Mr Marks is taking his talents to his own backyard - Campaspe Shire and surrounding areas - where he will headline a free community concert series over four dates.
Starting on Sunday, May 2, Mr Marks will kick off the first of his shows at Gunbower Recreation Reserve, before heading to Girgarre Memorial Hall, on to Rushworth Hall, before finishing at Nanneella Hall.
Funded by a Campaspe Shire Council grant, Mr Marks said he was looking forward to touring these smaller communities.
“I've spent most of my time travelling and touring, so for me, it's really exciting to play around home,” he said.
“I live in a small town and we don't get a lot of live music and I'd love to have more.
“I proposed to take some shows out to the smaller regional towns that don't get a lot of that sort of thing.
“I also wanted to incorporate using the existing old halls.”
A self-confessed late-starter musician - he learnt the guitar at 32 - Mr Marks has produced six albums and toured Australia and overseas.
After the COVID-19 pandemic put live music on hold in 2020, Mr Marks said he couldn't be more excited to perform live in front of crowds this year.
“It's definitely inspiring; live is where it is at for me. It was a big hole in my life last year,” he said.
“It's nice to see the whole industry getting back on its feet.”
Offering a grassroots style of show, Mr Marks’ country-folk music will be accompanied by special guest Pete Fidlar.
“It's a lot of storytelling,” Mr Marks said.
“Mainly I'll be playing songs from an album I wrote here - Big River, Little Stories - and I wrote it on the banks of the Murray River.”
Mr Marks will be supported by a youth performer at three of his events - Gunbower, Girgarre and Nanneella - while music royalty JoJo Smith will join Mr Marks at his May 30 show in Rushworth.
Local community groups are expected to set up a number of stalls/food at each event.
Mr Marks said anyone else interested in doing so was welcome.
Simon Marks will play at Gunbower Recreation Reserve on Sunday, May 2, Girgarre Memorial Hall on Sunday, May 16, Rushworth Hall on Sunday, May 30, and Nanneella Hall on Sunday, June 6. All events start at 3 pm, except Rushworth which kicks off from 2.30 pm. Entry is free. For information, head to simonmarks.net
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