Review: Craig Eriksson. Photos: Jason Rosewarne
It was another stunning day in Echuca for Day 3, the final day of the Riverboats Music Festival and the township and local cafes were bustling with activity. I ran into Jack Pierce of the Pierce Brothers for a quick chat as I was walking alongside the Murray River bound for the festival. The Pierce Brothers were about to embark on a paddle steamer to perform a special intimate show while cruising down the Murray River. We dropped into St Anne’s Winery to pick up some white port which it is famous for and to say a quick hello to our new friend Mez, who we met the day before when we did a wine tasting. Echuca really is a magnificent town and the locals are so welcoming and friendly.
Brian Nankervis warmed up the crowd with his Frisbee throwing and rock quizzes and then welcomed on stage Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits from South Australia. Prior to today’s festival, I had listened to their album Say What You Mean (2024) and really enjoyed it. They play a very fresh-sounding blend of alt-country music with a bit of yodelling, bluegrass and rock and roll swagger. The lead vocalist has a beautiful voice and each member looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves on stage. Standout songs were Paper Boats, Misery Queen, Arrowhead, Say What you Mean and Everytime You Come Around.
Dan Kelly’s Regional Crisis were on next. Dan is a quirky storytelling kinda guy and this comes out in his music. He wrote an album called Goldfeels (2024) about his life experience living in a Regional township of Central Victoria near the goldfields. Dan said he is an apocalyptic artist and his songs are about the aftermath of bushfires, floods and Covid lockdowns. Other songs are about his interests in the environment and life experiences such as going on a voyage to Bruny Island for a late dinner and coming across the Sea Shepherd and wondering what the chef has to cook up for the crew. Dan Kelly has a fantastic band with Dan Luscombe on guitar/keys, Ben Woolley on bass, Gus Agars on drums and a Scottish saxophonist. Their music is quite diverse and is a mix of alt indie rock’n’roll. They played a cover of World Party’s Ship of Fools which was brilliant. They finished their set with Dave Dobbin’s Slice of Heaven.
Owelu Dreamhouse are a 10-piece band that play an infusion of West African music, R&B, soul, world music. The band has a very robust sound and consists of a 3-piece horn section along with a drummer, keys, percussionist, 3 guitarists and the incredible lead vocalist, Nkechi Anele. The crowd danced along to their infectious grooves and rhythms and enjoyed hearing their debut single Africa BaBa.
Bic Runga is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Christchurch, New Zealand. Bic Runga’s performance was outstanding and her warm and infectious smile made you melt. Bic opened her set with Something Good and she alternates from keys to guitar and even plays harmonica. Bic has a drummer and bass player and they played a solid set of her music catalogue with songs like Winning Arrow, Dream a Dream, Gravity, Listening For the Weather. The crowd favourite was her biggest hit Sway and Bic ended her set with a solo version of Drive.
The Headliner for Day 3 was the magnificent John Butler. A singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, environmental and social activist. JB opened playing aboriginal clapsticks (also known as bilma or bimla) singing about the stolen land which was a very moving and powerful song to open with and made a strong statement. The next song was the wonderful Faith from his Home (2018) album. JB talked to the crowd in between songs about his family history and their link with Echuca. He also candidly talked about the crazy world we now live in, environmental issues, corrupt politicians and the daily fake news we are exposed to and have to deal with. JB encouraged the crowd to try not to get caught up in the ‘shit-show’ and just be true to yourself and your loved ones. That led into Better Than with JB on banjo. The way JB can hold an audience silent is truly amazing and a sight to see. JB performed solo and to create a continuous and full sound, he uses multi-layered loops of sound allowing him to create complex arrangements of his music. He plays banjo, acoustic and lap-steel guitar, harmonica and uses a kick drum. JB sang Treat Yo Mama from Sunrise Over Sea (2004) album and Miss Your Love and Hand In Mine. JB played the incredible instrumental Ocean, which showcased him as one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen. During the show JB delivered a strong and very powerful message in a preacher-like manner voicing his concerns and frustrations about moral topics relating to government and politician corruption and environmental issues. JB finished his set with Zebra and Pickapart.
John Butler played an unbelievable, intimate show and was the perfect artist to complete this wonderful and very successful 2025 Riverboats Music Festival.
I cannot praise the organisers of this festival enough as it was so well organised, was held in a perfect setting, all the volunteers and staff were amazing and the festival had a stellar line-up of Australian & NZ artists. We will most definitely be at Riverboats again next year and for years to come. Thank You!
