Nicky Bomba's Bustamento Lands At Airlie Beach Hotel

Legendary Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nicky Bomba is set to take to the stage at the Airlie Beach Hotel, 7th February, with his exciting project Bustamento. Known as the being the driving force behind the Melbourne Ska Orchestra and drummer for the John Butler Trio, Nicky has had an eclectic career, performing from Bluesfest to Glastonbury.

His special project Bustamento shows no signs of slowing down. A combination of Nicky’s various musical cohorts, Bustamento is a collage of various sounds and styles. Bustamento harness mento music as their foundation - acoustic Jamaican folk music that influenced ska and reggae.

"Theres a special feeling about touching the seed of that music, it's very joyful, very tongue in cheek", said Nicky.

Having explored such a specific scene of music, Nicky clearly has a deep affection for its origins and significance.

"The essence of the music was making light of things. It was considered to be the voice of the people. If there were things they couldn't say in the newspaper or publicly, they could say them in the context of the song and get away with it."

With seasoned touring experience, Bustamento have added musical flavours from around the world, implementing reggae, steel pan calypso, Mowtown, pop and New Orleans boogie to their wonderfully quirky sound.

Nicky, along with his various projects, is no stranger to the Airlie Beach Hotel.

"We like to do it once or twice a year. It's a bit of a tradition now. We have lots of friends up there. The venue has a nice outdoor tropical vibe so it ties in with the music well. The atmosphere really helps with the context of the music".

Despite such an extensive career, Nicky is still learning new things.

"That's the beauty of music. I don't think I'll ever learn all the things I really want to."

The band will then reform the next day, Sunday 8th February, as ONE LOVE, playing the iconic tunes of Bob Marley and the Wailers, plus many other reggae classics.

Get down to Airlie Beach Hotel for a series of energetic, fun and enthusiastic performances.

Saturday 7th February
WHAT: Nicky Bomba's Bustamento, FREE SHOW
WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: 2pm til 5:30pm

Sunday 8th February
WHAT: One Love – The Music of Bob Marley and The Wailers plus Reggae Classics, FREE SHOW
WHERE: Airlie Beach Hotel
WHEN: 2pm til 5:30pm

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Photo source: Facebook

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