BENDIGO AUTUMN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Reveals Line Up For
Opening Night Gala
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The impressive Ulumbarra Theatre, rising from within the walls of Bendigo’s historic former Sandhurst Gaol, will play host to Bendigo Autumn Music (BAM) festival’s Opening Night Gala this April. The special one-night event kicks off the inaugural festival with a selection of short performances, providing a musical taste of the week ahead. Celebrating Australian music legends and offering a chance to discover new must see, up and coming artists, all under the roof of the once Pentonville-style prison and now beautiful 1,000 seated theatre space.
Heading up the line up for the evening is Australian music icon and ARIA Award winner Deborah Conway and long time collaborator Willy Zygier. Having met in 1991, the critically acclaimed pair have together released 10 albums over a 27 year collaboration and we are excited to have them perform at BAM.
One of the special aspects of BAM will be the immersing of musicians from around the country and indeed the world on the picturesque city of Bendigo. Bringing a sonic kaleidoscope to the evening, Melbourne six-piece outfit, Saskwatch, promise ever-changing soundscapes and colourful patterns that neatly evoke elements of neo-psychedelic, indie-pop and soul.
From South Africa the charismatic guitar savant and singer, who the BBC’s Giles Peterson hailed as extraordinary, Sibusile Xaba brings his addictive blend of Zulu folk music, bossa nova, flamenco, desert blues and jazz to the evening. Sibusile will perform each day of the festival and will no doubt be a smash hit!
The opening night also hosts Melbourne artists, Ryan Downey, regarded as a jaw-dropping amalgamation of Leonard Cohen and Bill Callahan by way of some mid-century crooner; and lead singer and songwriter of indie-pop outfit Totally Mild, Elizabeth, who will perform her solo works. As well as esteemed violinist, composer and songwriter Xani and Central Victorian local, and troubadour storyteller, Archer.
Malian guitar legend Moussa Diakite and his exciting five-piece band Wassado have delighted many a festival goer by fusing West African tradition with blues, jazz, Cuban and Afro-rock – a dynamic high energy mix that is mesmerising and sophisticated.
The audience will also be treated to performances by award-winning showman, Mario Queen of the Circus, who has wooed audiences all over the world with his variety show of complex juggling tricks and universal sex appeal executed to the anthems of his favourite supergroup, Queen. And the incredible improvisation, clowning and tableaux from Roundabout Theatre.
The occasion is bound together by MC extraordinaire Brian Nankervis, an acclaimed producer, performer and the beloved co-host of Rockwiz.
BAM’s Opening Night Gala promises a night of frivolous entertainment in a unique and intriguing setting. With tickets to Thursday’s Opening Night Gala at $68 or $30 for youth (13-17 years) and $15 for children aged 12 years and under (Children under 5 are free) the family friendly affair is set to sell out. You can also attend the Opening Night Gala with the Gold Pass full festival 4 day ticket. Tickets on sale now HERE.
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BENDIGO AUTUMN MUSIC FESTIVAL
OPENING NIGHT GALA
THURSDAY APRIL 25
Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier
Saskwatch
Sibusile Xaba
Ryan Downey
Elizabeth (Totally Mild)
Archer
Xani
Moussa Diakite and Wassado
Mario Queen of the Circus
Roundabout Theatre
Brian Nankervis
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Kurt Vile & the Violators(US), Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Mojo Juju
Tex Perkins & the Fat Rubber Band, Vika & Linda Bull, Sibusile Xaba (Sth Afr), Xylouris White
No Mono, Tiny Ruins (NZ), Estére (NZ), RVG, Z-Star Delta (UK),
16 Lovers Lane starring The Go-Between’s Lindy Morrison, Amanda Brown & John Willsteed with Dan Kelly,
Danny Widdicombe & Luke Daniel Peacock, Harry James Angus, Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier, Saskwatch
Katie Noonan’s ‘Elixir’ with Michael Leunig, Van Duren (US), Jeff Lang, Emily Wurramara
Laura Jean, Thando, Jazz Party, Arte Kanela Flamenco,
Lamine Sonko & the African Intelligence (Senegal), Alice Skye, Grand Salvo, Dan Kelly,
Perch Creek, The Seven Ups, Elizabeth, Jess Ribeiro, Freya Josephine Hollick, Fountaineer
Emma Russack, Alexander Biggs, Moussa Diakite & Wassado(Mali), Tek Tek Ensemble, The Maes
Madeline Leman & the Desert Swells, Archer, Cool Out Sun, Demon Days, Merpire, Alma Zygier
Emilee South, Broads, Ryan Downey, Hello Tut Tut, The Twoks, The Dusty Millers
Lucie Thorne w Hamish Stuart, 45 Packin’ Mama, Alwan (Israel/Iraq), Hannah Cameron, Skyscraper Stan,
Coda Chroma, The Sugarcanes, Xani, Cope Street Parade, Low Down Riders, Eliza Hull
The Stetson Family, William Alexander, Black Orchid Stringband ,Mariah McCarthy,
Danny Walsh Banned, Felicity Cripps Band, Grim Fawkner, Alanna & Alicia, Wolf & Willow
The Bean Project, Brekky Boy, Ruby Jones, Anchor & the Butterfly, Steve Lane & The Autocrats
James Kenyon, Way Dynamic, Taylor Project, Four Lions
On The Couch with Brian Nankervis, Asking for Trouble Theatre, Mario Queen of The Circus
Melbourne Indie Voices Sing Sessions, The Amazing Drumming Monkeys
Roundabout Theatre, Workshops, Forums, Masterclasses, Sunday Street Parade, Morning Yoga, Festival Market Place, Stalls & more still to be announced.
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