The SoundLounge

The Barleyshakes

Brewed in Ireland and distilled in Australia the Barleyshakes are a superb Celtic band who present both traditional Irish, original and world music in a modern format. Using fiddles, banjo, mandolin, bass, bodhran, drums, guitar and vocals the Barleyshakes new sound is hard hitting, lively and full of wild Irish dance energy.

Winners of the 2011 Queensland Music Awards (World Music), The Barleyshakes are possibly the most contemporary Celtic band in Australia, by equal measures they regularly offend and inspire the traditional Irish players of the scene. Having worked since the early 90's the 'Shakes have emerged as a highly evolved organism, both cultured and wild. Give The Barleyshakes a line, they'll cut it to shreds and stick it back together again like a Picasso - brilliant for all the reasons you never thought could be.

Lil'Fi

“One of the perennial stars of music festivals around the country, Lil’ Fi has an uncanny ability to capture an audience with her dynamic performances, humour and a collection of songs that invariably hit the mark...” Brian Wise – Rhythms Magazine, Australia, March 2002

Lil' Fi is a singer/songwriter of Australia-wide renown. She has a unique way of electrifying an atmosphere with her enviable stage presence, wit and pizzazz. Audiences cannot help but enjoy themselves immensely when they are at one of Lil' Fi's performances. She has a red hot Melbourne based four piece band, an eclectic duo with guitarist/husband Dirk Dubois, and takes enormous delight in making guest appearances with acts as diverse as Australian rock 'n' roll legends Lonnie Lee and Bobby Bright, award winning blues guitarist Fiona Boyes, and cowgirl country cousins GIT.

Lil' Fi is a consumate performer, with her songwriting described by Lucky Oceans and Doug Spencer from ABC's 'The Planet' thus: " Lil' Fi is an uncommonly convincing 'blues mama'... all the more so because she writes intelligently, understands dynamics and can eloquently express a tender thought as well as a raunchy notion..."

Lil' Fi considers every venue to be a part of her lounge room, drawing audiences into her world with her delightful storytelling and music. Simply put, her empowering lyrics and naturally sassy and irreverant character make people feel fantastic.

Julie Fox of the Sydney Blues Society stated in a review... " this lady never ceases to amaze me - not only a brilliant songwriter who always hits the nail right on the head with observations about life, love and our need to look after the environment, but a beautiful voice and first class entertainer... rating: 10/10. Prediction for the future: if Fi ever ventures overseas I am positive it will be our loss but the whole world's gain!"