Inspirational front man Carl Pannuzzo (drums and vocals), revered as one of Australia’s greatest voices, master guitarist Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal, and ineffable bassist Zoë Frater are Checkerboard Lounge, breathing fire, virtuosity and improvisation into blues, classic soul and roots originals.
Their multi-award-winning album SUN Sessions, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee, catapulted the band to nationwide recognition. Recent release ‘Roller Coaster’ shot to the top 5 of several national charts and has been getting reviews internationally as one of the top albums of 2024. An undeniable powerhouse, world class musicianship, dynamic, passionate and playful, Checkerboard are the very essence of a live music experience.
Touring ‘Roller Coaster’ throughout 2024, they’ve had standing ovations at Blues on Broadbeach festival, QLD, The Gum Ball, NSW, Adventure Bay Music fest, through a 12 date run of shows in New Zealand and soon to be heading to WA. Finally back to one of their favourite towns, Castlemaine, accompanied by the ground-breaking rising stars, Aplegate, this will be a show not to be missed.
Checkerboard’s improvisational bent means that no two shows are the same, fans can always expect the unexpected. Performances take on a life of their own with songs transformed on stage at the whim of one of the band members into a surprisingly different feel or even genre. Band members communicate almost telepathically and embrace the unplanned shifts offered up. World-class musicianship means Checkerboard are a powerhouse to be reckoned with. The evidence of their time playing together, staying true to their hearts and each other, shows an integrity and originality that delivers a potent brew of blues, roots and soul by a supergroup of master musicians. They also know how to get feet moving!
Testimonials:
“You got it boy, it’s in you” ~ Jimmy Smith
“You could run a small city off these guys” ~ Fiona Boyes
“Real happening blues” ~ Bob Sedergreen
“Thanks for bringing Memphis back to Memphis” – Memphis local
“This is our last song before Checkerboard Lounge get up and tear you a new one” ~ Previous band on stage at Blues on Broadbeach 2022
“ Carl Pannuzzo is Australia’s best soul singer” – Broderick Smith
“When Checkerboard Lounge play live, no two versions of anything are played the same twice. This is a group bunch of musicians who are able to play anything, and their collective interplay, co-creativity and cohesion is absolutely electric.” – PBSfm
“It’s not a place you’d expect to find yourselves in within the normally understood confines of the Blues form. The collective rapport you have within the band is a wonder to behold, a total trust in each other that allows for an open ended approach to everything you play.” ~ Robert Calvert
We look forward to welcoming you to the Theatre Royal.
Bar open from 4pm
Kitchen opens from 5pm – menu (we offer a delicious, fast-paced pizza menu with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating available)
All shows have a small amount of unallocated balcony seating, but are set up as standing room and general admission, unless specifically promoted as a “fully seated show”.
Make sure to visit our Beer Garden (open in the warmer months).
Please note that trains to Melbourne / Kyneton / Bendigo etc usually run post event. Check the Vline schedule for specific show date
