Bands and Artists
 

2009 Line-up
 

Click band name to jump to biography
 
 

 

 

 
The Mannish Boys are an exceptional blues band, who ooze passion and commitment to the sound. With numerous years of combined experience, The Mannish Brothers are a band not to be missed.

Tommy Blank has been playing the blues for fourty years both in his native Sweden and in Australia. As lead guitarist with the Mannish Boys he conjures up the spirit of early Peter Green and Eric Clapton and channels Freddie and Albert King. Tommy runs Blank Guitars and Amps in Williamstown with his wife Gunilla but still manages to find time to play the blues music he loves. Matt

Matt Linhart is one of the best blues front men around, bringing his own powerful vocal style to the music. Matt has working in the music scene for many years both in Australia and in the UK.

Les Oldman is regarded as one of the best blues drummers in the country having played in bands including, Hey Gringo, The Andrea Marr Band and The Ross Hanaford Trio. A vocalist and songwriter as well as great drummer, Les keeps things “In the groove”.

Chris Dawes plays rhythm and shares lead guitar honours with Tommy Blank. He is also a player who has had a lot of years of experience in music having worked with John (Swannee) Swann in the early seventies and backed John Farnham, Ronnie Burns and Mike Furber in their heyday. Chris is also a singer and songwriter and adds his own melodic guitar style to the band.

John Dynon is a consummate musician and the musical engine room of the band. His rock solid bass playing together with Les’ drumming lays the foundation that the Mannish Boys music is built on.
 

Top
 

 

 

 
Sweethearts are an extraordinary act, one that grips and thrill audiences. It’s unique to see a big band of teenage girls playing with nuance and fire. These young girls sing with soulful passion and skill.

 Sweethearts play Motown, a central part of the music heritage but one rarely heard live. For the past decade they have been playing loving homage to Motown, developing a unique perspective on a cornerstone of 21st Century music.

Sweethearts are both deeply respectful yet adventurous, taking the sounds and re-making them from the band’s youthful and feminine perspective. The unique result has received accolades over three tours of European music festivals and numerous tours in Australia. They are constantly in heavy demand to appear at festivals and corporate events.

Sweethearts are based at Geelong’s Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College, Victoria, Australia, where members can study Certificate IV in music, the highest musical qualification available in any school in Australia. Sweethearts have redefined the possible throughout their existence. They are the only school based band in Australia (and maybe the world) that operates in professional settings. Where ever they go the crowds just love them. Don’t miss them!

 
Links:
www.sweethearts.com.au/
www.myspace.com/motownsweethearts
 

Top
 

 

 

 
Every now and then, a band comes along with something special, fantastic songs, great vocals and superb musicianship.

The “Blue Dukes” formed in May 2003 and have been consistently thrilling audiences with their original blues based material mixed with some old favourites.

Ian, Kevin and Winston, have each had over 35 years of experience in the Australian music scene, having travelled extensively and appeared at many festivals and major events. They are the best of friends, and their music is based on honesty, friendship and the love of performing live. All three are prolific songwriters and their debut album is all original. They can perform their repertoire “acoustically”, low key amplified (unplugged), or full on Blues Rock production.

At the 2006 MBAS Blues Song Awards, held on the 30th July, at the Grand Central in Richmond, the Blue Dukes received an award for “Best New Blues Talent” for “Something Ain’t Right” from their debut CD “WANTED”.

Band Members:

Kevin Buckingham: (Lead and Slide Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals)

Kevin has been on the Melbourne music scene since the early 70’s. In 1981, he was writing jingles for 3XY and FOX FM radio stations. In 1994 he joined “Carson Taylor Band” until they disbanded in 2001. His guitar playing ability is second to none and is backed up by his fantastic song writing and vocals.

Ian Ferguson: (Bass, Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica)

Ian has been on the Melbourne Scene since the mid 60’s in many well known groups. Formed “Carson Taylor Band” in 1991 and in 2001, was in the duo “Ford and the Ferg” with Doug Ford from the “Masters Apprentices”, From January 2002 until March 2003, he was performing in Queensland doing solo gigs until returning to Melbourne. Ian also writes songs, and his vocal range and fretless bass playing has people in awe.

Winston Galea: (Drums, Percussion, Didgeredoo, Vocals)

Winston (younger brother of Joe Galea) has played with many international and local artists, notably, ”Dutch Tilders and the Blues Club”, and is the perfect complement to Kevin and Ian. Winston and Ian were in the Joe Galea Band for a short time before the Blue Dukes were formed!
(Winston is proudly sponsored by SLEISHMAN Drums)
 
Links:
www.bluedukes.com.au
www.youtube.com/thebluedukes
 

Top
 

 

 

 

Andrea Marr, Sassy Soulful blues
2002 Female Blues Artist of the Year (Vic/Tas)
2005 Blues Performer of the Year
2007 Female Vocalist of the Year (Newcastle Blues Awards)

 
The Andrea Marr band has been around since 1999, delivering sassy, soulful, original blues. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Andrea has gained the attention of blues lovers all over Australia and also has a large worldwide audience.

In 2005 Andrea and her band won the coveted Blues Performer of the Year competition held annually by the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society and represented Australia in Memphis Tennessee in the International Blues Challenge.

In 2007, Andrea's song "Watch me work it" the title track of her 2006 album was chosen to go on a compilation cd in the US titled "National Women in Blues" the cd launches the newest wave of blues women in the US and Andrea was the only non-American to be included. The cd can be purchased through www.jomarrecords.com. Andrea has recently signed to Amphead Music (whose parent company is The Orchard in the US) for worldwide distribution. Her CD "Watch me work it" will be re-released in February 2008 for digital distribution worldwide and physical distribution in Australia and New Zealand. Surrounded by some of the finest musicians in Melbourne, the band delivers high energy, feel good shows. This is an act not to be missed!

Andrea Marr is a professional vocal coach and has run her own singing school for many years with 12 signed acts to her credit. She runs yearly showcases to expose her students to industry professionals and local television coverage.  Andrea also performs in the 20 piece R&B gospel group Urban Praise and is also the vocal coach for the group.

 
Links:
www.andreamarr.com
www.myspace.com/joyfulnoisechoir
 

Top
 

 

 
 
Every now and then a band comes along that has a certain fire; a certain energy and sound that simply grabs you and demands your attention. Cold Snap is such a band, squeezing the most out of every note creating one of the most Electrifying Chicago Blues bands going around. Cold Snap rip into their tunes with a passion, and collectively form one of the hottest live blues acts in Victoria, if not Australia who truly must be seen live to be fully appreciated.

Since its formation in 2006, Cold Snap has wasted no time in stamping its authority on the Melbourne blues scene as one of the premier Chicago Blues bands in town. Its members consist of seasoned musicians who have been in the music scene for over 30 years. They have played with the likes of Chris Wilson, Lobby Loyde, and many other renowned bands/artists. Talented musicianship combined with amazing vocals up front certainly set Cold Snap apart from many others in their genre.

Their residency at Nighthawk Blues always has punters, out of their seats, on their feet, and the whole joint jumpin'. They hit the ground running with their first track and don't let up for a minute the entire night. Punter's are literally mesmerised and simply have to stay for fear of missing a single moment. One lady said "Once I heard them play their first song, I told my husband we have to stick around to see how these guys end their show". Cold Snap didn't disappoint and had the whole place on their feet, dancing, jumping and hollering until their final note was played. To put it mildly, it's always a great night down at Nighthawk Blues when Cold Snap is in town.

It seems that each venue they play at these days they convert new fans. One lady said "You guys shouldn't be called Cold Snap because you guys are Smokin' Hot!" Yes it does sound a little cliche, but these are the feelings that are conjured up after each show. I guess there's only one way to find out what it's all about...get down to one of their gigs and witness one of Victoria's, if not Australia's, hottest live blues acts who must be seen live to be truly appreciated."

 
Links:
www.coldsnap.com.au
www.myspace.com/coldsnapblues
 

Top
 

 

 
 
Jimi Hocking has worked as a guitarist, fronting his own band since the early 1980's, plying his wares around Melbourne. Jimi Hocking  has composed and recorded the soundtrack for the film "Emerging" and the series "Fame and Misfortune" Jimi Hocking released a very successful solo album with "The Ultimate Bootleg" in 1996, sending him up front on the acoustic roots circuit. In 1999 he released the majestic "Blue Guitar", spotlighting the excellent electric and acoustic guitar that is known to Hocking. He is also famous for his humorous pre-ambles and thought provoking and 'tongue in cheek' original material that spans a nine album career.

Jimi Hocking is well known, not only from major folk and blues events, but also in the world of rock - with stints in Spectre 7, The Angels, and The Screaming Jets. He has opened for and toured with many major artists including Joe Satriani, George Thorogood, Edgar Winter and Robben Ford.

2005 saw Jimi Hocking win the INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE in Memphis to follow his 2004 win of BLUES PERFORMER OF THE YEAR - awarded by Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society.

 
Links:
www.jimihocking.com
www.myspace.com/jimihocking
 

Top
 

 

 

 
Michael Charles' music is guitar driven rock and roll, laced with a mixture of electrifying blues, adorned with rhythmic ballads embracing words that go right to the soul. Originals so stimulating and so right that you will think you know the tunes even though it's your first time hearing them Born in Australia , picked up a guitar at the tender age of five and never looked back. Performing professionally by thirteen and making his first television debut just three years later Charles had a good head start on his musical career.

The next two decades were highlighted with constant performing, recording albums, touring, appearing on over 30 television shows and airplay on over 75 radio stations. Muso and Musicians Journal published feature articles on Charles, while his videos aired on a bevy of shows including MTV, Night Shift, and Rage. It was during the height of his Australian career, Charles received a message from a long time hero of his, Mr. Buddy Guy. Mr. Guy’s management requested Michael to come to America and perform on stage with Buddy at Legend’s! A true highlight of his career, this two week trip has lasted for 18 years.

Along with performing with the likes of Buddy Guy, Phil Guy, James Cotton, Willie Cobbs, Junior Wells, Eddy Clearwater, Michael also took his own band and made his way to the stages of the Chicago Blues Fest, New Orleans Jazz and Blues Festival, Philadelphia Blues Fest, Memphis Tennessee Crossroads Conference, New Orleans Cutting Edge Conference, Route 66 Summer Festival, Taste of River North, Taste of Midway etc.. Charles has done his share on American TV also, as he was featured in a music special with live performance on WGN TV. Michael has been the featured guest on JBTV with three encore appearance from 1992-2007. Also appearing on a biography special along side the legendary bluesman, Jimmy Dawkins. Again a feature, Charles filmed live on Chicago ’s Rock My Ass while his videos aired on “the Other Sides” and JBTV. In addition to APRA , and as the U.S. counterpart, Charles also is a voting professional member in NARAS, the Grammy Award Association where he enjoyed the title of premier entertainer for two years at the Chicago Chapter of NARAS Grammy Association. Michael has been elected in the categories of Best New Artist in the 42nd Grammy Awards and Best Rock Album for Keep Walking. Elected in the categories of Best Pop Song and Best Producer for the CD single Simple Day Living in the 43rd Grammy Awards.

In 2005 he was the recipient of an award from the Grammy Award Association and NARAS commemorating his ten year anniversary. And now, once again, Charles has been elected again this year in the 50th Grammy Awards for the album and song "I'm Nobody's Fool".

In 2008 Michael Charles and His Band travelled back to Australia for their "Full Circle Tour" where they delighted many audiences across Australia with one of the highlights being the Homestead Blues Festival presented by Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook.

We are proud to announce that Michael has been honoured by being asked back again once again to do the 2009 Homestead Blues Festival We look forward to this gala affair and hope to see all of you as Michael Charles and His Band perform their blues, rock, and interesting combination of blues rap at this wonderful and ever-growing Homestead Blues Festival.
 
Links:
www.michaelcharles.us
www.myspace.com/michaelcharlesandhisband
 

Top