The Banjo Paterson Show

From bush folklore to contemporary ‘bushranger chic’.

The Banjo Paterson Show celebrates the poetry, and traces the life of Andrew Barton (Banjo) Paterson through a range of diverse and original musical compositions by a fine selection of Aussie singer-songwriters in an exciting narrative concert.

Come and join house band ‘The Fujiyama Mamas’ and orator extraordinaire Dobe Newton (The Bushwhackers) to enjoy Australia’s most loved word-smith in the guise of contemporary folk, rock, blues, jazz and even hip hop!

The Flying Saucer Club serves as the perfect backdrop from which to move Paterson’s scribblings from bush folklore to contemporary ‘bushranger chic’.

Australia’s beloved country rocker Damian Howard (The Ploughboys) leads the charge in breathing new life into thr works of Banjo Paterson. New Fujiyama Mamas lead guitarist, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Meeking adds his own flavour of country rock to these century-old works.

Meeking is joined by the Bowie-esque baritone of songsmith Mildsparrow (The Migrations); the soft croon of folkster poet Tristan Pierce (Black Cockatoo); ‘Frustrated ornithologist’ Joel Stibbard (The Gallant Trees); Wanda Jackson wannabe Cate de Carteret (The Fujiyama Mamas); Australia’s answer to Joni Mitchell – Leah Senior; the deep dulcet tones of Paul Spurling (The Migrations); the a capella jazz arrangements of Maryanne Smart, and the super fresh hip hop of Small Man Syndrome juxtaposed next to the delightfully ocker Jonathan Shaw of Aussie psych-rock group Summon The Birds. And electronic folk songstress Priestessa will melt the space between the stage and audience in the intimate surroundings of The Flying Saucer Club. All these wonderful artists re-discover the social commentary behind Paterson’s works, with themes such as love, death, war, art and of course, the bush.

The show’s 2011 debut left audiences refreshed by Paterson the writer as opposed to the stereotypical ‘Waltzing Matilda’ legend. Damian Howard and the Ploughboys (the 2011 house band) have since released their version of Paterson’s When Dacey Rode The Mule, and have created a film clip to accompany its single release. Another successful example of the contemporizing of Paterson’s lyrics is the 2012 release of raspy rock chick Suzie Stapleton’s EP Obladi Diablo, featuring Song of The Artesian Water.

Audiences are invited to join in throughout the show. They will be exposed to many surprises contrary to the ‘Australiana’ image: Paterson could be subtle, rich and compelling, while his descriptions of country are detailed, considered, romantic and powerful.

This is a show for lovers of words and live music alike!