You live in a small town in rural or regional Queensland or New South Wales. You love your community. You’re worried about the same things we’re all worried about right now, as well as all those usual personal things. You’re a bit tired and feeling a bit downhearted. It’s tempting to batten down the hatches and turn inward. 

In the post office, you see a poster for a concert. It’s for a touring show that’s coming out to your town for one night only. A Canadian musician and an Australian outfit will be playing and there’ll also be a local support act — you know them! 

Your local P&C will be running the barbeque and the Lions Club will be running the bar. The ticket price is affordable and it’s only just down the road, in the local Hall.  

Now that you think of it, a few people have told you about it, because the Hall committee have been working for months to make this happen. You’ve heard that some people have driven up to 12 hours to attend a Festival of Small Halls show! For you it’s a five minute drive away. Maybe you’ll go?  

You’ve never heard of either of the musicians but they look like fun. You’ve heard the show is produced by the mob who make the Woodford Folk Festival — that colourful place up in the Queensland hinterland. Maybe this will have a little bit of that feeling?  

Maybe you’ll feel renewed, more connected to your community. Maybe you’ll take the kids. Maybe one of the artists will sing a song about exactly what you’re feeling but couldn’t quite put into words. Maybe there’ll be a few laughs.  

There’ll probably be cake. Yeah, that seals the deal. You’ll go. 

We’ve been hearing the most wonderful feedback from audiences at this year’s Festival of Small Halls shows. Please, if you can, get along to one and get that boost that only live music and being with your people can give you, and share this with someone you know. 

Joe, Tullara and David preparing for the show in Bullarto, the audience considers merch.

Image by Emily Simon

Currently on tour: Joe H Henry (Canada) and Tullara 

Bandon Grove NSW 23 April 

Bulga NSW 24 April 

Guyra NSW 25 April 

Nundle NSW 26 April 

Deepwater NSW 30 April 

Springbrook QLD 2 May 

Finishing up at The Planting at Woodfordia on 3 May. 

Next out on tour: Old Man Luedecke (Canada) and the Barleyshakes Duo 

Wardell NSW 20 May 

Crows Nest QLD 22 May 

Eudlo QLD 24 May 

Gympie QLD 27 May 

Thangool QLD 29 May 

Anakie QLD 20 May 

Augathella QLD 31 May 

Texas QLD 3 June  

Cameby QLD 5 June 

Clifton QLD 6 June 

Tenterfield NSW 7 June