Artists
(Click here to see artist lineups from previous festivals)
The Essential Energy Akoostik Festival in Central Park Wingham, presents a sumptuous feast of visiting artists and fine local talent for the 2011 Festival. Here are some of the artists taking to the stage across the 2 day event… just to whet your appetite!
Richard Clapton
Richard Clapton has been described as one of the most important Australian songwriters of the 1970s. His 40-year musical career has spawned 12 studio albums and his repertoire includes classic songs such as Girls on the Avenue (1975) and I Am An Island (1982). He was made a member of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 1999.
Richard will take the stage on Saturday October 15.
The Last Train
Roots collaborators The Last Train perform original songs that reflect the indie attitude and smoky-folk-meets-country-soul influences that underpin their contemporary sound.
The Train’s musical foundations are built on the partnership forged between key founding members, New Zealand-born folk laureate Andrina Sheahan and drummer/percussionist Greg “Panky” Pankhurst. They are complemented by the versatile stylings of core members, guitarist Kevin “Sureshot” Ballard and bassist Dave Gollan.
Members are drawn from the mountains to the sea that span the beautiful Manning Valley on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.
The Last Train represent the combined talents of several successful Sydney bands from the 1980s, including The Early Kookas, Mona and the Wail and Weeve as well as popular Mid Coast live acts of the past two decades that include The Workshop, Bluesliders, The Hip Pedlars and Peacetrain. The creative conviction The Last Train bring to their own material has garnered a strong support base from music lovers across the Greater Taree, Greater Port Macquarie and Inverell shires with repeat invitations to perform at community celebrations.
The Last Train’s edgy yet mellow sound pays homage to the traditions of folk, blues, swing and country through an alternate voice that epitomises true folk expression. With a unique lyrical sensibility and intuitive musicianship, The Last Train articulate a powerful vulnerability that captures the restless spirit of our times.
James Johnston
Millions of Australians fell in love with James’s energy and natural talent in the 2009 series of Australian Idol where he came in 3rd. Seen as the most diverse performer in the shows history, his fresh looks belied his depth of experience, he has performed to crowds of over 10,000 and sung alongside some of Australia’s biggest names. Now touring the country playing 100’s of venues in the past few years and currently recording his self titled album in Brisbane along with and an up coming tour in America in early 2012. Make sure you check out a show not to be missed.
Sing Boo-larng
Sing Boo-larng are: Telly Bertels, Hugh Cowley, Jessica Cowley-Martin, Sandra Kwa & Tracey McLeod. 
This dynamic group originally came together to perform at a local NAIDOC celebration in the Manning Valley. With a shared love of music and a common interest in the importance of reconciliation, it was decided to give the group a name that was inclusive and would reflect this. The name Sing Boo-larng was chosen. Boo-larng is the word for “together” in the local Aboriginal language (Gathang/Kattang).
Sing Boo-larng offer an eclectic mix of original songs. The group will also cover songs from artists such as Blindman’s Holiday, Archie Roach, Tiddas and Crosby Stills Nash & Young.
Whilst part of the performance will be sung acapella style, acoustic guitar, violin and percussion will be incorporated to deliver a performance loaded with feeling and exceptional harmonies to mesmerise. It is hoped that the meaningful lyrics shared with you during this performance will offer hope, and leave you feeling inspired.
Dave Wilkins
Dave is an Enigma of the Australian Music Industry. He wears many hats and wouldn’t have it any other way. He is a Singer/ Songwriter/ Producer/ Manager.
Dave has shared the stage with a Lennon, jammed with Kris Kristofferson and made ‘Texas’, a Rock ‘n‘ Roll movie/ documentary with Russell Crowe.
Dave recently produced the Wendy Matthews version of the John Williamson track Flower on the Water for John’s gold-selling Greatest Hits double disc.
As a musician Dave Wilkins has played in quite a few bands over his 20-something years in the business. The first band was hard rock workhorses Wrecking Crew, whose late ‘93 release “Fun in the Doghouse” received a 4 star review from UK Metal Magazine bible Kerrang, saying that “Fun in the Doghouse” was one of the best Australian hard rock releases in a decade. The band split up after ten years of constant touring, when the wheels literally fell off their van in an outback town between Adelaide and Sydney.
Next came ‘1927 Unplugged’ as Dave and Eric Weideman toured for 18 months as an acoustic duo playing the songs from multi platinum 1927 albums.
In 1996/97 Dave moved to London to soak up the sounds. On returning to Australia , the songs were written for the album which became his 1999 release, with the band name ‘Utopian Babies.’
Fast forward to August of this year. Dave Wilkins is sitting backstage at the Clarendon Guesthouse in Katoomba just about to open for Wendy Matthews. It’s the first time in years and the nerves become unbearable, but what a rush, and after 4 shows it all felt familiar and great. Four solo acoustic sets is a long way from sold out shows at the House of Blues in Chicago, but for the first time in a very long time it feels right. Who knows “Whatever Gets You Thru” may see the light of day yet. Stay tuned!
Up In Annie’s Room
No music festival would be complete without the irrepressible, joyous and wild music of a Romany inspired band. Enter: Up In Annie’s Room! Based in the humble Manning Valley, this magnificent quintet wrangle 10 instruments amongst them as they flamboyantly present their own material and music from far flung locations and centuries past, with a huge serving of larger than life chutzpah.
The members of Up In Annie’s Room have been playing together for over a decade and the individual members bring musical experience ranging from classical through 70’s Darlinghurst punk, Croatian, Serbian & Transylvanian Folk, traditional and eclectic Jazz, Parisian musette, Alt country and film soundscape to good old fashioned Gypsy Swing: their speciality.
Up In Annie’s Room were guests at the inaugural Akoostic Festival and have been back by popular demand ever since. As legend has it, the ground upon which they laid their instruments during the first ever Akoostic festival still bears their mark, and they return each year to rest on that hallowed ground and carve it up for lovers of fine musical fare.
Renowned and loved all along the East Coast of Australia, Up In Annie’s Room is a treat not to be missed. Catch these fine musos and wonderful entertainers at the 2011 Akoostic Festival, and find out why they “have ways of making you feel good”.
Plan your seating position now. Be prepared to leave your seat and dance with abandon. Up In Annie’s Room look forward to your company!
Hydrafonics
In 2009 Hydrafonics won the Mid North Coast battle of the bands. Comments from judges included “experimental and entertaining and ….know how to put on a show”.
The trio have headlined festivals including The Old Bar Beach Festival 2010, Wingham Akoostik Festival 2008, 2009 and 2010, Commotion by The Ocean in 2010. They have shared the stage with blues and roots artist Ash Grunwald, and landed a support act slot with The Beautiful Girls.
In 2009 the band performed with Australian surf music Legend Dan Rumor (Cruel sea) and his band The Drift, and in 2010 with Phil Jamieson (Frontman of Grinspoon). Support acts for James Johnston (Top 3 Australian Idol 2010).
Hydrafonics’ repertoire includes 30 covers and many original songs. The trio share the same passion for writing material as they do for performing. Hydrafonics have released two EPs. Brothers Jack and Mark form a strong musical bond, an outcome of them performing together since early primary school days.
Their live show brings a mix of catchy groovy originals and classics that inspire the band and the crowd. A Hydrafonics show will spark interest from the very first note, and by the end of the show people are asking “What was that band called?”…… Hydrafonics!
Band influences are: Wolfmother, Kings of Leon, Pink Floyd, Temper Trap, Tame Impala and Angus and Julia Stone, Silverchair and many more.
The band is:
Mark Bailey; Vox/Bass/Keys
Andrew Ballard; Drums
Jack Bailey; Guitar/vox
Sofiella Watt
Sofiella Watt is a 20 year old singer/songwriter, self taught guitarist and pianist, waitress, vagrant, hedonist.
Hailing from the wilderness of the Manning Valley, she moved on to develop her jazz and blues infused folk music around local Newcastle music venues. After playing at last years Peats Ridge and Wingham Akoostik festivals, she then embarked upon a backpacking tour of Europe, and has recently returned with songs and stories aplenty.
Her freshly cooked EP, launched at last year’s Akoostik fest, is the most recent product of singer/song-writing skills that have been evolving since she was a very tiny human. Collaborating briefly with other like-minded vagrants Lara Amos and Michael Brown, her raw and quirky solo sound has grown into something a little bit bigger, a little bit different. With vocals which stretch between gravel and something soft enough to sleep in, her lyrics give you a raw view into the insights of the highschool drop out and bedroom philosopher.
Sofiella grew up getting inspiration from old jazz and blues greats like Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding; also being shaped along the way by contemporary artists such as Regina Spektor, Ani Difranco, Laura Marling and Fiona Apple.
Her intimate onstage manner and slightly offbeat ease lead you to believe that you are not just an unknown audience member, but an old friend listening to a story-with-a-melody over a beer.
Inside Outlaw
GENRE: Alternative / Rock
Inside Outlaw is a rock outfit that is all about writing ‘real music’ for ‘real people’. Songs for the everyday person, that inspire hope and resilience in these strange times. There is something honest and sincere in both their song writing and live performance, balancing a style that is both melodic and memorable, while still managing to have something valuable to say. This honest and sincere approach to writing is reflected in their engaging live performance, radiating both energy and passion.
Borgs and Reidy are the primary songwriters in the group Inside Outlaw and will be showcasing unplugged versions of their own material. The duo features the raw, real vocal delivery of Ronny Lindsay and the tasty, melodic guitar playing of James Reid, both of whom are graduates of the music faculty at Southern Cross Uni.
Add into the mix a loop pedal, and djembe and you have an ensemble with the ability to produce a range of dynamics from the easy listening and thought provoking to foot stomping.
Sara Tindley
‘Time’ is the aptly named and long awaited 3rd album from one of Australia’s best country-roots songwriters Sara Tindley. In 2007 her critically acclaimed album ‘Lucky the Sun’ (produced by Bill Chambers) introduced us to her honest, funny, tender songs and warm, emotive voice. Garnering comparisons to Gillian Welch, Lucinda Williams & Kasey Chambers, the album left fans from across the musical spectrum hankering for more. But things like motherhood, deaths and finding a quiet space to write have a way of taking up time.
The result is a beautiful, unpretentious album that delicately holds Sara Tindley’s brilliant songwriting and plaintive voice in its embrace. Opening track ‘Golden’ is the kind of song Stevie Nicks or Carole King would be glad to call their own. Title track ‘Time’ (a co-write with Karma County drummer Stu Eadie) shimmers with just the right balance of wistful longing and joy while ‘Country Girl’ is a superb country gem about walking away from farms turning to dust. Later ‘Little Birds’ (written for a close friend’s dying mother) and ‘Slow Dance’ are two simple yet incredibly tender songs of love.
The album illustrates Sara Tindley’s easy gift for combining the emotional honesty and story telling of country music with the unadorned melodies and musicality of Australian roots and folk music. She dances with both and is married to neither. These are modern songs with a country lilt. Like the woman herself, the songs speak directly – they’re vulnerable and strong, full of sharp observations and gentle acceptance. After listening to Sara Tindley’s new album ‘Time’ you definitely give a ‘rats arse’ about what she has to say – she has a way of speaking to us all.
Floyd Vincent
From the age of ten when he first picked up the classical guitar through to his first professional band at the age of fourteen Floyd has been totally immersed in the world of music and performance. For the past 21 years he has largely by-passed musical trends and fads preferring to follow his own muse and lead one of Australia’s most unique and enduring bands as they record and tour both here and overseas.
Floyd’s career was kicked along in December 1988 after winning the JJJ/ Sony sponsored Australian Music Video Festival Award for the best music video. He immediately went traveling overseas in search of inspiration and contacts. A pilgrimage to the birthplace of Salvador Dali, a long standing love of Spanish culture and an early start in classical music led him to Europe and the exotic rhythms of the flamenco guitarists.
He has now performed 5 international tours (4 band-1 solo) of up to 3 months predominantly on the European festival circuit and covering the territories of Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium Holland, and Spain.
He is also one of the few Australian artists who has toured and released an album in Eastern Europe performing in Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Tracey Campbell Trio
Tracey Campbell Trio is a group not to be overlooked if you want to be entertained, uplifted and taken on a musical journey to make you dance from the inside out. Tracey’s compositions are vibrant works with a latin jazz fusion feel that ooze style. Her voice weaves through the virtuosic piano parts she plays effortlessly. Joined by her husband, drummer Phillip and Warren McAlister on bass guitar the trio really ‘rocks’! Phillip has a bio too long to mention, however his playing speaks for itself, he always leaves you wanting more and hanging on every drum solo. Highlights from this drummers’ extensive career include albums with Jackie Orszacksy, Tommy Emmanuel, 1927 and Electric Pandas. Warren has been immersed in the Australian music scene throughout his career both as a player and as music technology guru. Passionate about groove, feel, tempo and electronics he continues to create tools for the contemporary musician – changing the way we work with modern recording systems. A recent escape from the city to the beautiful Blue Mountains provided the opportunity to reconnect with long time mates Phil and Tracy Campbell – a great musical opening - to dig in, go deep pocket – and have some fun ! So why not join in the fun with the Tracey Campbell Trio.
Blake Noble
The next big name in the acoustic guitar world lives in a tent. This is not a joke. Blake Noble decided that in order to further his music career, and make it to the next level, he needed to quit his day job, sell all of his belongings, and move into a tent in the robust music town of Byron Bay, Australia.
In just two years, Blake has developed a massive cult fan base around the world. From his tent in Byron Bay, he met the other half of what would soon to be known as the popular percussive acoustic duo ‘The Codebreakers,’ who went busking from Brisbane to Melbourne, and ended up on tour in New Zealand. While in New Zealand, they were hand-picked by well-known composer John Psathas (Athens Olympics Opening Ceremony, and System of a Down singer Serj Tankian’s Solo album) to play on the soundtrack of Kiwi film ‘Good For Nothing’ at Peter Jackson’s WETA studios.
Unfortunately the duo split after the other half was deported back to South Africa. It was a premature ending to a rising band, but Blake had to push forward. Thus, this marked the beginning of his solo career.
Using some of the best guitarists from around the world as inspiration, such as Tommy Emmanuel, Andy Mckee, Erik Mongrain, Michael Hedges, Tom Morello, and Rodrigo y Gabriella, Blake continued to develop his unique percussive style. It wasn’t long before he was getting attention both online, and at live shows. Blake’s stunning songwriting skills, blended with his amazing natural talent for guitar (he has never had a lesson), have already taken him far; and that is just the beginning.
2011 began with a huge bang, and the release of Blake’s first solo album aptly entitled Music for the End of the World, which was recorded in a bedroom in Melbourne by ‘Ollie MC’. Since its release in March 2011, the album has been selling fast all over the world. This all led up to the highlight of Blake Noble’s career to date. In April 2011, Blake entered the Bluesfest Busking Competition. He comfortably made it to the finals, being chosen as one of seven finalists (out of 54), and walked away with the People’s Choice Award. This won him the honour of playing at one of Australia’s biggest festivals, with performances by some of the biggest and the best names in the music world, including Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Rodrigo y Gabriella, Xavier Rudd, Ben Harper and plenty more.
For a man who continues to live in a tent, Blake Noble has made some impressive leaps into the music industry. After two years, Blake is finally leaving Byron Bay (and his beloved tent) and relocating permanently to one of America’s major music hubs – Seattle. It seems it is only a matter of time before Blake Noble is dubbed the next big thing in the acoustic guitar world.
Slickville Pickers
Bluegrass & Folk
With a passion for bluegrass, and from diverse musical backgrounds, the Slickville Pickers spend many hours jamming amongst train sets, motorbikes, kids and dogs in some of the most beautiful valleys on NSW’s lower Mid North Coast. Strong harmonies and many instrumentals featuring banjo, guitar, mandolin and dobro keep the music fresh and entertaining. Playing a mix of traditional, contemporary and originals, this engaging music has developed a life of its own that’s seen us performing at festivals, country shows, pubs, cafés & parties. With a pleasure that comes for creating music of choice with people you like, the Slickville Pickers look forward to recording more originals and finishing their first CD.
Purple Sheep
Purple Sheep are a local and enthusiastic band of sullen teens playing indie pop tunes. PS comprises twin brothers Nick and Llew Horgan and David Cowley Jr, as well as the stunning Mariah Gardner and Rachael Archinal. Bands they reckon they are influenced by are: Grizzly Bear, Radiohead, Florence and the Machine, The Beatles, Opeth and a lot of other stuff. Mostly Purple Sheep are just about having a rawkin’ time, and shall do their best to entertain you with their warm and fuzzy songs about the “human experience”. Thanks for reading!
Jazz Plus
‘Jazz Plus’……our repertoire is centred upon the ‘Swing Era’, which covered (roughly) the period of 1915 until around 1940, some would say a little later.
The important songwriters during this period include Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, The Gershwin Brothers, Benny Goodman, Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer. Thomas ‘Fats’ Waller, to name just a few of the better known writers.
We will perform songs from that period, and hope that this selection will be well received by the audience of the day.
Gloucester High Connection
The Gloucester High Connection consists of Tiana Snowdon, James and Alex Bratfield and Pat Cavanagh. Tiana is a talented Year 9 student who has performed at local events and participated in the NSW Public Schools’ Talent Identification Program this year. Alex and James are brothers who have collaborated many times over the years. Alex was also a featured artist in this year’s Starstruck performances. Pat Cavanagh is the Principal of Gloucester High School, having taught at Wingham High for 13 years. All have a passion for performance and composition, and are looking forward to sharing their work with you.
Peggy Van Zalm
Jay Davis Trio
Forming in late 2009, The Jay Davis Trio have begun to make a name for themselves as a group of talented musicians with a versatile live show. 
Featuring Jay Davis on vocals and lead guitar, Benn Saunders (Zebyah) on bass and Mick “tub thumper” Eyb on the drums. All hailing from the Manning Great Lakes, the boys play regular gigs across the region and beyond including local festivals such as Saltwater Freshwater Festival.
Taking inspiration from all eras and incarnations of blues and funk, the trio has developed a unique sound best described as ‘Peter Gabriel meets John Butler’. Always keen to play gigs, no matter how big or small they may be, the boys also play in other bands such as Zebyah and Mumford Disben.
Taree Ukulele Big Band
The Taree Ukulele Big Band (TUBB) is a group operating through the Conservatorium Mid North Coast. Members get together to share their love for this tiny instrument with the big personality. TUBB will perform songs from different eras and genres to demonstrate the fun and versatility packed into these perfectly sized musical anomalies. Guaranteed to put a smile on many faces!
