Page 52 - Tropic Magazine Issue 37

TROPIC • EVENTS

Run in the round

FESTIVAL
Another swag of artists has been
added to the swelling Savannah
in the Round lineup, with both
national treasures and
well-loved locals joining the
four-day festival. 1

About to embark on just its second run
in the rodeo grounds, it’s easy to assume
Savannah in the Round has been around
much longer. The inaugural three-day
festival put Mareeba on the map among
country music enthusiasts, and this year,
it’s expanding to cover another day and
night of roaring entertainment, camping
and cultural experiences.
Already boasting international acts Brad
Paisley and MacKenzie Porter among a
solid Australian lineup, event organisers
have recently added a bunch of fresh
artists to the bill.
Amy Sheppard – who’s perhaps best-
known for her role as co-lead singer of
Brisbane indie-pop trio Sheppard –
is just one new addition sitting among
top headliners. She’s only recently made 2
her foray into the country music world
with her first solo song, Nothing But While he’s done the rounds across
Wild, which was released at this year’s the Far North, Big Pups is making his
Tamworth Country Music Festival. Savannah debut this year. Born in New SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND
Savannah in the Round also welcomes Zealand’s deep south and raised in PNG’s
raconteur, troubadour, balladeer and highlands, his musical career was forged BRAD PAISLEY // MACKENZIE PORTER
poet, Mick Thomas to the Far North in Charters Towers and is now based JON STEVENS // THE WAIFS
family. Best known as the song master of in Cairns. Cooktown local Yazmindi is VANESSA AMOROSI // SHANNON NOLL
iconic pub-rock band Weddings Parties another new name to the festival, offering TEX PERKINS ‘THE MAN IN BLACK’
Anything, his own band The Roving a light-hearted dose of folk and indie AMY SHEPPARD - PLUS MANY MORE
Commission features Squeezebox Wally sounds. Locals will recognise her catchy Mareeba Rodeo Grounds
on piano accordion, Ben Franz tunes Bars Ain’t Closin’ and Avocado Latte – September 30 – October 2
(The Waifs) on bass, Dave Folley an ode to her hometown and a
(Tex Perkins) on drums and bright new tongue-in-cheek play at Melbourne’s
talent on guitar and vocals, Brooke Taylor. city stereotypes.
The collective is set to be a unique mix of Head to the festival’s website for the full 1. Brad Paisley 2. Big Pups 3. King Stingray. Credit:
folk, roots and country. lineup and ticket details. Luke Henery 4. Savannah in the Round

52 • Tropic • Issue 37