Bendigo’s massive Summer in the Parks program continues with the Music in the Park concerts every Friday evening through February. The series of free concerts takes in Strathdale, Eaglehawk and White Hills before wrapping up in Rosalind Park on February 24.
First up, next Friday, February, 3, alt-country Americana outfit Four Lions will be mining their catalogue of Bendigo stories at Crook Street Park. Writing and recording plans in 2017 mean this will be one of the few chances to catch Four Lions before late in the year.
“We’re recording album number three the day after Summer in the Parks for an October release,” said singer-songwriter Shann Lions.
“Our sound is ever-evolving, with this forthcoming album being a more rock affair. Think The Replacements, Husker Dü and maybe elements of early Lemonheads, Ramones or Nirvana.”
Expect to hear favourites like Parallel Lines, Tangled Heart and Never Giving Up on the night. Stephen Briggs joins them on organ and piano.
Four Lions are supported in Strathdale by young American-Australian chanteuse Graciana Holland. Holland – whose diverse influences range from gospel to techno – has been wooing Bendigo audiences for the past 18 months.
Week two sees Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park hosting Animal Time and Grinners. Animal Time are a three-piece “60s/70s-inspired” Bendigo band featuring the distinctive Sean Nudl on vocals and guitar. Grinners have been pumping out classic 70s and 80s rock covers since 2005.
The White Hills Botanic Gardens welcomes Bill Barber and electro acoustic solo soul artist Geoffrey Williams on Friday, February, 17. Originally from London, but now living in Buninyong near Ballarat, Williams has six albums to his credit and has penned tunes for Michael Jackson and Dusty Springfield amongst others. He’s a regular visitor and enjoys the musical vibe in Bendigo. “The people seem to like their music and are prepared to come out and support it. I like that!”
The four-week series of concerts finishes with Jack and The Kids headlining in Rosalind Park. Winners of the 2016 Triple J Unearthed Groovin The Moo competition, Jack And The Kids are set to embark on a Victorian tour this October for their new single ‘Alone’. Triple J Unearthed Groovin The Moo competition,triple j Unearthed Groovin the Moo competition, the Bendigo band “know how to put a widescreen lens over their big indie rock anthems” according to triple j. They’re joined by Knot Music with Aimee Phegan. Knot (aka Ryan Gay) hails from Rushworth. His soulful vocal style and rhythmic acoustic-pop will set toes tapping.
Music in the Park events are free, family-friendly and start at 6.30pm each Friday in February.
