DOORS 1PM // KITCHEN OPENS 1PM // SHOW STARTS 2PM

Kristina Olsen is one of the most entertaining and compelling performers on the international acoustic circuit. 

A superb multi-instrumentalist (acoustic guitar, steel-body slide guitar, saxophone, concertina, banjo, mandolin and piano) as well as an award-winning songwriter with a big bluesy voice, Kristina has audiences around the world coming back for more. Her mix of powerful songs ranging from sassy bottleneck blues to lilting ballads to swing jazz to raunch and roll (as well as her hilarious storytelling) makes for a diverse and satisfying musical experience, on stage, on disc and in book.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Haight-Ashbury during the 1960's, Kristina's approach to music and life was formed by that environment of vital cultural expression, social activism and diverse musical influences. She now calls Venice Beach, Los Angeles home but rarely sees it from touring ten months a year.

With thirteen recordings under her belt (four on the Philo/Rounder label), a live DVD and an enhanced eBook with music, (They Paid Us in Tub Time), 2014 sees the release of ‘Sweet Stillness’ an album of co-writes between folk/blues songwriter Olsen with Canadian jazz guitarist/composer Bill Coon. This new combo enters a brave new world, neither jazz nor singer-songwriter. Art music at its best without conforming to expected genres. Fresh, weird, beautiful and familiar all at the same time. 

Olsen’s songs have been covered by such respected artists as; Eric Bibb, Fairport Convention, Maddy Prior, Mary Coughlan and Mollie O’Brien. Olsen has also worked as a session musician on numerous artist’s albums including playing the hammered dulcimer on Michelle Shocked’s album 'Short Sharp Shocked' on PolyGram and touring as Mary Coughlan’s guitarist in 2005. Her song “In Your Darkened Room” was used in the film “We’ll Always Have Dingle”, a documentary about an Irish Film Festival.  Olsen has performed as a multi-instrumentalist in plays for the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles’ Music Center. Olsen won the Kerrville Song writing award her song for battered women, 'I'm Keeping This Life of Mine'

Olsen is the modern day troubadour, touring up to ten months a year. She regularly tours to Australia, Scotland, England, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. In more exotic locations, she has performed concerts in, Bangladesh, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia and once caught a snow-mobile drawn sled over a frozen lake to a concert in Aleknagik, Alaska. Olsen has been part of a songwriters' group for over three decades and has taught songwriting, slide guitar and dance for musicians at adult music camps from Alaska to NYC to the UK to Australia for over a twenty years. Olsen is a frequent contributor to Acoustic Guitar magazine, writing articles on guitar and performance technique. Olsen graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2020 with a dual major in guitar and orchestration/arranging.

www.KristinaOlsen.net

PETER GRAYLING Cello 'It's not often that a fine classical player also turns out to be a great improviser with a solid grounding in folk, blues and rock 'n' roll' Cello, mandocello and mandolin player Peter bends classical technique to his own ends, plucking and bowing a solid driving bottom line and then taking soaring solos to unexpected places. Peter's particular talent for weaving the cello around a voice has led to regular collaborations with some of Australia's folk scene's leading singers. In November 1997 he first toured as a duo with Kristina Olsen. After this tour the pair recorded a CD 'Duet' released in Australia in March 1998 and their musical partnership has continued with 'Truth of a Woman', Live CD 'All Over Down Under', 'In Your Darkened Room' and a live DVD Peter has played at most of the major Australian festivals and his flair for picking up a tune on the spot has led to Peter participating in some of the most memorable on-stage jam sessions, making great musical moments with blues greats Phil Manning, Matt Taylor, The Backsliders and Damon Davies, mandolin marvel Andrew Clermont, klezmer violinist Ernie Gruner, the Sensitive New Age Cowpersons and many more, including making beautifully meditative duets with shakuhachi master Riley Lee. 

DOORS 6:30PM // KITCHEN OPENS 6:30PM // SHOW STARTS 8:30PM

Renowned Australian guitar pop band Ups and Downs are playing a special set of shows in March 2025 to celebrate their 40th Anniversary, marking an astonishing four decades on the music scene. Formed in Brisbane in the early 1980s, the band quickly became known for their jangly guitars, melodic hooks, soaring harmonies and introspective lyrics, cementing their place in the hearts of indie music fans. 

“It is incredible to think we started on this journey 40 years ago – and it’s not over yet. The band is sounding better than ever”, lead singer and songwriter Greg Atkinson said.

Ups and Downs gained attention with their breakout single The Living Kind, which became a staple of the Australian alternative music scene, topping the independent charts. Their EP Sleepless and album Underneath the Watchful Eye showcased the band’s ability to blend heartfelt songwriting with infectious guitar-driven sounds, drawing comparisons to the likes of R.E.M. and The Church. Tracks like In the Shadows and Lit by the Fuse demonstrate their knack for crafting memorable songs that resonate with fans of thoughtful, melodic rock offering a distinctive blend of indie and post-punk.

Video: The Living Kind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOLBFFpbYrg

Joining Ups and Downs on their 40th anniversary tour are very special guests The Crystal Set, another iconic Australian indie rock band from the 1980s, playing live for the first time in over 25 years. Known for their swirling atmospheric sound, The Crystal Set made a name for themselves with key songs like "Benefit of the Doubt," "Wholly Holy," and "A Drop in the Ocean." These tracks and their distinct post-punk and dream-pop influences cemented their status as pioneers in the Australian indie music scene. 

Coinciding with the tour, Ups and Downs will be releasing a brand-new vinyl compilation album, Stained Glass Memories, a collection that spans their entire career, showcasing how the band’s sound has evolved while still retaining the essential elements that made them stand out. 

“Our recent shows are full of people dancing, smiling and singing along to our songs - it is so great that people still find something in these tunes they can relate to”, Greg’s brother and drummer Darren said. 

The 40th anniversary tour will take Ups and Downs and The Crystal Set to key East Coast cities, including Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, where they will perform a mix of their classic tracks, deep cuts, and some surprises that reflect their respective journeys through the years.