Touring circuit the fruition of a dream

THREE regional venues, including Cornella’s Shiraz Republic, have joined forces to create a series of live music shows across the Goldfields Region.

Called Beat’n Tracks, the concept launches across the weekend of 18, 19, and 20 October with Kankawa Nagarra, Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta, supported by Archer and Darren Hanlon.

The Beat’n Tracks show is the first of a newly created Regional Touring Circuit, bringing some of the best Australian artists to regional Victoria, and is the result of funding from Live Music Australia, and admiration between the regional venues.

Chantel Leaver, owner of Odessa at Leavers Hotel in Creswick said she was delighted to announce Aboriginal Australian blues, country, and gospel legend Kankawa Nagarra would kick off Beat’n Tracks.

“We are delighted to have Kankawa, a Walmatjarri Elder, teacher, human rights advocate, and environmental activist headline our first shows,” she said.

“She is simply brilliant – funny, warm, and real about the hardships of life and the pillage of her land.

“She will be playing with and supported by two story-telling troubadours in Archer and Darren Hanlon – it’s going to be a really special gig.”

Doug Falconer, Director at Castlemaine’s Shedshaker Brewing, said a regional touring circuit has been a dream for years.

“It’s great to join with Odessa and Shiraz Republic to bring this idea to life, with the help of grant funding we received through Live Music Australia,” he said.

“All three of our venues have a deep commitment to live, original music and coming together means we can bring amazing acts like Kankawa to our small towns.”

Spencer Page, owner of Shiraz Republic, said the three venues complement each other.

“We have the small, intimate setting at Odessa, the larger gig venue at the Taproom then our outdoor space at Shiraz Republic which is a beautiful place to see gigs,” he said.

“This weekend in October is a brilliant start and I am already looking forward to seeing what awesome artists we can bring to our towns over the summer.”

For tickets and more information, see beatntracks.com.au and follow Beat’n Tracks on Facebook and Instagram.