The Sunshine Valley Gazette

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Harp and Fiddle duo Mickey & Michelle to play Nambour

Nambour’s Black Box Theatre will host the renowned harp and fiddle duo Mickey & Michelle on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Presented by Peace Run Records, the event promises an evening of energetic and virtuosic performances that have captivated audiences across Australia and New Zealand. Local singer-songwriter Lilliahna Rogers will be the support act, adding a local touch to the evening.

Mickey & Michelle, an Australian harp and violin duo, seamlessly blend contemporary folk and jazz into a rich, unique style.

Their debut album, “A Walking Pace,” showcases their intricate sound and unusual combination of styles.

The duo’s journey began in 2019 when they formed their partnership, wrote original music, recorded their debut album, and planned a musical tour on foot across New Zealand, raising money for osteoporosis research.

This ambitious plan saw them hiking 3,000 km along the Te Araroa trail and performing 20 concerts in various venues.

“What blew me away the most from this tour was the people,” says Michael O’Donnell. “The trail took us through regional towns with small, vibrant communities.

“Throughout the whole six months, it was these wonderful people who helped us out, whether by transporting our instruments, giving us a bed, dinner, and most importantly, a shower!”

“It was so unique to get to know a community this way, through hiking and music,” said Michelle. “I loved when the audience felt comfortable enough to joke with us on stage and even a friendly heckle – that sort of rapport is when you know you’ve created something special.”

Michelle, with a background in Irish and classical music, and Michael, a self-taught rocker turned jazz violinist, bring their diverse musical backgrounds together to create a modern Australian “chamber-folk” sound.

Their performances draw from the driving rhythms of Celtic music and classical interplay, coloured with jazz harmony and improvisation.

Their sophomore album, “Solace in Wonder,” is set to release this winter, showcasing their artistic growth. Mickey & Michelle’s live performances are a blend of storytelling, musical dexterity, and community spirit, making each show a memorable experience.

• Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, and a licensed bar will be available. Tickets via events.humanitix.com. Don’t miss the chance to witness Mickey & Michelle’s magical performance in Nambour.