THIS year\u2019s Blackwood Wood Chop and Easter Carnival is set to deliver a top-notch program of live music.<\/p>\n
The line-up will see a tantalising mix of Americana, Australian-Celtic, and original songs thrown into the melting pot.<\/p>\n
One of the headline acts is none other than ARIA Award winner C.W. Stoneking.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s difficult to summarise all this genre-spanning artist has to offer, from old-time bluesman, potent storyteller, songwriter, guitarist, and banjo player.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Another headline act is four-piece band Austral \u2013 hot favourites on the folk festival circuit.<\/p>\n
Austral are a high-energy, Australian tunes band combining didgeridoo, Irish pipes, high powered fiddling, journeying songs and energetic foot percussion.<\/p>\n
Their music is infectiously danceable, and you\u2019ll find it hard to resist the urge to get up and join in with the dance party vibe.<\/p>\n
Austral are creating energetic new music from Celtic roots (and branches) to great acclaim at festivals at home and abroad.<\/p>\n
Also on the bill is Blackwood\u2019s own Fiona Ross. Fiona will be joined by fellow songstress Christine Kydd, who\u2019ll be visiting from Scotland.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The duo\u2019s appearance at the Blackwood Easter Carnival paves the way for their UK tour in April and May.<\/p>\n
And there\u2019s more\u2026 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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!<\/p>\n