Friday, Arkie T Williams @ Palais Hepburn
Folk alternative country originals from local songstress Arkie T Williams.
Saturday, Hugo Race @ Palais Hepburn
Hugo Race, ex-Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Wreckery founder, composer, producer and author returns with a new album from his Fatalists project. Race follows his recent excursions into world electronica and 21st century blues with a selection of modern folk songs on his latest album, Taken by a Dream.
Friday, Aurora @ Blue Bean Cafe
Aurora, hailing from Melbourne, are the acoustic leftovers after what was once a plugged-in band that took inspiration from Alice in Chains, The Tea Party, and Soundgarden. Louise and Owen now produce a darkly blues tinged acoustic soundtrack to sip your whiskey or red wine to.
Saturday, Leo @ Blue Bean Cafe
Sunday, Never Easy @ Blue Bean Cafe
Saturday, Shane Nicholson with Michael Waugh @ Bridge Hotel Castlemaine
Fresh from regular appearances on ABC TV's The Recording Studio, triple ARIA-award winner Shane Nicholson plays The Bridge Hotel.
From his early days with Brisbane's Pretty Violet Stain to his current status as a leading proponent of Australia's alternative country/Americana scene, Nicholson has become a steady and constant figure in the industry.
He is highly regarded in the alternative country field in Australia and the US, and has been nominated several times at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.
Nicholson has received three ARIA awards - most recently for his solo album Hell Breaks Loose in 2015 and for his hit collaborations with Kasey Chambers (Rattlin' Bones and Wreck and Ruin).
In support, Michael Waugh will present narratives of the Australian experience.
His insightful storytelling of everyday life is honest, emotionally brave and compelling.
He has been likened to the iconic Australian singer-songwriters Mick Thomas, Paul Kelly and John Williamson.
Waugh's songs peer unflinchingly into the lives of those who have faced misogyny, homophobia, illness, violence and mental health in Australian rural communities.
Waugh's forthcoming album The Weir (due for release, September 6) was produced by Nicholson.
He will be joined on stage by Jacob McGuffie on guitar and vocals.
Newstead Live Festival 2020
Early bird tickets for Newstead Live 2020 close July 31. Adult weekend tickets are $100. Visit newsteadlive.com
