Musicians Our line up for and 30th March 2019 will focus on supporting the many new and emerging talents to be found in the New England. Under the banner of New England Unearthed, we are working on a great line up of music to entertain you, live at Hampden Park.
Milly Washbrook
Amelia is a passionate musician influenced by some of the big voices in country music such as Shania Twain and Carrie Underwood. Amelia has spent some time writing original music and was discovered by Bill Chambers who has co-written several songs with Amelia. f : charlie fittler music
Rack n Ruin
Rack‘n’Ruin was formed by Steve Harris (Drums) & Peter Holzberger (Guitar and Vocal) in 2010 with a shared love of old-time R&B and Soul. The first incarnation featured guitarist Joel Torbey and bass player Baxter Adams and played many gigs at The Armidale Club throughout 2010 and 2011 to popular acclaim. When Joel and Baxter moved away from Armidale, Rack‘n’Ruin disbanded and Steve and Peter went their separate ways to pursue different musical journeys, Peter with Oldscool and Steve with bands as various as Bopkatz, Caution Horses and Soulsa. Now Rack‘n’Ruin is back with new music and a new line-up: Steve Harris : Drums, Peter Holzberger : Guitar / Vocals, Mick Houlahan : Bass / Vocals, Steve Jackson: Guitar / Vocals. The music still contains elements of the original band, but the emphasis is now on the musical styles favoured in Juke Joint History – Blues, R&B, Honky Tonk & Funk / Soul. A new CD of fully original music is now released and available through Reader’s Companion Armidale and on-line outlets, and coming soon to Spotify and iTunes. f : racknruin
Vinnie & The Cuban Missiles
The time was 1962 and President Kennedy was involved in tense negotiations with the Soviet’s missile deployment in Cuba. The Shadows had already released Apache, and the British boom was about to ignite with bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Hollies, alongside many other artists. It is from this distinct period of music that make up Vinnie and the Cuban Missiles repertoire. Vince Redál– guitar, Steve Jackson – guitar/vocals, Carol Elder – vocals, Al Heeney – bass/vocals, Steve McPherson– drums/vocals. f : vinnieandthecubanmissiles.
Charlie Fittler Band
f : charlesfittler
Emma Bailey Emma has had a keen interest in the music and radio industry from a young age. She now lives her life surrounded by music and musicians, working at Tamworth’s 88.9 radio station where she gets to meet and work with people with the same interests. Emma has been performing since the age of 12 and has been fortunate to perform at local and regional school spectaculars. Since leaving school, Emma has been indulging in the music scene, enjoying the atmosphere of live music and music jam sessions.
Sherona Rose Sherona is a talented multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Her passion for music and love of all good music, regardless of genre is reflected in her eclectic set lists, ranging from Rock to Pop and Jazz. Sherona plays regular gigs in the New England including party’s and functions. Sherona also plays with her band, the Sherona Rose Trio. f : Sherona Rose
The Briny Sea
Fresh from the shed, ‘The Briny Sea’ features all original songs with New England locals Matt Benham on drums; Mike Croft on keys, bass and vocals; Mark Fisher on electric guitar; and Matt Knights on guitar and vocals. The band is the sum total of its members - seeking to create its own unique sound and flavour, keeping it simple yet strong and building on individual strengths without overtly referencing particular genres or musical fashions. To discover their music head to the following link : https://www.facebook.com/events/319594628420096/permalink/340777362968489/
Bruce Clark
Bruce is a talented Armidale based musician and a regular on the open mic circuit and at events in the region. He has a very keen interest in various types of music performing including karaoke,open mic and singing at various functions in the area. He has competed in several talent quests taking out class wins with track recordings and being asked to host other quests. Bruce recently played for a mother’s day function at the golf club for around 110 people as well as the markets in the mall.
The Gravy
Considered by some as the most nascent Soul/Funk group in the New England area, The Gravy uses only the finest ingredients to whip up their own particular brand of salty sauce. This succulent jus has notes of 80s funk, contemporary soul, bringing it all together with some original flavour. When cooking Gravy your shopping list should include Dave (Browny) Brown on bone, John Corcoron on guitar, Emily (Eej) Jane on vocals and down in the engine room bringing all the ingredients together are Brendan Passey on bass and Ian (Mitch) Mitchell on skins. The Gravy will keep the dance floor filled All Night Long!
Finger Pickin' Good
Finger Pickin' Good bringing that ol timey bluegrass sound directly to you via some old rusty traon tracks. This three piece stringband is sure to get your feet tappin' and dancin' shoes a itchin'
Paul Longley
Paul Longley is a multi instrumental singer songwriter and improvisational musician. His music can not be summarised in one style! It's heart felt and full of energy, while simultaneously thought provoking. He plays an array of different instruments including the khaen from Lao and North East Thailand along with others, including piano, trumpet and harmonica. While he shares his own original songs, he loves making up music on the spot and getting others involved when he can!
Rhonnie Brooks
Singer/Songwriter, Rhonda Brooks, lives in Uralla NSW. Rhonnie taught herself to play guitar in her early 20s. She re-discovered her love of music about 7 years ago and started writing her own songs. She has since written around 25 songs. One of her songs, Ask Bill, has been sold as a promotional song for an on-farm predictive computer app. She was also employed to produce the promotional video for the song and app. She won the female folk, country, blues and songwriting categories of the High Country Music talent quest in 2016. Her unique music style is a blend of indie, folk, blues and country with soulful and calming undertones. Her poetic lyrics are a feature of her songs and draw from her own life experiences.
Seasons of New England is extremely grateful for the technical, musical and professional support provided by Brendan Mooney and his team. Their support makes the New England Unearthed concept possible and provides an important platform for our regional musicians.