WASTELANDS is a Melbourne-based group exploring a variety of different grooves within a guitar trio setting. The group draws from a broad range of influences, including Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, Kaidi Tatham and Radiohead, while paying tribute to the jazz lineage. There is a distinct emphasis on preserving simplicity within new song forms. Listeners can expect improvisation, dynamic interplay and a keen sense of embracing the unknown.

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John Flanagan returns to Melbourne for a special hometown show after a 7 week tour of regional SA, VIC & NSW with The Once (CAN) as part of the Festival of Small Halls. Combining 70s folk influences with a contemporary Americana/bluegrass sound Flanagan has drawn comparisons to James Taylor and Paul Kelly and “proven himself to be one of Australia’s finest lyricists” (Timber & Steel). John will be joined by festival favourite Liz Frencham (double bass) and bluegrass virtuosos Dan Watkins (guitar/mandolin) and Kat Mear (fiddle). The dynamic John Flanagan String Band is characterised by warm vocal harmonies and impressive acoustic arrangements and they will be sharing. Together they deliver an energetic live set that varies from light and uplifting to moving and thoughtful. In 2018 they released their album ‘Honest Man’ which was a fan and critic favourite.