One of the country’s finest and most fiercely original lyricists, Paul Dempsey, will venture to the Upper Hunter in 2023.
The singer, guitarist and songwriter of Something For Kate is among the latest acts to be unveiled for The Gum Ball, when it returns to Lower Belford from 21 to 24 April.
Organisers have also enlisted the likes of Canadian rock band The Sheep Dogs, “transcendent melodic architect” Ainslie Wills, Brisbane jazz sextet First Beige, West Oz old school psych rockers Datura4, Melbourne punk trio Cable Ties, local legend Ben Leece & Left Of The Dial, Velvet Trip, Saylor & The Flavor and 10-piece musical onslaught SPUZ to provide the entertainment at the much-loved cultural escape.
Already on the bill are Mudhoney, Party Dozen, The New Christs, Full Flower Moon Band, Darren Hanlon, Flowertruck, Wilsn, Turtle Skull, Rum Jungle, Boomchild, Trip Fandino, Tall Shaun & The Resolution Blues, Cormac Grant Band and Daphzie.
“I’m extremely excited to join this incredible line-up for The Gum Ball,” Dempsey said.
“Tickets are on sale now, so get your skates on.”
While Dempsey is well-known for his solo work, it’s his partnership with bass player Stephanie Ashworth and drummer Clint Hyndman, which has delivered the goods for almost three decades.
To date, Something For Kate have released six Top 10 gold and platinum studio albums, a double offering of B-sides, a double Best Of CD, a DVD, a “live” recording, a video collection, three EPs, a book and too many singles to mention.
Occupying a unique place in the musical landscape, the band is heading towards sales close to a million records in Australia alone.
In 1996, Something for Kate signed to Murmur Records, an offshoot of Sony Music, which was their home for more than 10 years.
During this time, the band toured endlessly throughout Australia as well as the US, Europe and Japan.
They have taken the stage with everyone from Death Cab for Cutie to David Bowie playing many major festivals also.
They’ve have been nominated for 16 ARIAS (Australian Record Industry Awards), achieved six platinum and gold selling albums, five Top 10 albums, taken out numerous awards for Best Live Band, Best Male Vocalist, Best Album, Best Single from Rolling Stone Magazine, the Australian Music Industry Critics Awards, The Age Newspaper, Triple J to name just a few.
“With the likes of Paul and Mudhoney on the bill, what a great festival of music it will be,” organiser Matt “Magpie” Johnston said.
“A third and final line-up announcement is scheduled for late January.
“The Gum Ball brings a fine selection of esteemed guests and showcases them in an intimate setting one-by-one at the prestigious Dashville venue.
“Expect an incredible journey of music, covering a huge mix of genre and style, alongside live art, comedy, pro skateboarding, markets, workshops, camping and more.
“In 2023, we’ll continue in our purpose to connect community and culture, with distinct homage to the traditional owners of the land, the Wonnarua.”
Tickets are on sale through Humanitix, via thegumball.com.au
For more entertainment stories:
- It’s Human Nature for Phil Burton to be ‘nervous’ about solo shows
- The Very Popular Theatre Company scoops pool at CONDAs
- Blockbuster time at the movies
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