13 November 2019

CRABS to add to Cooma's weekend of music

| Ian Campbell
Start the conversation

PJ O’Brien. Photo: Supplied

As part of the Cooma Rotary Markets and building upon the success of the National Busking Championships, is the Country, Roots and Blues (CRAB) Music Festival this Sunday (November 17) in Centennial Park, Cooma.

Sunday’s music caps of a big weekend in Cooma, and is a gentle come down from the high of Saturday’s busking spectacular all over the Cooma CBD.

CRAB on Sunday features a line-up of four fabulous performers – Stormcellar, Den Hanrahan, Christina Crofts Band, PJ O’Brien Band and Sam Joole.

In addition to the great music, this year Rotary will be catering with a Southern themed food menu for breakfast and lunch. Entry is free and music starts at 9 am and finishes at about 3 pm.

“As part of Rotary’s commitment to community service, Rotary thought it would be great to have a music festival on the back of the busking championships to entertain our local and regional community,” says CRAB co-ordinator Carlo Botto.

“It should be a great day out for the whole family. As a result of sponsorship and support from Rotary, Council and performers, particularly Stormcellar, the event is free.

“Given the success of last year’s event, we’d like to make it a regular event, and make November Cooma’s music month!”

After previously performing at the regular Rotary Markets in Centennial Park, lead singer of Sydney based blues band Stormcellar, Michael Barry suggested a larger, multi-band event to take advantage of the wonderful parkland setting of Centennial Park and its renowned sound shell.

Michael has taken on the role as music coordinator for the event, and as a knowledgeable and seasoned blues performer, has been able to arrange a fantastic line-up of performers.

“Feedback was very positive from the community and the performers attending the inaugural event last year,” Michale says. “It was a great atmosphere, with families really enjoying the day, and as part of Stormcellar’s commitment to entertaining the community, we wanted to come back with a bigger event on an annual basis.”

Artists performing at the Cooma Country, Roots and Blues Music Festival this Sunday:

Stormcellar

One of the hardest working roots acts in the country with a string of albums behind them and in 2020 – heading to the US for their fifth tour. Stormcellar are back in Cooma to put their best claw forward in this epic battle of string things.

Sam Joole
A Snowy local for six years, Sam Joole will kick off the day with a mix of original roots, delivered with one of the best vocal tones in a generation. High tech gear and low tech Blues.

Den Hanrahan

Straight out of the ACT comes one of Australia’s foremost Country Rock Rock-n-roll singer-songwriters – Den Hanrahan. As a devotee of the master of the Telecaster, Den will showcase songs and styles from six albums ahead of the release of his latest Red Dust Epic – Scars.

Christina Crofts

Sassy, brassy and undisputedly one of Australia’s finest blues/rock and slide guitarists, Christina has been described as “Lucinda Williams meets Rory Gallagher down under”. With original songs that stand alongside her gritty and blistering slide guitar, Christina is a ‘Lady of the Blues’ with a mojo hand.

PJ O’Brien Band

Multi-award-winning guitarist PJ O’Brien rounds out the day with retro/modern guitar styles that have seen him called “A Blues star on the rise” and taken him around Australia’s major Blues festivals and across the pond to Memphis!

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Do you like to know what’s happening around your region? Every day the About Regional team packages up our most popular stories and sends them straight to your inbox for free. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.