With the gigantic, diverse and eclectic music line up already announced, the inaugural Bendigo Autumn Music festival today releases details of the smorgasbord of arts, comedy, film and workshop offerings to compliment. With music catering to nearly every genre, from rock n roll, to flamenco, and everything in between BAM is family friendly and offers something to cater to everyone’s palette. There’s even a street parade!

BAM festival goers will be treated to a very special documentary film screening of “Waiting: The Van Duren Story” complete with an introduction to the film by Van Duren himself, followed by a Q and A session, and a band show. Van Duren’s story is akin to that of Rodriguez, its starts out in Memphis 1975, from the ashes of Memphis band Big Star, managed by Rolling Stones former manager Andrew Loog Oldham, Van Duren was tipped as the next Paul McCartney but faded into obscurity. Forty years on, 2 Australians discover his music and set off to find him and vow to show the world his music. From a world premiere at Indie Memphis Van Duren heads to BAM this coming April.

Award winning showman, Mario Queen of the Circus, has wooed audiences all over the world, with the Latin lothario’s hilarious full-length show and irresistible variety numbers first developed for the Off-Broadway hit PlanetBanana, 2019 will see his acclaimed variety show head to Bendigo. Mario’s unique mix of complex juggling tricks and universal sex appeal can only find release in the arena-rocking anthems of his favourite supergroup, Queen.

BAM’s Comedy Hour will be led by comedian Mandy Nolan who spends most of the year travelling to theatres and halls around the country with her touring show Women Like Us. Much loved in the Northern States for her irreverent take on everything from politics to pop culture, Nolan will host a comedy hour on Saturday and Sunday that features two of her favourite comedy buddies from the Southern circuit: Jeff Green and Daniel Connell. Award winning Green enjoyed national acclaim in Britain with a flourishing TV and stage career but fell in love with an Aussie girl and continued his career here where he is a regular feature on festival galas, TV and radio. Daniel Connell is a newer voice on the scene, loved for being down to earth, affable, and hilarious. Join Mandy for some comedy parity when she presents her comedy download alongside one of her very favourite funny blokes!

BAM also offers a plentiful list of workshops. From a drumming workshop with afro-beats artist Lamine Sonko, to Flamenco dancing with Arte Kanela, or a lesson in Melanesian Ukelele with members of the Black Orchid Stringband. For those interested in singing, head along for a gospel singing workshop with Tracey Miller, harmony singing with Alana and Alicia, or choir singing with the good folk from Melbourne Indie Voices Sing Sessions. Or indulge in a session of Cuban Rhythms with Kekosan.

Something for the kids (and adults), the much loved WOMADelaide festival favourites, The Amazing Drumming Monkeys are also heading to BAM. Having entertained thousands around Australia over the last 10 years, see adorable puppet Monkeys put on a variety show including song, dance and African drumming. And the streets of BAM will be brought to life by performances from multi-award winning theatre company Asking For Trouble using circus, physical theatre and clowns as well as improvisation, clowning and tableaux from Roundabout Theatre.

And, it all winds up with a rambunctious, New Orleans inspired Sunday Street Parade. Locals who can play a melodic instrument and want to get involved should subscribe to the newsletter and follow BAM on social media to find out about rehearsals in the lead up to the festival. Its free and kicks off at 11am.

See you at Bendigo Autumn Music Festival, April 25 – 28, 2019.

Kurt Vile & the Violators(US), Cash Savage & the Last Drinks, Mojo Juju, Tex Perkins & the Fat Rubber Band, Vika & Linda Bull, Sibusile Xaba (Sth Afr), Xylouris White, No Mono, Tiny Ruins (NZ), Estére (NZ), RVG, Z-Star Delta (UK), 16 Lovers Lane starring The Go-Between’s Lindy Morrison, Amanda Brown & John Willsteed with Dan Kelly, Danny Widdicombe & Luke Daniel Peacock, Harry James Angus, Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier, Saskwatch, Katie Noonan’s ‘Elixir’ with Michael Leunig, Van Duren (US), Jeff Lang, Emily Wurramara, Laura Jean, Thando, Jazz Party, Arte Kanela Flamenco, Lamine Sonko & the African Intelligence (Senegal), Alice Skye, Grand Salvo, Dan Kelly, Perch Creek, The Seven Ups, Elizabeth, Jess Ribeiro, Freya Josephine Hollick, Fountaineer, Emma Russack, Alexander Biggs, Moussa Diakite & Wassado(Mali), Tek Tek Ensemble, The Maes, Madeline Leman & the Desert Swells, Archer, Cool Out Sun, Demon Days, Merpire, Alma Zygier, Emilee South, Broads, Ryan Downey, Hello Tut Tut, The Twoks, The Dusty Millers, Lucie Thorne w Hamish Stuart, 45 Packin’ Mama, Alwan (Israel/Iraq), Hannah Cameron, Skyscraper Stan, Coda Chroma, The Sugarcanes, Xani, Cope Street Parade, Low Down Riders, Eliza Hull, The Stetson Family, William Alexander, Black Orchid Stringband, Mariah McCarthy, Danny Walsh Banned, Felicity Cripps Band, Grim Fawkner, Alanna & Alicia, Wolf & Willow, The Bean Project, Brekky Boy, Ruby Jones, Anchor & the Butterfly, Steve Lane & The Autocrats, James Kenyon, Way Dynamic, Taylor Project, Four Lions, On The Couch with Brian Nankervis, Asking for Trouble Theatre, Mario Queen of The Circus, Melbourne Indie Voices Sing Sessions, The Amazing Drumming Monkeys, Roundabout Theatre, Workshops, Forums, Masterclasses, Sunday Street Parade, Morning Yoga, Festival Market Place, Stalls & more still to be announced.

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