PERFORMING a mix of classic country and folk music, Keep The Circle Unbroken aims to give audiences an immersive experience that feels like sitting around a campfire.
The concept began in 2020 as a concert series that stemmed from the recording of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s 1972 album Will The Circle Be Unbroken by a group of artists.
One of the founders of the tour Craig Johnston, who performs under the name Delsinki and in the band Row Jerry Crow, said the recording was inclusive of a range of artists of different ages and career levels.
“During the pandemic in 2020 in Melbourne’s lockdown, we decided to put a project together where we record a vinyl album with a bunch of musicians with no rehearsals or anything, just get in there on the day and record a vinyl album all together,” Delsinki told The Guardian.
“Then we did a live stream and it went really well – it was a whole bunch of musicians sitting in a circle singing and performing songs with one another.”
Delsinki said audiences can expect a similar vibe at the show in Swan Hill.
“The audience feels like they are sort of part of the jam session,” he said.
“There are certain dynamics and personalities and what not, so it makes for a really alive-feeling show because anything can happen, and all of the musicians and the artists are all extremely good at what they do, so it’s always a pretty stress-free, fun offering.”
Joining Delsinki at the Swan Hill Town Hall will be The Waif’s Vicki Thorn, Row Jerry Crow, Paul Woseen from The Screaming Jets, Greg Patten from My Friend the Chocolate Cake, Rob Hornbuckle from The Masters Apprentices, Coberg Tipping from Russel Morris, John Kendall and Peter Somerville from Uncle Bill, and local artists Chloe Calleja, Elise Drake and Paul Costa.
“I think that’s what I am really looking forward to, just being in that elite level of company,” Costa said.
“When I was asked to do it, that’s what got me over the line – it was something that I really want to do and be a part of.”
Delsinki said it was really exciting to see the local acts sing and perform alongside the touring artists.
“None of the guys up there, Chloe, Paul or Elise, have done this show before so I think they are going to be in for a treat – sitting in a circle facing one another, it’s a real vibe,” he said.
“Most of the artists have never played together before, have never met one another, so it is a real bonding experience for the audience and the artists themselves.
“That’s one of the real carats for the show, and why I think people real walk away from it going what a great experience.”
Keep the Circle Unbroken is at the Swan Hill Town Hall on Friday, January 17 at 8pm. Tickets are $49, available at the Swan Hill Town Hall website and in person at the Swan Hill Town Hall Booking Office and Swan Hill Region Information Centre.
