Singer-songwriter Abbie Cardwell takes up a residency of sorts in Bendigo this weekend. The popular performer’s unique mix of banjo, guitar, ukulele and harmonica can be experienced in four very different settings tonight and tomorrow.
Drawing on influences ranging from Americana to alt-country to Mariachi, Bendigonians can see Abbie Cardwell live at Summer in the Parks in the Botanic Gardens, White Hills from 6pm tonight or later this evening in the intimate surrounds of the Gold Dust Lounge in Williamson Street supported by Bendigo stalwarts Alawishus Jones & The Outright Lies. The Botanic Gardens concert also sees a very welcome visit to Bendigo by Collard Greens & Gravy who will be showcasing their brand of haunting country blues.
Tomorrow, Abbie Cardwell plays on the Blues Tram at 2pm and then at the Old Church on the Hill in Quarry Hill from 7pm with support from CASS and Grim Fawkner – both very familiar faces on the Bendigo music scene. Grim Fawkner’s set will likely include favourites such as the somewhat disturbingly titled My Baby Lives Inside a Cage, and What Have I Done?
The Old Church on the Hill is perhaps one of Bendigo’s lesser-known music venues but the acoustics in this old building help in the delivery of a crisp, clear sound that’s probably unmatched locally at the moment. This show is 2016’s first Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival’s Singer-Songwriter Showcase event. Festival Director Colin Thompson is clearly excited at getting things rolling so early in the year at The Old Church on the Hill, “audience and artists connect in a way that’s not usually possible in a pub. It’s a great vibe.”
Saturday night also sees the very familiar face and driving sound of Bill Barber at his home-from-home, Club Rouge, showcasing tracks from his forthcoming debut album.
For those listening out for something at the harder end of the scale this weekend MusicMan is hosting the three day Music Slam Festival, Friday through to Sunday. Twenty-seven bands will take the stage over the weekend. Ivory Knives – a funk-influenced White Stripes-esque duo and punks Filthy Hacks will wrap up a raucous Friday night. Saturday’s highlights include Frankie Bell and the Flying Fishfingers delivering a bit of old style rock n roll, Kerr’s Cur, Vulture Culture and The Annie Crooners. Sunday’s heavyweight line-up includes Callous, The Nuremburg Code, Dirge and Stone Djoser. Please note the different door times each day: Friday 6.30pm, Saturday 2pm and Sunday 3pm.
Live music – it really is much more fun than your lounge room.
