Mark Howard

Performers

• 

  Mark Howard

  Folk fusion Australian duo JC and the Tree create brilliant soundscapes that elevate you into timeless visions of all things connected to nature and the world beyond. Inspired by their hometown of Sunshine Coast, Australia this folk-rock duo writes melodies about all things from the mountains to the sea and life between. The heartfelt violin playing from JC soars as the warm rich tones of the Tree's voice set a benchmark that transcends the ordinary music lovers ear. Their voices blend beautifully in harmony as they play their range of original folk-rock tunes. This duo takes their audiences on a journey through dynamic builds and luscious open mellow sections covering folk, country and rock with touches of gypsy and funk. Pushing boundaries they take their audiences on a journey including gypsy/spanish violin pieces, folk/metal rock songs, funky wah-wah violin grooves and soulful piano ballads. Fans describe their music as intricate yet accessible to wide audiences.
  
  Music is a language beyond words and JC and the Tree are inspired to use it as a tool to bring all walks of life together. Motivated by their love of nature the duo have gone to great lengths to offer ethical and sustainable sourced merchandise. They have played festivals such as Woodford folk fest, Yackandandah Folk Fest, Airlie Beach festival of Music, Caloundra Music Fest, Wallaby Creek & more.
  
  Lead singer Jesse made both his acoustic guitars that he performs on and is often busy with audience members after shows sharing the story behind it and answering many questions on how to make guitars. Jesse sourced the timber himself after a tree naturally fell in a cyclone and did all the work from collection of the timber to the guitar making and is passionate about the sustainable sourcing of timber for instrument production.
  
  Reviews
  "One of our favourite bands to watch and listen to!
  Unique sound and just raw talent combined. Highly recommended from our family to yours!"
  Dave Mac
  
  "The perfect duo: Beautiful harmonies and expert musicianship" Mac Hine
• 

  Phil Jamieson

  Phil Jamieson has spent the last quarter-century fronting one of Australia’s popular and successful bands. An accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jamieson’s generation-defining lyrics and vocal melodies first became etched into rock fans’ DNA in 1995, when the Lismore-born quartet he helped form as an 18-year-old rode a new wave of alternative music to become the first act Unearthed by national youth radio station triple j with its debut single “Sickfest”.

  So began a love affair that maintained its heat and passion for over one thousand live shows, six consecutive Top 10 debuts and multi-platinum album sales. That initial romance with triple j’s listeners blossomed into full-bloom infatuation: an incredible 17 Grinspoon songs have polled in Hottest 100 countdowns over the years, led by the much-loved ‘Chemical Heart’ (#2 in 2002; #63 in 2013’s Hottest 100 of All Time).

  Jamieson’s live performance talents have continued to diversify and develop as he has explored new stages and formats. Embracing a solo career, Jamieson also made the transition from live music venues to the boards of theatres around the country in 2017, being cast as St. Jimmy in the Australian stage production of American Idiot. The Broadway musical made an impactful debut with its initial Australian premiere in Brisbane, leading to a national tour in 2018 - a performance that earned Jamieson acclaim: “Phil Jamieson carried the role in Perth, and absolutely nailed it. Jamieson has more of a swagger than an in-your-face psychopathic Jimmy, which I enjoyed more than I expected...whenever Jimmy is on stage, it’s difficult to focus on anything else.” - SYN MEDIA

  As well as working on his solo career in recent years, Jamieson has also been involved in several philanthropic and industry-specific initiatives.

  In 2013, he co-founded the Rock N Ride Tour for the national Youth and Mental Health Foundation, headspace. Bringing awareness to mental health issues faced by young people, the initiative saw a group of media figures, musicians and friends of Jamieson’s engage with local communities across a five-day motorcycle road trip, taking in over 5000km on the road. Additionally, profits from Jamieson’s solo touring have been donated to national initiative Support Act, who continue to assist and uplift those in the music industry who are in need.

  Since 2015, Jamieson has also been an industry judge for the Australian Music Prize, arguably the most prestigious award in Australian music.

  From fronting a generation-defining band, enjoying success as a solo artist and in the musical theatre world, as well as using his skills behind the scenes across numerous projects; Jamieson remains a multi-faceted creative, 27 years on from his debut.

  2022 welcomed the debut solo album from Phil Jamieson, featuring singles ‘Trouble’ and Lights On’. A project years in the making, it has already grabbed the praise,as that doyen of the arts, Tim Rogers says of it: “Phil’s puckish performance style is underscored by a voice that can turn choirboy or demon’s spawn in a blinding grin. This has at times overshadowed his humour and empathy but no more. Teasing open his lapels to show heart and scars, but also hope and the lessons learnt from throwing yourself into this art that compels and damns us. Pop music with fire and finesse.’