United by song

A pair of Australian artists have teamed up to perform a string of regional shows that celebrate their shared love for music and its ability to bring people together.

Justin Brady and Wayne Jury have been collaborating to deliver a dynamic show which harmonises Brady’s multi-instrumental playing on the fiddle, harmonica, mandolin and amplified harmonica with Jury’s soulful songwriting.

Brady, best known for his time with ARIA Award-winning band Things of Stone and Wood, recently lost his house and most of his belongings in the Mallacoota bushfires.

The property – which was built about 25 years ago – was his base for the past six months, having previously lived between there and Melbourne.

Luckily, Brady was able to save most of his harmonicas, a mandolin and a violin so he could embark on the tour he and Jury had planned before devastation struck Mallacoota.

He’ll be sure to share some stories on stage about what it was like to be in the ferocious fires that engulfed much of the area.

Jury’s new six-track CD It’s a New Day, which features Jack Meredith from the Bellarine Peninsula on harmonica and Geelong’s Matiss Schubert on violin and mandolin.

Brady was in line to contribute to the CD but became trapped on the beach at Mallacoota when the recording sessions were taking place.

“It’s a bit sad that Justin couldn’t make the sessions but it’s absolutely nothing compared to the tragic loss of life and property that so many are facing,” Jury said.

“Justin and I just want to get out there and play music together that hopefully helps bring people together and reinforces the importance of community and taking care of each other, not just in times of tragedy.”

Tour dates –
Friday, February 21: Commercial Hotel, Terang $25. 8-10.30pm. Tickets via trybooking.com
Saturday, February 22: The Door Gallery Café, Geelong $25. 7-9.30pm. Tickets via trybooking.com
February 27: Memo Music Hall, St Kilda $25/20. 8-10pm Justin Brady Bushfire Benefit with Wayne Jury, James Black, Greg Arnold, Delsinki, Bobby Valentine, Tracey Miller, Bob Sedergreen, the Shuffle Club and more. Tickets via trybooking.com
February 29: The Blues Train, Queenscliff. 7-11.30pm. Tickets via thebluestrain.com.au
March 4: Pistol Pete’s Geelong: Folk Alliance International Exchange
March 6-8: Port Fairy Folk Festival via portfairyfolkfestival.com.
For more information on the artists, head to justinbradymusic.com or waynejury.com.au.