Australiana, Bush Music, History of Australian bush music, Cultural

The origins of Australian bush music, or Australiana as it is more commonly known, originated with the convicts that came to Australia, and the music they bought with them.

Australiana progressed from the early days of settlement through to stories of bush-rangers, droving, and sheep shearing, and included some of the characters written about from authors such as Banjo Patterson. Banjo penned the poem Waltzing Matilda that has been put to music by some of Australia’s most well known artists including Slim Dusty, John Williamson and The Seekers.

In this musical journey, you will hear joyful sea shanties along with stories and songs about the characters that have made up the Australian culture. Songs including South Australia, Click Go The Shears, Wild Colonial Boy, Waltzing Matilda, and many others.

The show is presented by Mark Rigney and David Lee-Jay. Mark is a well respected banjo player, and a multiple winner of Tamworth's Bush band of the year. He has toured through China and Asia. David appeared many times at the Wembley Country Music festival and toured with the UK’s top country shows. Together they will take you an a fun-filled musical journey intertwined with historical information and light-hearted comedy.

Venue Format
Theatre, Hall, Black Box Venue, Outdoor
Technical Rating
D, The production can be modified to suit most venues
Touring Party
3 - 6
Considerations

This show is suitable for all ages. There is no adult only content. We travel with our own sound tech who can call lights. This show is currently in the planning and rehearsal stage, and so video, social media etc is not yet available. Temporary photographs have been uploaded.

Chatterbox is an experienced show production company. Specialising in variety and cabaret shows. Their shows tour locally, interstate and worldwide. Their seasoned performers have appeared on television and radio and appeared all over the world, and are regularly featured as headlining acts on the world's largest cruise liners. They are well established in the entertainment world, and their shows are always well received and provide audiences with great entertainment.

Company Website
chatterbox.com.au

Unique Selling Point

This show presents the chance for the audiences to learn about the heritage and history of Australian bush music - how it began, and how it has become part of the culture of Australia. Presented in an easy and fun format, with great toe-tapping music and interesting stories, along with light-hearted comedy.

Marketing Materials

We will have JPEGs, bios, press releases and audio available. Video footage can be provided and we can do a complete TV ad with v/o if required. We are happy to do local radio and television interviews as required. We will also set up social media pages.

A Link to an audio demo: https://soundcloud.com/user-641646355/click-go-the-shears-the-history-of-australian-bush-music/s-70AzGefOqSN

Community Engagement

We would love to engage with the children of each performance area. Invite them to submit a short bush poem, story or song about the heritage and history of their local area. On the day/night of the show we would invite the winner and their family to the show, and award a prize for the best submission(s). Possibly let the winner read/perform the winning feature. With the help of the venue, we could showcase the submissions in the theatre/venue foyer for a few weeks before the performance. We would hope that the local media would help with some coverage, which would benefit the venue and show, and leave behind a wonderful legacy of all the local children's projects, which could maybe be left permanently on display in a local gallery or library.