SYDNEY-based bush band Swamp Dawkins will hit the highway later this month for a series of free gigs across the black-soil plains.
The Moree Plains tour is a Ricochet Community Recovery event, designed to help develop connected, sustainable, resilient and inclusive communities.
Swamp Dawkins, headed up by vocalist Michael Buining on guitar, has been performing since 2014.
From bush dances and barn dances to hoedowns and Honkytonks, Swamp Dawkins has every country-themed genre covered.
“We are not your typical bush dance or country music band,” Buining told Moree Online News.
“We mix traditional bush dances, like heel-and-toe polka and strip-the-willow, with classic and modern country music.
“We teach the audience and call all the dances on the night. There is no prior experience needed and this type of entertainment is fun for all people, of all ages,” Buining smiled.
Buining who plays guitar as well as vocals and dance-calling, performs with Dora Maria on violin, Paul Dengate on bass and James Barton on drums.
“Although we’re based in Sydney, we do a lot of gigs around New South Wales and beyond,” Buining said.
“During the past 12 months we’ve performed at Clare Valley in South Australia, Biloela in Queensland, Mornington Peninsular in Victoria and at Broken Hill, Guyra, Nundle, Yass, Quandialla, Dalgety, Bathurst and Orange in New South Wales,” he said.
The well-travelled band, known affectionately as the “swampies” will perform a series of free concerts across the black-soil plains later this month, launching at Moree Services Club at 6.30pm on Wednesday, September 25.
They will appear at Pallamallawa Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday, September 26 and at 6.30pm at the Gurley Hall the following day, Friday, September 27.
On Saturday, September 27 at 5pm, Swamp Dawkins will be at the Mungindi Long Lunch.
The group’s final north-west performance will be at 5pm, Sunday, September 29 at the Garah Hall.
The free community bush dances are part of the Ricochet Community Recovery series of events, designed to enable social recovery and connection.
Moree Plains Shire Council community recovery officer, Sandy McNaughton, said bush dances are a perfect fit for towns and villages across the Moree shire.
“The traditional Australian bush dance is a dying art and there are very few bush dance bands left
in rural Australia who are dedicated to keeping the art alive,” she said.
“The dances, ranging from colonial to contemporary, are expertly taught and called to ensure everyone of any skill level can take part.”
Bookings for all events are essential as a light supper and barbecue will be provided.
Further details are available on Council’s website www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au or by contacting Sandy
McNaughton on 0429 596312.
Image: Supplied
