Bridie King
Tomcat Playground
Chloe Kay & the Crusade
Bridie King was destined for a musical career from a very early age. Whilst she studied classical piano, it was the Afro-American rhythm’n’blues and boogie-woogie which really captured her imagination.
By her early twenties she had formed her first band, becoming well-known in inner city Sydney. Bridie’s recording of ‘Piano Frenzy’ with The Hippos’ in 1988 alerted nationwide music fans to her budding talent.
In 1999 Bridie recorded her first album. ABC radio airplay, club and festival appearances followed. From then till now she released 3 more critically acclaimed albums and continues to perform live.
For the Fig she is going to present something unique. Bridie will demonstrate the evolution of piano music from the Baroque period through classical, jazz, blues, boogie-woogie to contemporary.
After 3 best-selling studio albums, 2 EP’s and over 12 years of national and international touring, Owen Campbell has cemented himself as one of Australia’s premier alternative blues/rock exports. He has performed in USA, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Holland, Japan, Hong Kong, India and Nepal.
Every album upon release has hit the Top 10 on iTunes Blues Charts in over 10 countries. One of which “Sunshine Road” reached Number 1 on the overall charts (Australia), knocking Adele of the top spot in 2014.
Owen brings a gumbo-like repertoire to performances all over the world. His smouldering guitar work runs from bluesy riffs and soulful finger-picking to lap steel guitar solos using a shot glass slide. His gritty caramel vocals makes this blues maven a global favourite.
“My parents were a big influence,” says Owen. “They introduced me to such an awesome collection of music from such a young age. Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, The Band, The Rolling Stones. I always loved the variety and diversity to their sounds. My sound has bits of country, soul, roots, and rock. I love the variations.”
Owen is touring throughout 2022 with his new LIVE album and band “Owen Campbell & The Cosmic People”.
“A well-honed, ageless style, one that never seems to lose its conjuring powers.”
BMA Magazine
“By the 4th album he proves why we should still be listening.”
Beat Magazine
“He propels with explosive anguish and undeniable charm!”
Glide Magazine
“Campbell possesses an exceptional musical personality. You wholeheartedly believe every note he plays and sings.”
Rhythms Magazine
In 2018, after years of working as a successful music journalist, the now 24 year old Aussie vocalist and songwriter decided to take a step forward and let her own talent shine.
In mid 2019 Chloe Kay and Brazilian blues guitarist Lucas Diniz had a chance meeting, and discovered they possess a musical bond that defies language. Inspired by their soul-connection they began writing an amalgamation of songs together. Soon they had enlisted the help of bassist Johnatan Fassio, a fellow Brazilian whose playing is deeply rooted in blues and funk, and veteran blues drummer Garnet Meekings and thus Chloe Kay and the Crusade was born.
When COVID hit Lucas headed home and as fate would have it Chloe Kay was introduced to 18 year old blues guitar prodigy Ewan Lund. The pair bonded over their mutual love of blues and decided to team up marking a new beginning for the band.
The band’s fiery debut single ‘Just Got Burned’ was released on Feb 23rd 2021 and was given an advanced play on Triple J’s Roots n All with subsequent play each week on the station. The song and accompanying music video were premiered on American Blues Scene and the clip has been added to rotation on CMT as of March 27th! The single has also attracted the attention of Joe Bonamassa with inclusions on one of his playlists ‘Ultimate Blues Rock’.
Capturing the ears, eyes, and hearts of their audiences , the band’s powerful yet delicate approach to the blues is packed full of feel, ferocity, finesse, and vibrato good enough to make a grown man cry. Pulling inspiration from blues musicians, soul singers, country crooners, jazz prodigies, and folk rockers from times past and present they have managed to produce a sound of their own design. At 24 Chloe Kay is finally on stage and in front of the mic; her church, her home, her calling. With The Crusade by her side the blues is in abundance and this is only just the start…