Les Thomas (VIC) Album Launch + Dan Challis + Ness Quinn

Les Thomas (VIC) Album Launch 
with specials guests...
Dan Challis + Ness Quinn
Thursday 9th November 2023

Join us for a special evening of music at The Servo in Port Kembla! Melbourne's own Les Thomas, an accomplished and inspired country-folk singer-songwriter, will be performing songs from his new album "All My Friends Are Superstars." Les will be joined by the phenomenally talented South Coast NSW singer-songwriters Dan Challis and Ness Quinn, making this night a true musical treat.

This event marks Les Thomas's debut at The Servo and is part of his extensive East Coast tour. Dan and Ness have previously charmed the room with their superb voices. It's a chance to enjoy heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and the rich storytelling of these talented artists in an intimate setting. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a wonderful night of music and the album launch of "All My Friends Are Superstars." Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening!

LES THOMAS:

“Les Thomas's superpower is as a lyricist – simple yet sophisticated, accessible yet uncompromising, ultimately honest and always with something powerful to say.” Ruth Hazleton

“A superb artist. A real giver.” Tim Thorpe, Vital Bits, 3RRR

Les Thomas is a Melbourne-born country-folk troubadour. He isn't just a singer-songwriter; he's a sonic storyteller, an activist bard, and a lyrical luminary. He follows in a long tradition using music as medicine, solidarity and sustenance.

As an original artist, writer and event host, Les has been centrally involved in Melbourne's vibrant music scene for over a decade. Outside the venues, festivals and countless political events in his home state, he’s shared songs in Tamworth's bustling streets and pubs and ventured as far afield as the community halls of Seattle. He's even made the pilgrimage to the sacred grounds of The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, where musical legends are minted.

But it's not just Les's travels that tell his story. His latest album, "All My Friends are Superstars” is a testament to his songwriting prowess and his commitment to crafting beautiful and inspiring songs. With a resonant voice that carries the weight of the world's stories, Les looks forward to sharing his new collection with fresh ears and eager hearts, inviting new audiences into his unique blend of country-folk Americana rock and his rich soul-rewarding experiences.

Watch Man on Fire https://youtu.be/q8znbO-NDtc?si=otisYf_4EKn1SRKy

 

DAN CHALLIS:

South-coast singer/songwriter Dan Challis melds lyrically-driven acoustic folk music, with a story-telling focus. His songs centre on the lived-experience, and befit his troubadour ethos; living out the very life he tells stories about through his music. 

Dan has captivated audiences both here and in North America, where he spent 4 years up until 2020 honing his craft and sharing bills with a host of top Canadian acts. It was there he penned the songs for his most recent body of work, ‘No Lonely Road’ (2020); his sophomore album. His music has been described as:

"Rich, authentic acoustic folk... (that) should make you feel something raw and timeless."  - Ear To The Ground Music Blog

The Fremantle-born singer-songwriter credits his development as an artist and lyricist to influences such as Paul Kelly, Crowded House and The Waifs; as well as classic American artists such as James Taylor, Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Denver. 

Dan follows the classic model of 'stomping the pavement' when it comes to getting his music out there; being known for his willingness to tour, especially in regional areas, and bring his love for his craft direct to the people; no matter what the venue, pub, club or local RSL.               

NESS QUINN:

Ness Quinn is a South Coast based singer-songwriter with a unique knack for drawing you into a song. Her voice stands out amongst the rest and will stay with you long after you hear it. You may recognise her from her work with Sydney indie group Hot Spoke (Mercury Records) or EMI super group A-Sides Club, which featured members from Boy and Bear, All Our Exes Live in Texas and The Whitlam’s. As a songwriter Ness has written songs with the likes of Lee Alexander (Norah jones ), Josh Pyke, Nic Cester (Jet), Isabella Manfredi (The Preatures), Toby Martin (Youth Group), and Alex Lloyd. As well as playing shows with The Preatures, Lisa Mitchell, Kasey Chambers, and Holy Holy.

Both hot spoke and her solo work (Quinn) have received radio play from Triple J, Rage and MTV.

Her cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Have You Ever Seen The Rain"(recorded with A-Sides Club) has received an eye-watering 7.5 million streams on Spotify with CCR themselves sharing the song and calling it a "beautiful new project". Ness was also delighted to have her cover of Vance Joy's song "mess is mine" shared by the man himself along with the words " such a beautiful cover". Ness is currently working on a new project with fellow singer-songwriter Paul Greene under the name 'Calico' the pair are set to release music towards the end of the year.