Hunter Valley’s very own “Cosmic Country Weekender”, Dashville Skyline, has revealed its second round of artists, with suave country rocker Henry Wagons leading the latest inclusion to a solid list of 27 artists converging on the Belford venue over the October Long Weekend.
One of the highlights of last year’s inaugural festival, Henry Wagons returns to Dashville with his new livewire band, The Only Children, and a swathe of fresh solo material, released on this year’s After What I Did Last Night…
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jordie Lane has been gathering fans in America and Canada this year, but will return to his homeland ahead of the release of his impending new record. February saw the release of new single ‘Frederick Steele McNeil Ferguson’, a song inspired by Lane’s great-grandfather, a war veteran who brought home the burdens of conflict.
Dashville local, William Crighton has had a year to remember. Releasing his self-titled debut record to critical acclaim and firmly establishing himself as a must-see live performer. Crighton stole the show at last year’s inaugural Dashville Skyline, so it seemed imperative to invite the singer-songwriter back to the event for 2016.
Other acts joining the bill include Sydney based, international rock group Spookyland, handpicked for their psychedelic country undertones, influential singer-songwriter and alt-country icon Charles Jenkins, New Zealand’s favourite string-punk band The Eastern, Newcastle’s own James Thomson & The Strange Pilgrims, Canadian born Tracy McNeil & the GoodLife, desert queen Leah Flanagan Band, Sydney bluesman Frank Sultana & the Sinister Kids, the prolific Jason Walker, local acts Magpie Diaries, Lyle Dennis Express, William John Jr., the Bluegrass Breakfast and the return of the beloved supergroup Dashville Progress Society.
These artists join 14 other previously announced acts including the likes of Brian Cadd, The Brothers Comatose (USA), The Wilson Pickers, and Melody Pool.
This year’s event will also see the return of the immensely popular Sunset Super Round, which proved to be the “jewel in Skyline’s crown”. Last year, artists collaborated on the main stage to pay homage to their favourite songwriters. The audience was treated to Holy Holy’s full-blooded cover of Neil Young’s ‘Southern Man’, Melody Pool and Ruby Boots’ duet on Lucinda Williams’ classic ‘Fruits of My Labor’ and William Crighton’s dark take on Neil Diamond’s ‘Solitary Man’.
DASHVILLE SKYLINE 2016
Brian Cadd + Henry Wagons & The Only Children + The Brothers Comatose (USA)
The Wilson Pickers + Melody Pool +Jordie Lane + Spookyland
Charles Jenkins + Jess Ribeiro + William Crighton + Raised by Eagles
The Eastern (NZ) + The Hello Morning + James Thomson & The Strange Pilgrims
Leah Flanagan Band + Davey Craddock & the Spectacles + Karl S. Williams
Frank Sultana & The Sinister Kids + Skyscraper Stan and the Commission Flats
Irish Mythen (CA) + Andy Golledge Band + Jason Walker + Magpie Diaries
Lyle Dennis Express + William John Jr. + Bluegrass Breakfast
Dashville Progress Society
The festival runs from Friday, September 30 to Sunday, October 2, 2016.