Local Artist Profiles

Neil Higgins
Neil is an Australian Singer/Songwriter that performs with a unique delivery. His songs, that he writes, are a definite contemporary Australian portrayal as he views the values of our way of life in social, humanity, cultural and outlooks that also provide a lot of entertainment. His style is of acoustic, easy listening, Australian soul/rock and his songs find resolution in his lyrics..

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Sean Cartledge
Sean has over two decades experience in the entertainment business He started back in the late 1980's as a young 20 year old doing the pub circuit around 'The Rocks' in Sydney and many other areas performing at private functions. Whilst he has always enjoyed being solo he was also a member of popular Sydney duo's 'Willing and Abel' and 'Double Exposure'.

Sean relocated to North East Victoria (Beechworth) in 1995, he was fortunate enough to pick up a regular gig at a popular North East hotel, from there word of this new soloist on the block spread quickly and Sean has been in high demand ever since, singing at many pubs, clubs, wineries and private functions throughout the North East and beyond.

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Leanne Murphy
Beechworth-based singer-songwriter-pianist, children’s puppeteer, published poet and music teacher Leanne Murphy has performed in different guises at major festivals and events around Victoria and NSW, and her debut album of folk-rock ballads, Portal, gained airplay on numerous folk music radio shows after being released in 2003.

  A second CD, Home Grown, followed in 2008, featuring Leanne’s expanding palette of musical instruments, from tin whistle and ukulele, to djembe and synthesizer, with songs full of warmth and good humour, reflecting on experiences of migration and the search for love and belonging.  Her unique style stems from a background in classical piano and voice training, combined with a passion for traditional folk songs, country ballads, musical theatre hits, all-time jazz standards, and audience participation – bring your singing voice and get set for a variety-packed performance! 

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Gary Banks
Gary has worked as a guitarist singer/songwriter, a solo performer, as part of successful bands and as a skilled accompanist. He is well known for his beautiful original material and his respectful interpretation of traditional Irish songs. Gary has a long history of skilful accompaniment of many solo singers and recording work but who was increasingly drawn into performing his own material.

Gary has since been a regular performer at festivals including Port Fairy and the National Celtic Festivals in Victoria where he was described as: “…a performer with the rare talent of producing powerful and moving original compositions but who also brings new life to many traditional songs with his respectful, sensitive handling……”

Or visit Gary's site >>

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Mel Tompkins & Darren Christie
Mel originally from Canada, renowned as a talented vocalist & multi-instrumentalist.  Mel enjoys the versatility of many instruments & styles.  A fingerstyle guitar virtuoso… Also plays Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin & Tin Whistle.

Has been influenced by modern styles of Celtic and Contemporary Folk Music.  Mel resides in NE Victoria and performs as a solo artist and currently performs also with several Celtic and Folk bands.

If you enjoy a taste of something traditional and contemporary in the modern folk scene then don’t miss this talented artist.

Vocalist and multi – instrumentalist Darren Christie performs solo and with various bands in the North East.

Darren plays guitar, bass, drums and Djembe and is influenced by a wide range of musical styles; particularly traditional and contemporary folk.

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