The iconic Hair of the Dog Inn was our first stop over the weekend in Ballimore NSW. With a total population of 64 within Ballimore itself, it was surprising when the pub grew to over 170 people.
We pulled up at the pub with our Jayco Newcastle caravans hitched on the back. Brad, the 24-year-old owner, quickly mowed the area so we could comfortably park the vans across from the pub, ready for the night. With the vans in view from the stage, it was perfect for putting the boys to sleep during the show, and it meant that we could have a sneaky drink afterwards while keeping a close eye on them.
The night was filled with friendly locals and passers through. Even the staff found time to entertain my little one, Avery while I made coffee from the back of our Navara.
Piper Rodrigues.
The relaxed vibe was contagious, and the crowd was pumped for a night of music. Piper Rodrigues opened up for Catherine, a singer who Catherine mentored in the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth earlier this year. Piper (19) who is new to the music industry, is beginning to build her confidence in her music. Her sweetness captures her audience, with the crowd clapping and cheering in encouragement. Piper set the stage ready for a promising night of great music and the dancing continued well into Catherine’s set.
Catherine finished up, leaving the crowd wanting more and while we sat quietly with our last drinks, we listened to the locals continuing on inside the pub.
Flow Bar, Old Bar NSW.
We woke up early the next morning having to travel from Ballimore all the way to Flow Bar in Old Bar on the coast. We decided to leave the cars hitched for the night so that we could wake up and jump in the car ready to tow the vans. It was a long day and we arrived at Old Bar around 5pm.
The good thing about this gig was the easy set up. Not having to lug the PA into the gig meant that Catherine and Benny only needed to set up Catherine’s merch and do a quick sound check, so the night was pretty relaxed after that.
Compared to the country vibe of the night before, Flow Bar was more of a beachy atmosphere and it was a pleasant surprise to see and hear the love and cheers for Catherine from the locals.
Mikey Pye
Mikey Pye graciously gave up his time, having travelled from Bathurst NSW to have a jam. So, what was usually a two piece was now a three piece and Catherine and Benny loved jamming out a bit more than usual. The night was a sell-out with people cramming into the back of the pub to watch the show.
The last show of the weekend was much closer to home, which meant that we could head home afterwards for a couple of days before hitting the road for the next ten weeks.
The drive out to Ellalong near Cessnock NSW was beautiful. Rolling hills of green, spotted with black cows is one of the best sights. Ellalong Hotel is situated overlooking grassy hills and the locals came out to support great music.
Sammy White, Catherine Britt and Kora Naughton.
Kora Naughton (18) opened the show. She drew the crowd in with her airy sweetness and blew them away with strength and edge. Her debut album, Ride or Die was released in 2018 and Kora is currently writing songs for her next project.
Sammy White followed. Having opened the show at Flow Bar the night before for Catherine, Sammy made the drive down to Ellalong to support her again. Sammy, who is this year’s Toyota Star Maker, dazzled them with her authentic and raw song writing backed up by her freshly modern country sound. The crowd loved her and by the time Catherine came out they were pumped to hear some more heart-felt country music.
It was clear just from getting to know the friendly staff at the Ellalong Hotel that the pub was a meeting spot for the locals who sat around and chatted while the kids danced the afternoon away. A great end to a busy weekend.
A few days off now before we hit the road for nearly ten weeks straight of caravanning and music fun. Time to prep the vans and get them ready for the long haul.
Ellalong Hotel, Ellalong NSW.