John John Festival is fast becoming the most popular Irish / Celtic band in Japan – and they’re coming to Bendigo, courtesy of The Old Church on the Hill and Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival’s volunteer crew. With rhythm, melody and emotion in a genuine groove their mutual ease and “The music makes the audience and players both happy” is their musical mind set.
John John Festival – Three piece Japanese Celtic music band, featuring Mana Okubo: Fiddle, Vocal; Hirofumi Nakamura: Guitar, Vocal; and Toshi: Bodhran, Tajibourine-light, Vocal.
Their story began January 2010 and in the short time since they have released 4 albums, joined 3 other musicians’ albums, performed at many Japanese music Festivals, and featured prominently at a number of international festivals, such as: Illawarra folk festival (Australia 2014); Celtic Colours(Canada 2016); Woodford Folk Festival (Australia 2017-2018); Cygnet Folk Festival (Australia 2018); Newstead Live (Australia 2018). They’ve made an army of fans wherever they’ve performed and you will discover how and why on Sunday 7 April at The Old Church on the Hill.
For their Bendigo debut they’ll be ably supported by an opening set from Urban Creatures, a trio that is well known to BB&RMF audiences. Damien, Sile and Colin mix Celtic and American Folk with jazz, soul, blues and original compositions to delight punters of all ages and all persuasions.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm start and the door charge is only $15. Don’t be late!
The Old Church on the Hill is located on the corner of Harkness and Russell Streets, Quarry Hill, Bendigo.
The Singer/Songwriter Showcase events, staged at the Old Church by the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival crew on a semi-regular basis, are an opportunity to enjoy a House Concert vibe in a public venue. The door charge is generally $15 per head, under 12s free and, although drinks are available for sale, the focus is on THE MUSIC. If your conversation is more important to you than other people’s enjoyment of the artists’ performance, please take it outside.
Proceeds from drink sales go to supporting the Old Church crew and their many worthy initiatives.
We look forward to your company for an intimate concert experience like you’ve likely never experienced before.