The band formed early 2016, initially busking on the Corso, but they have since played a number of shows including performing at Manly International Jazz festival, the Brookie Show and are playing on the main stage in Dee Why on Australia Day.
They play their own original material, and recently released their debut self titled EP.
John Littrich (guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Neil McCann (banjo, mandolin, backing vocals) have played in various bands for years.
Neil formerly played with Australian folk legends, Wongawilli and John spent much of his misspent youth playing in Sydney pub band, The Creepers, who regularly supported bands such as the Cockroaches and Dynamic Hepnotics. On percussion and vocals, Dom Littrich keeps things bouncing along together with the talented youngster, Clayton Condon, on Double Bass.
The Water Runners have featured at festivals such as Kiama Folk By the Sea, Illawarra Folk Festival and Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival and have supported numerous acts including the USA's Chris Henry and the Hardcore Grass Their EP, Too Young To Be This Old, was released in 2016 and their first album, Heading South, was released early 2017.
The Water Runners sing songs of life and death and love gone wrong as well as songs based on South Coast stories and legends. They look forward to bringing their special blend of music to the big smoke once again…can you hear those banjos ringing?
They celebrate the music of Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Dr John, Taj Mahal, & Gladys Night amongst others.
Featuring two of Sydney’s hottest young singers, Michael Duscesne and Lana Rita Sayah with an all-star band they bring together a freshness and vibrancy that will take your breath Away.
The band, who between them have played with a diverse array of artists including Guy Sebastion, Jessica Mouboy, Human Nature and Marcia Hines, draw on considerable experience to create and exciting and uplifting performance.
The Band is establishing a reputation for its live performances having recently performed at The Manly Jazz Festival, Venue 505 and Lazybones Lounge.
The Band:
Michael Duchesne – vocals (The Voice, Xfactor, Ian Moss)
Lana Rita Sayah – vocals (The Voice, Ricki Lee, Christine Anu)
Chris Mawer – bass & vocals (Ray Beadle, Mitch Anderson,Psycho Zydeco)
Ramsay McInnes – guitar & vocals (Christine Anu, Ola Onabule)
Jason Bruer – sax
Adrian Veale - trumpet (John-Paul Young, Olivia Newton-John, James Morrison)
Dave Plenty – drums (Grace Night, Human Nature, Margaret Ulrich)
Sam Boyd – keys (Guy Sebastian, Gail Page, The Beautiful Girls)