Author: Jenine Abarbanel

A popular feature of many American bluegrass festivals is the pre-festival “Music Camp” These typically include intensive instrument lessons and electives on numerous music-related topics, as well as some fun with your fellow campers and time spent with the headline performers at the festival.

Part of our mission with Kiwigrass is to bring this sort of opportunity here to New Zealand. We have lined up members of Lonely Heart String Band and Bluegrass Parkway to come to the festival two days early and host our very own “Music Academy” on the Wednesday and Thursday. We’re still working to set a price for the academy and the details of what will be included. You can get a feel for what we’re envisioning here: /?page_id=156. Have a look and see what you think. If it sounds good to you, let us know, and that will help with our plans.

Together and as members of various other bands, the members of Crooked Road have made 13 albums, many TV and radio shows and several national and international tours. Bluegrass, folk, country, gospel-their influences all come out in harmony-driven originals and pieces by favourite musicians.

Formerly known as Old South Bluegrass, Crooked Road are Phill Parker (Guitar) Andrew Hook (Mandolin), Leonard Cohen (Dobro) and David Taylor (Bass).

Phill sings in the folk, country and bluegrass traditions, playing with The Bill Chambers Band, Country Comfort, Shut Up and Deal, Highly Strung and The Bridgland Brothers. His song “To Keep You Near” won the 2018 SCALA lyrics award out of 200 entries world-wide.
Andrew immersed himself in the bluegrass genre playing professionally with The Rank Strangers, Paul Wookey, The Buckshot Boogie Band, Dingo Ridge and Grass Roots.
New Zealand born-and-raised Leonard was a member of the original Hamilton County Bluegrass Band and then played professionally with The Skillet Lickers.
Dave grew up on a diet of Beatles, Stones, Pacemakers, 60s pop, Daddy Cool, Chain, and Axiom. He played in community choirs ukulele group Savior Plunk, and now plays country/folk, bluegrass and retro pop.

https://www.facebook.com/crookedroadinaustralia/

Our second Australian headline guest for the inaugural Kiwigrass is Melbourne based bluegrass band 9 Mile Creek. Formed up in 2013, 9 Mile Creek play traditional and original bluegrass, along with anything else that strikes their fancy. All four of the fellas sing, 3 of them write original material, and they are all masters of their instruments. They’re the life of the party at any jam session, a delight to watch on stage, and generally excellent to have around. Not only are they talented musicians and performers, but they are also strong contributors to the bluegrass scene in Victoria, having had roles in organising multiple bluegrass festivals and bluegrass clubs. We’re very excited to be hosting them on their first ever visit to New Zealand.