Steve Hoskins is a local comedian and actor from Forster Tuncurry, familiar from television shows like “Come Dine With Me”, and he’s also an actor, appearing in shows like “Underbelly” and “Home and Away”. He had everyone crying with laughter at last year’s innaugural Lakeside Laughs and will be making his appearance this year also!
Author: lsfadmin21
Since winning the prestigious national comedy competition, Green Faces, in 2003, Sydney comedian Brett Nichols has been knocking audiences dead for over two decades at comedy shows all over Australia and overseas – including entertaining Australian and New Zealand troops in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
Brett’s television appearances include The Footy Show (NRL) and The Comedy Channel’s Stand-Up Australia.
An actor and filmmaker as well, Brett, with his twin brother, Mark, wrote, directed and starred in the short film Identical, which was selected as a finalist at Tropfest in 2016.
Anna-Vee’s Blue Smoke is an all-originals band from the Mid North Coast of NSW and consists of Ann Woodland on guitar and vocals, Jeff Woodland on bass, Richard Coombs on drums and vocals and Leigh-Anne Slade on rhythm guitar and vocals.
Anna-Vee’s Blues Smoke formed after their cover band ‘Ecko Beach’ took a hiatus from performing around the Port Macquarie circuit to concentrate on writing their own songs. After their first album ‘Then, Now and Tomorrow’ was released, they got together to produce their 2nd album ‘Burnt Out Blues’ which flavours more of the blues style that resonates with the band. The 11 track album is available on Bandcamp.
Ann and Jeff play some of these songs at their duo gigs with ‘Goody 2 Shoes’ as well as Ann with ‘Anna-Vee’ at her solo performances.
Recorded at Michael Lynch’s ‘Shoehorse Studios’ on the Mid North Coast, Anna-Vee’s Blue Smoke are keen to expand their collaborative act to capture audiences at their live performances.
The Goodfellas band is made up of a group of terrific musicians who just love to play music together. Each player a unique entity each carrying their own special story and bag of musical tricks to the Goodfellas stage. A gig with the fellas is always, exciting, colourful, funny, and entertaining, thoughtful, fast, slow and in between. It’s hard to pin a style on the band as there are way too many influences they draw from. Always keen to explore so it’s always a musical adventure.
This line up of talented separate entities combine, one by one to form this one colourful wall of sound and creative emotion.
The line up changes from time to time but always brings the same unique sound and feel.
The energy, excellent musicianship and songwriting will captivate you and take you in all sorts of musical and emotional directions.
You will know you’ve been around musicians who have truly paid their dues in the industry, completely devoid of the “showbiz” agenda. It’s a love for music and friendship that formed this band.
The whole idea in the band and its naming was that you had to be a good fella, (guy or gal) to play in the line-up. Always a great recipe for great music if that’s the ticket in they say.
Des Dowling
For more than twenty years Des Dowling has been one of Australia’s most in demand comedians.
His world class comedy routines and seamless audience interaction has endeared him to audiences around Australia and overseas.
He has also written and appeared in many TV shows including Channel 10’s, Kinne and ABC TV’s cult comedy Agony Uncles.
His live show have included sold out shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Ellen Briggs
Ellen Briggs is an author, comedy writer, and professional MC but where she is most at home is on the stage doing stand up comedy.
Early on in her career, she was a finalist in the prestigious RAW Comedy Competition and won a National Foxtel competition that was voted on by peers and managers in the industry. She has never looked back.
Ellen regularly performs as a comedian and MC at venues all over Australia, and has created a stand up comedy show called Women Like Us with fellow comedian Mandy Nolan that they tour all over Australia to packed houses and rave reviews. On the 1st May 2018 they released their co-authored book, “Women Like Us” which needed a reprint in the first week!
Troy Kinne
Troy Kinne is best known for his own TV shows Kinne Tonight (Ch10) and Kinne (Ch7) for which he was nominated for a Logie award. You may have also seen him a number of times on Have You Been Paying Attention? Andy Lee’s The 100 or performing on Just For Laughs.
However it is more likely that you have seen him in one of his many viral videos on Facebook and YouTube. ‘Kinne videos’ have been shared all over the world resulting in over 1 million followers on social media.
Yet before social media was even a ‘thing’, Kinne was already making his mark on the live stand up comedy scene winning several young comic competitions.
- Comedy Knockout – Search For A Funny Bone – Winner
- Comic’s Lounge – You Gotta Be Jokin’ – Winner
- A-List Entertainment – Green Faces – Winner
- His live shows now sell out all over Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
- “A rapid-fire night of laughs” – The Herald Sun
- “Comic Genius” – The Daily Telegraph
James Keith has always led a dynamic life, from dominating the footy field to captivating audiences nationwide with his guitar and heartfelt songs. From Orange, his debut album, “Life Is Good Today,” quickly soared to the top of the ARIA Country Charts and secured #2 on the AIR charts. The album showcases James’s robust vocals and guitar skills, drawing inspiration from country powerhouses like Luke Combs and Zac Brown Band. It features energetic drums, powerful guitars, and soaring choruses that perfectly complement his autobiographical stories of perseverance and positivity.
“Life Is Good Today” resonates with James’s personal mantra of seeing the good in every situation, aiming to uplift rather than dwell on the negative.
Looking ahead, James is already working on a new batch of songs with multiple Golden Guitar-winning producer and artist, Matt Fell. This collaboration promises to further refine and elevate James’s musical journey, continuing his trajectory as a leading influence in country music.
With his strong ties to rugby league and his last name being Mortimer – from the famous Bulldogs dynasty in the 80’s, James has collaborated with the NRL with his latest anthem ON FIRE.
James music isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a reflection of his lifelong commitment to positivity and his ability to transform challenges into anthems of joy. With such a stellar beginning, James Keith is quickly becoming an influential voice in country music, spreading optimism one song at a time.
Australia’s favourite duo Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley’s are getting ready to hit the road and entertain audiences up and down the country on their 2024 UP DOWN & SIDEWAYS TOUR proudly housed by Prime Edge Caravans! The tour named in recognition of their latest album release which is the foundation for 5 Golden Guitar nominations for the iconic 2024 Tamworth Country Music Festival and 2023 ARIA Best Country Album and debuted at #1 Australia’s all-genre ARIA album chart!
Brooke and Adam are passionate about connecting with their live audiences and will be bringing the energy to this extensive tour of over 30 dates across 4 states. They’re focusing on regional communities as the heartland of country music, keeping it real and convenient for fans.
To celebrate the launch of this fantastic tour and the kick off show at Blazes Showroom Wests (25 Jan as part of the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival), tickets purchased prior to the 20 December for the Blazes Show will go into a draw with ticket holders having the chance to join an ‘EXCLUSIVE Preshow hang’! Fifteen lucky winners and their guests will be hosted by Brooke and Adam at Blazes for an intimate preshow experience with soundcheck, drinks, snacks, and a good time. So, they’re bringing a taste of their hugely popular ‘Hang at the Wang’ to Tamworth to get the tour started!
The pair’s songlist will include popular award-winning songs ‘Star of the Show’ and ‘Memory Lane’ ‘Country Music You and Beer’ and appropriately named latest single ‘What are you Waiting For’ along with songs from their highly successful album and some new music to provide a winning mix for audiences.
It’s been an amazing year for these talented artists with 5 nominations for 2024 Golden Guitar Awards and triumphant wins at 2023 Golden Guitar Awards, the successful release of their ARIA nominated album and a sold out season of ‘Hang at the Wang’ (Click here). They’re looking forward to getting back on the road in 2024 and engaging with fans!
Owen Campbell is one of Australia’s premier alternative blues/rock exports with 3 best-selling studio albums, 2 EPs, and over 12 years of national and international touring.
Owen has built a successful career as a touring musician, wowing audiences in all corners of the world from the USA, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, India, and even performing at the highest blues festival in the world, The Himalayan Blues Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal.
With his smouldering guitar work, gritty caramel vocals, and sublime rhythm section, Owen’s sound is best described as alternative blues and soulful cosmic rock.
Owen’s debut album, “Sunshine Road,” was released in late 2013, reaching Number 1 on the overall charts (Australia), knocking Adele off the top spot in 2014.
Soon after Owen released “The Pilgrim” in 2014, “Breathing Bullets” in 2016, and “Rolling Thunder” in 2019, each showcasing his evolving song writing and musical style.
Owen’s international success came with his second album, “The Pilgrim,”. The album charted in several countries, including France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and earned him critical acclaim in Europe.
Every one of Owen’s albums has hit the Top 10 on iTunes Blues Charts in over 10 countries.
Beyond his chart success, Owen is also known for his powerful live performances, where he showcases his virtuosic guitar playing, including his impressive slide guitar skills, and emotive vocals. He has toured extensively in Australia and overseas, including in the US, where he has built a dedicated following.
2024 sees Owen touring nationally as well as heading back to the studio to record his 7th studio album.
Australian music legend Kevin Borich is back on the road with a freshly announced tour, delivering his infectious brand of funkin’ rockin’ blues to audiences across our great southern land.
Honed by 52 years of experience playing the world over, from jamming onstage with Santana to performing alongside the likes of Bo Diddley, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Living Colour, Joe Walsh (Eagles), Canned Heat, Elton John, Status Quo, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy, Peter Frampton, AC/DC and more, Kevin Borich is a true force of musical nature. As one of Australia’s greatest and most acclaimed guitarists, he will be joined by two incredibly talented Aussie rock mainstays, Jon Carson on drums and Chris Gilbert on bass.
The tour comes following the release of Kevin’s latest album ‘Duets’, which was met with rave reviews and shot swiftly to number one on the Aria Rock, Blues and Jazz Charts. Bringing together 12 music greats, ‘Duets’ is practically oozing with a diverse mix of genres and style, combining professional brilliance in songwriting and stellar studio performances all distilled into one powerful record.
Time to get out your dancing shoes and grab your friends, Kevin Borich Express will be rocking the Lakeside Festival at Forster-Tuncurry.
Rogue Traders are an electric, pop rock band formed in 2000 by James Ash and fellow original band member Steve Davis, both DJ’s and Producers hailing from the UK. In 2004 actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte joined the band on lead vocals, alongside Ash on keys, Tim Henwood on guitar and Cameron McGlinchey on drums.
Throughout the decade, the group shot to fame achieving chart success both locally and internationally, releasing 7 top 20 hits on the ARIA Singles Chart, ‘One of My Kind’, ‘Voodoo Child’, ‘Way to Go!’, ‘Watching You’, ‘We’re Coming Home’, ‘Don’t You Wanna Feel’ and ‘I Never Liked You’. Their most successful single, ‘Voodoo Child’, peaked at number #3 on the UK Singles Chart, #4 in Australia, #7 in New Zealand and #15 on the Irish Singles Chart.
In 2005 the band release their classic album, ‘Here Come the Drums’, which was certified 4 x platinum on the ARIA albums chart, in 2007 ‘Better in the Dark’ was released and certified platinum by ARIA. In 2009 Mindi Jackson joined the band replacing Bassingthwaighte as front woman and the Rogue’s went on to release their fourth critically acclaimed record ‘Night of the Living Drums’.
Rogue Traders have sold over 1 million records worldwide and toured both nationally and internationally. The band have been nominated for 10 x ARIA Awards, 3 x MTV Awards, 1 x Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award, 1 x Inside Film Award and 8 x APRA Awards. Winning APRA’s for ‘Way to Go’ and ‘In Love Again’ the ARIA for ‘One of a Kind’ MTV Award for ‘Voodoo Child’.
Over the past few years, the group have taken a break from recording and touring, choosing to spend time on their solo careers and family. Natalie Bassingthwaighte released a solo album ‘1000 stars’ that went to straight #1 on the ARIA Chart and was certified gold. returned to television, as host of Network Ten’s highly successful talent show, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and then went on to become a judge on one of the countries most popular entertainment programs ‘The X Factor’. James, Tim and Cameron continued to focus heavily on music – writing, producing, recording and touring with a number of acclaimed Australian musicians over the years. All 4 members have never steered too far away from music.
Whether you’re staying for the night or the weekend, we have accommodation offers to suit everyone thanks to our sponsors. They may even throw in a couple of FREE Music Festival Tickets!
The best pop-up bar to grace the shores of the Wallis Lake! We’ve hand-picked a selection of our finest local food trucks, craft beer, wines and tasty treats of the Mid-North Coast.
The music is the heart and soul of the festival, with all the action taking place Saturday 2nd November at John Wright Park, Tuncurry. Check out this year’s local and touring artists.