Saturday 5 April From 5pm

Bella

Three of a kind…simply ‘beautiful’. 

Sometimes, inexplicably, you will meet someone who is a Kindred Spirit, who seems to know you so well.  She shares your passions.  She is a friend to your soul.  Another like you.  Very rare, but even more special when it is three.  That is Bella. Three gifted individuals profoundly connected, as soul friends, who take vocal harmony to new heights. The hair will stand up on the back of your neck.

Bella is Karen O’Shea, Lyn Bowtell and Kate Ballantyne.

All have very strong connections with Australia’s most prestigious talent search – the Toyota Star Maker Quest.  Lyn, who is the main songwriter for the group, and Kate, are Star Maker winners, and Karen was a grand finalist. 

Individually each vocalist shines, but their combined voice is nothing short of dazzling, bringing many an audience to its feet in sheer delight and appreciation since their formation in 2002.

The girls started to sing together at small pub gigs around Newcastle in 2002 – just for fun, and totally unrehearsed – until one day a respected music industry pundit heard them and said ‘do you realise how good this is?’.  So they decided to take the group more seriously, which led to them recording their first independent single ‘Tumbling Down’.  And in what can only be described as a meteoric rise, BELLA took out the Best Group award at the January 2004 Toyota Gold Guitar Awards in Tamworth.  The girls are now being touted as one of the hottest new acts to arrive on the Australian music scene in years.

Sunday April 6 From 12pm

Ashleigh Mannix

Ashleigh is on the verge of something really big...this talented singer/songwriter at only 19 has the ability to mesmerize audiences with her folk influenced songs, whisking them away with soul and melodies beyond her years.

Introduced to Billabong by her holiday home neighbour in mid 2005, Ashleigh became an instant member of the Billabong Girls team, as they were blown away by her talent and down to earth beautiful nature. She’s a wonderful role model and represents the Billabong Girls outlook - young, fun, creative and inspired, with being brought up at the beach thrown into the mix.

After finishing year 12 in Canberra nearly two years ago, Ashleigh has taken some time out to pursue her dream of making it in the music industry.  She gigs around town and at various Billabong events throughout the year showcasing her easy-listening songbook.  Having had supported Lior recently and impressing all the right people, it seems certain that Ashleigh will not be pursing her degree in Primary School teaching in the near future.

Music became a part of Ashleigh’s life, not through a passing down of interests from her parents, but because of her grade three teacher. Ashleigh, wanting to be just like her, picked up the guitar and started ploughing away at out of tune chords.  Fast forward five years and Ashleigh had started writing songs, nothing too serious at that stage, but a talent discovered none the less.

Drawing musical influences from the incredible Rickie Lee Jones, Ashleigh sings about experiences and life that surrounds her, always conscious of not growing up too quickly. Her songbook comprises 14 songs with favourites being Sally Jones as it best represents her cheeky, fun personality and Blood Shot Eyes for its strong melody.

With an undoubtedly promising future ahead, Ashleigh remains humble and focused on making her move on the mainstream music scene.
 

benjalu

Young folk rock band, benjalu have already received more recognition in their short musical career above their expectations.
 
Despite only playing together since March 2006, benjalu have already impressed music aficionados across Australia, winning numerous awards for their original music and their warm live shows.  In 2006 the band took out the annual Youth Rock awards: they were also named by MUSICOZ as one of the top 10 School bands within Australia: and they took out the prestigious TAFE Newcastle Music Week award for the Open School Section.

benjalu’s radio – friendly tracks were further honoured at YouthRock awards, when the band were given additional award by fellow Novocastrians Silverchair, recognising their strong and original song-writing talents.  These songs have also caught the ear of local commercial radio station New FM 105.3 who have taken the band up and down the coast where the band played as one of the featured acts at The Australian Body boarding Championships – at Dream World QLD.

The band has also played at Festivals such as Strike-back and High Voltage, And played alongside bands such as True Live, The Beautiful Girls, The Sleepy Jackson and Josh Pyke, and hit the stage at the Royal Easter Show 2007.  With shows supporting Kate Miller- Heidke, Jon Stevens and Paul Greene as well a regional tour with MUSICOZ winners Solver, benjalu are making the most of the excitement surrounding them.

Iguana

Iguana is a versatile, professional and highly entertaining duo.  Performing commercial covers from the 60’s to current hits, Iguana have a repertoire to suit almost any audience (unless you want punk rock!). From acoustic ballads to dance floor favourites, Paul and Karyn will expertly move your audience through dinner and on to the end of night party time.

Karyn Raftery and Paul Carroll are well respected throughout the music industry, and have many years of experience in various styles of bands.  Paul is a brilliant guitarist/vocalist and Karyn a talented lead singer.  Combined with harmonies and the sequenced backing of drums, bass and guitar, the duo is more than able to have you on the dance floor the entire night.

The skill of “reading the audience” and knowing what to play and when, comes only with years of performing.  Between them, Karyn and Paul have experience playing at everything from weddings and balls to corporate dinners and New Years Eve celebrations, and in every style of venue including The Hilton, The Opera House and the local pub!

Nathan Eshman

Spending most of his young life growing up in Belmont, Nathan has continually demonstrated his love for singing performing.  He began writing his own songs around 18 years of age and is passionate about writing lyrics with real and true meaning, and has a strong desire to provide a positive voice to his generation.

Nathan has achieved some amazing goals in the music industry for someone so young.  At just 26 he is recognisable on the local music scene and has received acknowledgement from key sources including ABC Newcastle Music Awards and national personalities such as Marcia Hines.

Nathan consistently performs throughout Newcastle and surrounding areas as a solo artist and support musician.  He is also an accomplished producer in his own right and in between writing and recording his album has been producing for other local artists at his studio, Solid Music.

While remaining true to his roots and his beliefs, Nathan has made the move into the contemporary genre with the release of “Stating the Obvious”. Reminiscent of his musical influences of John Mayer, U2, The Killers and a touch of Mute Math, “Stating the Obvious” is a labour of love and passion.  There are seven tracks on the CD, all of which were written by Nathan and are a combination of some new material, alongside some old favourites, catering for new and old fans alike.

Tracks from “Stating the Obvious” will enchant audiences with their honest, positive messages and showcase Nathan’s musical and writing ability.  Nathan’s passion for his art is evident on the EP and in his live performances.

Nathan will release is debut EP on Monday 24th March, 2008.

Sarah McLennan

Sarah McLennan gives a fresh new feel to the Newcastle music scene. Riding on the success of her first EP release, Sarah delivers a contemporary sound with deep soulful lyrics.

Matt Purcell

Matt Purcell has been heralded as one of Newcastle's most exciting, bright and rising artists, who continues to connect with crowds of all sizes and age.  A combination of skill beyond his years, well known for his 'front man' qualities of wit and charm, smooth vocal, and impressive guitar work promises every show he takes part in is going to be a memorable event.  In his time performing, he has played everything from intimate acoustic sets to working alongside respectable musicians in front of crowds up to 9000 plus people, performing at Energy Stadium with 'Gian and the heat', at Newcastle Entertainment Centre supporting the Harvest Crusade, in promotional work for super centres,  and in theatres around the region.  Nominated for numerous awards in the Newcastle ABC Music Awards both in 2006 and 2007 Matt Purcell is an act you do not want to miss!

Claytos

Claytos is a high school super band, featuring the talents of Steve Clayton on drums and Tim Gebethney on bass. Steve and Tim started out simply jamming and recording as part of Elective Music, inspiring the creation of a band. Chris Davison was recruited as guitarist, and Samantha Elliott as vocalist. Over her high school years, Samantha has won many talent competitions with her outstanding vocal abilities.