Festival of the Small Halls is a series of tours taking the best folk and contemporary acoustic artists performing at two large festivals before sending them on the road to tiny halls in communities all over Australia.
This year award-winning Canadian trio The Once and Australia’s John Flanagan will take part in the tour and head to Girgarre this Friday, April 5.
Produced by Woodfordia Inc in partnership with many other wonderful Australian festivals, regional partners and great lovers and supporters of folk and contemporary acoustic music, the Festival of the Small Halls is a fantastic opportunity for music-lovers from welcoming communities to invite artists into their towns.
Headliners The Once has a story of growth, propelled by the rare chemistry from a decade of writing and touring together. Their songs have been placed in international film and television, they have YouTube videos with millions of hits. Their success has seen a trail of trophy nominations and wins from the East Coast Music Awards, the Canadian Folk Awards, and the JUNO Awards in their wake.
Since first hitting the road in 2009, The Once has earned one of the most loyal followings both in their homeland and around the world. The lead singer Geraldine Hollett’s voice is a large part of the band’s ethereal sound and sits perfectly in between the rhythmic and supportive voices of Phil Churchill and Andrew Dale.
Alongside The Once, Australian John Flanagan will take to the stage.
The award-winning songwriter John Flanagan has been compared to James Taylor and Paul Kelly for his warm vocal delivery and engaging storytelling. He has been called “one of Australia’s finest lyricists” and “a songwriting force to keep an eye on” by entertainment media Timber and Steel.
He combines 70’s folk singer-songwriter influences with a range of contemporary Americana styles, from bluegrass and country to blues and folk.
The small agricultural Girgarre community of 190 people, is a 30 minute drive from Echuca and the event will be staged at the impressive Gargarro Sound Shell Memorial Hall. Steering away from the traditional set-up of the small hall, the festival is honoured to try a dance with a different style in downtown Girgarre – the small town with a big spirit.
More information and tickets are available through festivalofsmallhalls.com/girgarre-2019/