Andrew Swift
Bicentennial Park, Kable Ave, 2340 Tamworth Directions
Tue 19.01.2027 19:00
Bluegrass Hoedown is new to Toyota Park this year and will celebrate the energy, musicianship and tradition of bluegrass, bringing together outstanding performers from Australia and abroad for an evening of dazzling picking, soaring harmonies and unforgettable live music. Three-times Golden Guitar Award winner acclaimed Australian acoustic outfit Wicker Suite are known for their inventive musicianship, rich harmonies and contemporary take on bluegrass, folk and roots music. Internationally acclaimed bluegrass artist Kristy Cox is the recipient of seven shiny Golden Guitar trophies for Bluegrass Of The Year. The award-winning Australian bluegrass singer-songwriter's authentic sound and heartfelt songs have earned multiple honours in both Australia and the United States. High Street Drifters return to the stage following their performance in January 2026. This high-energy bluegrass band blends traditional influences with fresh arrangements, renowned for their tight harmonies, driving rhythms and exceptional instrumental performances.
New to the Toyota Park stage is Lontano, an accomplished acoustic duo bringing together bluegrass, folk and Celtic influences, delivering intricate arrangements, beautiful harmonies and outstanding musicianship. Lively bluegrass ensemble Midnight Chicken are known for their spirited performances, lightning-fast picking and infectious enthusiasm for traditional mountain music. Award-winning country singer-songwriter and engaging entertainer Andrew Swift, whose love of traditional country and bluegrass, makes him the perfect host for this celebration of acoustic music.
Performers
-
Andrew Swift
With 3 ARIA #1 albums and 3 CMAA Golden Guitar Awards to his name – most recently Male Artist of the Year 2023 – Andrew Swift is one of Australia’s most discerning storytellers.
His debut album, ‘Call Out For The Cavalry’, earned him a whopping 4 Golden Guitar nominations in 2019 – not bad for an upstart – from which he took home gongs for Alt Country Album of the Year and New Talent of the Year.
His sophomore effort, ‘The Art of Letting Go’, came three years later, after a signing with ABC and a whirlwind of touring alongside some of the genre’s biggest names - The Wolfe Brothers, Catherine Britt and Shannon Noll, to name a few.
The new record became the 5th highest selling Australian Country Music album in 2021. Hits like ‘Head Full of Honey’ and ‘Say The Word’ spun light-hearted stories of courtship and calamity through a sonic lens that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Swift’s forthcoming album, ‘Lightning Strikes and Neon Nights’ - slated for release on April 28, 2023 - is his most daring yet. Produced by the incomparable Matt Fell (Troy Cassar-Daley, Fanny Lumsden), it mixes Swift’s signature grit with retro soundscapes and contemporary rhythms.
Despite his meteoric ascent he’s immensely passionate about helping those following in his footsteps. It’s this same compassion that earned him the mantle of official ambassador for Gundagai’s Dog on the Tuckerbox.
Both a wayward vagabond and a sweetheart, his songs brood on gut-wrenching heartache and revel in limitless joy. He’s a master performer and one hell of a guy.