Singing up Country started with a moving tribute to four members of the crew that had passed. It was a touching start to the day’s event.

Radical Son was up first. This man has a powerful Voice full of depth and soul coupled with a beautiful mic technique. The songs were equally as strong. Politically charged and also showing signs of Personal growth and healing. Story tellers make great songwriters.

Gii Music followed Keyboard, guitar, Violin, Drums. Another formidable voice. Folky and rocky. Played tracks off a recent musical of their own composition they performed at the Blacktown Arts Centre. Beautiful written songs played by a razor sharp Band. Excellent lead work played on the violin as well.

Nadeena Dixon performance a beautiful set. Performing after a bout of laryngitis, she still had a strong voice adding to her commanding stage presence. Nadeena belted out a set with only a slight huskiness to her voice. A true professional.

After an intermission, we returned for event organiser, Michael Birk’s set with his band, the Recognisers. Michael writes ethereal songs with excellent use of melody and beautiful chords. His rhythm section were meticulous, but more subtle, holding the beat but adding beautiful accents. This made for a muscular set.

Headliner, Uncle Johnny Nicol, a long time veteran of the Australian jazzy scene entering his sixty-third year performing, hit the stage with his rock solid band with Uncle Johnny on guitar and vocals backed by Keyboard, upright bass, and drums. The band hosted many guest musicians and each member got a solo spot where they all shined.

What really struck home was the standard of musicianship and the quality of the lyrical content. Singing up Country was a delight on so many levels and there is an overpowering anticipation for the 2023 show.