Enjoy the sights of Bendigo’s architecturally stunning CBD from on board the sensationally restored vintage Class tram #610, while being serenaded by two great acts.
An accomplished singer songwriter Dean Haitani draws inspiration from blues & soul music. Dean has honed the craft of both acoustic & electric guitar combined with his unique finger style and soulful earthy vocals give you a dynamic live performance comprising of foot percussion, a variety of guitars, vocals & harmonica.
Dean has been on the road continuously since early 2018 (pandemics aside) getting his music out there. He has 20+ years in the industry touring
nationally and internationally (UK, Europe and USA) and most recently recording his new album “Red Dust”. Haitani has played many festivals [Marysville Blues & Jazz, Bendigo Blues & Roots, Australian Blues Festival, & Yack Folk Festival, as well as supporting artists such as James Morrison, Ian Moss, Glenn Shorrock, and The Black Sorrows. Dean released his new studio album in 2020 to critical acclaim. He looks forward to a long awaited return to Bendigo to play The Blues Tram!
Connell’s songwriting is unmistakable. With fabulous assessments from Judy Small, Paul Brady, Eric Bogle and others, it’s easy to see why the Aussie folk singer is well recognised on the festival circuit. Winner of the Declan Affley and Maldon Minstrel Awards, Connell fronted popular trad band Stray Hens for several years, and continues her solo work between collaborations with artists like Layla Fibbins, Khristian Mizzi, Liz Stringer and Sally Dastey (Tiddas), on the fascinating YouTube series, An Otherwise Quiet Room. Connell comes from an old folk tradition, and writes what she sees. Songs about home and gardening sit amongst lyrics with political themes, and fingerstyle guitar is augmented with blues influence and most of all, the woman’s unwavering command of the stage. A show from Connell invites everyone in the audience to share the moment with her, be her confidant, be her friend in trouble and to celebrate her joy with her.
Saturday August 12th
Blues Tram, feat: Dean Haitani + Mandy Connell
Departing Central Deborah Goldmine (76 Violet Street) at 2pm, returning 4:30pm.
Tix: $49.50 from Bendigo Visitor Centre 1800 813 513 or online here: https://www.bendigotourism.com/tours/bendigo-cbd/bendigo-blues-tram
Follow The Blues Tram here: https://www.facebook.com/TheBluesTram
Strictly no BYO. Drinks and snacks available for purchase.
The Blues Tram is organised and staged by Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival Inc, a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers.
Please Note:
This is a music appreciation event – a mobile concert. For the enjoyment of all patrons, any rowdy or loud behavior will not be tolerated. Event management reserves the right to refuse admission or evict patrons if requests to manage behavior are not complied with; in this unlikely event, tickets of offenders will be forfeited and no refund will be available.