Review by Natasha Wyborn
A mini rocking country fest arrived in Newcastle on Saturday night lead by Australian country music’s latest thing, The Wolfe Brothers. The packed house enjoyed music from 6 artists spanning 3 countries. For the fan it was a unique experience, for the person wanting to check out where country music is heading, it was a great sampler.
Kicking off the evening The Wolfe Brothers played a trio of originals. Reflecting on the bands last visit to Newcastle back in 2014, the band sold in total, 23 tickets to their show. Wind the clock forward 2 years and these guys have firmly cemented themselves as one of country music’s most sought after acts. Having spent the best part of the last 2 years touring Australia. As a band the boys have grown tenfold since their days as contestants on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’.
Jody Direen hailing from New Zealand, joined the brothers on stage singing out three originals and gaining a massive fan following. Newcastle’s own Troy Kemp was the next on stage. Again three songs including the country hit ‘How We Roll Around Here’. Kemp is currently enjoying number one status on country tracks top 40 with his smash hit ‘A Little More Country’. Gympie’s own Caitlyn Shadbolt joined the stage singing two originals and a killer version of the Chisel classic ‘Bow River’.
A brief break and golden guitar winner Christie Lamb entertained with her hit ‘Broken Record’. Lamb’s set culminated with Direen and Shadbolt joining her as a trio covering Little Big Town’s ‘Girl Crush’.
Canada’s multi award winning country artist Gord Bamford joined the brothers playing a 5 song set including the current hit ‘Breakfast Beer’. Bamford on his second visit to Australia this year has won an army of fans and I must say it’s great to see Canada on the map in this country where music is so often dominated by Americans.
An all act finale singing the Garth Brooks hit, ‘Ain’t Going Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)’ was a fitting end. For a lot of fans they would have been singing The Wolfe Brothers songs well into the next morning. A show thoroughly enjoyed.
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