Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music as the 12th annual Folk by the Sea Festival comes to Kiama from 12-14 September.The festival has an impressive lineup of over 35 bands and artists from across Australia, performing in nine venues at the Kiama Showground Pavillion and surrounds.Festival director Neil McCann says he’s excited for what the festival has in store, with around 200 performers having applied, organisers had the luxury of selecting 30 to 40 acts based on quality.“This is a small festival compared to many folk festivals, but it attracts really good quality musicians," he said.This year’s program includes award-winning acts like Darren Coggan, recipient of multiple Golden Guitars and Independent Country Music Awards, The Weeping Willows, and Charley Castle and the Boys in the Well, a young band that recently won the Tamworth Busking Competition. There will also be local favourites performing at the festival including Kiama Sea Shanty and Kiama Pipe Band."The Weeping Willows have just come back from a European tour, and you've got to have a fair bit of quality to pull off a sold-out European tour," McMann said.The festival offers diverse venue experiences, from The Pavilion accommodating over 200 people, to more intimate venues that host around 20 to 30 people.“People come to the folk festival to take in the music, and they watch, they listen, and they enjoy the music,” McMann said.“The audience love it because they're up close and personal with the musicians, and they can hear everything.”The festival is kicking off on Thursday night with a free charity concert at the Kiama Leagues Club, with entry by donation to Lifeline South Coast.Tickets are available online at folkbythesea.com.au/tickets or can be purchased at the gate on the day.

The Jamberoo Country Women’s Association (CWA) are delighted to announce that ‘Opera in the Valley’ is returning to the Jamberoo School of Arts on Saturday 1 November.This year they have “something new for Jamberoo”, for the first time maestro, Glenn Amer, is putting together a complete comic opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.The first half of Opera in the Valley will be ‘Lo Sposo Deluso’ or ‘The Deluded Bridegroom’ and will be performed in English. Mozart wrote this opera in 1783 when he was just 27 years old.Jamberoo CWA’s first Opera in the Valley was held in 1997, and as usual, they have a wonderful group of singers lined up for 2025.Cathy Delhaas, member of the Jamberoo CWA, says this year's production promises to be quite different from previous years. Rather than the traditional lineup of a mezzo-soprano, soprano, baritone and tenor, Glenn has assembled a cast featuring a bass, countertenor, tenor and soprano for this Mozart production.The second half of the production will maintain the popular style format that audiences have come to love, featuring well-known songs from musicals and operas that brings the evening to a thrilling finale with the cast performing together.The evening includes a full CWA supper after the performance, and an interval complete with wine, cheese, and fruit, and the Jamberoo School of Arts is the perfect venue, offering excellent acoustics.“The acoustics in that hall are fantastic,” said Cathy.“You can sit up the back and you can hear just as well as those sitting up the front or in the middle.”More information about ticket sales and the full lineup for Opera in the Valley will be announced in October.

Charley Castle loves Bluegrass music, but she prefers to call her version of the classic Americana genre “Newgrass”.Kiama is the next stop for her band, Charley Castle and The Boys In The Well, when they are one of the headline acts at Folk By The Sea from September 11-14.The festival features 115 concerts over the four days, with performers ranging from Charley Castle and other national acts including multi Tamworth Golden Guitar winner Darren Coggan, dynamic Victorian duo The Weeping Willows and acclaimed Indigenous story-teller Jessie Lloyd, to some of Kiama’s finest, including The Water Runners, Kiama Sea Shanty Club and the Kiama Pipe Band.Charley and her band will be playing at the Thursday night charity concert at Kiama Leagues Club, as part of the festival’s opening night program at Kiama Pavilion at 10.20pm on Friday (September 12) and again on Saturday at 5pm. Charley will also join other female artists as part of the two-hour Sirens of the Sea all-female show at 2.45pm on Saturday at the Anglican Church Hall.Playing with The Boys In The Well - Reuben Ryan (acoustic guitar), Henry Junor (double bass) and George Teasdell (mandolin) – is relatively new for Charley. The band formed last year after Charley had previously been part of a harmony trio called the Fallen Robins, with her younger sisters Jess and Sarah.The Fallen Robins performed for eight years at festivals around the country, including Folk By The Sea in 2023, but eventually Jess and Sarah decided to concentrate on non-musical careers while Charley teamed up with The Boys In The Well. They had early validation, winning the busking award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January, which came with a $2000 prize and two paid festival gigs.“It is obviously a totally different dynamic than being on the road with your siblings,” said Charley, who hails from Sydney’s Northern Beaches. “We’re excited to be coming to Kiama for Folk By The Sea, having played there two years ago with the Fallen Robins. “I have very nice memories of the festival, and it is going to be fun coming back with the band.“Our music is a blend of Bluegrass, Country and Folk, and we do lots of jumping around.”Harmonies are also a prominent feature with her new band, whose music can veer from up-tempo party sets to soft and beautiful ballads.The band has released a seven-track EP of original songs, while also adapting classic country rock and pop songs into Bluegrass for their festival shows.“It’s fun to experiment and put our style to popular songs - like 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton and even Baby One More Time by Britney Spears and Beyonce’s Texas Hold ’Em.“I’m not sure you’d call our music Bluegrass though – it’s more Newgrass.”Charley said she’d been strongly influenced by other Australian Bluegrass-oriented bands like The Button Collective (who have played at Folk By The Sea on multiple occasions), The Morrisons and Kiama’s own The Water Runners.“Watching those bands, seeing them play Bluegrass with an Australian flavour, got us into it,” she said.Her band has shared several stages with The Water Runners over the past year, and she is looking forward to doing that again.Festival director Neil McCann, a member of The Water Runners, says he expects Charley Castle and The Boys In The Well to be one of the most popular acts at Folk By The Sea.“They’re a great live band,” Neil said. “I think audiences are going to love them.”Entry for the Thursday night Charity Concert, from 7pm-10.15 at Kiama Leagues Club, is by donation with all proceeds going to Lifeline South Coast. The Friday-Sunday afternoon festival program based at Kiama Showground Pavilion is ticketed, with details at www.folkbythesea.com.au and there are special prices for youth with children under 12 admitted free.The festival will wrap up with a free concert at Kiama Bowling Club on Sunday from 5.30pm.

Kiama’s favourite folk band, The Water Runners, plan to showcase their upcoming fourth album when they return to the town’s annual folk festival, Folk By The Sea, at Kiama Showground on September 12-14.The Water Runners recorded the songs for their new album, Shelter, at Syd Green’s Jervis Bay recording studio earlier this year and the album should be released in late September.Lead singer John Littrich says Shelter is a mix of fast-paced Bluegrass “toe-tappers” and slower songs.The Water Runners recorded the songs “live” at Green’s studio, before the producer, who is also the drummer in Kasey Chambers’ band, left on a US tour with the iconic Australian singer.Green is home now and finalising the “mix”, but the physical CD is still a few weeks away.While the CD is unlikely to be ready to launch at Folk By The Sea, Littrich says he’s looking forward to introducing the songs to the band’s home-town audience at their three sets over the festival weekend. He hopes audiences will find the new songs “relatable”.“For example, The Last Train from Central, as the name implies is about trying to make it on to the last South Coast train of the night from Central after a big night out in Sydney,” he said. “I am sure plenty of South Coast people will be able to relate to that.”As always, the band has tapped into historical stories for some of their songs.Littrich’s Mickey Brennan’s Lament tells the story of a 19-year-old miner who died in the 1902 Mt Kembla coal mine disaster, an underground explosion that left 96 workers dead and more than 120 years later remains one of Australia’s biggest industrial tragedies.“Mickey Brennan had only started working at Mt Kembla mine four days before the explosion, and his was the only victim’s body that was never recovered after the explosion,” Littrich said. “His father, who also worked in the mine, searched the mine shafts for two years looking for his son. It is such a sad story.”The band’s mandolin and banjo player Neil McCann – who is also the Festival Director for Folk By The Sea – contributed an award-winning song called Emily Smith, about a man who was the only survivor of a colonial-era shipwreck off Kangaroo Island in South Australia.McCann wrote the song for a competition when the band was playing at the Fleurieu Folk Festival at Willunga in South Australia in 2023. “The festival organisers ran a competition for original songs about South Australia, and we were lucky enough to win it with Emily Smith,” McCann said. “I had recently been on Kangaroo Island with my wife Wendy, and we were really taken by the number of shipwrecks that had occurred in that part of Australia. “We heard this story about the one person who had survived a particular shipwreck, so I wrote the song from his perspective.”The Water Runners have deep ties to the Kiama community. Littrich and McCann live in Kiama, while double bass player James Turk hails from Gerringong. Danita Harris (violin and vocals) grew up in Bowral and now lives in Campbelltown.They have been perennial favourites at Folk By The Sea but missed last year’s festival as the band took a six-month break while Littrich and his wife Jane travelled around Australia.McCann took that opportunity to put his hand up for the Festival Director’s job and enjoyed it so much that he is back this year with the dual roles of Festival Director and performer.“I’m really looking forward to combining the roles,” McCann said. “I really learnt a lot about running the festival last year and really enjoyed the experience of doing it in my own town. “I was keen to continue the role, and I can’t see any problems with also performing this year – there just won’t be any chance to relax and have a few drinks after our shows!”The Water Runners have three shows during Folk By The Sea. They are part of the line-up at the Thursday night (September 11) Charity Preview show at Group Seven Leagues Club and have shows on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon at the Showground Pavilion.Folk By The Sea is presented by the Illawarra Folk Club. It kicks off with a charity preview concert at Kiama Leagues Club on Thursday, September 11, with all proceeds going to Lifeline South Coast.The ticketed festival starts on Friday evening at Kiama Showground and continues until Sunday afternoon. It will wrap up with a free concert at Kiama Bowling Club on Sunday evening.The full program and ticket information is available on the festival website folkbythesea.com.au.FOLK BY THE SEA ARTISTS LIST: Alex Randles (ACT), Ally Row (VIC), Balkan Boogie, Charles Maimarosia (VIC), Charley Castles and the Boys In The Well, Chloe and Jason Roweth, Darren Coggan, Fly Little Sparrow (QLD/NSW), Grace Barr, Graeme ‘The Scotsman’ McColgan, Hand Over Hammer (VIC), Good Tunes, Humbuckin’ Pickups, Jessie Lloyd’s Sing on Country, Kane Calcite, Karen Law (QLD), Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Kiama Pipe Band, Kiama Sea Shanty, Louzco Fouzco, Marco and Rusty, Noel Gardner and Alex Bridge (QLD), Oceanique (VIC), Oliver Roweth, Robyn Sykes, Rhys Crimmin (VIC), Russell Hannah, Scupriri, Slippery John Sausage and his Bayou Boys, Southern Cross Bush Band, Square Pegs, Stonybroke, The Butter Trackers, The Con Artists, The Lofty Mountain Band (SA), The Water Runners, The Weeping Willows (VIC), Whistle, Wood n’ Hide.

Folk By The Sea organisers have added a charity preview concert at Kiama Leagues Club auditorium on September 11 to launch this year’s festival.Folk By The Sea officially kicks off on Friday, September 12 at Kiama Showground Pavilion with a line-up including some of Australia’s leading Folk, Country, Celtic and Bluegrass artists.But music fans will be able to get a taste of what’s to come over the weekend at the Thursday night charity preview show featuring Bluegrass bands Charley Castles and The Boys in the Well, Kiama’s own The Water Runners, local folk duo Square Pegs and South Coast Indie-Folk artist Kane Calcite, as well as a performance from Kiama High School students to start the night at 7pm.Entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to Lifeline South Coast.Festival director Neil McCann said the preview show was a chance for people who hadn’t attended Folk By The Sea in previous years to come along to a free night of music and get an idea of what Folk By The Sea is all about.“We’re hoping this show will really ‘sell’ the festival to people who may not have been to a folk festival before,” he said. “They’ll see three of the festival’s main acts, as well as a performance from Kiama High School students, and hopefully they will want to come along to the main festival over the weekend.”The Folk By The Sea program has been finalised, with 40 acts and 100 concerts over the weekend. The main festival program gets underway at 5pm on Friday with the Kiama Sea Shanty Club performing on the Pavilion verandah, then at 6pm The Humbuckin’ Pickups take to the main stage in The Pavilion.Things really start to warm up after the official opening and Welcome to Country, with Victorian multi-Golden Guitar-winning Americana duo The Weeping Willows taking to the stage at 7.30pm.They will be followed by celebrated Indigenous performer Jessie Lloyd at 8.25pm and Solomon Islands singer Charles Maimarosia at 9.20pm. Charley Castles and her Boys In The Well will round out the night with some foot-stomping Bluegrass from 10.20pm.There will be two other venues operating with multiple performances at the Showground Pavilion throughout Friday night, while the nearby Kiama Uniting Church Hall will feature a Bush Dance at 8pm with the Southern Cross Bush Band.Kane Calcite.Saturday’s packed program kicks off at 9am, with headliner Darren Coggan sure to attract a big crowd at his only show at 9pm, which will wind up the day on the main stage.A multiple Golden Guitar winner from Tamworth’s Country Music Festival with a large catalogue of original songs, Coggan has also famously toured shows in which he performs the songs of some of the late 20th century’s most popular singer-songwriters, including John Lennon & Paul McCartney, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Glen Campbell and John Denver.A popular Folk By The Sea tradition, Sirens of the Sea which features acoustic performances by many of the festival’s main female acts, will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2.45pm at the Anglican Hall. This year’s Sirens concert will feature Ally Row, Charley Castles, Chloe Roweth, Fly Little Sparrow, Jessie Lloyd, Karen Law, Oceanique and The Weeping Willows.Sunday’s program again gets underway early, featuring acts like The Weeping Willows (9.30am), The Water Runners (12.05pm) and Jessie Lloyd (1pm).The festival will wrap with another free concert on Sunday night at Kiama Bowling Club from 5.30pm featuring the Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Graeme “The Scotsman” McColgan, Marco and Rusty, Rhys Crimmin and Slippery John Sausage and The Swamper Domper Bayou Boys.The full program and ticket information is available on the festival website folkbythesea.com.au.FOLK BY THE SEA ARTISTS LIST: Alex Randles (ACT), Ally Row (VIC), Balkan Boogie, Charles Maimarosia (VIC), Charley Castles and the Boys In The Well, Chloe and Jason Roweth, Darren Coggan, Fly Little Sparrow (QLD/NSW), Grace Barr, Graeme ‘The Scotsman’ McColgan, Hand Over Hammer (VIC), Good Tunes, Humbuckin' Pickups, Jessie Lloyd’s Sing on Country, Kane Calcite, Karen Law (QLD), Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Kiama Pipe Band, Kiama Sea Shanty, Louzco Fouzco, Marco and Rusty, Noel Gardner and Alex Bridge (QLD), Oceanique (VIC), Oliver Roweth, Robyn Sykes, Rhys Crimmin (VIC), Russell Hannah, Sam Fletcher Trio, Scupriri, Slippery John Sausage and his Bayou Boys, Southern Cross Bush Band, Square Pegs, Stonybroke, The Butter Trackers, The Con Artists, The Lofty Mountain Band (SA), The Water Runners, The Weeping Willows (VIC), Whistle, Wood n' Hide.

The Gerringong Music Club is welcoming back acclaimed violinist Anna da Silva Chen as they host a performance on Sunday 20 July with the Alma Moodie Quartet at Gerringong Town Hall.Anna first graced the Gerringong Music Club stage at just 11 years old and has maintained a relationship with the South Coast community ever since. Born in Sydney and raised in Wollongong, Anna has regularly performed for the Gerringong Music Club, even as recently as 2023, and was appointed as a permanent member of the Australian Chamber Orchestra earlier this year.Gerringong Music Club musical director Imogen Stewart, has expressed how this concert is significant for Anna and the Gerringong Music Club."We are thrilled to welcome Anna back to Gerringong,” said Imogen.“Having supported each other over the years, it’s wonderful to see her continuing to shine. This performance promises to be a highlight of our season”.The Alma Moodie Quartet, named after the pioneering Queensland violinist Alma Moodie, features violinists Anna da Silva Chen and Kristian Winther, violist James Wannan, and cellist Miles Mullin-Chivers. Together, they will perform works by Reger, Bartók, and Tchaikovsky, bringing an enthusiastic and contemporary approach to the classical string quartet repertoire.The performance represents a full circle moment for Anna, returning to the community that recognised her talent from the beginning. The concert offers audiences the opportunity to witness established musicians bringing fresh energy to classical work in an intimate venue setting.The concert runs from 2pm to 3:30pm at Gerringong Town Hall, with doors opening at 1:30pm. Tickets are available online at gerringongmusicclub.com.au or at the door.Entry is free for members, children and students, while visitors pay $30.

Sing Australia is throwing a party to celebrate 15 years of bringing music and enjoyment to the local community, with a special birthday night set for 25 June.The occasion marks years of performances across some of Kiama’s biggest events, from the Kiama Folk Festival, and Jazz & Blues Festival, to Anzac dawn services and Christmas carols.Leader and Conductor of the group, Maree Shepherd, welcomes the celebrations for the group which currently has over 40 members, with the purpose of the party being to honour those who have helped build and grow Sing Australia Kiama."We're doing this to honour people that have made such a big contribution to the success of Sing Australia Kiama, that may no longer be with us, but really were instrumental in helping establish it in the area,” Maree said.The celebration is particularly meaningful as the group missed celebrating their 10th birthday“We missed our 10th because it was in the middle of COVID, and whilst I did Zoom sessions with everybody throughout COVID, we couldn't actually get together,” Maree said.“So, we thought, look, we're going to set this up to have a little more fun for the 15th."Past and present members have been invited to join in on the night of celebrations.“We've invited back past leaders of SingAustralia who are going to be coming along to attend, plus some of the older members that are no longer with us, but for various reasons, going to come along to help us celebrate,” said Maree.Since forming in 2010, Sing Australia Kiama has performed at major local events including Citizenship Ceremonies, the Lion’s Convention, Festival of Choirs, Jamberoo Jam Festival, South Coast Sings, and Shellharbour Senior’s Expo.They’ve also brought music to aged care homes and performed at notable venues like Floriade, Old Parliament House, and St Mary’s Cathedral as part of the national Sing Australia network.The birthday celebration will be a night to remember with special performances as well as karaoke-style singalongs, and party food.“Some of the members will be doing various acts. We'll do some sing-alongs. We've got a bit of karaoke that I know people will sing along to and dance,” Maree said.While the birthday party is focused on honouring past and present members, Maree is always keen to welcome newcomers to their weekly Wednesday meetings.However, Maree finds the biggest problem with finding new members is that people are worried to join because they think they can’t sing.“Sing Australia isn't about judging people's singing voices. It's about connecting people through singing,” Maree said.“I think what attracts most people is not so much the singing, it's the friendships and it's the fun time you just have being together on the night having a go”.The group is a part of a network of over 70 singing groups across Australia, with a song list of about 500 songs, meaning members can join any group across the country without rehearsal.“I often invite members from the Wollongong, Vincentia and other groups from other Sing Australias to join us without rehearsal, because we sing from the same song books and as such, we can join together,” Maree said.For those wanting to try Sing Australia Kiama, the regular Wednesday night meetings from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Uniting Church are the perfect opportunity.“I'm always welcoming people to come and give it a go, they can come for three weeks without any commitment or payment or anything just to see the group,” Maree said.Maree is particularly keen to attract younger people to keep the group thriving for another 15 years of using music as a form of self-expression, free of expectations and judgement.For more information visit Sing Australia's website or contact Maree Shepherd at [email protected]

Kiama’s annual folk festival, Folk By The Sea, has secured an impressive headliner for this year’s event, with multiple Golden Guitar winner Darren Coggan set to perform at the festival in September. Coggan will take centrestage in a blockbuster Saturday show at the festival at Kiama Showground Pavilion on September 12-14. Festival Director Neil McCann expressed his enthusiasm about securing such a prominent singer. “We’re so excited to have Darren Coggan perform at Folk By The Sea,” he said.“He really is a consummate entertainer and he has such a vast volume of work to showcase.”Coggan has earned multiple Golden Guitar awards at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival with a large catalogue of original songs. He has also famously toured shows in which he performs the songs of some of the most iconic singer-songwriters, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Glen Campbell and John Denver.Coggan has performed his critically acclaimed Peace Train, a portrait of Cat Stevens, on some of the world’s grandest stages, from the Sydney Opera House to Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall in Scotland and Liverpool Philharmonic in England. He hosts the lifestyle TV program Sydney Weekender for Network Seven.Coggan joins a line-up of 40 acts from around Australia at Folk By The Sea, including Americana/bluegrass duo The Weeping Willows, Indi-folk band Hand Over Hammer, Triple j Unearthed-winning folk rock/alt country duo Ally Row from Victoria, Queensland Indigenous singer and storyteller Jessie Lloyd with her Sing On Country show, and folk-country act the Sam Fletcher Trio from NSW.Kiama will be well represented with Neil McCann’s own band The Water Runners, Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Kiama Pipe Band and the Kiama Sea Shanty crew.“We feel as though we have a really broad mix of good quality performers and a great mix and styles and genres,” Neil said. “There are some familiar names and acts, but also some outstanding interstate acts like The Weeping Willows, who are just great live. And I saw Sam Fletcher play at the Cobargo Folk Festival earlier this year, and he was fabulous.”Folk By The Sea is run by the Illawarra Folk Club and relies on a workforce of volunteers.Neil said organisers were looking for people to volunteer their time and skills for a variety of roles at the festival, as well as offering to home-host some of the visiting performers.Early Bird ticket and volunteering information is available on the festival website folkbythesea.com.auFull artist line-up: Alex Randles (ACT), Ally Row (VIC), Balkan Boogie, Charles Maimarosia (VIC), Chloe and Jason Roweth, Darren Coggan, Fly Little Sparrow (QLD/NSW), Grace Barr, Graeme The Scotman McColgan, Hand Over Hammer (VIC), Good Tunes, Humbuckin’ Pickups, Jessie Lloyds Sing on Country, Kane Calcite, Karen Law (QLD), Kiama Blowhole Buskers, Kiama Pipe Band, Kiama Sea Shanty, Louzco Fouzco, Marco and Rusty, Noel Gardner and Alex Bridge (QLD), Oceanique (VIC), Oliver Roweth, Robyn Sykes, Rhys Crimmin (VIC), Russell Hannah, Sam Fletcher Trio, Scupriri, Slippery John Sausage and his Bayou Boys, Southern Cross Band, Square Pegs, Stonybroke, The Butter Trackers, The Con Artists, The Lofty Mountain Band (SA), The Water Runners, The Weeping Willows (VIC), Whistle, Wood n’ Hide.

Carol GoddardIt’s hard to deny the undeniable pleasure of music and the power that it brings.From classical to rock to jazz to blues and every other musical genre, the sound, rhythm and pulse make us feel so alive.To quote the late, great Jimi Hendrix: “music is a safe kind of high”. The symptoms are obvious and intoxicating. If you find yourself hip-wiggling, foot-stomping, hand-clapping, swaying or just chilling to music, you've been taken captive.The music has got you in its potent grasp. It has enriched you. There were many examples of this phenomenon at last weekend’s Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival. For three glorious days, I was indeed a willing participant. The town was moving to the beat with so many people - young, old, locals and visitors - dancing like no one was watching, whether in our streets, in the cafés,Hindmarsh or Coronation Park, or at our beloved Fillmore’s and the Kiama Surf Club. It was a joyous snapshot of community togetherness at its most beautiful, all because of live music. Each musician gave us a gift by sharing their passion and creativity, and putting uncompromising heart and soul into their performances.They shared their thoughts and dreams, and in some cases, their fears. Julz Parker, a breathtakingly talented guitarist of the Lismore band Hussy Hicks, brought the house down at the surf club by proclaiming that the greatest antidote to fear was groove. Pearl Noire had the crowd spellbound and laughing at the cheeky, sometimes naughty, stage antics she pulled off so brilliantly. There were so many exciting, talented, amazing musicians, both homegrown and international imports in one spot, gorgeous Kiama. Perhaps this says it all: an elderly gentleman, on his own at the festival, told me what the weekend meant to him when I asked him if he got out to live gigs at all: “No, but I will from now on.”

 The 2025 Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival is in full swing, filling the streets, parks, and venues of Kiama with the soulful sounds of jazz and blues. Now in the heart of its three-day celebration, the festival is drawing crowds from across the South Coast and beyond, proving once again why it’s a cornerstone of the local cultural scene. Crowds at Yves, Diggies, The Kiama Surf Club, Filmores, The Grand and many more set the tone for the weekend last night. 'Dink' playing at FilmoresKiama is alive this weekend as musicians take to stages in Hindmarsh Park, local cafes, bars, and outdoor hubs. The festival, which kicked off yesterday, Friday March 6, features a dynamic lineup of local and regional talent, blending traditional jazz and blues with modern twists. From smooth saxophone solos to gritty guitar riffs, the music resonates through the town, creating an electric atmosphere.  “We’re thrilled to see Kiama buzzing with energy,” says festival director Becky Guggisbert, who has been instrumental in the event’s revival. “This festival is all about celebrating our community and the incredible musicians who bring it to life. The turnout and enthusiasm this year are truly inspiring.” She has been busy checking in with all the acts across town. Frank Sultana Blues BandA standout moment of the festival is the Sunday Street performances, set to cap off the weekend tomorrow, March 08. The streets of Kiama have been transformed into an open-air celebration, with pop-up performances, live bands, and a festive vibe that invites everyone to join in. Local businesses are also in on the action, hosting intimate gigs and offering prime spots to soak in the music while enjoying a coffee or a meal.The lineup this year showcases a mix of returning favourites and fresh talent. Performances by known artists have already wowed audiences, while emerging artists are seizing the opportunity to shine alongside established acts. The festival’s commitment to supporting local musicians is evident, with many performers hailing from the South Coast region.Attendees are reveling in the chance to experience Kiama’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. “It’s amazing to see the town so alive,” says local resident Sarah Thompson. “The music, the people, the atmosphere – it’s what makes Kiama special.”For those yet to join the festivities, there’s still time to catch the action. Today, March 07,has featured a full schedule of performances across multiple venues, with highlights including events at Filmores and the Kiama Surf Club. The Gospel session at St Peters and Pauls on Sunday is also one not to be missed.Hussy Hicks Playing at the Kiama Surf ClubFestival organisers are encouraging attendees to check the official website for the latest schedule and updates. Volunteers are also playing a key role, helping to keep the event running smoothly and welcoming visitors with a smile.As the 2025 Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival continues to unfold, it’s clear that this weekend is one for the books. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a blues enthusiast, or simply looking for a good time, Kiama is the place to be right now. So grab your friends, head into town, and let the music carry you away. Check out the programme here. Franks Sultana Blues Band at Kiama Surf Club

Rock and roll legend Carl Perkins had just written the hit song Blue Suede Shoes, his career was building momentum and he was set to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show in front of the entire country - before even Elvis had done so. Unfortunately, he never made it.“En route to New York, Carl and his band had this terrible car crash and Carl ended up in hospital for weeks and weeks - broken and bruised. His brother, who was in the band, almost died. Someone in another car actually did die in the accident,” says Jeff Apter, the author of Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly. “So, he never made it to the show and as he was lying in his hospital bed - he turned on the TV and there's Elvis on national TV. Seizing his moment.”Jeff explains that this was just one of many "sliding doors" moments in Carl Perkins’ career. And that although he went on to have a successful career in his own right, Perkins will likely forever live in the shadow of the man who appeared on his TV screen while he lay battered and bruised in that hospital bed.Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly is the new music biography written by Jeff Apter, a Wollongong local, who is launching the book on Saturday 8 March, 2pm at the Kiama Library Auditorium as part of the Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival.Jeff Apter's new book. Photos supplied.Jeff has written more than 30 books about music and musicians. He also spent four years working for Australian Rolling Stone. Interestingly, it was a biography about Australian star Keith Urban that led to this new book project.“I'd written a book about Keith a few years ago for an Australian publisher. It was picked up by a US publisher, Kensington books, in New York. They really loved it and they actually said to me - you're a music biographer, what do you know about Carl Perkins? We want to write a book on him,” says Jeff.“I knew where he came from, his involvement with Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Sun Records, Blue Suede Shoes and his relationship with The Beatles and I thought - someone's willing to pay me to find out more about someone who fascinates me. So it was a fantastic 12 month journey of research and writing. Every day I learnt something new about this really interesting, somewhat shadowy figure in American popular culture.”In the 90’s Jeff was fortunate to spend four years living in the U.S. and visiting a lot of the places that Perkins would have been recording, performing and living - and he says that this experience helped him capture the time and place of the book.“I really tried to vividly present how it felt to be in the moment, at that place and time. It was almost incidental that I'd done some research and legwork for this book 20 years ago just by being in America and getting a feel for it,” Jeff says.“While I hadn’t been to Jackson, where Perkins spent most of his life, I had been to Memphis, Nashville, and Austin, Texas - all key music cities. I’d also visited Sun Studios where Carl recorded. So, I already had a feel for that world, which really helped.”But beyond capturing the essence of Perkins’ life, Jeff is particularly interested in understanding how someone in the spotlight manages to stay sane (or goes insane,) and in examining the evolution of the specific song or album that defines that artist for a lifetime.“I guess I'm fascinated - especially in the case of Carl Perkins - about how you can stay relatively sane when you are in the spotlight every night. How do you deal with that? How do you adapt? In Carl’s case - he would go on these great tours, play to thousands of people and he’d come home, slip off the toupee, pull out the dental plate, put on his baseball cap and ride on his lawnmower around the front yard,” says Jeff.“And also I'm really interested in evolution. The song that becomes the song that is the soundtrack of your life. How does it come into existence? What inspired it? Not technically, I'm not really interested in saying this chord followed by that chord and that note. I am interested in motivation and inspiration.”With Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly, Jeff hopes to bring Perkins out from the shadows of figures like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison, even if only by an inch.Catch Jeff at the Kiama Library Auditorium on 8 March at 2pm - more information available here.

The Bloomfield Festival, held on the Shoalhaven River, will go ahead for the second year in a row, thanks to a $55,000 Revive Live grant.As part of the Revive Live initiative, the Australian Government is providing grants totalling $7.7 million to 110 organisations, including 61 festival-based activities and 49 live music venues, all aimed at helping to resurrect live music across Australia.Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, was thrilled to announce that the Bloomfield Festival will return, following the success of the 2024 event.“Held in spring, in bushland alongside the stunning Shoalhaven River, the 2025 Bloomfield Festival will be a feast for the senses, with bush camping, live music, interactive workshops and global cuisine,” Mrs Phillips said in a press release.“I always love to support our local festivals and events, musicians and creatives who bring such joy to our community. This is a beautiful festival in a beautiful location and brings something a bit different to music lovers in our region. It’s fabulous for locals and visitors to the area.”The funding also prioritises activities aimed at improving accessibility at venues or festivals, ensuring that more people with disabilities can participate, whether as performers, arts workers, or audience members.The grants will support live music in regional, remote, and metropolitan areas across the country, benefiting a diverse range of genres, organisations, and audiences, including First Nations, LGBTQI+, and all-age events.Minister for the Arts Tony Burke emphasised that the funding comes at a crucial time for the industry. “It’s no secret that the live music industry has been facing many challenges,” he said.“Revive Live will alleviate some of the additional costs that festivals and venues are facing right now, ensuring artists are paid, venues stay open, and audiences can continue to enjoy live music into the future.”

Kiama Council is injecting over $55,000 into the local community through Round 2 of its Destination Event Funding Program, supporting a vibrant lineup of events set to enhance the region’s cultural, social, and economic landscape. The initiative, which allocates $130,000 annually across two rounds, underscores the council’s commitment to fostering tourism and enriching the visitor economy.The latest recipients, announced this week, showcase a diverse mix of activities spanning sports, arts, music, and multicultural celebrations. From beachside competitions to immersive exhibitions, these events promise to draw crowds and spotlight Kiama’s unique charm.Among the funded events are:Kiama Beach Tag at Kendalls Beach on Saturday, 1 March, receiving $8,000 to bring high-energy coastal fun.THAT. SKATE PARK, a DJ-led event at Kiama Skate Park in October, awarded $5,000 to amplify youth culture.Kiama Triathlon in Minnamurra on 10 May, bolstered by $10,000 for its athletic showcase.Distilled at The Coop Gerringong from 8 to 9 June, granted $5,220 for a spirited community gathering.The Orry Kelly Gala: Dressing Hollywood, spanning various Kiama locations from 25 to 27 July, with $6,000 to celebrate cinematic history.Going to the Southeast Saltwater exhibition at Seven Marks Gallery, running 6 September to 11 October, supported by $4,220 for its artistic exploration.Folk by the Sea 2025 at The Pavilion, Kiama, from 12 to 14 September, receiving $6,000 for its musical tradition.Spanish & Latin American Outdoor Fiesta at Hindmarsh Park on 11 October, backed by $10,000 to ignite cultural festivities.These events are expected to attract visitors from near and far, boosting local businesses and reinforcing Kiama’s reputation as a dynamic destination. The funding program aims to strike a balance between economic growth and community enrichment, offering residents and tourists alike a calendar brimming with memorable experiences.For more details on the Destination Event Funding Program and its recipients, visit [www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/Services/People-and-community/Grants/Destination-Event-Funding-Program](www.kiama.nsw.gov.au).As the countdown begins for these exciting events, Kiama is gearing up to welcome all who come to enjoy the bubbles of creativity, competition, and celebration blowing through town.

We are weeks out from Yours and Owls history making takeover of the picturesque Flagstaff Hill, on the Wollongong’s foreshore for their epic 2025 festival edition. We know it’s not all about looks, but geez, that site is pretty! Breeze in your hair, salt in the air, and some of the best local and international artists purely for your entertainment!Set times and site maps are here! Head over to yoursandowlsfestival.com.au to start planning and prioritising!Tickets to this year’s event are 90% sold, so close to sell out once again, we suggest you get in sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.The former military fort, set on top of Flagstaff Point, boasts stunning 360-degree and sweeping views of Wollongong Harbour and City Beach. Yours and Owls 2025, Wollongong’s most iconic festival, in a heritage precinct at Wollongong’s most iconic geographical landmark!Set times below:

Jude PapeschThe Tamworth Country Music Festival is an unmissable event, offering something for everyone. With thousands of performances spanning genres from classic country to comedy, ventriloquism, and tribute shows, the festival exudes an unmatched energy. Jude Papesch with Felicity Kircher, the winner of the 2025 Starmaker, winning over $100,000 in prizes. Source: Jude Papesch.Line-dancing enthusiasts, poets, and rising stars in talent quests contribute to the vibrant atmosphere, making it a celebration of all things creative.Kevin Sullivan and the Sulli-vans. A family band from Gerringong. Kevin's children are Jet, ChaCha and KJ. They were also joined by Stuart "Nugget" Jole from the Northern Territory. A friend who plays the washboard joined in for finale. Source: Jude Papesch.This year is particularly special, with over 400 buskers transforming the streets into a living, breathing symphony of talent and innovation. The diverse venues only enhance the experience, establishing Tamworth as the ultimate destination for music lovers and performers alike.Rob Mills at BonJovi tribute concert and with Wolfe Brothers joining him on stage. Source: Jude Papesch.Tamworth's star is shining brighter than ever. It’s the place to be, and Nashville might just have some competition on its hands!

The iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival, one of Australia’s premier events, is set to bring the city to life once again from Friday, 17 January, to Sunday, 26 January 2025. With over 700 artists and more than 1800 events scheduled, the festival will draw country music enthusiasts from across the nation.The Bugle wants to hear from you! Share your favourite Tamworth Music Festival highlights with us and help celebrate this iconic event. Whether it’s a magical performance, a heartwarming moment, or a funny story, we’d love to feature your experiences.As the Tamworth Music Festival transforms the city into a buzzing hub of entertainment, NSW Police have announced a high-visibility operation to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland emphasised the importance of road safety, urging all travellers to plan their trips carefully and adhere to traffic laws. With Tamworth’s population nearly doubling during the festival, roads will be busy, and police will focus on dangerous driving behaviours, such as speeding, drink and drug driving, and mobile phone use.Police are also targeting anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related incidents, ensuring community safety remains the top priority. Assistant Commissioner Holland reminds attendees to drink responsibly, look out for mates, and respect others during the event.Tips for a safe camping experienceFor those planning to camp, police have offered advice to ensure safety and securityPlan and book your accommodation in advanceFamiliarise yourself with fellow campers and report any suspicious behaviourKeep valuables at home or secured and out of sightLock caravans, campervans, and tents when unattendedPrepare for changing weather conditionsTraffic and festival updatesVisitors are encouraged to check road closures and event updates via the official festival website www.tcmf.com.au and Live Traffic NSW.Let’s make this year’s festival a celebration to remember!

The sun blazed down on festivalgoers at the Kiama Showgrounds over the weekend as hundreds gathered for the Changing Tides music festival.Now in its second year, Kiama played host to a stellar lineup of celebrated Aussie artists. Saturday quickly sold out with Hilltop Hoods headlining, while Sunday attracted a large crowd with Peking Duk set to close out the weekend.The atmosphere was electric, with performances that stood out against the backdrop of a tough year for the Australian live music scene. After several major festivals were cancelled and with the sluggish recovery from the pandemic still weighing on the industry, Australian music fans and artists alike have been feeling the pressure.It’s been a challenging time for both artists and fans, but this weekend marked a much-needed comeback—a reminder of how special it is to be back in a crowd of music lovers, dancing and enjoying live tunes. Changing Tides is helping to shift the tide for Australian live music, right here in our town.Festivalgoers were treated to unforgettable performances from the likes of Hilltop Hoods, Peach PRC, and Lime Cordiale, as well as local legends such as The Terrys and Pacific Avenue. And it wasn’t just about the music—the food was equally impressive, with a variety of food trucks offering everything from burgers and dumplings to pizza and more.Changing Tides has left Kiama buzzing, and we’re already counting down the days until next year.

By Jett SilvaEvery year, typically in early December, Spotify gives users a chance to reflect on the soundtrack of their lives through Spotify Wrapped—a unique look back at your listening habits from the past year. It's more than just data; it’s a personalised snapshot of who you were, based on the music you played.Using the data it collects throughout the year, Spotify Wrapped reveals your most-played songs, top artists, favorite genres, and total listening time. With eye-catching visuals and interactive content, it turns your listening history into a memorable, audio-visual experience.Spotify Wrapped also provides a global perspective, showcasing worldwide trends in music. For example, in 2024, the top-streamed song was “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift was the most-streamed artist. This global view connects you with millions of other listeners, showing how your tastes align with worldwide music trends.For many, Spotify Wrapped is a nostalgic moment—a time capsule capturing the soundtrack of their year. Whether the music represents happy memories or difficult times, it’s a reminder of the experiences that defined the past 12 months.But Spotify Wrapped is more than just a personal reflection; it’s a celebration of music and the role it plays in our lives. It’s a journey that’s shared by millions of people around the world, all connected by the power of music.

It's hard to believe that over 50 years have passed since Trevor White and Jon English first brought the iconic roles of Jesus and Judas to life on the Australian stage in Jesus Christ Superstar. This groundbreaking rock opera, written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber in 1970, has firmly secured its place in musical theatre history and remains beloved by audiences worldwide. As part of its 50th anniversary tour, the show is currently playing at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre until January 26th, before heading to Perth. With its unforgettable music, powerful performances, and timeless themes of power, betrayal, and redemption, the hype around Jesus Christ Superstar is as strong as ever. Michael Paynter’s portrayal of Jesus in this production has completely redefined the role for me. As a lifelong John Farnham fan, (Jesus in the 1992 production), I never thought I'd feel such a deep emotional connection to this performance, but Paynter’s rendition was nothing short of extraordinary. His delivery of "Gethsemane" was so vocally stunning, I found myself in awe, struggling to keep my jaw from hitting the floor. The sheer power and emotion he brought to the song earned him a well-deserved mid-show standing ovation. Michael, if you’re reading this—please, for the love of all things musical—release your version of "Gethsemane" so I can listen to it on repeat! Javon King’s portrayal of Judas was a strikingly clean and nuanced interpretation. His voice was technically flawless, and the emotion he conveyed through his eyes was hauntingly powerful. One of the most memorable moments was the use of liquid silver to symbolise the blood money on his hands, a visual choice that was both haunting and beautifully executed. Unlike previous portrayals of Judas, such as Tim Minchin’s and Jon English’s more rugged, rock-inspired takes, King’s version presented a more polished, almost aristocratic Judas—one who carried the weight of his betrayal with an air of dignified torment. Regardless of which interpretation of Judas you prefer, there’s no denying that King’s vocal performance was absolutely unmatched. I’d like to make a special mention of someone who didn’t have a main role but truly stood out: Darcy Eagle, who played the mob leader and main dancer. Every time she stepped onto the stage, she commanded attention with her expressive facial expressions and impeccably clean movements. Whether portraying a devoted follower of Jesus or leading the chaos of the mob, Eagle transitioned seamlessly between these contrasting roles, maintaining an infectious energy throughout. What impressed me most was her ability to sustain such high energy and precision, especially considering she was dancing full out for most of the show. Her performance added so much depth to the production, proving that sometimes the most memorable moments come from those in supporting roles.The choreography in this production was both modern and wonderfully unconventional, yet it all came together in perfect harmony. There was a unique flow to the movements, with elongated, smooth gestures performed at a quick pace, making full use of the dancers' bodies. Bree Tapoki, the resident choreographer, brought a distinctive style to the piece, blending contemporary elements with creative, bold choices that kept the choreography fresh and engaging. I truly enjoyed seeing her imaginative vision come to life on stage.The costume design was fairly minimalistic, opting for a muted, "Yeezy-inspired" palette of greys and sage, with oversized clothing that gave the characters a somewhat contemporary, yet understated look. However, the one truly show-stopping outfit came courtesy of Reuben Kaye, who played King Herod and delivered the only comedic break in the show. Draped in gold, paired with stilettos and a studded gock strap, Kaye’s larger-than-life presence was hard to miss. His perfectly timed rendition of "King Herod’s Song" was a highlight, with his extravagant costume and bold performance adding a touch of fabulousity to the otherwise intense atmosphere of the show.Mahlia Barnes brought a strikingly different energy to the role of Mary Magdalene, offering a more rugged and raw portrayal than we typically see. While Mary is often depicted with clean, sweet vocals, providing comfort to Jesus, Barnes used her belting range to bring a grittier, more complex dimension to the character. This Mary felt less like the traditional nurturing figure and more like a woman hardened by her past (a prostitute and victim of the societal abuse of her time). I appreciated this fresh take, as it gave a new depth to the role. However, while Barnes powerful vocals were impressive, I did feel there could have been more vocal variation. Showing her raw power was compelling, but I would have liked to hear her dial it back at times to create more dynamic contrast, allowing the quieter moments of Mary’s character to shine through as well.  The staging was haunting and impactful, with a large corrugated metal cross dominating the stage, drawing immediate attention. Unlike previous productions, where scaffolding is often used to create dynamic levels and allow for more interaction between performers, this set opted for a simpler approach. The focus was on a staircase with a platform at the top, reminiscent of the one used in Hamilton last year. While it was visually striking, I did miss the usual complexity of scaffolding that adds depth and movement to the space. The staircase, though effective in its own right, didn’t quite offer the same variety of shapes and levels, but it still worked within the overall mood of the production.The musicians were top-notch, seamlessly sharing the stage with the performers and showcasing their incredible talent. The opening moment was especially memorable, with a single spotlight on the electric guitarist, expertly jamming the iconic Jesus Christ Superstar riff, setting the tone for what was to come. This smooth transition led straight into Javon King’s standout performance of "Heaven on Their Minds," which was nothing short of electrifying. The synergy between the live band and the cast elevated the entire experience, blending the raw power of rock with the emotion of the story.I highly recommend seeing this production, especially as we approach Christmas. It's a thrilling, thought-provoking experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls, leaving you in awe of the performances, the music, and the emotional depth of the story and portrayal of the characters.