From the Coast to the Dust: Clinton | Eidsfold | Bucca QLD

The weekend saw us heading from Clinton, a busy suburb in Gladstone Qld, all the way to rural QLD. Having left from Newcastle it meant five days of driving; three days to get there, and two between each gig. With the caravans on the back (which handled the trip with no issues whatsoever), it meant that we had to go slightly slower than usual and by the fifth day the kids were well and truly over being in the car.

We arrived in Clinton on Friday afternoon exhausted and in need of stretching our legs. We set the caravans up out the front of the Harvey Road Tavern where Catherine was playing and got to work setting up. The night was long, but it was made better with the resident face painter who kept the kids entertained while Catherine and Ben talked logistics with the staff. The night ran well with two support acts opening up for Catherine. Katelann Maree and Amanda Heartsong, who Catherine mentored in the academy made the drive to come out and play and stayed with us over the entire weekend.

Amanda Heartsong

 Amanda Heartsong was first out for support. With her long wavy hair out and dressed in Kasey Chamber’s poetry line, Amanda looked naturally at ease as she took the stage. Her music followed; a constant beat of classic covers with a few originals thrown in to keep the audience chatting and enjoying the night.

Katelann Maree followed. Katelann’s music tells the story of her life through the tumultuous and vulnerable to the confident and resilient on the other side. Her vocals reflect that. Katelann wipes the stage with her soft and alluring sound and blows the audience away with her captivating strength.

 A measly four hours’ drive from Clinton and we ended up at the Star Hotel in Eidsfold. The place where the roads meet from North, South, East and West. Eidsfold was a beacon, a meeting place for everyone. And that’s exactly the vibe it has. When we pulled up at the hotel, we were immediately greeted by Kinta and Rick, their three children and their dog Flossy and they showed us their grand plans for the night.

Katelann Maree

They’d organised the road to be closed off and a jumping castle to be bought in. There was ice cream and a BBQ, a hot food truck and a coffee truck. Catherine’s gig was turned into a full-blown family event for the whole town to enjoy. Exactly the aim of the Bush Pubs Tour and what Kinta and Rick are trying to achieve after taking over the running of the pub.

After being shown around we were able to settle into our Jayco caravans for some down time until the show began. Music began in the late afternoon with Richard Waterson and if you closed your eyes, you’d swear you were listening to Chris Stapleton. A fantastic voice and person, Catherine was enthralled by the Brisbane musician, who’d come out to support Eidsfold.

The next day we didn’t want to leave. We slowly said our goodbyes to Kinta and Rick and headed North-East to Bucca. A small two-hour drive compared to previous days, which was a nice change.

Rick and Kinta, Eidsfold Hotel

Bucca Hotel

We came into Bucca completely taken by its beauty. We crossed the local water hole where several families picnicked, while the kids played in the water and headed up the hill to the Bucca Hotel. As we looked up the hill we were greeted by a full pub and music already playing and we couldn’t help but want to be part of it.

We parked the vans at the back of the pub overlooking a tree filled valley and headed inside. The gig was a great end to an awesome weekend. The crowd was friendly and ready to dance, and the food was delicious. Even the staff and publicans joined in on the fun.

The next morning, we started the day off with some exercise lead by Katelann, who’s also a personal trainer and owns Miles Golden Gloves in Miles QLD. We followed it up with a relaxing swim in the freshwater hole before making our way back to the vans to plan out our next week on the road.

 See you at the pub!

Exercising at the water hole at Bucca

The Straight Road: Bourke | Pallamallawa NSW

The road out to Bourke was long, red and straight. SO straight that not even the white lines that ran along the side of the road could keep its steadiness. With little signal, our convoy stayed fairly close together as we watched the kilometres tick by.

The wind was so bored that it danced with the dust, creating red whirly winds amongst the dry shrubs. It was a sight; A long, straight and beautiful sight.

Port of Bourke Hotel.

We reached the Port of Bourke Hotel around 5pm. A little later than usual and we rushed to set up the stage while the boys ran themselves crazy in the dirt.

I set up the merch while Catherine and Benny checked sound and then decided to try to wrangle the kids.

The night was tiring after spending two days on the road to get there. But the show was one of the best, with requests and shouts for some of Catherine’s classics like 46 Miles to Alice. The crowd danced until the lights came on and the buzz left a smile on Catherine’s face as the night ended.

The next day was another long drive from Bourke to Pallamallawa – a massive 5 hours. But with the vans and the kids, it took a few hours longer.

Already running late, we stopped an hour out of Moree NSW to grab a quick bite after travelling through lunch. It was a small roadside house that had been turned into a café and was guarded by two large Irish Wolfhounds. The scene reminded me of something from a horror movie, but I pushed aside my irrational fear and pushed Benny into the café first. After my heart settled, we relaxed enough to enjoy one of the best schnitzel sandwiches I’ve ever had.

When we returned to the car fifteen minutes later, we realised we’d made a rookie mistake, one that we’d been pretty good at remembering up until now … We left the car connected to the caravan, which flattened the battery.

A minor panic later and several attempts at starting the car, a farmer turned up with a jumper pack and soon we were back on the road.

Pally Pub, Pallamallawa, NSW.

We made it to the Pally Pub around 5pm again and after a slightly stressful set up with the van, Benny took off to help load in the gear for the night.

With its small-town vibe and friendly faces, the Pally pub welcomed us with open arms. The night encompassed what the Bush Pub Tour is all about; Family and friends coming together to chat and have fun. The party ran late, with the crowd mulling around laughing and chatting and I fell asleep listening to country music well after Catherine had finished up.

Both Bourke and Pallamallawa were stand out gigs supported by Charlie Scott and Natalie Henry.

Charlie Scott

Charlie Scott is an Americana musician who resides in Brisbane and performs with warmth and soul. With influencers such as Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and Brad Paisley, Charlie played those well-loved, crowd favourite songs with heartfelt rawness.  

Natalie Henry

Natalie Henry drove out from Newcastle NSW to support Catherine and let me tell you that her song writing is something to talk about. She started her career in music at the age of 34 and has written songs that embody her colourful life. Natalie’s music is powerfully feminine with an undertone of a gentle vulnerability. Her Americana writing style is worth the drive to come out and take a listen to.

The weekend was one spent mainly on the road, which meant tired parents and energetic kids. But we made it through and as I sit here writing this, I’m already pumped for the next weekend of music and fun.

See you at the pub!

The Green Drought: Nevertire | Sandy Hollow NSW

The drive out to Nevertire was anything but tiring, with Benny on ‘Nevertire’ dad jokes the entire way.

Catherine drove out without the van for this leg, while Benny and I took our home on four wheels.

Nevertire Pub NSW

I must admit, the name of the town Nevertire is quite ironic. Made up of one street of houses a block back from the pub, there wouldn’t be too much to do in the area unless you visited the town of Warren just down the road, or the Nevertire Pub.

The pub itself is worth waking up for. Ran by three sisters – Harriet, Georgia and Tori, the girls are fun, quirky and welcoming. It’s clear the pub is a hub for the locals. The kids come in to buy cans of soft drink and chips, while the workers finish work and go there for a good meal and a well-earned drink.

Nevertire Pub, NSW

The girls had organised a truck to be backed into the beer garden as the stage for the night. While Avery ran around with Banjo, Harriet’s little boy, I helped Benny and Catherine unpack and set up for the night.

The crowd arrived early on, with people arriving from as far North as Temora NSW for the evening. Surprisingly, the crowd was younger than expected, the Jackaroos and Jillaroos from nearby farms had all come out to see Catherine and celebrate one of their birthdays, so the vibe was focused on celebrating and friendships. A vibe that the whole Bush Pubs Tour is centred around.

We hung around the next day until after lunch. Having no gig on the Saturday night, it meant we could take our time to get to Sandy Hollow for Sunday’s gig.

With the car lugging the van up and down some large hills on the way to Sandy Hollow, it was no wonder we didn’t get in until after 7pm. The drive wasn’t stressful though, with a view of lush green rolling hills, it was welcome after years of brown.

I’m told though, before you get excited, that the drought is far from over. We are seeing what’s called a ‘green drought’. The water has only hit the surface. A lot more rain is needed to pull us out of the dry that we’ve experienced. But, it’s a good start. The animals have some water and green grass to chew on and that’s a relief.

Sandy Hollow, NSW.

The little town of Sandy Hollow is beautiful. Planted in the valley between large rocky mountains, the view is certainly easy on the eye.

We woke the next morning and fed the horses and had a moment to really take the whole place in. I think both Catherine and I decided that we wouldn’t mind buying land out this way. A great place to sit and write….

The crowd filtered in from lunch time. Catherine and Benny had already set up, so we relaxed down the back in the caravan, talking and lunching.

Three musicians had come out to support Catherine, all from the Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, where Catherine had mentored before the start of this year’s Country Music Festival.

Logan Hoswell, Piper Rodrigues and Tameka Kennedy (in order above) had twenty minutes each to captivate the crowd, which they did easily and by the time Catherine arrived on stage, the crowd was well in the mood for some good country music.

The afternoon was made better with Catherine’s parents making the trip out to see the show, along with Hank and Moss, who had stayed home with daddy for this leg of the tour. It was an afternoon of fun and family that really left warmth in your heart.

We left Sandy Hollow around 6.30pm for a quick trip back to Newcastle to see friends and family before we head off on Thursday to Bourke NSW.

See you at the Pub!

The first signs of Red Dirt: Armatree | Tullamore | Woodstock NSW

This leg of the trip was chaotic to say the least, but pulling into the Armatree Pub on Friday afternoon was like a refreshing river amongst a brown and dusty land.

Armatree Pub, NSW

Caravans lined the edge of the pub and people carried their chairs over to the grass ready for an evening of good music. Like a moth to a flame, people sat around the firepit and along the back of the pub while we unpacked. Even though it was hot, it’s still funny how people are drawn to sit around a firepit – empty or not.

I battled the three boys. While Avery (3) and Hank (2) fought over cars, I cuddled Moss (5 months). It’s not hard to keep Moss happy that’s for sure and with the amount of cooing women around, he certainly had a lot to smile about.

The boys ran themselves to sleep, and I was able to sit down just in time for Catherine’s gig.

Catherine chose a red dress for the night – fitting considering it was Valentines Day, and after a successful night (even after a snake slithered onto the dance floor) we sat around, taking a moment to stop and appreciate the less chaotic.

Tullamore, NSW

The next day we left mid-morning on our way to Tullamore, NSW.

I’ll take a minute here to point out the super woman that Catherine is. This weekend she had Hank, Moss and her dog Rascal all while hitching and towing her 23ft Jayco Starcraft! On. Her. OWN! I was gobsmacked!

So our convoy of Jaycos continued to Tullamore. We decided we’d grab supplies at Tullamore for the rest of the weekend, but as we pulled into the town we realised the grave mistake we’d made. There was a service station – opened only on occasion, and the pub. Full stop, the end.

The main street (the only street) was lined with vacant or abandoned shop fronts like it had been pulled from a movie. I could almost hear the main theme music from ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ featuring Clint Eastwood.

Kelly Brouhaha

The night was filled with fun and laughter and surprisingly there were people that must have come from all around. Avery and Hank had their first bush bath after they practically rolled in a mud puddle and they both went down without too much of a fight.

It was lucky because this time, I got to hear Kelly Brouhaha, a musician from Queensland who usually tours with Beccy Cole, who supported Catherine in Armatree and now tonight. And can I just say, what a talent! With a bluesy sound, Kelly’s unique and soulful voice is complemented by her finger-pickin’ guitar skills, and she is worth a listen!

Clancy Pye

Tullamore was gifted with not one, but three support acts. Clancy Pye, Oberon born and bred, looked completely at home on stage. The crowd was captivated by her, setting the scene for Kelly and Catherine to follow.

Josh Maynard was first up and drove three hours to support Catherine. From Cowra NSW, Josh warmed up the audience, and from the caravan as I put the boys down to bed, his acoustic rock sound lulled them to sleep.

Josh Maynard

We were up early the next day, packing the vans ready to head to Woodstock. We said our goodbyes to Kelly, who had joined our convoy over the past two days and headed North- East to Dubbo for a gig.

The pub was kind enough to make us bacon and eggs rolls to get us on the road and by 9am we were off again. The roads around Tullamore are a sight to see at the moment, with the carnage from the rains. With our country going from severe drought, to flash flooding, the trees couldn’t cope, and so brittle branches were piled high on each side of the road. It looked like a tornado had hit town.

We made our way through the large puddles still lapping the roads and made it to Woodstock just after lunch ready for a 2pm gig.

Josie and Catherine.

The pub had a welcoming vibe and it wasn’t long until families and friends turned up. Kids ran along the grass near the stage, playing tips and catch, while Josie Laver, Catherine’s support for the afternoon, entertained them.

Josie, who’s influences include the likes of Eva Cassidy, Patty Griffin and Gillian Welch, warmed up the crowd, ready for a relaxed afternoon of music and fun.

The boys enjoyed an afternoon of music followed by an evening bush bath on the lawn. We ended the weekend with a home-cooked meal and a cozy bed, and after the chaos of three boys, the travel and unpacking and packing up gear, we were zonked.

A few days off now to have a look around the area before we head to Nevertire NSW for the next run.

A bush bath for Hank and Avery in Woodstock, NSW.

First Stop: Pittsworth | D’Aguilar QLD

Pittsworth, NSW

The first leg of the tour, we took off from Tamworth and headed to Queensland. Pittsworth was first up, a small town out from Toowoomba. The gig was initially booked at the pub, but with the event bigger than expected, it was moved to the town hall. The sound in the hall had Catherine excited. A large room, which could seat 800 people without too much trouble. The crowd began to turn up rather early. There was buzz about Catherine, but also talk of the local talent performing as support.

Amanda Faulkner

Amanda Faulkner, a local to the area, was a favourite. Amanda released her debut album in 2018 and received accolades for its rawness.

Pittsworth put on food and drink for the town, who danced and sung along throughout the whole night.

Benny Conicella, who is along for the ride playing bass on the tour, was chuffed to see his son Avery overcome his shyness to come up and sing his favourite Catherine song with her “I’m Gone”, which he calls “Alligator Baby”.

We left the vans in Brisbane for this leg of the tour, so we were put up in a nearby hotel. We were up early the next morning and on the road to D’Aguilar, QLD.

We reached the Dag Pub by mid-afternoon and we were all taken by its rustic, country vibe and old-school charm.

Driving to the gig, the area was surrounded by lush green bush which isn’t surprising since it sits in the D’Aguilar mountain range opposite the train station.

The night held a supportive crowd, one that was besotted with Catherine’s talent.

Chloe Styler was Catherine’s first support at the Dag Pub and with her unique, youthful and captivating voice, she has attracted a variety of ongoing loyal followers.

Chloe Styler

Melody Moko

Melody Moko, a Brisbane musician, was Catherine’s main support on this leg of the tour, who performed at Pittsworth and at D’Aguilar. Melody is due to release her new album this year, which she produced in Nashville last year. Her vulnerable, yet delicate sound is contrast to the strong and influential woman that is Melody. Her style and sound are similar to America’s Caroline Spence, which is someone worth aspiring to.

The weekend was topped off back in Brisbane celebrating Melody’s birthday at Fat Belly Jacks. Well worth the long drive for some Nashville inspired chicken!

TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020

This year there was a looming cloud over Tamworth as Catherine drove in. With the drought and the pending worries of bushfires, it was no wonder numbers were expected to be down for the festival.

Catherine settled in for the month, mentoring up-and-coming singers at the Country Music Academy.

Lyn Bowtell, Lachlan Bryan and Catherine Britt

Several days into the festival it became clear that Tamworth was never going to lay down without a fight. The locals, the visitors, the buskers, the market and food stall workers… everyone was pitching in. The supportive community even cheering on the Hay Runners driving through town to deliver bales of hay to those farmers who really needed it.

It was this sense of community - everyone coming together to support one another that really hit home for Catherine and one of the main reasons why she created the Bush Pubs Tour 2020.

In a town experiencing severe drought and a town that holds sentimental value for Catherine, it was fitting that Tamworth Country Music Festival be the start of the Tour. And in true Tamworth spirit, the community certainly delivered.

Her first show was a packed house at the Longyard Hotel in Tamworth, and it was here she announced her decision to reach out to the community to help her with her next album. A crowd-funding album that a record label can’t touch and one that her boys will have rights to when they grow up.

The Bush Pub Tour idea resonated with those true country music lovers and was inspired by Slim Dusty himself. A musician and a singer who took his music and entertainment to the pubs of remote Australia to bring the communities together. Through the primary communication of radio and the Bush Telegraph, Slim would see communities come out in droves. These pubs – the Bush Pubs - were a central point of meeting. A watering hole and a place to find support and spend quality time with family and friends. And today, these communities really do need our support.

Catherine was determined to follow in Slim’s footsteps and take her music to the bush. Why? To bring back what was lost and is really needed. Music and entertainment, community support and something to look forward to.

The Golden Guitar Awards 2020

This tour is going to be something extraordinary. One where Catherine is giving back to remote Australia to help bring towns and locals together. But also, one where she is relying on support from these communities to help her with her next album. And doesn’t that demonstrate how strong the Australian people can be!

Please jump on to her Pozible campaign at https://www.pozible.com/profile/catherine-britt and support Catherine so she can continue to bring back great music to those that really it need it.

See you at the pub!