Boo Hewerdine is without a doubt one of the finest singer songwriters around. Hailing from Cambridge, England he has penned songs for and collaborated with some of the world’s finest performers including K D Lang & Eddi Reader. In his own right, Boo is an extraordinary performer. His critically acclaimed album Harmonograph received 5 star reviews in the UK, where reviewers and audiences alike have hailed him a genius. His live performances are filled with magic music, marvelous anecdotes and an intimacy which takes you on a journey which defies description.

Since Boo’s last solo tour of Australia in 2007 he has toured the UK and Europe extensively with Eddi Reader and Chris Difford, and also released several albums and recordings. His songs and his live performances take you on an incredible journey that is insightful, emotional and beautiful. He is without a doubt one of the finest talents on this years Festival season. We invite you to watch and listen, and are pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.

What the critics say Boo Hewerdine

“Songwriter to the stars Hewerdine showcases his finely crafted songs in an acoustic guitar-led setting, his light, reedy voice carrying simple, poetic reflections on life and love. The spirit of Nick Drake and Tim Hardin hang over 'Harvest Gypsy', while the understated rhythmic pulse of 'Stone My Shoe' sounds like something JJ Cale might have written.” (Will Hodgkinson The Observer)

“I challenge you to listen to Harmonograph and not become a Boo disciple. Open your ears to one of Britain’s brightest talents …the ex-Bible man is nothing short of a revelation.” (The Sun)

“Understated genius from criminally undervalued songwriter “ (4 Stars. Uncut)

“Harmonograph is full of the simple pleasures good music can bring.” (The Daily Telegraph)

“One of the best collections of songs any Englishman will release this year.” (Rhythms of Redemption)

"A beautiful journey that you don’t want to end.” (Blowback Mag)

Saturday 13 September
The Anglesea Hall
Civic Centre Precinct
1A McMillan Street
Anglesea

Sally Dastey and Tony Johannsen & the Land of Plenty are joining forces to raise funds for Anglesea Primary School. This little gig is a must see. In 2007 Sally joined Nick Barker and Skipping Girl Vinegar on stage for what is now an annual event. In the spirit of an old time country hall dance, the Mc Millan Hall comes to life with some outstanding musicians, auctions and plenty of surprises. The event is BYO drinks and hamper, and in keeping with the country concept gingham table cloths rule, and cake stalls reign supreme.

Music reviews - The Pick - Forte Magazine - 14 August, 2008 - reviewer Kim Porter

First public appearances for Tony Johannsen and band were at this year's Apollo Bay Festival, and anyone who caught them there will know just how fantastic they were - their debut album more than lives up to expectations.

With many of Johannsen's lyrics offering up uniquely Australian turns-of-phrase, plus songs packed with delicious guitar hooks and instantly catchy melodies, The Gardener is a delight from start to finish. 'The Sermon' takes a somewhat tongue-in-cheek look at bygone days for the (mainly) male half of the Australian population, with some killer lines: "I was there when Tony kicked his first ton....I remember the first time Bob Hawke cried... I remember when two bucks used to be a note ... I remember when food used to be made outta food, and kids were too scared of their dads to be rude." As often as the band rocks out, there's also some fabulously structured quieter moments, such as "Fill Me Up" and "Come Undone".

A regular Johannsen collaborator, Glen Ford and his Telecaster ring out beautifully across the album, while Andrew Beaumont, (bass), and Fabio Pertile, (drums), round out the mix perfectly. (Pertile also co-produced, as well as mixing and mastering the album). Some of the standout band numbers include "Meals On Wheels", the reggae tinged "Public Holiday" and the mid-paced "See You Round", (echoes of GANGgajang!).

They've been together less than a year, but this is one of the most confident and assured debut releases from a still new band that you could ever hops to stumble across.

To buy

Tony Johannsen and The Land of Plenty are a refreshingly talented new outfit, presenting a dynamic mix of alt country folk roots music combined with lyrics that relate to all, and live they are guaranteed to captivate and entertain.

They debuted to packed houses at the 2008 Apollo Bay Music Festival, and what makes them stand out is their ability to segue effortlessly from out there rockin' roots country to ballads that take you on a lyrical journey.

Johannsen’s unique Australian narrative style is quite captivating from 30 and Dirty and See You Around to the The Sermon a quintessential snapshot of football, cars, beer and what a blokey life used to be. Johannsen, the driving force and sole songwriter of the group takes observations of ordinary life, from friendships and ageing to gardening, and turns the mundane into a song of note and worth and let’s not forget humour.

Tony Johannsen and The Land Of Plenty formed in late 2007, independently they are all top notch musicians, and what brought them together as a group was a commitment to present something fresh, and this is what they have done. Johannsen shines as the lead vocalist and deftly puts his hand to guitar and mandolin.

The Land of Plenty are Glenn Ford on guitar, Andrew Beaumont on bass and Fabio Pertile on drums.  Their musicianship and ability to entertain is second to none, and they are definitely a band to watch, as their musical journey has just begun and will definitely continue.

In 2005 Martin Stephenson captivated audiences on his first tour of Australia, and now in 2008 we will be treated to another intimate tour with one of the UK's finest singer songwriters and guitarists.

For his 2008 tour Martin will be joined by award winning Canadian artist Neema and both artists will also be a feature of the 2008 Apollo Bay Music Festival.

Friday 25 - 27 April: The Apollo Bay Music Festival, VIC
Thursday 1 May: Manchester Lane, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 2 May: The Promethean, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 3 May: The Potato Shed, Drysdale, VIC
Sunday 4 May: The Basement, Sydney NSW

It is with great pleasure that Maverick Arts Management announces the 2008 tour of Eddi Reader. Since first visiting Australia in 2002 Eddi has continually performed magnificent shows to sell out crowds. She never fails to mesmerise audiences with her extraordinary vocal ability. This combined with the sheer talent of her musical team Boo Hewerdine and Alan Kelly make her concerts a must see when she is on our shores. This Australian tour is on the back of sellout performances at the Glasgow Concert Hall.

Eddi Reader¹s rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music. She has effortlessly developed into one of popular music¹s most thrilling and affecting performers.

Whilst the perfection of her technique is widely acknowledged, what sets Reader apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance; her ability not only to move the listener but to connect her experience to that of her audience. Her passion and instinct move people in a way reminiscent of those who have influenced her work.

Eddi has most recently released (2007) Peacetime on Rough Trade Records, this album follows one of the most successful stages in Eddi¹s career ­ the release of her stunning interpretations of the Songs Of Robert Burns. The Robert Burns project saw her awarded an MBE for outstanding contributions to the arts, and also motivated the University of Glasgow to award her with an honorary doctorate in music.

Eddi will be joined by the overtly talented Boo Hewerdine and Irish Accordeon maestro Alan Kelly.

Belmore Records and Maverick Arts Management are currently full swing in a planning and development stage. We anticipate in the near future that we will have some exciting international tours to announce and also some forthcoming releases.

2008 marks the 12th anniversary of Maverick Arts Inc, the 9th for Maverick Arts Management and the 6th for Belmore Records - so we will be planning some major events to acknowledge these non milestone anniversaries - but combined we are proud of our achievements of working independently in the creation of events and venues to promote excellent independent artists.

The Boo Hewerdine and Rob Jackson tour in March 2007 was incredibly successfully. The gigs and responses to them at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Blue Mountains Music Festival were fantastic, and our two side gigs at Don't Tell Tom and Melbourne Uni were just beautiful. We are currently working on trying to get both Boo and Rob back here to perform within the next twelve months. It was also great to see Matt Earl play drums with Boo at Don't Tell Tom, he was thrown in at the deep end and he swam beautifully.

Boo and Rob's concert at Port Fairy was recorded by Liveband and can be downloaded and I would highly recommend that any Boo fan does this as the concert was superb and excitingly the set had a few of his songs that he has never recorded, including - Muddy Water, Follow My Tears and Harvest Gypsies, so why not lash out and visit liveband and download some truly beautiful music?

On another note we are working hard on trying to bring out some of our favourite artists including Eddi Reader, Paul Brady, Martin Stephenson and Robyn Hitchcock, as well as possibly touring some acts who have never been to our shores such as Heidi Talbot and Darden Smith.

Sally Dastey has also been busy of late, and don't be surprised if we have something new by the beautiful gal in the not too distant future.

Belmore and Maverick Artists are also getting together for a fundraiser for Anglesea Primary School featuring Sally Dastey, Nick Barker and Skipping Girl Vinegar - it will be a great night down the coast.
Saturday 16 June
The Anglesea Hall, McMillan St

The gig is BYO food and drinks and table bookings are available - it is in the tradition of the old time country hall dance and should be a hoot.

Maverick Arts Management has long been a champion of the stunning singer /songwriter Boo Hewerdine, who first came to Australian shores in 2002 with Eddi Reader. Since that time Boo has returned twice in collaboration with Eddi, and once to coincide with the independent releases of two stunning albums “A Live One” and “Anon”.

Boo Hewerdine is without a doubt one of the finest singer songwriters around. Hailing from Cambridge, England he has penned songs for and collaborated with some of the world’s finest performers including K D Lang & Eddi Reader. In his own right, Boo is an extraordinary performer. His most recent album Harmonograph received 5 star reviews in the UK, where reviewers and audiences alike have hailed him a genius. His live performances are filled with magic music, marvelous anecdotes and an intimacy which takes you on a journey which defies description.

In 2006 Boo captivated audiences with his solo performances on tour with Eddi Reader, in 2007 Boo will be joined by UK guitarist Rob Jackson, who is heavily influenced by more textural players such as Bill Frisell and Daniel Lanois, Rob’s trademark understated playing was acknowledged by Guitarist Magazine as being atmospheric and evocative, with a genuine feel for dynamics and tone., and the late great John Peel described his music as deeply moving – lovely stuff. The concerts with Boo and Rob will be a rare and remarkable treat for all who attend.

Boo’s most recent album Harmonograph has received rave reviews in the UK warranting four and five star reviews across the board.

His songs and his live performances take you on an incredible journey that is insightful, emotional and beautiful. He is without a doubt one of the finest talents on this years March Festival season. We invite you to watch and listen, and are pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.

A Live One & Anon out now on Belmore Records. Harmonograph will be available at all live shows and as an import through Only Distribution.

For further information please contact Caroline Moore on 0411 736 821 or email

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“I challenge you to listen to Harmonograph and not become a Boo disciple. Open your ears to one of Britain’s brightest talents …the ex-Bible man is nothing short of a revelation.” 5/5. The Sun

“Understated genius from criminally undervalued songwriter “- 4 Stars. Uncut

“Harmonograph is full of the simple pleasures good music can bring.” The Daily Telegraph

“One of the best collections of songs any Englishman will release this year.” Rhythms of Redemption

“A beautiful journey that you don’t want to end.”Blowback Mag

It is with great pleasure that Maverick Arts Management and Belmore Records announce the tour of Robyn Hitchock & the Venus 3 in October 2006. The tour will coincide with a release of their new album Olé! Tarantula.

This collaboration of some of the world's finest independent rock musicians will be the first time they have toured Australia in this incarnation.

Robyn Hitchcock has been around for a while, REM accredited him for great inspiration , and hence this long awaited collaboration with some of the Northern Hemisphere's finest and eccentric artists. Robyn Hitchcock is without a doubt one of the UK's most regarded articulate, poetic and humorous singer songwriters, renouned for his sharp pop sensibilities and witty takes on life, which border on the silly to the brilliant. He has worked with REM, Gillain Welch and David Rawlings just to name a few.

His career has spanned more than 30 years in the early days with The Soft Boys he was releasing music in tandem with the likes of The Sex Pistols, Spandau Ballet & AC/DC in the late 70's and 80's where he aptly puts it we got the "...universal thumbs-down from the music press, although Julian Cope later describes it as a "red-hot poker un the arse of pop music".'

However, by the early 1980's the US college radio stations picked up Hitchcock's music on a massive level, and in 1984 REM sited Hitchcock as a major influence. This inevitably led to Hitchcock touring the States with REM, where standing ovations became the norm.

By the late 80's early 90's Hitchcock signed to A & M Records in the US, where his songs Element Of Light, Globe Of Frogs, Queen Elvis and Perspex Island all topped the Rolling Stone Alternative chart.

Since this time Hitchcock has continued to build his audience in both the States and The UK, where he deservedly has iconic status with musicians and fans alike.

This potted history leads to a new collaboration with Scott McCaughey who is a long time collaborator / instrumentalist with REM. McCaughey formed Minus 5 in 1993, he is now adapting his line up to the Venus 3 featuring friends & fellow Seattle-ites Peter Buck & Bill Rieflin for an exclusive tour of Australia & NZ with Hitchcock, en route from Japan.

McCaughey has released several albums and EPs including "Down with Wilco" - a collaboration with Wilco, The Minus 5 In Rock and Let The War Against Music Begin.

The collaboration as the Venus 3 with Robyn Hitchcock is yet another exciting and eclectic stage in the careers of all artists involved