Bendigo Au Go Go #10
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Bendigo Au Go Go #10

Our very own patron saint of the blues, Geoff Achison – along with his long-time cohorts The Souldiggers – is bringing his 25th anniversary celebrations with the band to town this month.

The guitar virtuoso, who grew up in nearby Malmsbury, will be unleashing his renowned brand of the blues at the All Seasons Hotel on Friday, June 7.

From Melbourne to the US, the UK and Europe, Achison took an ever-changing band line-up around the world before deciding to strike out on his own.

Taking inspiration from British bandleader John Mayall, whose Bluesbreakers group also had a floating membership, Achison decided to instead hire local players wherever he toured. As a result, his long-time band The Souldiggers now boasts line-ups across three continents, with Australian, American and United Kingdom versions.

Despite his widespread globetrotting, Achison has never forgotten his roots and is a frequent visitor to this town, including a series of acclaimed performances at the annual Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival. “There’s a big music community in Bendigo, with a lot of people dedicated to a common interest,” Achison has said. “I see Bendigo as a kind of ‘homeland’ for me.”

Supporting Achison and The Souldiggers is local blues firebrand Bill Barber. From 8.30pm; entry $20 at the door.

In other musical highlights around town this fortnight, local combo Loudmouth Soup are rocking out at the Golden Vine on Friday, June 7, from 9pm.

Jump on board the Blues Tram on Saturday, June 8, with this month’s featured artists John McNamara, and Jess Parker and The Troubled Waters.

McNamara’s latest album Rollin’ With It, recorded in Memphis with a host of Stax Records luminaries, has attracted rave reviews around the world, while Melbourne-based Parker and her band perform a potent mix of dark Australiana and swamp blues. From 2pm; tickets $35 from www.bendigotourism.com

Andrea Robertson and her band will launch her new album Live At New Hall at The Old Church On The Hill on Saturday, June 8. The singer-songwriter, based in Ocean Grove, runs the gamut from blues to soul to folk to rock. Robertson will be joined by special guest Aaron Wales. From 7pm; free entry.

Melbourne-based trio SheWolf, triplet sisters who combine classic hard rock with harmony vocals, will perform an acoustic double set of originals and covers at Entrée Music Bar on Saturday, June 15. From 7pm; free entry.

South Australia’s Kelly Brouhaha is bringing her self-titled debut album launch to The Old Church On The Hill on Saturday, June 15.

Brouhaha, who made a splash at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival with her melting pot of Americana, big blues and soulful country, will be supported by local singer-songwriters Luke Harrington and Steph Bitter. From 7pm; entry $15 from www.stickytickets.com.au

Written by Lynette Walker. Contact [email protected]