Carnival to hit high notes

THIS year’s Blackwood Wood Chop and Easter Carnival is set to deliver a top-notch program of live music.

The line-up will see a tantalising mix of Americana, Australian-Celtic, and original songs thrown into the melting pot.

One of the headline acts is none other than ARIA Award winner C.W. Stoneking.

It’s difficult to summarise all this genre-spanning artist has to offer, from old-time bluesman, potent storyteller, songwriter, guitarist, and banjo player.

C.W. himself describes his style as “Hokum Blues”, a musical brew influenced by prewar blues, ragtime, vaudevillian novelty tunes, old hillbilly songs, jazz, and calypso.

Another headline act is four-piece band Austral – hot favourites on the folk festival circuit.

Austral are a high-energy, Australian tunes band combining didgeridoo, Irish pipes, high powered fiddling, journeying songs and energetic foot percussion.

Their music is infectiously danceable, and you’ll find it hard to resist the urge to get up and join in with the dance party vibe.

Austral are creating energetic new music from Celtic roots (and branches) to great acclaim at festivals at home and abroad.

Also on the bill is Blackwood’s own Fiona Ross. Fiona will be joined by fellow songstress Christine Kydd, who’ll be visiting from Scotland.

These two award-winning Scots singers will treat carnival-goers to a timeless set of traditional, contemporary and original songs, all delivered in their characteristically earthy manner.

The duo’s appearance at the Blackwood Easter Carnival paves the way for their UK tour in April and May.

And there’s more… evoking the sound of early string bands like Camp Creek Boys and The Skillet Lickers, Greater Glider String Band bring their own feel to old-time music, playing with authenticity and groove.

The recently formed Is the Big Man Within? feature acclaimed musicians Nicola Strating, Gerry Daly and Lachlan Dear. Together they bring you an uplifting mix of Irish / Scottish tunes & songs.

HARDRIVE bring you the masterful timing and hard-driving rhythm of the classic bluegrass sound. Led by dynamic father & son duo – Nick Dear on fiddle and vocals and Lachlan Dear on guitar and vocals – together with Matt Ryan on double bass and Dave Hellens on banjo. Authentic Bluegrass at its finest!

For more information on the music program at the Blackwood Wood Chop and Easter Carnival, contact Fiona Ross at [email protected].

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