Country Music Muster in November at Mando Pub

Love the idea of country music among the unique ambience of a real bush town?

Revitalising live performing in the quaint village of Mandurama is the aim of a month-long country music festival in November.

The Mandurama Country Music Muster will see some of the best-known names in Australian country music, performing at the Royal Hotel, operating under its corporate name, “The Mando Pub”. 

“This is the first — our inaugural event — hopefully of many that we hold here,” hotel manager, Kellie Chapman enthused.

“It’s basically a month-long series of country music acts throughout November, some are very well-known performers,” she added.

The Muster concept came out of a conversation on lifting the profile of the historic village; resulting in a creative collaboration between Kellie, a local agricultural holding, and a Bathurst music promoter; all of whom wanted to do something for the community after the pandemic.

“We were at the pub, and discussing with the owners of Snake Creek Cattle Company, a local farm about, post-COVID, re-establishing a live music hub. 

“It’s about tourism, bringing people back out to the central west. In this, we collaborated with the Bathurst Academy of Music who helped us secure the acts for the event,” she explained.

Artists performing include collaborators with some of the world’s most famous stars, as well as regulars from the Tamworth Country Music Festival, bluegrass performers, local musicians, and television talent show contestants.

“We’ve got Catherine Britt, who recently came off a tour in America, and who has recorded with Elton John. 

“There’s Freddie Bailey, The Voice Finalist, and also a couple of other big acts including four-time Tamworth Country Music Awards of Australia winner, Ashleigh Dallas.”

Events kick off on Friday, November 4 with line-dancing and “Country Karaoke” with performances then held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at the pub over the next four weekends. 

“Mandurama Country Music Muster is a celebration of all things country,” Kellie said. 

“As well as showcasing Australia's country musicians and artists…there will be a range of different activities every weekend during the whole month of November at the Mando Pub.”

Other events include a talent quest, an Open Mic night, bush poetry, comedy, song and dance performances, a bonfire, barbecue, and the “Uke-a-Ladies” a trio out of Orlando, Florida.

“We’re just trying to encourage people to get out and see some live music, it’s predominantly a community event to help the local economy.

“But we also hope to have loads of visitors come to town, to give it a bit of a boost,” Kellie concluded.

For more information or to register for line dancing, karaoke, the talent showcase, talent quest, or Open Mic Night, email: info@manduramahotel.com