Visiting 20 different venues up and down the East Coast, the Festival of Small Halls brings some of the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists from as far afield as Prince Edward Island, Canada, and as close as Byron Bay, to the McKenna Hall in Bowen this Wednesday night.
A celebration of soulful sounds and great company, this rich and vibrant touring festival sees halls of every shape and size flung open for an event which is dedicated to bringing quality music to regional communities.
For the for the past 30 years, music lovers have been enjoying The Festival of Small Halls, an opportunity for everyone to gather for an evening of music, cakes, tea and neighbours.
Having departed Mount Mee on November 16, the tour featured at the Queenscliff Music Festival before its stop in Bowen and will travel on to conclude at the Woodford Folk Festival on January 1.
Bowen will be its northernmost venue.
Famous for their larger-than-life music festivals, Woodfordia Inc. are the creators of the event which always features at least one Australian act and a touring international band.
This year they present Byron Bay-based folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham, whose repertoire has progressed alongside her life experience.
Growing from her American/folk roots into alternative pop with fierce storytelling and rich
soaring vocals, Sam’s live show combines vocal looping with guitar into a dynamic and intimate performance.
"To be back touring again after two years of stops, starts and a lot of waiting has felt magical,” said Sam.
“To then be invited to work with legendary Small Halls tour feels like a dream. I've seen my friends play these shows, and heard them rave about the beautiful shows, the incredible team, and the lovely people they meet along the way. I'm honoured to become a part of this nationwide family."
A young trad-folk trio, Inn Echo, from Prince Edward Island in Canada are also featuring.
Blending hundred-year-old traditional tunes with contemporary arrangements and originals that have been enchanting audiences across the Pacific, their music is captivating and beautifully crafted.
Each member hails from a different town and they each blend their individual experiences into this project.
“We are beyond excited to bring our music to Australia for the first time as part of the Festival of Small Halls!” said the group.
WHAT: Festival of Small Halls
WHEN: Wednesday, December 7
WHERE: McKenna Hall Bowen
Byron Bay based folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham
Trad-folk trio, Inn Echo, from Prince Edward Island in Canada
