ANZ Main Stage
He calls himself a folky kind of singer songwriter who likes to tell a story and loves to sing. He’s been reared on the likes of Leonard Cohen, Bob Marley, Tracey Chapman, Neil Finn and Paul Simon. His songs are a roller coaster of moods, rhythms and vibes and you’ll find him subtly tipping his hat to these artists in his own kind of way.
1.20-1.50pm Martin Reese and Sebastian Flynn
Martin Reese (Mandolin & Mandola) and Sebastian Flynn (Fiddle) have been playing music together for over a decade. Both originally from England, they are former members of the Celtic group Malarky, that was based in Brisbane. They are currently recording a CD of entirely original music reflecting a shared background in Celtic and European folk music. With an intuitive and fairly impromptu approach, their arrangements are fresh and unique, with diverse influences from Celtic to Greek, Macedonian, American & Jewish Klezmer music.
2.05 – 2.35pm Good Times
Comprising of exciting vocal harmonies and addictive guitar riffs, pleasing bass lines and delicious drum beats, Good Times is the newest formation for vocalist Chana Waters, guitarist Dane McKenzie, drummer Sam Collier and bass player Zeb Kennedy.
These local musicians have recently collaborated to produce a rocking sound that blends to create a nostalgic and exciting connection that relive the hard edged riffs licks and vocals that shaped our lives and got us screaming in unison to the oh so familiar music we all loved of the 60′s 70′s 80′s 90’s.
2.55 -3.35pm Hello Africa
They are back by popular demand!! Hello Africa is a lively trio performing with a hypnotic energy that will have you fully smiling and wanting to hug a stranger. Introducing the colourful culture and lifestyle of African people, the West Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea and Gambia performers will have your body glistening and your heart pacing -in the first minute. Watch if you can…but its hard to stay seated. A performance the whole family will love.
3.55 -4.35pm Mantlepeace
Mantlepeace is the musical collaboration of Sue McKenna, Jake Mann, Dan Smith, Danidoo & Fiona Ryan, all innovative mulch-instrumentalists and composers in their own right. This music showcases an original blend of influences from classical, folk, jazz, rock & ethnic world groove combined with the unique uplifting vocal styles of Sue. Mantlepeace create an adventurous, poetic, intimate and dynamic genre all of their own. Recently Mantlepeace completed a three month exte
nsive tour of Far North Queensland, on the ‘Rainbow Roots Roadshow’, playing many venues and festivals along the way. In between a busy schedule the band has been working hard on producing tracks for an upcoming release.
4.55 -5.30pm Segue
An acoustic duo that plays warm jazz and blues and rock, with a little country and some pop, plus a few of Vanessa’s originals thrown in.
The sounds of Vanessa Hoffman’s beautiful vocals and
rhythmic guitar, accompanied by Radha on percussion, will keep a smile on your face and your toes tapping.
5.45 – 6.30pm The Devil Johnsons
The Devil Johnsons hail from the hills of Northern NSW. They are a guitar and drum blues rock three piece consisting of baritone guitarist Muzza Munroe, drummer Boogs Worth and Al Lynch on the slide guitar. The DJs have firm roots in traditional blues, country and psychedelic music. Purists at heart the DJs are avid record collectors and have influences from A-Z. Their show is raw, explosive, compelling.
6.55 – 7.35 Samba Blisstas
Flaming Bongos, the Samba Blisstas are coming to UNITY to thunder their way around the festival in their wild wacky uniforms, belting out their red riotous rhythms. This 20-45 piece street troupe are on the move and will leave you sweaty and screaming for more!
7.55 – 8.40pm Guri Guru
Mixing didgeridoo with modern dance beats and funky percussion techniques, five piece Guri Guru will take you on a Indigenous storytelling journey born in the unique musical culture of the NSW North Coast. For an local Indigenous dance experience see Guri Guru at UNITY 2011.
9.05 -10pm ALI BABA
If you missed them at Woodford Folk Festival, now is your chance to see ALI BABA up close and personal at UNITY 2011. Move your bootie to this infectious Middle Eastern/Australian organic dance music. Blending traditional middle eastern instruments and melodies with the ancient sounds of the yidaki (didgeridoo) and contemporary dance beats, ALI BABA create a fresh, exciting and musically rich dance floor experience. One that will transport you from Australia to the Middle East via the Celtic world and back – all in one cosmic night at UNITY!
