21st. BRUNSWICK MUSIC FESTIVAL- 12-22 MARCH 2009

“We’ve got Grammy Award winners, Festival sweethearts, hot Louisiana swing, frailing banjo genius, a Chilean heart throb, Australian legends, special events and more, always more, at the 2009 Brunswick Music Festival,” John McAuslan Festival Director.

The Hot Tickets

A true bluegrass innovator and master of the genre, Grammy Award winner Peter Rowan has played with some of the greats in American bluegrass, folk and country.  His collaborations with artists such as Steve Earle, Jerry Garcia, Peter Tosh, Flaco Jimenez and Bill Monroe have seen him become a Grammy winner and five time nominee, Brunswick is privileged to have Peter for two performances at this year’s Festival.  

Old friends and country music queens The Topp Twins bring their unique style back to Brunswick after too long away.  To coincide with the release of a documentary about their extraordinary career, the Topps will be performing ONE SHOW ONLY at Brunswick as part of a limited tour of Australia.

Direct from Baton Rouge Louisiana the southern stylings of the Red Stick Ramblers come to Brunswick for the first time for two shows.  Their diverse blend of cajun, creole, zydeco, western swing, blues and early jazz brings the true sound of Louisiana to the streets of Brunswick.

The very young Old Man Luedecke is one of the most exciting finds in the Brunswick line up.  A frailing banjo player of astonishing skill, his style evokes the tradition of the solo banjo men accompanied only by foot stomps, the occasional yodel and songs and stories that take the listener to another time through a modern voice.  

Exciting Chilean singer/songwriter Nano Stern on his first full tour of Australia is only 23 years old he has developed a huge following in Chile and in Europe. Although he sings only in Spanish he has an uncanny  ability to convey the feelings of a song have left audiences spellbound across the Continent and in his own country his  latest album has swept the awards.

And then two legendary Australian acts on the one special bill.  Both bona fide legends of the Australian country and rock scene; the unique talents of a true Australian voice, the inimitable Broderick Smith in concert with the Brewster Brothers Trio who will perform a full set at Brunswick for the first time.  

The Ones to Watch

Fireside Bellows, alt/country singer/songwriters who came up with brilliant CD late 2008 on their first outing together; Conundrum, young Melbourne traditional Celtic outfit; Duck Musique with Sally Dastey, those maestros of gypsy swing, not so much new as improved with the addition of the fabulous ex Tiddas Sally out front, Tonchi McIntosh, a favourite at Brunswick with a long way to go; Patrick Davies, all the way down from Fitzroy Crossing to Sydney Road with a big future ahead.

The Special Events

The Moreland City Council presents the Victorian Concert Orchestra in the official opening concert of the Brunswick Music Festival.  The Music for the People concert at the Coburg Town Hall features the 50 strong orchestra conducted by Joannes Roose and soloists Ian Cousins - Baritone, Jane O’Toole – Soprano and Raymond Khong – Tenor.

The Dylan/Cohen/Mitchell songbook concert will bring together three artists performing as a trio for the first time.  Kavisha Mazzella, Phil Manning and Mike Cooper will deliver their favourite tracks from these three revered singer/songwriters.


The late Mick Cameron founding member of the Headbelly Buzzard, will be remembered in a special concert that celebrates his career and features performances of his songs.  Cyndi Boste, Barb Waters, Sarah Carroll, Suzannah Espie, Andy Baylor, Andy Reid, Clint Dylan O’Gradey, Dan Warner, Ian Collard, James Bridges, Jonno Wilson, Ken Maher, Paul de Boe, Sime Nugent are just some of the artists who will perform.

The Party
 
The Sydney Road Street Party is the pre Festival bash that gets everyone in the mood.  A huge line up of bands and artists, street performers, children’s entertainers, fabulous food and a family friendly vibe are all part of this wonderful day that transforms the busy, noisy stretch of Sydney Road into a busier, noisier and much more fun stretch of Sydney Road.


The Details
Saturday 28 February, 2 pm – 4pm
Music for the People concert – Official Opening Event
Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street Coburg

Sunday 1 March, 12 noon – 7 pm
Sydney Road Street Party
Sydney Road, Brunswick, between Union & Victoria streets
6 music stages, community food, craft stalls and street entertainment

12 – 22 March
Thursday - Sunday
Brunswick Music Festival
Various venues
Book online www.brunswickmusicfestival.com.au
General enquiries – 03 9387 3376
Booking office open 2 February 12 midday 03 9388 1460

For full program details www.brunswickmusicfestival.com.au


Media enquiries:  Sabina Reynolds 0409 701 697 sabinareynolds@bigpond.com