillion James Aitken on keys. 8 Ball played all of the guitars, bass and harmonica on all of the albums.
The single ‘Ice Cream Man’ hit #1 on the AMRAP Australian Metro Radio charts and the album hit #1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Charts in April 2021. ‘Ice Cream Man’ CDs and vinyl are available now from the store page on www.8ballaitken.com.
Home is where the heart is, 8 Ball Aitken has recently returned to Australia and has been performing at many sold out shows and festivals.
— — — — — — — — — —
⭐️ STEVE PLATER ⭐️
Renown for his wickedly deft slide- guitar playing and expertise across a range of stringed instruments, Steve Plater is recognised as one of Australia's finest multi instrumentalists, performing with his own awesome-sounding Cigar Box guitar creations Salty Dog Cigar Box Guitars and a selection from his electric guitar collection.
Steve has performed on the same billing as BB King, Tony Joe White, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Lil Charlie and the Night Cats, Joe Camilleri, with legend "Chris Finnen" Brett Littlefair, Stringy Bark McDowell, Fiona Boyes and Anna Scionti.
He also supported THE ANGELS and more too numerous to mention! Steve is the founder and director of the successful Great Southern Cigar Box Guitar Festival held in Ballarat for the fourth year 2023!
— — — — — — — — — —
⭐️ ANNA SCIONTI ⭐️
Anna Scionti Music (pronounced Shon-tee) is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and bottleneck slide player who mixes it up on cigar box guitar, resonator, lap steel and six-string guitar.
The music Scionti makes is her own style steeped in blues, roots and rock. While absorbing influences from her favourite inspirational artists, Scionti walks her own creative path. Driving guitars and honey-soaked, gravel-infused vocals draw you deep in to her world of emotionally charged, electrified rhythmic tunes.
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#starhotelyackandandah #twopotbrewingco #craftbeer #yackandandah #exploreyackandandah #americanstylebbq #northeastvictoria #pub #foodyackandandah #diningyackandandah #livemusicyackandandah #livemusic
Dan Webster and Emily Lawler – UK folk/Americana fusion
UK festival favourites Dan and Emily bring to the stage a unique blend of English folk music fused
with country/Americana. An energising combination of distinctive warm and powerful vocals and
guitar interlaced with a dexterous meld of celtic- and country- style fiddling and beautiful harmonies
mesmerises a multi-genre audience.
Dan Webster’s subtle exploration of the human heart resonated with me after each spin of his fine new record... which draws assuredly on folk and country roots from across the Atlantic but remains assertively northern English. RnR ****
Webster proves to be a master story teller and fine entertainer County Music Magazine ****
Dan Webster played an impressive set at Maverick… performing under his name a permanent band… well-honed violin of Emily Lawler and cello of Rachel Brown weaving interesting lines and counter melodies… incorporates folk and bluegrass but also draws on Springsteen… Country Music People Magazine
“THE TIN MAN will make it on to a fair few ‘Best Of’ lists, and deservedly so." Maverick Magazine ****
“Mixing folk, country and even a little rock ‘n’ roll, all delivered with a clear, distinctive voice, some great playing and an immaculate sound, it stopped me in my tracks.” Folk Radio UK
‘There’s a real exuberance to the performance, the audience were soon having a hoe down as the band’s energy became infectious, the crowd were enthralled.’ Kendal Calling review by 3 Songs and Out
Jungle Jim Smith
Armed with a 3-string cigar box guitar, bottleneck slide, Strat knockoff and shed-built foot drums, Jungle Jim Smith is a one-man-electric-boogie-band based in the rolling hills of South Gippsland’s Prom Country. Delivering high energy performances since 2021,
Jungle Jim’s blend of up-tempo garage grooves and stompin’ blues sits somewhere between RL Burnside, early ZZ Top and The Black Keys. Delivered with a grin, Jim’s songs are charged with infectious hooks and a riffage finesse, with vocals that conjure up shades of Elvis and Morrison crooning over primal percussive riffs and rhythms. He seamlessly creates a full band sound that’s been described as a ‘swampy mix of rockabilly grit and hill country blues’, charming a diverse range of music fans wherever he plays.
The debut 7-track EP ‘Electric Boogieland’ has just been released to an enthusiastic response. Jungle Jim has barely paused though, already laying down demos for a follow up album planned for release later this year
Asha Bright
Asha has always sung. From age 11 Asha was singing Jazz at a music Academy in wangaratta, touring throughout Australia performing songs with other young Jazz artists.
By 14 she had formed her first band ‘The Inner Vision’, recording an EP and touring in the UK. This included ‘The Fleece’ in Bristol as part of the Dreamfields creative youth program, gracing the stage where legendary artists like Radiohead and Jeff Buckley performed.
Over the next few years The Inner Vision would play many shows around the North East region of Victoria supporting the likes of Ruby Fields and Baker Boy.
By 2020 Asha decided to focus on her solo project and released her Debut single ‘Burnt Toast and Marmalade’ winning several awards with a 4 star review from Dave Ruby Howe on Triple J Unearthed.
“This one lurches forward like it’s full of white knuckled tension and torment, Asha let’s it all out on this track”. - Dave Ruby Howe
Asha continued to play shows throughout 2020 where she could, whilst balancing music with her schooling and a global pandemic.
In early 2021 Asha was given an incredible opportunity to chat to Coldplay’s Chris Martin for a Webex promo seminar. After inquiring about her music Chris looked up and listened to her latest single ‘Not 4 U’ (released the same day as the seminar) whilst on Webex and was extremely impressed by the young artists talent and what he heard.
“Wow, that’s wonderful” - Chris Martin Coldplay
Since the Webex promo seminar was released publicly things have moved rapidly with Asha interviewed on national breakfast TV programs including, Channel 7’s Sunrise and ABC Mornings and playing live on channel 9’s the ‘Today Show’, where Asha received further accolades.
“Great voice, incredible lyrics...you are such a phenomenal talent” - David Campbell The Today Show
Articles have been written about the interview with Chris Martin globally, spreading Asha’s music around the world.
Her clip on Youtube received 9.3K views in just under a week.
Her most recent achievement was being chosen by Triple J unearthed to support some very well known Australian artists such as Allday and the Chats in the push inc, All ages tour this February and March.
New Years Eve @ Star Hotel Yackandandah - Country, Blues and everything in-between.
🎇 NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 🎇 at the Star! 🌟
SAT 31
6 PM - LATE
FREE ENTRY
⭐️ SURREAL MCCOYS ⭐️
Pete Denahy, Dave Patterson + Jeff Mercer bringing their honky tonkin’, old timey country music to get the good times up + galloping!
⭐️ Julian James ⭐️
Laying down his groove-driven, high energy Americana Hill Country Blues to keep the party freight train chugging along!
⭐️ DJ GARY B. *as seen on YACKWIZ TRIVIA ⭐️
Sending the night spinning with style into the New Year with his collection of retro records to keep you dancing from 9PM - LATE!
YackWIZ
⭐️ $17 TUESDAY PIZZA + YACKWIZ TRIVIA! ⭐️
BOTH are on tonight!
🧠 YACKWIZ TRIVIA ~ 7 - 9PM
🍕 TUESDAY PIZZA ~ ALL $17 EA ~ TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN ~ 4:30 - 8PM
This is a SUPER POPULAR event - don’t miss out on your chance to join in the fun and win some great prizes! 🏆
Bookings required for registration 👇
Online Bookings: https://bit.ly/star_hotel_book_now
Call: (02) 60 271 493
YackWIZ
⭐️ $17 TUESDAY PIZZA + YACKWIZ TRIVIA! ⭐️
BOTH are on tonight!
🧠 YACKWIZ TRIVIA ~ 7 - 9PM
🍕 TUESDAY PIZZA ~ ALL $17 EA ~ TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN ~ 4:30 - 8PM
This is a SUPER POPULAR event - don’t miss out on your chance to join in the fun and win some great prizes! 🏆
Bookings required for registration 👇
Online Bookings: https://bit.ly/star_hotel_book_now
Call: (02) 60 271 493
Todd Cook
Todd's emotive lyrics, earthy tones and raw appeal connect to a wide variety of listeners. His songs float from intricate folk fingerpicking styles to driving rhythms that stir the soul. His stories of Australian landscapes and people are accompanied by mesmerising instrumentation and a depth that constantly engages and entertains.
Todd Cook has five studio releases; 'So Long (2008), 'Hunting Ground' (2010), Brilliant Green (2012) and, The Silent Boat (2018), Salt of the Earth (2022). Drawing inspiration from both the lush green fields of Gippsland, where he grew up, and the rich, remote areas of the Northern Territory and, recently, the ancient streets of Edinburgh. Each song reveals a meeting place for sounds, techniques and lyrics that connect north to south, remote to mainstream, and traditional to contemporary. His music takes the audience on a journey from dark, turbulent songs to lively acoustics of joy and celebration.
Bad Knees
Hailing from Beechworth’s former lunatic asylum, Mayday Hills.. comes the Bad Knees. Led by Sean Curtis (The Pigs, Torpedoes, Mic Conway), the Bad Knees play surf, twangy Rock n’ Roll, Rockabilly and crunchy country.
Joining Sean will be local legends Chris Mangan on Bass and Del Preston on Drums. Expect smiles and good times!
YackWIZ
⭐️ $15 TUESDAY PIZZA + YACKWIZ TRIVIA! ⭐️
BOTH are on tonight!
🧠 YACKWIZ TRIVIA ~ 7 - 9PM
🍕 TUESDAY PIZZA ~ ALL $15 EA ~ TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN ~ 4:30 - 8PM
This is a SUPER POPULAR event - don’t miss out on your chance to join in the fun and win some great prizes! 🏆
Bookings required for registration 👇
Online Bookings: https://bit.ly/star_hotel_book_now
Call: (02) 60 271 493
Emerging Artist Night - Jack Gregory
Jack Gregory is a 13 year old up and coming country music sensation. The country and western singer/songwriter/guitarist and story teller is a farm boy from Staghorn flat. He was given a guitar as a gift from his mother when he was 5 and has made big dreams ever since, including attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival. He ticked that dream off the list this year when he attended. He busked in the famous peel street, played at a couple of venues and strolled the red carpet at the Golden guitar awards with Pete Denahy.
Jack has won many talent quests in the region and won the heats of the busking Championships in Kilmore and Rutherglen 2022 and got 3rd in Cooma at The Australian National Busking Championships. He has been a support act for Danny Phegan, Fanny Lumsden, Joel Havea and won the hearts of many country music artists. Jack has done a lot of busking but has also played at Corryong’s Man From snowy River Festival, Yackandandah folk festival, James & Co Wines, Riverside Vibes, Rutherglen Convent, and Wahgunyah Hall.
Jack recorded and released his first single “Big Fish” at the start of 2022, and says he has many more to come. This will be Jacks first Pub Gig and would love to see everyone there!
The Barleyshakes
The Barleyshakes invite you on a captivating musical journey, weaving together the rich traditions of Ireland and the vibrant spirit of Australia. Performed by internationally acclaimed folk musicians Alan and Kristin Kelly, this talented duo will transport you through time and space with haunting melodies, masterful storytelling and toe-tapping instrumentals.
Kristin Kelly, a master of the Irish fiddle, honed her craft at the Brisbane Conservatorium of Music before travelling the world as a musician. Kristin's virtuosity and musical sensitivity shines through in every note she plays, capturing the essence of Irish music.
Alan Kelly, a Dubliner with a gift for storytelling and a mastery of multiple instruments, is also an award-winning songwriter, his poignant lyrics and melodies touch the hearts of listeners, resonating with themes of emigration, struggle, and resilience. Alan's talent on the bodhran, the traditional Irish drum, has even been showcased on the acclaimed soundtrack of The Lord of the Rings film series.
Together, Alan and Kristin create a harmonious blend of haunting ballads, lively jigs, reels, and polkas, featuring beloved songs such as ‘The Fields of Athenry’, ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Diamantina Drover’, and ‘Whiskey In The Jar’, alongside a carefully curated collection of modern classics and originals. Whether on the grand stages of concert halls or amidst the vibrant energy of festivals, the Barleyshakes leave their audiences uplifted, tapping their feet and joining in the merriment.
Come along and join the Barleyshakes as they traverse the musical landscapes, from the Emerald Isle's storied past to Australia's golden shores. Let their music transport you, their tales captivate you, and their passion for Irish folk music ignite your spirit. Get ready for an extraordinary journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of Celtic music.
YackWIZ
⭐️ $17 TUESDAY PIZZA + YACKWIZ TRIVIA! ⭐️
BOTH are on tonight!
🧠 YACKWIZ TRIVIA ~ 7 - 9PM
🍕 TUESDAY PIZZA ~ ALL $17 EA ~ TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN ~ 4:30 - 8PM
This is a SUPER POPULAR event - don’t miss out on your chance to join in the fun and win some great prizes! 🏆
Bookings required for registration 👇
Online Bookings: https://bit.ly/star_hotel_book_now
Call: (02) 60 271 493
Thirsty Thursday Moonshine Madness - Feat Hillbilly Goats and Julian James and the Moonshine State
Local Powerhouse Backwoods Distillery will be sponsoring the night and will be putting together a Moonshine Cocktail for the eve! Feel free to dress up or not, Let the prohibition descend on Yackandandah for your Thirsty Thursday Moonshine Madness!!
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Julian James has been around Melbourne’s live music scene since before he was allowed to drink in bars. The sound of his band ‘Julian James and The Moonshine State' mixes a love of moonshine-drinking finger picking country with the southern swamp wail of a back porch fiddle. Julian has released four well-received albums to date, and a 2020 Chain award, all of which he’s road tested at some of the countries biggest festivals.
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Australian festival favourites, 2022 Folk band of the Year in the AFMA’s, Golden Fiddle Recipients & 4 time “Bluegrass” Golden Guitar finalists, The Hillbilly Goats, strip back the layers of modern music and transport you on a journey through Roots and Old Time Blues. These guys aren’t just a band – they’re a “show” featuring stories and song combined with tap dancing, bones, big harmonies and regular instrument changes. They’ve won several awards and have released 4 studio albums specialising in Mountain Music.
The musical twist on traditional songs The Hillbilly Goats are renowned for with big harmonies and a heavy presence of hard fiddle and fast harmonica have seen them carving their own niche at major festivals nationwide. “Kick Yer Shoes off, Put Yer Hoe Down & Hang on to Yer Britches!!!”… The Goats are coming to town!
LOVE POLICE PRESENT JENNY DON’T & THE SPURS (USA) & THE PINK STONES (USA) Plus The Bures Band
A divine double header of raucous rock ‘n’ country awaits with Portland, Oregon’s JENNY DON’T AND THE SPURS and the freshly picked Peach State THE PINK STONES from Athens, Georgia.
Since their inception in 2012, JENNY DON’T AND THE SPURS have kept a relentless schedule of recording, playing locally, and touring. After nearly 500 live appearances in almost a dozen countries, and with a slew of albums and singles to their name, JENNY DON’T AND THE SPURS are finally making their way to Australia.
With a decade of live appearances under their tooled-leather Western belts, The Spurs don’t show any sign of slowing down. A force to be reckoned with, the intensity and energy of their live set is a must-see for anyone who enjoys spirited garage-infused country music played with sincerity and raw conviction.
Our new friends THE PINK STONES are also heading our way this October! The lads have just released a terrific new record titled You Know Who which features the likes of Nikki Lane and Teddy and the Rough Riders. It’s so good, that they’re touring Australia for the first time, ready to wow audiences with a new chapter in the annals of Cosmic American Music.
And… introducing THE BURES BAND from way out Western Australia, a fresh folk rock group ready to leap from the Perth stage into our haystack.
This show is a classic moment of country music and the end result is a fresh and exciting tour from three great bands playing excellent songs.
Bret Mosley (USA)
Veteran road warrior Bret Mosley is a singular artist who blends Americana, blues, and soulful folk into a uniquely potent sound that is introspective, raw, and emotional. Mosley's stirring vocals, intricate lap slide guitar work, and stomping groove deliver deeply personal and poetic songwriting that explores the complexities of love, longing, and the human condition. His live performances are cathartic experiences that connect with audiences on an intimate and transcendent level, leaving them feeling balmed and inspired. Mosley has earned a reputation as a must-see act for fans of real, honest music that speaks to the heart.
His new album, "Through the Fire," is a deeply moving journey chronicling his transformative first seven years in Australia, from the depths of abuse and alienation to finding true love. With a powerful message of resilience and triumph over adversity, the album weaves a raw and authentic sound that blends Americana, roots rock, and folk, with a mix of tender ballads and rocking rhythms. From intimate coffeehouses to major festivals, Mosley's music has a universal appeal—relatable and timeless.
Mic Conway featuring the Beez
ARIA award winning Mic ”Microphone” Conway is a singer, musician, songwriter, actor, fire eater, magician, tap dancer, juggler and more. Mic was born into a family of vaudeville performers and singers and has worked across stage, film and television, co-forming the legendary Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Soapbox Circus, Circus Oz, Conway Bros and National Junk Band. and has toured across Australia, Britain, U.S.A., Germany, New Zealand and Asia with his hilarious circus of comedy, music and magic.
Mic has recruited Berlin´s fabulous The Beez as backing band- Deta Rayner on accordion with Rob Rayner on guitar. Formed shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, The Beez have toured extensively throughout Europe, North America and Australia with their own brand of teutonic mayhem.
“The quintessential 1920’s vaudeville and cabaret act… give Mic the creative space to range from magician through jokester to singer, ventriloquist, juggler, fire eater and musician and you have a night with laughs saturated with nostalgia for a time when having fun and being ridiculous were part of a very rich and diverse music scene”.
-Bruce Elder, The Age/Sydney Morning Herald
Lloyd Spiegel Live at the Star Hotel Yackandandah
Melbourne Blues artist Lloyd Spiegel has been touring the globe for 30 of his 40 years.
The 14 time Australian Blues Award winner has one of the most interesting stories in music, having grown up on stage learning from, and touring with the founding fathers of modern Blues.
The current show features the incredibly talented Lisa Baird on Trombone and long-time collaborator Tim Burnham on drums. Combined with Spiegel’s guitar wizardry, powerful vocal performance and knack for storytelling, this trio with a twist delivers a truly unique entertainment experience that reinvents the blues and dispels the cliches
associated with it.
This tour celebrates the release of ‘Bakehouse Dozen’. Recorded live in session with no overdubs at Melbourne’s iconic Bakehouse studios, the album offers reimagined versions of songs from Spiegel’s last 3 multi-award winning recordings and showcases the raw energy and depth of the trio, signalling what’s to come.
“A revelation, the consummate performer, an Oz Blues & Roots icon.”
- Rolling Stone
“A guitarist almost without peer, Spiegel deconstructs how the blues guitar is
supposed to operate, makes sweet love to it, then kicks it out the back door”
- Australian Guitar Player Magazine
“Spiegel is ALL presence, authority, rhythm and drive. He epitomises control,
soul and passion with white hot ferocity and blazing instrumental mastery
dangerous enough to spark a destructive inferno.”
- The Age, Melbourne
Riflebirds
Electrifying, hip-shakin’ rock’n’roll with a psychedelic soul? Welcome aboard y’all! You’re with the high-flying Riflebirds.
The band’s maelstrom of guitars, keyboard and driving beats - performed with passion and energy - has earned Riflebirds a reputation as one of the finest live acts around. They fired up this year's Yackandandah Folk Festival with a blistering set, and are heading back to town for more.
With a new-found swagger and sound, ‘Keep It Together’ is the band’s fourth studio album. Jaw-dropping riffery and infectious melodies abound, ‘Keep It Together’ conveys the type of adrenalin grove displayed in the band’s spirited live performances.
Here’s what the critics are saying: "The band have broken open this new chapter with confidence and catapulted right back into our music-loving hearts with Keep It Together. Riflebirds are a band at the peak of their creative and musical prowess." - Beat.
From Brunswick to Ballarat to Byron Bay, Riflebirds have played at some of the best-known live music venues and festivals in Australia. Don’t miss them at The Star!
YackWIZ
⭐️ $15 TUESDAY PIZZA + YACKWIZ TRIVIA! ⭐️
BOTH are on tonight!
🧠 YACKWIZ TRIVIA ~ 7 - 9PM
🍕 TUESDAY PIZZA ~ ALL $15 EA ~ TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN ~ 4:30 - 8PM
This is a SUPER POPULAR event - don’t miss out on your chance to join in the fun and win some great prizes! 🏆
Bookings required for registration 👇
Online Bookings: https://bit.ly/star_hotel_book_now
Call: (02) 60 271 493
Gretta Ziller - Album Preview - "All These Walls"
Critically acclaimed, classically trained rock, pop and blues-influenced Australian Americana artist Gretta Ziller has accrued two Golden Guitar nominations thus far. Her eclectic sonic palette also draws from the jazz and classical worlds, and while Gretta’s favourite artists and influences –including but not limited to HAIM, Rag’n’Bone Man, Bishop Briggs, Steve Earle and Paul Kelly – filter through her work, she defies comparisonand instead chooses to forge her own musical path.
“Music has always been my joy; creating, especially. I can connect andsing the songs that were a part of my life and then they can become apart of somebody else’s life; I think that’s pretty damn special.” Gretta enthuses.
Most recently as the inaugural recipient of the Country Music Associationof Australia (CMAA) Academy of Music Scholarship, Gretta is headingover to the U.S. this September to play Nashville’s AmericanaFest justafter she releases her 3rd album “All These Walls” August 25th.
YackWIZ
⭐️ $15 TUESDAY PIZZA + YACKWIZ TRIVIA! ⭐️
BOTH are on tonight!
🧠 YACKWIZ TRIVIA ~ 7 - 9PM
🍕 TUESDAY PIZZA ~ ALL $15 EA ~ TAKEAWAY OR DINE IN ~ 4:30 - 8PM
This is a SUPER POPULAR event - don’t miss out on your chance to join in the fun and win some great prizes! 🏆
Bookings required for registration 👇
Online Bookings: https://bit.ly/star_hotel_book_now
Call: (02) 60 271 493
Karise Eden at the Star Hotel Yackandandah
Shooting to fame at the age of 19 with a viral audition video that now has over 40 million views on YouTube, Karise Eden went on to release her debut album which broke sales records and made chart history.
Karise started playing guitar at thirteen years of age, and picked up the double bass at the same time. Her debut album My Journey shot straight to #1 on the national ARIA Chart, was certified double platinum and went on to become the biggest selling album by an Australian artist in 2012. In New Zealand the album debuted at #3 and was certified gold.
Karise made ARIA Chart history in the same year when she took out the top three spots on the singles chart with #1 ‘Stay With Me Baby’, #2 ‘Hallelujah’ and #3 ‘I Was Your Girl’, with single ‘You Won’t Let Me’ at #5. Karise was the first artist to achieve this in Australia since The Beatles held the Top 6 to themselves back in 1964.
In 2014 Karise’s second album Things I’ve Done was released and featured lead singles ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Loneliness’. The album debuted at #5 on the ARIA Chart, achieved gold sales status and was followed up by sold out shows around the country.
Fast forward to 2023 and Karise Eden is a mum of two beautiful kids and has found peace nurturing her young family. Karise is re-starting her career with new music and an incredible new band she is taking on the road in 2023. Her vocal has never been so powerful and she has never been in a better position to share her journey with her audiences.
Karise recently announced her support of organisation ‘MATES in Construction’ to help shine a light on suicide prevention and better mental health. She will help share
the charity's suicide prevention message, so workers don’t feel alone when they’re struggling with life, are experiencing poor mental health and to give hope to those who have lost someone they care about. www.mates.org.au.
LINKS:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dJwWgFktKXVoomwZGmUV8?si=zlFMdwG-SKuXeLSYKSUWaw
https://www.instagram.com/kariseedenmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/KariseEdenMusic
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kariseedenmusic