A Tribute to Hank Williams, live at The Old Church on the Hill, Bendigo

Hank Williams stands as a towering figure in American music, renowned for his heartfelt songwriting and soulful performances. With timeless classics like "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," Williams not only shaped country music but left an enduring impact on music as a whole. 

Despite his tragically short life, his legacy resonates strongly, inspiring countless artists and influencing musical heritage far beyond his time.

Celebrate the music of the great Hank Williams in the ideal setting… The Old Church on the Hill. With the incomparable high lonesome vocals of Chris Jacobs, Electric hillbilly guitar master Peter Baylor, steel guitarist extraordinaire Pete Fidler, sweet fiddle from the hills with Cat Moser and the swinging double bass of Michael St.Clair-Miller.

Where:
The Old Church on the Hill,
36 Russell Street Quarry Hill
When:
Saturdsay 19 th October 2024
Doors open – 6.30PM
Support Act (The Cartwheels) – 7PM
Hank Band – 8PM-8.45PM
9PM-9.50PM

About the players:
Chris Jacobs is a singer with a natural ability to emulate the “high-lonesome”
vocals and tight harmonies the genre is known for.
Chris caught the Bluegrass bug around 20 years ago and started performing
with Canberra based Department of Bluegrass , Chris then took up singing
and guitar duties with Melbourne Bluegrass band, Hardrive . 
In recent years Chris has expanded his musical passions to include Western
Swing, Rockabilly and early Rock & Roll styles as lead singer/guitarist in four-
piece group, Ramble Town. This new group has been well received at
numerous festivals and venues including repeated appearances at the
Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival.
When playing close to home around Bendigo, Chris performs in duo The
Quarry Hillbillies with his long-time music compadre, Pete Fidler. From
acoustic covers to country tear-jerkers, The Quarry Hillbillies feature sweet
vocal harmonies and superb playing of a variety of stringed instruments.

Peter Baylor has been a musician synonymous with the Australian “ roots’
music scene professionally since 1980. His eclectic guitar and vocal style
encompasses classic swing jazz, Rhythm N’ Blues, Western swing, Gypsy
jazz, Rockabilly, country , Old timey and folk forms.
Peter’s distinctive sound has been heard in bands as diverse as The
Dancehall Racketeers, The Baylor Brothers, Mic Conways Whoopee band,
Ignatius Jones, Doug Parkinsons Buddy Holly show, Ultrafox, The Starliners,
The Eddies, Tom Bakers swing st Orchestra, The Cairo Club to name a few.
As a freelance musician Peter has worked with over 300 acts and toured
Japan, The United States, Scandinavia, South Pacific, Europe on several
occasions. He has played on over 60 recordings and has played with and or
supported international acts such as Robert Plant, Bob Dylan, The Stray Cats,
Mike Compton, Hank Marvin, Lollo Meier , Tav Falco, Rosie Flores and Flaco
Jimenez, Delbert McClinton, Smoky Dawson , Deke Dickerson, Ronnie
Dawson, Dale Watson and Wayne Hancock.

Pete Fidler has had a long and varied musical career, from being guitarist
and songwriter with famed Melbourne psychedelic 60’s revival band
Tyrnaround, to occupying the dobro chair with traditional bluegrassers
Bluestone Junction.
Currently residing in Bendigo, Pete took an interest in steel guitar during the
Covid lockdowns, deep-diving into the world of early country music and
Western Swing.
Now playing with a variety of central Victorian acts including the Cartwheels,
Jess Parker Band and Bendigo’s own Quarry Hillbillies, Pete brings a love of
Hank Williams and a 1951 Fender console steel for an extra touch of
authenticity.

Cat Moser is a multi-instrumentalist and singer who has played in various
ensembles over decades, notably old time duo Cat & Clint who are festival
favourites around Australia and overseas.
Cat grew up listening to Jerry Rivers fiddling on Hank Williams records, and
loves guesting in the Hank Williams Tribute band as ‘Catty Rivers’, paying
homage to the legend himself, while adding her own flair.

Mike St Claire-Miller plays double bass, specialising in Roots Americana -
bluegrass, western swing, country, blues and RnB. He has toured in Europe
and the USA.
In Australia, Mike has played with visiting international stars including Big Jay
McNeely, Lazy Lester, Stranger Cole and Dawn Penn.