28 Feb 2025 – Leanne Paris band, Nick Charles, Kid Hank & his Ockerstra

Leanne Paris band

Nick Charles

Kid Hank & his Ockerstra

Putting a respectful modern edge onto a classy and classic soul sound that soars between fresh, fun and funky, and passionately heart-melting, Leanne Paris is one of this country’s leading musical lights. Sassy, sultry and smooth, with an unrivalled groove the soul queen recalls the true musical greats without ever falling into blind, Idol-esque imitation and that’s only the tip of an impressive iceberg for what this genuine talent has to offer. Backed by a tight band including horn section Leanne and her band will take you on a journey from classy classic soul to New Orleans blues and funk all enhanced by an innate sense of melody and world-class delivery. Leanne Paris is a musician of outstanding talent, performing in residencies locally and overseas. She has toured playing Piano / Hammond and singing BV’s for Ian Moss on his National tour, she has played in the USA with New Orleans legend Walter Wolfman alongside Harry Connick Jnr’s backing band and toured Canada and Thailand. Leanne has also supported the legendary Jon Cleary on many of his Australian Tours and has a Blues Project with Australia’s legendary blues guitarist Mal Eastick. For up-to-date information, up-coming shows and to hear a preview of her material visit www.leanneparis.com

With dazzling melodic fingerpicking on six and twelve string guitars and a lifetime’s stories and songs gathered or written on the world’s musical highways it’s no surprise that Nick Charles has long been labelled internationally as “Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”.
During his extensive and acclaimed career, Nick has released sixteen albums on major Australian and US roots music labels. His recordings have garnered world-wide recognition beginning with “My Place” and now his most recent release “Further Down the Line” which continues his tradition of beautiful guitar melodies and a unique take of blues, country and folk classics.
Nick’s list of awards and accolades further include every major blues award in this country multiple times, twice winner of the Australian Song Contest and “Port Fairy Folk Festival Artist of the Year” (Australia’s highest folk accolade). This recognition has resulted in his signing to the Grammy Award winning label, Solid Air Records USA (“Home of the World’s Finest Guitarists”). The only other Australian recognized by the label being Tommy Emmanuel.
He has toured with and supported John Hammond, Guy Clarke, Ralph McTell, Robyn Ford, Junior Wells, Taj Mahal and BB King and toured the US twelve times
Consistently averaging 150 shows a year in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, his music encompasses a delightful and eclectic mix of acoustic roots including blues, folk, country and early ragtime jazz. Along the way there are stylish nods to the “Great American Songbook” and the finest contemporary players and composers from Chet Atkins to Lennon and McCartney to Leo Kottke.
Bruce Elder from the Sydney Morning Herald says “he plays guitar like an angel”
Rhythms Magazine – “dazzling virtuosity”
Australian Guitar magazine – “an awesome talent”

Henry Manuell’s « Kid Hank and his Ockerstra » brings the vibrancy of New Orleans to life. A repertoire covering the traditional Blues, Dixieland, and swing jazz styles with just a sprinkle of ragtime. Hank and the crew create a joyful rendition of ‘NOLA’ street music. The band’s toe-tapping beats and lively melodies transport listeners to the familiar sounds of the early 20th-century French Quarter. The Ockerstra’s unmistakable Inner Western earthy notes portray its Sydney origins. The modern twist of classic old-timey jazz and dancing rhythms is guaranteed to have you dancing in your seat!