Canberra’s own 10-piece powerhouse, This Way Orkestra, is set to ignite the stage with their electrifying fusion of Afrobeat, ska, reggae, dub, and ethio-jazz. Known for their dynamic brass section, dual guitars, grooving organ, and polyrhythmic percussion, their performances are a high-energy experience that keeps audiences dancing. Now, they're ready to launch their latest single “Coin Collector” with a night of infectious rhythms and vibrant melodies!

Special Guests: Kopasetic - Joining the celebration are Kopasetic, an energetic indie-roots sextet from Canberra. Their music is a melting pot of modern rock-reggae, soul, blues, and folk, delivering earthy rhythms and earnest messages. With bone-shaking off-beat grooves, psychedelic instrumentals, and soulful ballads, they've captivated live audiences at local venues and festivals around Australia.

This Way Orkestra is a dynamic 10-piece band based in Canberra, Australia, known for their electrifying fusion of Afrobeat, ska, reggae, dub, and ethio-jazz. Their music is characterized by a powerful brass section, dual guitars, grooving organ, and polyrhythmic percussion, delivering high-energy performances that keep audiences dancing

The band was originally formed in 2012 under the name Nyash! by Nicholas Combe and Simon Milman, both prominent figures in Canberra's jazz and reggae scenes. They released a debut EP that year and performed extensively throughout the ACT. In 2019, the group rebranded as This Way Orkestra, introducing new members, including frontman Jim Sharock on vocals and percussion. This lineup brought expanded musical influences, incorporating reggae, ethio-jazz, and dub into their sound.

This Way Orkestra draws inspiration from Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, blending syncopated rhythms with jazz and ska grooves. Their performances are renowned for their infectious energy and danceable beats. The band features a diverse lineup of Canberra musicians, including members from groups like Dub Dub Goose, Los Chavos, Dubba Rukki, and Zambezi Sounds and Raio De Sol.

They have graced stages at notable events such as the National Folk Festival and the Canberra Multicultural Festival. In 2025, they collaborated with Melbourne's Headphones Jones for a special double-header show at Smith's Alternative, showcasing a blend of funk, Afrobeat, ska, and Afro-Latin vibes.

As of 2025, This Way Orkestra continues to be a staple in Canberra's live music scene, performing at venues like the Canberra Irish Club and The Basement. They recently finished up a studio session with 5 new tracks recorded and look forward to launching the first single “Coin Collector” at The Polo in August!

KOPASETIC are an indie-roots powerhouse delivering earthy rhythms from a melting pot of rock-reggae, roots and folk. Kopasetic infuses the limits of these genres - with bone-shaking off-beat grooves, psychedelic instrumentals and soulful ballads.

Kopasetic’s sharply refined live jams have seen them booked to support the likes of Australian roots-reggae icons King Tide, Glastonbury veterans True Vibenation & Gusto Gusto; as well as for sets at Dragon Dreaming Festival, the Kangaroo Valley Reggae Festival and the Sydney Folk Festival. The band is beloved in their hometown of Ngunnawal/Canberra, Australia - consistently drawing in large crowds to their releases and headline shows - from selling out the Street Theatre for the launch of ‘Petrified’, to pulling hundreds to the mountains for their headline sets at Corin Forest (Roots & Reggae in the Forest).

“Amazing music and an extremely positive reception” - Carolyn Stacey OAM (The Street Theatre)

“Magnificent & beautiful” - Triple J