Announcing Rodriguez

RODRIGUEZ
ACCLAIMED SUGAR MAN RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA
Including Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley- November 19

With special guests Xavier Rudd, Russell Morris
Archie Roach and Mark Wilkinson

Legendary singer-songwriter Rodriguez will be back in Australia for an extensive run of performances with his band this November and December, including a very special a day on the green performance in the Hunter Valley.

Promoter Roundhouse Entertainment has assembled a wonderful group of fellow music luminaries -  Xavier Rudd, Russell Morris, Archie Roach and Mark Wilkinson - to join Rodriguez under the stars at Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley on Saturday November 19.

This will be the first time Rodriguez has performed in the Newcastle/Hunter Valley region for more than 25 years, having previously played the Newcastle Civic Theatre in 1979 and 1981.

‘His voice remains untouched by the years, combining strength and frailty.’ – The Guardian

‘The Rodriguez voice is all there… The legend is intact’ – Time Out

‘It sounded as if his singing has not aged one bit and sounded as pristine as he does on recordings from over 40 years ago.’ – The Huffington Post

The legendary self-taught guitarist’s love affair with Australia is no secret; Rodriguez first toured our shores in the late 1970s, long before the rest of the world caught onto his talent thanks to Malik Bendjelloul’s Oscar-winning film Searching for Sugar Man.

The Searching for Sugar Man documentary follows Rodriguez’s celebrated history that began in the bars and clubs around Detroit in the 1960s. Drawing inspiration from the city’s post-industrial urban decay, Rodriguez recorded and released albums Cold Fact (1969) and Coming From Reality (1971) that largely went unnoticed in the United States.

Thanks to bootleg recordings and word of mouth, Cold Fact found its way to South Africa where its counter-culture lyrics resonated with the country’s politically-alienated youth. Without a telephone and working factory and construction jobs to support his family, Rodriguez remained oblivious to the fact that he was bigger than Elvis in South Africa.

More than four decades after the release of his debut, Rodriguez’s incredible vocal and musical skill is finally being heard by audiences throughout Europe, the United Kingdom and North America, including recent appearances at the iconic Glastonbury and Coachella festivals.

Lauded as the downtown Bob Dylan, Rodriguez’s blend of social politics, emotional insights and street observations, showcased in songs like ‘Sugar Man’, ‘I Wonder’ and ‘Cause’, vividly capture a certain time and place, all complemented by his impeccable voice.

Rodriguez’s Hunter Valley concert will be made even more special thanks to the wonderful group of special guests also performing.

From his 2002 debut ‘To Let’ through nine studio albums including last year’s ‘Nanna’, Xavier Rudd has solidified his place as one of Australia's greatest artists, activists and spirits. His unique instrumentation mixing guitars, yidakis (didgeridoos), stomp box, percussion and blues harp is distinctly new, yet tied back through time to the spirit of our ancestors. Performing as a three-piece outfit, Xavier continues to speak to the heart and spirt of music fans worldwide.

Aria Hall of Fame inductee, #1 selling Platinum artist, King of Pop, Australian Icon… these are a few phrases commonly used when describing Aussie legend Russell Morris.  From his early pop hits ‘The Real Thing’, ‘Sweet Sweet Love’ and ‘Wings of an Eagle’, Russell was reborn in 2012 when he captured the imagination of Australians with the blues/rock album 'Sharkmouth', the first of a trilogy re-telling amazing historical stories of Australian characters, events and places. The follow-ups 2014’s ‘Van Diemen's Land’ and last year’s ‘Red Dirt – Red Heart’ topped ARIA charts propelling Russell back to huge success more than more than 45 years after his pop days.

Archie Roach is a soul singer in the true sense of the word. His lyrics are uniquely Australian yet undeniably universal. He is that rarest of beings; one that sees beyond race, religion, gender and ideology. Archie first came to the attention of most Australians with the release of his debut album Charcoal Lane (1992) and the song ‘Took The Children Away’, his story of the stolen generations. Archie will be performing songs from his forthcoming 10th studio album Let Love Rule.

Sydney singer/songwriter Mark Wilkinson may well be Australian music’s best kept secret. He has been quietly making a legion of loyal fans in Australia and around the world since his first EP release in 2006. A fiercely independent artist, Mark sells huge quantities of his EP’s and albums at his shows and regularly tops independent charts with his captivating acoustic songs.  Mark is sure to win many new fans when he opens the Hunter Valley concert.

Rodriguez’s most recent Australian tour in 2014 saw extra shows quickly being added in several cities to meet overwhelming demand, and the music icon’s return later this year is set to be just as highly anticipated. Act quick to secure your tickets!

Saturday November 19 – Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley NSW 
For full Australian tour dates, go to Frontier Touring.

EVENT INFORMATION:
a day on the green is a fully licensed event.  Strictly no BYO alcohol.  Food will be available on site or BYO picnic.  Deck chairs and picnic rugs are recommended. For all transport, accommodation and event information, go to adayonthegreen.com.au.

TICKET PRICES:
Platinum                       $199.90 plus booking fees
Gold                             $159.90 plus booking fees
Silver                            $129.90 plus booking fees
General Admission      $105.90 plus booking fees

Gazebo Lounge & Bar Packages available from ticketmaster.com.au & 136 100

TRANSPORT & ACCOM:
For coach enquiries, call Rover Coaches locally (02) 4990 1699.
For accommodation enquiries, call Hunter Valley Wine Country (02) 4990 0900.

TICKETS ON SALE -  10am THURSDAY JULY 14
From Ticketmaster.com.au & 136 100