It is a happy coincidence that James Blundell will be in Port Stephens for the country music weekend.
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The Australian country music legend – with a career spanning 30 years – will tour to Shoal Bay during the long weekend.
Blundell was a headline act during the 2007 Blue Water Country Music Festival, where he also performed in Shoal Bay.
However, Blundell said he had no idea his long weekend show at Shoal Bay Country Club was during the country music festival.
When the Examiner told him of the fortunate scheduling, Blundell said it was a “very exciting piece of information”.
Shoal Bay Country Club will host Blundell on Saturday, June 9. The show will begin at 7.30pm.
Tickets, on sale now, cost $24. Click here to buy tickets.
What do you enjoy about Port Stephens that keeps you coming back?
I love the fact that it’s tucked away. The road leading out there doesn’t give you any indication of how idyllic the area is. I think I’ve been four times in total, and every time I’ve stumbled across something really interesting. As an avid sailor, it’s reputation for harbouring small vessels in heavy weather is legendary.
Do you have any expectations for your visit to Port Stephens in June?
I’m actually hoping this time that I don’t have to rush off to the next show. There’s a particular cafe down by the wharf that I’ve been trying to get to for ever.
Tell us a little about what your Shoal Bay show will consist of – all of your latest tracks, or a mixture of new and old?
It’s a real pleasure performing these days, as there is a healthy back catalogue to choose from. I’m also being continually encouraged by Briar, my oldest son who tours with me now, to go back through the tracks and dig out some of the more recognised songs that weren’t singles. So, to answer the question, the set list ranges from Kimberley Moon, through to tracks from Come On In and Campfire, both released in the last 18 months.
Did you know that the weekend you're in Shoal Bay, it is the Port Stephens country music festival?
I did not, and that is a very exciting piece of information.
What is it about country music that you think people love so much?
Having had a foot in several genres of music, I’m convinced it’s the honesty of country music. Both the songs and the performers, that makes audiences feel included. It’s about real life issues and good musicianship, a winning combination to be sure.
Was there anything in particular that influenced your style of music towards country?
My upbringing was as country as you can get. Born in a small town hospital, raised in a sheep and cattle farm. Prior to 30 years of commercial music I was determined to be Australia’s next cattle baron. The observations and values engendered by that way of life consistently provide inspiration for comment on pretty much all aspects of life from romantic to practical, work and play, heartache to happiness.
Do you have a message for any country music lovers heading to Port Stephens for the weekend, and your show?
Take the time to relax, enjoy the spectacular surroundings, go to a couple of shows you wouldn’t normally attend, and drink responsibly. Make every seventh drink a water... or was that second? I’m still working that one out myself.