Woodfordia Inc
presents
Festival of Small Halls Autumn Tour 2021
featuring Bobby Alu and This Way North
Move. And be moved. Find your flow and go about each day to the rhythm of your own making.
That’s the theme of Byron Bay singer, ukulele strummer and drummer Bobby Alu.
Amidst smooth harmonies, rhythms inspired by a strong family lineage of Polynesian performance, and unassuming grooves that work a gradual, smile-inducing high through even a casual listener, Bobby Alu tunes have a way of sneaking into the subconscious and taking up residence. Every now and then, one will pop up as a toetapping reminder to take it slow, enjoy the ride. It’s the curator of calm’s way – deliver island-time vibes with gentle optimism rather than forceful instruction, and encourage the type of reflection best achieved in a hammock. Though it’s not all palm trees and daydreams – there’s a robust energy in Alu’s mastery of traditional Samoan log drums, and a vitality to his songwriting that nods to world, roots and pop intelligence.
Sharing a well-nurtured and lengthy musical connection with producer and multiinstrumentalist tour buddy Paulie Bromley (The Beautiful Girls, george), Alu’s recorded and live presence has been boosted from a range of creative alliances. Having dedicated his world-class percussion skills to touring internationally with Xavier Rudd for five years, it was time for the equatorial folk of Bobby Alu to chart its own dedicated course again in 2018. He played 132 shows across 14 countries, and stopped in at every state and territory of Australia, supporting John Butler Trio (EU), Trevor Hall (EU/AU), UB40 (AU) and The Beautiful Girls (EU/AU) along the way. For the Gold Coast raised artist, performing and co-writing a song for the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony was a surreal homecoming. 2019 saw BIGSOUND showcases, a support tour across North America with his friend Xavier Rudd and a national run opening for Busby Marou.
Things stepped up on a songwriting and recording level too. Following the exploratory Self-titled debut (triple j Roots ‘n All top 10 album of 2010), the clear island-time stylistic intention of 2013’s Take It Slow, and the cruisy grooves of 2015’s Bay Sessions EP, Alu spent 2019 back in the studio completing his third album Flow, which landed Double J feature album on week of release in October 2019 and no.1 on the AIR 100% Independent Album Charts. Singles ‘Move’, ‘Other Side’ and ‘Finally’ received glowing praise and playlist adds on ABC Local Radio and Double J, with ‘Move’ scoring a nomination for Best Blues & Roots song at the Queensland Music Awards (2019), alongside ‘Dust’ in 2020. ‘Other Side’ received an Honourable Mention (top 1%) in the International Songwriting Competition. In 2020 Alu spent his lockdown reimagining the songs from his debut self-titled album to create a 10-year anniversary reflection – Bobby Alu (2020).
“His chilled out Pacific tunes have a long-lasting feel good effect and his finely crafted songs have instant appeal.”
– ABC Radio Australia
“Whether you’re on, near, or simply pining for a body of water and a calmer frame of mind, Bobby’s brand of coastal folk will take you there. It takes a lot of skill to make something this good sound so effortless.”
– Dorothy Markek – Flow Double J Feature Album
“It’s a perfect summer soundtrack: upbeat and uplifting, with a good dose of tropical tinged reality.”
– Sarah Howells – The Australian ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Taking out Best Outer Suburban Act 2018 at The Age Music Victoria Awards, Australian act This Way North are on a steady incline. It’s easy to forget they are just a two-piece band. Drummer/vocalist Cat Leahy and guitarist/vocalist Leisha Jungalwalla create explosive energy and expansive sound, that translates effortlessly from the studio to the stage.
After spending years touring full time and living on the road, This Way North are currently taking their COVID forced grounding in the historic and arts centric tiny town of Yackandandandah in North Eastern Victoria.
This Way North will release their new seven-song EP Vol. 3 in February 2021, beckoning us to shake off the year that was 2020 and welcome brighter days.
Recorded in Nashville in January 2020 on a trip to the US—where This Way North was invited to showcase at the Folk Alliance International Conference in New Orleans—and produced by Brad Jones (Skipping Girl Vinegar, Justin Townes Earle, Bob Evans), EP Vol. 3 is at its heart celebratory, reminding us that things were once ok, and will be once again.
It is also the ultimate instalment in a trilogy of EPs (joining 2016’s EP Vol. 1 and 2018’s EP Vol. 2)—and is a collection of new tracks from guitarist/singer Leisha Jungalwalla and drummer/singer Cat Leahy, written while travelling and touring around Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
For three years Jungalwalla and Leahy traded a bricks-and-mortar home for vanlife on the road, and a spirit of adventure and unbridled joy has taken up permanent residence in their music—no more so than this new collection.
“Living on the road meant we were able to visit some beautiful places to write new music, including an off-grid community in Tassie; a big permaculture property in the Canada’s BC Interior; and, the Sunshine Coast hinterland,” says Jungalwalla.
Since their last release in 2018, This Way North had continued full-time touring across Australia, New Zealand and Canada, supporting Ash Grunwald and Kate Ceberano along the way; and, playing local festivals including Queenscliff, Mullumbimby, Woodford, Port Fairy, and the Ness Creek, and Robson Valley festivals in Canada. The duo also released standalone single Night Terrors in 2019, a taste of things to come.
Alongside This Way North, Jungalwalla and Leahy also founded Sass the Patriarchy in 2018, an event series aimed at improving gender equality in the music industry. Their events and festivals in Australia and overseas have featured artists including Thando, Dallas Frasca, Hollie Joyce, Bitch Diesel, The Twoks, and Simona Castricum.
Whether in a local dive bar or at a major festival, This Way North bring more passion and energy than a 10-piece band, drumming up a contagious euphoria. The duo has brought their show to audiences from the Arctic in Canada, across Australia’s sweeping central desert and down to the geysers of New Zealand.
Yetman, 7 April 2021
Gamilaroi / Kamilaroi / Gomeroi country Yetman Memorial Hall stands on lands traditionally owned by the Gamilaroi / Kamilaroi / Gomeroi people. Festival of Small Halls rolls into Yetman on Wednesday, 7 April 2021 with Bobby Alu and This Way North. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start Tickets available online here The hall … Read more
Frederickton, 8 April 2021
Dunghutti Country Frederickton School of Arts is located in the heritage town of Frederickton in the Kempsey Shire. The foundation stone was laid in November 1903 by Sir Harry Rawson, Governor of NSW. The Hall enjoys a commanding position on the banks of the Macleay River and local regard the hall as an important part … Read more
Currabubula, 9 April 2021
Kamilaroi / Gomeroi People Currabubula War Memorial Hall who is 108 years young in 2020 is the centre of this beautiful rural village, 30kms south of Tamworth in NSW. The hall has been host to many a good old fashioned bush dance and ball over the years and current residents are working together to ensure … Read more
Dorrigo, 10 April 2021
Gumbaynggirr country The Dorrigo Showground, home to the JH Davis Memorial Pavilion is nestled on the edge of our small rural town, closely cradled by World Heritage listed Gondwana rainforests and cascading waterfalls. For over 70 years years the main pavilion has been witness to prize plum puddings, jams, local produce and rural delights, to flowers … Read more
Tuncurry, 11 April 2021
Worimi country Tuncurry Memorial Hall was built as a community project, in memory of those who served and fell in World War I. The building was officially opened in September 1921. Since the opening, there have been various additions and improvements made.During its life, the Tuncurry Memorial Hall has hosted concerts, meetings, dances and balls. … Read more
Portland, 14 April 2021
Wiradjuri Country The old Portland Cement Works was the beating heart of Portland for nearly 100 years, and after a brief rest it is coming alive again hosting all manner of community events. If the workers of the cement works were told people would want to get married in the old Powerhouse or visit for … Read more
Woodstock, 15 April 2021
Wiradjuri People The Central West N.S.W. village of Woodstock has a population of 200 with a further 500 people living in the rich farming district surrounds. Our Woodstock Soldiers Memorial Hall was built in 1924 and is the venue for our Festival. We aim to showcase our Hall & village as well as the farming community’s produce, … Read more
Goulburn, 16 April 2021
Mulwaree / Gundungurra Country The renovated St Saviour’s Hall was opened by the Australian Composer – Peter Sculthorpe which lends to its incredibly strong musical links in its current form. So how perfect that The Festival of Small Halls returns to this location. The original stone portion of this hall was the pro-cathedral (parish church prior … Read more
Dalgety, 17 April 2021
Ngarigo Country The historic village of Dalgety, on the banks of the Snowy River, is the only town left on the Snowy River in NSW. After the Snowy Hydro Electric Scheme was built in the 1950’s, the old towns of Jindabyne and Adaminaby were flooded. The Dalgety Memorial Hall was built in memory of War … Read more
Gilmore, 18 April 2021
Wiradjuri Country Gilmore’s Hall was built in 1927 (94 Years old) on land donated by Mr Campbell who used to own a large farming area in the Gilmore Valley. He donated the land to the community for a place to gather and celebrate. Gilmore sits in a picturesque valley, with a creek that flows water … Read more
Savernake, 21 April 2021
Bpangerang country Two churches, an oval, Post Office and hall,A school, some houses and that’s just about all.It may sound tiny, it has no castles,But good things come in small parcels. (Cecile Dowling 1985). The hall, which sits in the heart of Savernake, on the Riverina Highway, is approaching its centenary replacing the original hall in … Read more
Morundah, 22 April 2021
Wiradjuri Country A small country village, Morundah might be home to less than 30 residents, but boasts a mighty 350 seat theatre. In 2006, The Paradise Palladium Theatre was launched in a re-purposed pig shelter with a dirt floor. The same year, they sold 1100 tickets to the opera in less than three hours. Two years after the building’s curtain call, … Read more
Ganmain, 23 April 2021
Wiradjuri Country This gem of a Hall is situated in the picturesque village of Ganmain. The hall, established in 1911, is the jewel of the Main Street. As well as the magnificent hall, we hear the pies are famous for miles around. A destination rather than a stop! Festival of Small Halls rolls into … Read more
Pyree, 24 April 2021
Yuin Nation Built in 1894, the Pyree School of Arts hall, known fondly as The Red Shed, is located in beautiful dairy farming country near the mighty Shoalhaven River. Through time it has served a variety of purposes for the local community, such as a venue for concerts and dances, a library and gymnasium, premises … Read more
Orange, 25 April 2021
Wiradjuri Country Orange, known as Australia’s Colour City is just a few hours drive from Sydney and within easy reach of the Blue Mountains. When you visit the Orange Region you will discover a welcoming city, rich in history with a flourishing cultural scene. Take a walk around the historic town centre, the wide streets … Read more
Nymagee, 28 April 2021
Wangaaypuwan country Festival of Small Halls rolls into Nymagee on Wednesday, 28th April 2021 with Bobby Alu and This Way North Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start Bar available for purchase Tickets available online here Dinner is available for purchase and is provided by CWA & Progress Assoc. Nymagee Community Hall stands on … Read more
Marthaguy, 29 April 2021
Wailwan people If the Marthaguy Hall could talk, it would speak of family history, pastoral pride, big seasons and slim ones. It would joke about the time Father killed a red-back mid-eulogy, of kids catching yabbies while parents filled their cups, of weddings, balls, births and deaths. If you were lucky it would share with … Read more
Burren Junction, 30 April 2021
Gamilaroi Country The School of Arts Hall at Burren Junction has a wonderful history of tea dances, flower shows, school performances, concerts, and fundraisers. It has even provided a special venue for weddings. Sadly, the hall fell into disrepair about five years ago, but this tiny community refused to let it die. They banded together … Read more
Mullaley, 1 May 2021
Kamilaroi Country Welcome to Mullaley! Our hall was built in 1956 after a group of local farmers pooled their resources of land, seed, fertiliser and diesel to grow a crop of wheat which paid for its’ construction. The Mullaley Gymkhana was first held to celebrate the electricity being connected to the hall. In 2019, the … Read more
Coramba, 2 May 2021
Gumbaynggirr Country Coramba is a picturesque historic village north-west of Coffs Harbour. The North Coast railway meanders through Coramba village, as does the Orara River. The Coramba Community Hall was built in 1914, and has been holding functions for over 100 years. It was recently refurbished both inside and out and has full disability access and amenities. Come celebrate with us … Read more
MEDIA RESOURCES
Festival of Small Halls Autumn Tour 2021 featuring Bobby Alu and This Way North.
Popular and wide-ranging regional music tour Festival of Small Halls has announced the Autumn Tour 2021 featuring Bobby Alu and This Way North.
BOBBY ALU
Amidst smooth harmonies, rhythms inspired by a strong family lineage of Polynesian performance, and unassuming grooves that work a gradual, smile-inducing high through even a casual listener, Bobby Alu tunes have a way of sneaking into the subconscious andtaking up residence. Every now and then, one will pop up as a toe-tapping reminder to take it slow, enjoy the ride.
For full biography, social media links and approved quotes, please click here
To download a high quality image, please click here
THIS WAY NORTH
Taking out Best Outer Suburban Act 2018 at The Age Music Victoria Awards, Australian act This Way North are on a steady incline. It’s easy to forget they are just a two-piece band. Drummer/vocalist Cat Leahy and guitarist/vocalist Leisha Jungalwalla create explosive energy and expansive sound, that translates effortlessly from the studio to the stage.
For full biography, social media links and press quotes, please click here
To download a high quality image, please click here
Festival of Small Halls events operate in venues operating under an approved New South Wales Health Covid-19 Safety Plan, and has stringent Workplace Health and Safety requirements for all travelling artists and crew. Under the terms and conditions of all events, you must not attend if you feel unwell, have a fever, runny nose, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, shortness of breath, a sore throat or a cough.
Please do your bit to protect others and keep your community safe.
The Festival of Small Halls Autumn Tour 2021 has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body
