Ken Murdoch is somewhat audaciously dubbed as  Australia’s finest piano man, a performer who has appeared on Countdown, Bandstand and Hey Hey It’s Saturday . Ken started playing guitar for John Farnham in the mid 70s and then went on to form 70s hit makers ‘Taste’ writing all their material including four top 20 singles and two top 20 national albums, working to crowds as large as 13,000. Taste was asked by Brit-rock legends Queen to tour America as support.  

Thursday April 2, Cosmic Psychos at Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine

Cosmic Psychos will pop its head up for two epic shows over the Easter long weekend. Rumour has it that Ross Knight may have come up with a few more words to rhyme with beer and pub and the boys will be playing some new songs. They’ll sound like the old ones, just new.  Dragged along by their ears, Bendigo louts “Black Aces” will join them for both gigs. 

Sunday April 6, Performance Afternoon at Old Hepburn Hotel

Now in its 15th year, the Performance Night will continue to create a dynamic and live space for amateur, emerging and professional musicians and performers to showcase their talent in front of a local audience. The event continues with a family friendly, afternoon timeslot. You can pre-book a 20 to 30 minute spot by contacting Nel Staite of Nelephant Productions on 0437 628 911 or email info@findlocalmusic.com.au, or just turn up for a five minute open stage.

April 10, Pokey LaFarge at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine 

Pokey LaFarge will return to Australia for a second tour, building on the critical and popular acclaim of his debut tour in 2014. His six-piece band, complete with newly expanded rhythm section, will play a special show at Theatre Royal. LaFarge received much critical praise on both the national and international stage, following his well-received 2013 self-titled release on Jack White’s Third Man Records. The St. Louis-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist draws from a deep well of American musical traditions to create distinctively personal music that's timeless rather than retro, transcending the confines of genre in a manner that reflects the artist's open-hearted attitude. Pokey LaFarge is on a mission to encourage audiences to think differently about what it means to celebrate musical traditions. Pokey explains, “It’s not retro music. It’s American music that never died.” Hear the full interview with Pokey on Soundcloud at The Forest Castlemaine. 

April 11, Justin Townes Earle at Theatre Royal, Castlemaine 

On his eighth visit to our shores, Justin is already a young veteran of the Australian touring circuit, with an impressive six solo albums and an EP under his belt. Since first playing to small audiences, he has amassed a large number of fans and on this tour a welcome return to our region. His music now runs the gamut of Americana music styles and has moved more towards Memphis Soul. However traditional country influences still dominate this musician's work, with a seemingly inextricable link to the greats. The aforementioned latest releases are beautiful stripped back pedal steel affairs, glorious and sparse. He has also in recent years  made his production debut, with the legendary Wanda Jackson’s album Unfinished Business.