Widely held as two of Australia’s most outstanding live acts, The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd will hit the highways together for the first time in January and February 2017 for a series of unique concert events to be held in picturesque open-air settings. Presented by Zaccaria Concerts & Touring, the tour will bring these two incredible acts onto large stages in picturesque non-traditional purpose built outdoor venues in Hobart, Ballarat, Byron Bay, Bribie Island and Adelaide.
For over a decade, virtuoso’s The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd hold commonalities; they’ve remained current in global markets whilst treading a path less travelled, continually doing it in their own way. Celebrated for their individual genre crossing sounds and their enduring careers at a global level, they’ve accrued massive followings throughout Europe, Canada, the USA, South Africa and South America with their legendary live performances. Their incredible musicianship has resulted in successful sold out tours year in and year out, both increasing awareness by putting their music into the hands of overseas travelers who then took their tunes home in their backpacks and spread the word organically across the globe.
The Cat Empire’s genre-bending style has gifted them the tag “the ultimate party band” as they enthuse fans with their uplifting mash up of distinctive sounds. Their infectious tunes bring the crowd alive with their all-time tight and powerful brass section.
2016 has seen their Rising With The Sun album debut at number 1 on both the National ARIA & AIR charts at home, top 10 in 6 other countries and Top 20 in 16 countries around the world, along with a global debut at number 9 on the iTunes worldwide chart. Before heading home for their Australian summer dates they’ll complete the last leg of an international tour which has seen them play over 100 shows throughout UK, Australia, Canada and Europe, the biggest global tour of their career in terms of ticket sales.
Looking forward to these summer shows, The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl said today,
“We’ve been crossing paths with Xavier Rudd at festivals in Australia and internationally for many years, and we’ve always had a great time together. Add Sahara Beck and Harts to the mix, it should be an amazing summer. We’re very excited about this one, it’ll be a full and colourful stage.“
As one of our most adept multi-instrumentalists, Xavier Rudd enthrals audiences as he paints breathtaking pictures with vivid unmistakeable tones. Hypnotic ceremonial rhythms ease effortlessly into tender folk songs. Gritty guitar blues sits perfectly alongside entrancing yidaki (didgeridoo) passages. 2016 has seen Xavier top the charts in the Netherland with his ‘Follow the Sun’ single pipping global hit makers Justin Bieber and Adele to the number one post there whilst achieving platinum sales in Italy. His last European tour sold out months in advance with an incredible 14,000 tickets sold in the Netherlands alone. These Australian summer concert events will see Xavier deliver a magical set as a three piece with Bobby Alu on drums and Ant Aggs on keys.
Xavier Rudd shares his thoughts about The Cat Empire,
“I’ve always had a tonne of respect for The Cat Empire guys since the start. Deadly musicians and lovely people. Over the last 15 or so years touring around the world and seeing their posters in so many different towns and countries has always brought me a smile. I guess it’s about time that we teamed up to do some shows together & I’m stoked to share a stage with these legends back on home soil early in 2017!”
What better way to set the mood with three captivating exceptional young artists. Currently making waves around the world, singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Darren Harts a.k.a HARTS will mesmerise audiences with his individual brand of alternative rock, funk and soul. Sydney six piece OCEAN ALLEY will be bring their unique and refreshing brand of psychedelic reggae fusion. Coming of the back off touring with Ball Park Music, young indie pop rocker SAHARA BECK will kick off proceedings for what is sure to be an atmospheric evening.
A handful of atmospheric outdoor concert events in remarkable wide open spaces with the eclectic mix of The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd, along with HARTS, Ocean Alley and Sahara Beck will be a highlight of summer 2017.
The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd – 2017 tour dates
With special guests Harts, Ocean Valley and Sahara Beck *
Thursday 26 January 2017 – St David’s Park Hobart, TAS
* Sahara Beck not performing
Sunday 29 January 2017 – North Gardens Ballarat, VIC
Saturday 4 February 2017 – Red Devil Park, Byron Bay, NSW
(Subject to DA Approval)
Sunday 5 February 2017 – Sandstone Point, Bribie Island, QLD
Saturday 11 February 2017 – Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, SA