Brisbane Grass Roots Music Festival 2011, Botanic Gardens, Mt. Coot-tha

Sunday 16 October, 11:00am to 5:00pm

Enjoy blues, folk, country, reggae and acoustic rock on the Bandstand lawn at beautiful Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha. This is an all ages, alcohol-free event, Best of all, it’s Free, so bring a picnic and enjoy the music!

The exotic surrounds of Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens,Toowong, Brisbane, are set to be transformed into a roots, blues and county nirvana, offering a showcase of some of Queensland’s best musicians against the backdrop of these sublime subtropical gardens.

The 7^th annual Brisbane Grass Roots Music Festival is rolling around again, featuring award-winning musicians ranging in style from acoustic rock to blues to bluegrass to roots and back again, in a lush environment inviting to all ages. Bring the family, a picnic, and the usual Queensland outdoor gear (sunscreen, hat, water), and enjoy a day in a musical paradise. This event is proudly supported by the Brisbane City Council, and entry, believe it or not, is free. Featured performers include:

Roz Pappalardo, a folk icon (Women In Docs) who draws on influences ranging from Lucinda Williams to Ryan Adams. Her effusive stage presence and endearing song writing blend nicely with some good honest country–style secret herbs and spices. 

Jimi Beavis, whose original songs draw upon the old school rhythms that gave the blues their good time danceability. “Beavis delivers a raw, sweaty set that some find sexy, some find magnetic, and which no-one forgets in a hurry…” says a local blues promoter.

Amanda Halloran: Crowned the Voice of Urban Country, this country songstress boasts big, dynamic voice and skilled song writing that have won her numerous awards and a loyal fan base across Australia.

Col Finley:  is a dynamic singer/songwriter currently touring to support his brand new album, Paradise, which has already scored several country radio hits on the board in the national charts.

Kiara Rodrigues: A talented teenager who has won a swag of awards, Kiara has been pegged by scouts as one to watch as ‘Queensland’s answer to Taylor Swift’ with her original acoustic/country/pop anthems.

Cyprien: Arguably Rwanda’s most famous male vocalist in Australia, Brisbane-based Cyrpien brings traditional Rwandan music to the lush rainforests of the Mount Coot-tha.

Stockade: Stockade delights audiences with the fabulous original songs of Chuck and Chrissy Euston, blending danceable Queensland-style blues and folk, Celtic and gospel styles, with hints of bluegrass and gypsy jazz.

Midnight Son and the Crime Scene: Bulletproof bass lines, dirty dark drumming, western panhandle guitar picking and smooth whiskey vocals make these Fortitude Valley cowboys unforgettable artists.

Last but certainly not least is event co-manager 8 Ball Aitken, whose single Rogue Pony has been galloping up the country music charts, scoring a Top Ten hit this year. He’s been packing out venues all over Australia this year with his swampy rockabilly foot-stompin’ gumbo, and takes a minute to talk about his passion for this festival.

“I always find roots music an interesting style to showcase because there are so many people who write their own organic sounding songs that don’t fit into the rock, pop, or heavy music categories,” says 8 Ball. “Brisbane has a never-ending flow of great new musicians. We’ve been showcasing them for the past six years, along with nationally established musicians. I am always amazed by the roots music talent who play each year, and this is no exception.”