2024 ARTIST LINEUP: 18th- 20th October 2024
We are so excited to present our 2024 lineup- comprising of 18 artists and bands based locally, from around the state and nationwide. Many of these are well-known and loved artists, several have been awarded high accolades in 2024, others’ are rising talents of whom this may be your first listen to… all bring a wealth of talent to the stage and represent our strong Country Music Scene !
Alida Sue is a versatile performer known for her impressive vocal talent in the Midwest region. With a background in Jazz and Contemporary styles, she has captivated audiences for many years.
Last year, Alida wowed the crowd with her Patsy Cline show, showcasing her ability to pay homage to the classics while adding her unique touch. This year, she is excited to bring a fresh set featuring both covers and original songs.
Alida's performances are a musical journey that highlights her diverse range and dedication to her craft. Her ability to connect with the audience and deliver powerful, emotive performances ensures she is a standout artist in the community.
Alida's commitment to her artistry and her engaging stage presence make her a cherished performer wherever she goes.
Darcy Hay, a 31-year-old singer-songwriter from Geraldton, is renowned for his fingerpicking, slide guitar, and harmonica skills. He writes songs inspired by Wheatbelt communities and has become a festival favorite, performing at Nannup Music Festival, Gascoyne River Music Festival, Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Strings Attached Guitar Festival, Nukara Music Festival, and Blues For The Bush.
His song 'This Blue World Is Full Of Joy' was a finalist in the 2020 WAM Song Of The Year awards. Darcy was also a finalist in the 'Emerging Artist' category at Boyup Brook in 2019 and won the Festival Directors Award at Nannup in 2021.
He has toured throughout the state, releasing an EP titled 'This Blue World Is Full Of Joy,' and is a prize-winning poet recognized by the Songwriters, Composers And Lyricists Association.
West Australian singer-songwriters Paul Frick, Shane Dickson, and Daron Keogh craft songs about their lives, loves, and travels. Paul, a Berkley School of Music alum, teamed up with accomplished bass player/producer and WA Hall of Fame songwriter Daron Keogh. Joined by internationally experienced drummer Gary Bourne and songstress Shane Dickson, they deliver a balanced blend of country rock/pop music.
The band, known as Good Question, won Geraldton's Got Music Talent, Best Original Song at the Battle of Bands, and performed at the NAIDOC Ball.
They have headlined events in Morawa and Geraldton and played in Midwest and Gascoyne towns like Dongara, Mullewa, Carnarvon, Kalbarri, and Monkey Mia.
Hailing from the Southwest, Western Australia, ROGUE PONY isn't your average country band.
These award-winning singer-songwriters, Lucky Forsyth (vocals/bass guitar), Jason Forsyth (vocals/lead guitar), and Darryl Spriggs (vocals/drums), have been setting stages ablaze for years with their electrifying blend of classic country and infectious energy.
Forget passive toe-tapping – ROGUE PONY's boot-stompin', honkytonkin rhythms and soaring vocals will have you two-stepping and singing along 'til your voice is hoarse.
Their setlist is a treasure trove of everyone's favourite country anthems, guaranteed to send a wave of nostalgia and good vibes crashing through the venue.
From Times Square in New York City to Pannawonica in Western Australia, Codee-Lee has played over 450 shows worldwide.
With deep roots in Country Music, she has earned 16 West Australian Country Music Awards, 3 WA Song of the Year Awards, over 150k Spotify streams, 2 top 5 singles on iTunes, a top 50 spot on The Voice in 2016, and was a two-time finalist in the Telstra Road to Tamworth Competition.
A graduate of the CMAA Junior and Senior Academy of Country Music, Codee-Lee's journey began at age 9 with a performance of the Dixie Chicks' "Landslide."
Her passion for storytelling through song is evident in her 4 EPs and 8 singles, resonating with authenticity and passion.
Dave Kent is a unique voice in Australian Country Music - drawing comparisons to Dwight Yoakam, Colin Hay, Brooks and Dunn, Slim Dusty and Neil Young. Hailing from Margaret River in WA, Dave recently appeared at The Tamworth Country Music Festival, 2024.
Previously supporting other artists as a guitarist live and in the studio, 2023 saw him step out on his own with performances at The Boyup Brook Country Music Festival and The Gympie Music Muster.
Supported by his band, Dave promises to bring a full sound and energy to his set. Singing of heartbreak, the search for home, working the land and celebrating community, Dave Kent is a compelling storyteller, a captivating performer and a rising star in Country Music.
Kate Hindle, a West Australian singer/songwriter and award winner, first stepped on stage at age 9. A WAAPA graduate and alumna of both the Junior and Senior Academy of Country Music, Hindle has toured Australia extensively and performed at major festivals, sharing the stage with artists like Lee Kernaghan, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey, Travis Collins, and Amber Lawrence.
In 2022, she was awarded WA Female Artist of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year. Signed to Social Family Records in 2021, Hindle’s singles, including ‘Heart Bleed,’ ‘One Step Away,’ ‘Broken Mind,’ ‘Take It All In,’ and ‘The Happy End,’ have topped Australian charts and garnered over 80k Spotify streams.
Hindle's lyrics explore life’s challenges and the resilience that defines us.
Sarah O'Malley is a distinguished singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Midwest, WA. She is a diverse artist with varying influences, performing across genres. She fronts the alternative rock band, Xhalisse, which won Geraldton's Battle of the Bands in 2023 and has played various festivals statewide.
As a solo artist Sarah brings a stripped-back acoustic sound with folk and country roots which showcase her unique lilting voice & heartfelt lyrics. Her songwriting is poetic , meaningful and often draws on the natural world around her for inspiration.
Sarah's influence extends beyond her music. As co-founder and program coordinator of the nonprofit Regional Sounds, she is deeply committed to community development, nurturing talent and supporting the Midwest's music scene.
The Western Suntones, a Country Rock band from Perth, Western Australia, blend influences from country, blues, and rock. Their album "Long Way Home" was a finalist for Album of the Year at the WA Country Music Awards. Inspired by great country music, they cover artists like Creedence, The Mavericks, Paul Kelly, REM, Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, and Dwight Yoakam, giving these covers a distinct country rock feel with mandolin, dobro, guitar, and vocal harmonies.
The band's core members, Steve Smith, Jeff Barham, and Chris Harwood, have been together for over 14 years, touring the Tamworth Country Music Festival and performing regularly in Perth and regional WA. Felicity Urquhart featured "Long Way Home" on ABC's Saturday Night Country, praising it as a great album.
Connie Kis Andersen, a multi-award-winning singer/songwriter from Perth, Western Australia, is renowned for her dedication and professionalism.
Entering the music business as a mature-aged female artist, she has redefined success through her talent, work ethic, and relentless promotion of her music.
With six independent albums, an EP, and several hit songs, Connie Kis has overcome numerous personal and physical challenges, including Australia's 'tyranny of distance.'
Her efforts have earned her multiple awards in songwriting and as an artist.
Additionally, she produces and hosts the popular weekly radio program, SHOWCASE AUSTRALIA, which is syndicated worldwide.
If guitarists are a dime a dozen – and they are – you would still have to spend a lot of folding, paper money before encountering another pair of young guitarists as impressive as Elias Bartholomeo and JJ Yee… and no less a musician than Tommy Emmanuel would agree!
Having shared the stage and have spent some time with Emmanuel, among others, both Bartholomeo and Yee have distinguished themselves as a pair of young pickers who can ably hold their own alongside much older, more experienced musicians.
Both being similarly assured, with breezy banter and well-selected repertoire complimenting their instrumental and vocal ability and ensuring a genuinely entertaining experience for guitar aficionados and general music fans alike.
Ray Jones, a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter from Myalup, Western Australia, is the 2024 WA Male Country Music Artist of the Year and an elite finalist for the WAM Country Song of the Year with Codee Lee. He was a finalist for Independent Album of the Year in the 2022 WA Country Music Awards and won Male Artist of the Year in 2023.
His recent music hit #9 on the AMRAP charts and was among Rhythms Magazine's top 30 songs of 2022. His debut album, "Sleeping Rough," ranked #12 on the Academy of World Artist Rankings in the US and was produced by Bill Chambers at Chambers Avenue studio in Sydney. Ray is collaborating with Aria Hall of Fame member Kerryn Tolhurst on upcoming singles, an EP, and an album.
Based in Jurien Bay, Sue Munns is a performer with roots in the small community of Beacon, where she previously lived for many years. Known for her engaging original songs, Sue is preparing for her first EP.
Her performances, including a recent ladies' songwriters evening, and as support artist for Stella Moon on her tour from Broome have garnered enthusiastic responses.
With a deep appreciation for community and volunteerism, Sue is dedicated to connecting with her audience and making meaningful musical contributions.
She believes “ living out on “the edge” nature can throw us some wonderful inspiration for songwriting. My country is a place of wildflowers, big space and isolation.”
Warwick began playing guitar at 14, performing in country bands around North Midlands and Geraldton. After leaving farming, he pursued music full-time as a solo performer, playing diverse genres at private functions from Darwin to Margaret River. Known for his acoustic guitar and vocals, Warwick admires John Williamson and performs original songs and covers.
He co-won the first Nambung Best Walk-Up Artist award and has recorded three albums, including original songs and popular country covers.
Warwick enjoys gigging, backing other artists, and writing ballads inspired by his travels. He performs regularly at country music events across Australia.
Is a Queensland based duo of SandyAnn and Ian. We met through our love for country music in 2017. We’ve been living the dream and playing around Queensland since 2019.
I was born and breed in Broomehill WA on a sheep, cattle and grain farm. That was where I fell in love with country music on an old 32volt wireless when my mum listened to John Juane’s request program each afternoon. It led to me getting my first guitar when I was 10.
Ian was born in Melbourne and grew up in Cobram in country Victoria on a dairy farm. He became a bass player with his first band “The Shiralees” at 21. He now plays great country lead guitar and sings as well.
Together we do a mix of old standard country, some kickass country and some old rock and roll.
Ginger Cox, a dedicated Bush Ballad musician, resides in Broome, WA, with his family. Inspired by Barry Thornton, Ginger has been playing guitar in Thornton's style for over twelve years. Barry was not only his idol but also a family friend who stayed with them in 2000. Every year on July 28th, Ginger honors Barry by playing "The Old Rugged Cross."
In 2005, he bought a Gibson 335, identical to Barry's, and recorded his first album, "The Kimberley Guitar Man," at Terry and Jenny Bennetts' studio. Released at Tamworth in 2012, the album features 16 favorite bush ballad tunes and a special song for his wife, Marie. Renowned musicians like Lucky Oceans, Peter Denahy, Ian Simpson, and Paul Novosel contributed to the album.
Ginger regularly performs at various venues and festivals, and won the Dusty Boot Award in 2024.
Established in 1989 and based in the Midwest, Western Australia, The Red Ochre Band originated from tutors teaching music to underprivileged children. These tutors would jam together after classes, forming the band.
Over the years, they have performed across the state at major festivals alongside renowned artists like Troy Cassar-Daley, Jimmy Little, Lee Kernaghan, and Beccy Cole.
After 31 years, the band still includes three original members and has mentored many young performers, providing them with valuable stage experience.
The Red Ochre Band remains dedicated to their musical roots and community and loves to rock the stage, bringing good tunes and dancing every time they play.
Terry, a proud West Aussie, is an acclaimed singer/songwriter in the Australian Bush Ballad style of Country Music. With over 60 awards for songwriting, vocals, and instrumentation, and over 40 songs recorded by other artists, Terry's talent shines. He was nominated twice for The Golden Guitar Awards and won the Blues Song of the Year at the 1998 WAMI Music Awards.
Terry and his wife Jenny formed a duo, winning numerous awards and releasing the successful album "The Soldier With His Banjo." After Jenny's passing, Terry continued to perform and record, forming the 'Band Of Mates' with Evan Platschinda and Ginger Cox.
His recent albums, "Mateship" and "Salt of the Earth," received critical acclaim, showcasing his storytelling and musical skills. Terry's dedication to Bush Ballads and community continues to inspire audiences across Australia.
September 28th & 29th. October 17th
Regional Sounds- 246 Marine Terrace, Geraldton
Emerging Artists Writer’s Workshops (September 28th & 29th, October 17th)
A series of intensive Songwriting & Stagecraft Workshops will be presented in the lead up to the festival, for budding songwriters of all kinds wanting to hone their skills in Songwriting and Performance.
On Thursday, October 17th the final workshop will be held, aiming to provide participants with the opportunity to hone their skills and gain confidence. Following the workshop, participants will have the chance to showcase their work and enter the Emerging Artists Award through short performances on the main stage, with judging scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024
October 18th - Day 1
Chapman Valley Music Festival- Nanson Showgrounds, Chapman Valley
Emerging Artists & Stage Walkups
Participants of the Emerging Artists Stage will have the chance to showcase their work through performances on the main stage on the first evening of the Festival. This will be followed by Walkups. The overall winner of both the walkups and the Emerging Artist award will be announced on Saturday, October 19, and will be invited to perform their winning piece prior to the main stage performances.
Friday Night Shindig Dance
For our main event Friday, everyone is invited to get moving and grooving at our Friday Night dance, hosted by our quality house band, Rogue Pony and concluded by local favourites Red Ochre.
Official Open- Walkup Awards and Emerging Artist Award Presentation
Our official opening ceremony will be on 8.45am Saturday morning. As part of the proceedings, the winner of the Emerging Artists Award will be announced and have the chance to showcase their work on the main stage .
Saturday Main Stage Programming
Between 9.30am- 10.30pm, festival goers will be treated to a stacked lineup of quality entertainment from a variety of local, statewide and interstate country music artists and bands. For more information and set times, refer to the official program.
October 19th- Day 2
Chapman Valley Music Festival- Nanson Showgrounds, Chapman Valley
October 20th- Day 3
Chapman Valley Music Festival- Nanson Showgrounds, Chapman Valley
Country Gospel Hour - hosted by Connie Kis Andersen
By popular request, we have added the Gospel Session to this year’s program. Get into the community spirit for a collective sing along from 7.45am.
Sunday Main Stage Programming
Between 8.50am-5.00pm, festival goers will be treated to a stacked lineup of quality entertainment from a variety of local, statewide and interstate country music artists and bands. For more information and set times, refer to the official program.