Bondi Cigars

Rarely has an Australian band received as much consistent and widespread acclaim from critics and music fans alike as the Bondi Cigars. With ten albums under their belt and over thirty years of constant touring, this award-winning quartet have well and truly worked their way into Australia’s musical heart.With their fantastic mix of blues, soul, funk and R & B, they have maintained their status as one of this country’s most in-demand touring acts, with shows numbering over a hundred and fifty each year. Over a decade later, many original fans are still supporting the band. As with all great bands, the sum of the whole exceeds the sum of the parts and Bondi Cigars are no exception:Shane Pacey (vocals and guitar) the principle songwriter and vocalist, came to the Cigars after playing with bands such as Sydney’s Earls Of Duke. His songwriting and dynamic vocals, teamed with the fluid rhythms of Alan, have largely defined the sound and direction of the Bondi Cigars.Alan Britton (bass and vocals) brings to the band his many years experience playing with some of this country’s foremost roots outfits including the Mangrove Boogie Kings, the legendary Dynamic Hepnotics and the Foreday Riders. His instinctive feel for a groove and ability to ride the rhythm lay the base for those great Bondi tunes.Eben Hale (guitar and vocals) was a driving force behind the successful Blue Mountain Blues Club, playing in the house band at the Club’s meetings as well as taking a behind-the-scenes role booking acts and ensuring their events ran smoothly. Eben’s burgeoning songwriting talents and effusive guitar lines add an extra dimension to the already vibrant sound of the Bondi Cigars.Frank Corby (drums)From Boston, Massachusetts, USA, now a resident in Australia who cut his teeth in various Drum Corp, Swing and Funk bands before playing in various original rock, R&B and funk bands touring all over the USA. Since arriving in Australia he has lent his awesome skills to acts such as Gangajang, Floyd Vincent and the Childbrides, Guy LeClaire and Latin big band Babalu. He was the resident drummer with the Blue Mountains blues jam band where he played regularly with soon-to-be Cigar, Eben Hale.Opening the show is Ross Ward, the Australian blues sensation, channelling the spirit of the Delta into his music. From intimate clubs to festival stages, Ross Ward continues to leave his mark on the Australian blues scene, captivating listeners with his authentic sound and undeniable passion for the music.This is one show not to be missed!