Australia's largest dedicated regional music tour, Festival of Small Halls, has just announced its 2018 summer tour, featuring Canada’s two-time JUNO Award-winner, Old Man Luedecke and local folk festival favourite, Lucy Wise.
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And it’s coming back to the Valla Public Hall for one night only on November 25, from 4pm.
Valla’s own local talent, Ewan Mueck, has earned the right to join the two touring greats on stage after wowing the crowd with his original songwriting in a recent "Valla Has Talent" event.
There will be delicious food for sale and, of course, the wonderful musicians/storytellers.
Tickets are $20 and available from the Headland Cafe and The Beach House Providore at Valla Beach, or online.
The not-for-profit tour rekindles the time-old tradition of gathering in the local small hall for a special night of live music, storytelling and community connection.
Launching in the rolling hills of the northern NSW at Mullum Music Festival on 16 November, the Small Halls Summer Tour will travel to 21 town halls, from the Darling and Western Downs areas up to the lush rainforests north of Cairns before wrapping up at Woodford Folk Festival.
Listen to “Tender is the Night’ by Old Man Luedecke
Executive Producer, Eleanor Rigden said running the Tour in partnership with Australia's leading folk festivals enables them to “bring in the best contemporary folk artists, who otherwise would not be able to afford touring these regions.”
“From our farmlands to the flood lands, the rainforests to the outback, the towns that are a bit off the beaten track tend to be left off big tours, which means regional folk are missing out.
“We've spoken to communities all over the country, and they want access to wonderful music without the cost, challenges and inconveniences of packing up the family to get to a show in the city.
“We are very passionate about doing just that. And so are the townspeople and our folk festival partners like Woodford and Mullum, who work with us to make it possible.”
Teaming up for this year's Summer Tour, Old Man Luedecke and Lucy Wise are equally excited to tour Australia's small halls.
"It's an absolute honour to share this tour with an artist as established and talented as Chris Luedecke. We both can't wait to play in so many special places neither of us has been to before," Lucy said..
Ms Rigden said the show is not to be missed as "Old Man Luedecke and Lucy Wise have been chosen not only because of their beautiful musicianship, but because they have the ability to really connect with people through storytelling, the ability to tell a joke, as well as a wonderful warmth and real interest in visiting places a little off the beaten track."
"We just know these artists are going to bring something special to so many towns that are suffering right now. Having toured in tough times of bushfires and droughts before, Festival of Small Halls has proven many times to be the perfect reprieve the community needs.
"And that's what it's all about. Special shows in special places with special people."
Listen to ‘Solid Ground’ by Lucy Wise
The Festival of Small Halls Summer Tour starts 16 November at Mullum Music Festival. Tickets on sale now at www.festivalofsmallhalls.com