From the fringe of country folk music are Great Aunt and Smith & Jones.

Both duos will be showcasing new music from their forthcoming releases, bridging the gap between country and folk music with thoughtful songs and stories at the beautifully low-lit listening room at the Wesley Anne.

Great Aunt, a collaboration between Megan Bird (mandolin, resonator, guitar, vocals) & Chelsea Allen (double bass, percussion, vocals), draw inspiration from the traditions of old time, bluegrass, and gospel music with a progressive edge reminiscent of New York’s anti folk scene. Their music is raw and austere, simple and bold; full of stomping feet and clapping hands, chants and harmonies, whispered words and soulful lament - that’s the music of Great Aunt.

Smith & Jones are a Bathurst based duo, made up of keyboard player/vocalist Abby Smith, and guitarist/vocalist Sophie Jones. Their work is centred around the intersection of womanhood and identity within regional areas. 2022 will see Abby and Sophie begin work on the second half of their newest project, tentatively titled ‘My Heart Is Always Taking Me.’ This new work marks a fresh chapter for Smith & Jones, and is the musical representation of two souls who decided to yearn, and wait, and make magic, together.