Artists for 2027 | The Cobby Riverland

Please Note Artists Are Subject To Change

Rodney Vincent

Rodney Vincent is your complete entertainer . His one man show is a feast of entertainment that caters for anyone and everyone who enjoys a good time. It is a blend country , comedy , old time favourites , rock and roll and storytelling that cannot help but make people laugh . His standing in Australia’s entertainment scene is no accident , it is a result of a long hard apprenticeship that as he says “started a while ago” His journey has taken him from his first paying gig in an old time dance band at his local hall to when he joined the Channel 9 Singers on “In Melbourne Tonight” which featured Graham Kennedy , Ugly Dave Gray , Jimmy Hannan , Bert Newton and other household names to many different facets of the entertainment industry . From music hall , floorshow work , recording and touring , and it’s when you see Rodney performing that you can see all those experiences coming out in his work. The world of comedy added another string to Rodney’s bow when he toured with one of Australia’s great comedians Col Elliott , not only as a special guest but he played the straight man to many of Col’s characters.

He also worked with another great in the field of comedy Lucky Grills , watching and learning the art of how to make people laugh and enjoy themselves . To work with the best is what we all aspire to and Rodney is very proud of his association with the late great American Rock and Roll legend Gene Pitney . From a chance guest appearance one night in Tasmania he went on to be Gene’s very special guest on 5 of his Australian tours . Rodney also wrote and recorded 2 songs with Gene , “What a big Surprise” and “Let’s not make the same mistake again” . Gene then offered to do the harmony parts on each of the songs. Media Release I have been working on tours with the very talented Rodney Vincent for many years and we finally sat down and wrote a song together .The end result “What a Big Surprise” and I think it turned out great . Rodney put down his vocals in Melbourne with some great musicians and sent the tape to me in the US.

I recorded my harmonies in my studio at home and mixed the final version which was sent back to Australia . Hope to see you at one of our concerts and I hope you like our song “What a Big Surprise” Gene Pitney 2002 Awards are not high on Rodney’s agenda as he always says “you are only as good as your last performance” but he does admit to being an “applause junkie”. There is nothing like the high you get when you do a great show and hear that applause, it’s a good feeling to make people happy . His greatest satisfaction is when people come up after the show with a smile on their face and say what a great time they have had, for him that is what it is all about . Rodney was voted “Victorian Entertainer of the year” in 2006 and was inducted into the South Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011 . Rodney Vincent’s reputation for being a genuine all round entertainer has been exemplified in recent years by the fact that he has a terrific following , whether it be in a galvanised hall in a farming community in the remote corners of Australia or at any of Australia’s “big time” venues ,clubs and theatre’s , Rodney is now your complete entertainer in his own right

Workin' Overtime

Classic Rock, Modern Country, Rockabilly and Rock ‘N’ Roll, Party Favourites,

and much more.

We play all of your favourite tunes. Guaranteed to get you singing and dancing.

David Lee

David Lee comes from a small town in Tasmania called Frankford . He first burst onto the Country Music scene back in the 90’s at 13 learning from a great old country picker Smokey Venn. A boilermaker welder by trade and a love for true country music that never fades. With a good few awards under his belt and recently released his 3rd album he’s enjoying getting amongst some country music festivals on “The Big Island” and other events playing some originals and country classics . Keep it country

Walk Right Back

John and Bill got together to create an Everly Brothers tribute, and adopted
the name “Walk Right Back” to recognise the music of the Everly Brothers, and
also to reflect their focus on “Great Music from the Past”.
The boys also pay tribute to the Bee Gees, and other great artists such as
Buddy Holly, The Mavericks and Alan Jackson.
Their focus is on harmony, and they include country music, Australian music
and music by their other favourite artists.

Justin Standley

Justin Standley, is a multi-award winning Australian country singer-songwriter and entertainer.

Justin shot to prominence after appearing as a finalist on the X Factor on a quest to find his missing children. The heart-wrenching reunion with his daughters made national headlines and he subsequently established himself as one of Australia’s most loved and successful independent country music artists.

Justin has released many songs to country radio, many of which have charted in the Top 10 of the Australian Country Tracks Top 40, often reaching number 1. He is the only artist to have ever equalled Slim Dusty’s record of having 3 songs in the top 5 at one time.

Justin Standley 2024

Recognised for his distinctive voice and impressive 4 octave vocal range, Justin’s friendly nature and talent for entertaining, song-writing, yodelling, story-telling, comedy, and Indigenous songs… continues to endear him to audiences around the world

The Hoffmans

Heather is a well-seasoned performer. She started to sing at 7 years of age at local talent quests, schools and clubs.
Heather won a scholarship to study classically at the Melba Conservatorium and finished with honors at AMEB levels.
Heather has worked in bands since the early 80’s but she is now very happy to sing with husband, David doing what they do best.

David has performed mainly as a backing band member since the tender age of 13. The best know “star” he has toured with was Normie Rowe where he toured for 2 years around Australia in the late 70’s at the young age of 17.
David has also played for many well-known acts at festivals and concerts such as Lee Conway, The Hawking Bros, and Frankie Davidson.

The Highlights in recent years has been The Homebush festival were we supported names like Adam Brand, Melinda Sneider,
Adam Harvey, Paul Costa and Sara Storer.

And at Lake Charlegrark with
Jayne Denham,Paul Costa,James Blundell,Amber Lawrence,Dave "Prousty" Proust and Graeme Hugo

In 2014 They were inducted into South Australia Country Music Hands Of Fame

2016 Tour of Scotland & England

2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival

2018 Edinburgh Fringe Festival & Paris Tour

2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival & Ireland Tour

Joe Musico

Until my early 30s i was a farmer in Swan Hill share farming with my Mum & Dad.in the early 80s we decided to sell the farm & each go our separate ways.

So i decided i wanted to became a builder and started working with two local Builders in Swan Hill.in 1980 we moved to Warrnambool so i decided to do Night School and sit for exams to get a Builders Licence.

and i built Houses in Warrnambool for 30 years.So in my 60s the Building trade was starting to take a toll on my Body and had to look for something else to do but i didn't know anything other then building houses.

and i was looking to retire, so i got involved with our local Country Music Club had a few practises with a friend that's in to Music and he said Joe i think you are ready to do a Walk up. i was 60 when i did My first Walk up at The Warrnambool Country Music Club.In the last ten years we have travelled all around Australia doing music. private shows,and guest spots at varies clubs.we have been Coming to SA for the last Five or Six years.I love what i do and hope that i can do it for a while longer.

Lizzie & Jo

Growing up in the Geelong area in a country music family,music was a constant part of our lives

Surrounded by family,friends and "Good Old Country Music"

We created memories and connections that have stayed with us throughout the years

After stepping away from the music scene for 35 years to focus on our careers and raising families of our own, we have found ourselves drawn back to the music we have always carried in our hearts

We hope our music brings back your nostalgic memories and make new one for the future

Alex Roberts

Making his solo festival debut, Alex Roberts is returning to the Cobby Riverland Music Festival after appearing at last year's walkups and winning the Dave Verral Award. Being a fan of Americana-influenced music, he's sure to play a wide range of tunes from the Eagles, to John Prine, to bluegrass, and all sorts in-between.

Brendan Scott

Brendan Scott is an accomplished and experienced performer who has been part of the Australian entertainment industry ever since his stage debut at age 4. He has worked in all facets of the entertainment industry and continues to use his wealth of experience to entertain audiences in many parts of Australia.

In his performance, Brendan showcases his many talents. Not only does he sing many well-known songs, he also plays piano, guitar, saxophone, banjo, and violin. Add to this Brendan’s flair for audience interaction and participation as well as his ability to have people in stitches with his comedy, and you have a complete entertainment experience.

For over 20 years, Brendan was a fixture on Melbourne radio station 3AW as a contributor to the Overnight program hosted by Keith McGowan. Brendan could often be heard on this program singing some great old songs, as well as sharing much banter and laughs with Keith.

At many venues around Victoria, you will often find Brendan performing at MORNING MELODIES. These shows are a great way for people to get out, during daytime hours, to experience some great entertainment perhaps followed by a nice lunch.

Brendan can also be heard at many Sports and R.S.L clubs, singing and playing many great hits for those wanting to dance the night away.

Whether you or your organization requires a floor-show, music for dancing or just someone to play the piano in the background, BRENDAN SCOTT is your ideal entertainer.

Dave Prior

For the better part of 35 years my career was in commercial radio, as an
Announcer, program director and general manager of stations such as
8HA Alice Springs, 5CC Port Lincoln, 5MU Murray Bridge and 96.5 & 98FM in
Geraldton WA.

Then I had a midlife crisis, and realised because of the aforementioned career,
I could not afford a fast sports car, or even a slow one, or a slow woman, or a
slow yacht but, more importantly, I certainly didn’t want to spend any more
time working for other people.

Yes, I’d reached that age where it was time
to reinvent myself and make a comeback… which is quite
difficult when you haven’t really been anywhere.

So I picked up my old guitar and threw it in the back of my even older ute and
never looked back. Well, maybe once. I think it was a kangaroo.
A couple of highlights so far include doing the support act for Adam Harvey
on a number of occasions, doing a country music festival in France (yes,
France), working with other comedians in the club circuit and doing a few
tours with Cricket legend Doug Walters. We had a lot in common, and it wasn’t
cricket.

Christine Clifford

Christine Clifford is a seasoned and soulful force in Australian country music, with a career spanning decades and a catalogue that reflects both her storytelling heart and her broad musical influences. Launching her career in South Australia, Christine first made her mark in local talent quests, earning acclaim for her vocal strength and heartfelt delivery.

She has claimed multiple titles at the South Australian Country Music Awards, with wins in Female Vocal, Duet, and Gospel categories. From country music festivals to renowned venues like the Adelaide Town Hall and the Santos gas fields, Christine’s powerful performances have resonated with audiences far and wide. She has also shared the stage with some of the industry’s most respected artists, including Gina Jeffreys and Beccy Cole.

Cactus Martens

Cactus is a guitar player/singer/comedian and all round industry character who lives at Port Pirie.

Port Pirie 2020 Australia Day Award Recipient

Citizen of the Year – Colin ‘Cactus’ Martens

Cactus Martens is a musical performer who has a great reputation in the broader music industry. Cactus has freely and willingly given his time to entertain at aged care facilities, retirement complexes, hospitals and more as well as contributing significantly to the Port Pirie Country Music Festival. He has also toured nationally with country music performers and been a great ambassador for his home town of Port Pirie.

Cactus joined the Rocky’s Hall of Fame in 2012 where he had his hand print saved in concrete.

from 2025 Cactus has been the President of the Northern Country Music Association

Graeme Hugo

Graeme began his COUNTRY MUSIC career back in Dec 19972 at the age of 18. During the following years he has toured not only with his band (which he headlined for 20 years) but Graeme toured throughout Australia several times with many high profile artists & remained an Independent Artist to this date
(50 years on.) Graeme has performed at many clubs around Australia and one highlight was to open a show at the Sydney Opera House which he did on
many occasions while on tour. Graeme has mentored many amateur artists and help them gain experience in the industry & one (Talia Whitman) won the
prestigious STARMAKER in Tamworth. Over the years he has helped raise money for the Isolated Children, SIDS, Kids with Cancer, Aged Care, Angel
Flight, variety of clubs as well as individual fund raising for people with personal illnesses within the local communities. Past & present he still continues to
raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, local charities & local FM radio stations. He has been heavily involved in hosting & assisting in running
many Country Music Festivals in South Australia and still continues to give advice when requested. .
In 2022 Graeme began small tours again and December was the start of his 50 years celebration of commitment to the Country Music Industry. Graeme was offered a
contract in his early years but married & began a family at a very young age and decided to remain an Independent Artist where he felt he could be of more value as a mentor
& promoter which he has done to this day.
Graeme is one of Australia’s most popular, hard working and successful Independent Country Artists with a natural appeal and rapport with audiences of all ages. He truly is
a crowd pleaser. He is acclaimed a ‘SA’s Favourite Son’ by media and fans alike owing to his clear and distinct voice. Such voices are not common but one such voice
however does belong to Graeme Hugo which gained him both wide acclaim and industry recognition for his professionalism, enthusiasm, dedication, dynamic & unique
contribution to the Country Music Industry. Years of constant travelling 8 successful albums with number 9 in progress, endless awards & accolades have well and truly
earned Graeme a prominent place among the cream of Australian Country Music entertainers.
Sunnyvale is a farming district situated in the heart of the NYP and is also the home of an approx 120 year old church where Graeme & Lynne with help from friends and
family have begun another chapter in their County Music Book of Life. “Sunnyvale” as it is known is predominately aimed at groups of people being brought in by coach
arriving at around 10.30am where they are greeted with morning tea & a chance to browse at the memorabilia. Then into the church hall for an hour and half concert
performed by Graeme & friends before heading into the dining hall for a 2 course meal. After a chat & stroll around they then depart by coach for their next destination at
approx. 2pm.
For more info please feel free to call Graeme on 0427810175 or email: hugo.country@bigpond.com

Some Of Graeme's Highlights

 1992 released first album “Raggedy Ann” 1993 Won the Tasmanian & New Zealand Songwriter Award (Ballad Section) 1994 SAMI (Sth Australian Music Industry) Award finalist & release of second album “I’m Coming Through”. 1994 Golden Guitar Nominee (in the Bush Ballad section) held in Tamworth NSW 1997 Release of third album “Like Father Like son” 1997 Graeme received an Australia Day Award for services to the outback communities. 1998 Received a Citizen of the Year Award for his years of voluntary services to the outback communities Dec 2001 till 2005 (at his & wife Lynne’s home on Lincoln Park Station) hosted & co-ordinated entertainment for the Spencer GulfCM Festival (2 each year) raising monies for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 2002 saw Graeme win the prestigious South Australia Council for Country Music “2002 Industry Award” in appreciation of hiscontinued effort toward the development of Country Music in SA. June 2003 Graeme was inducted into the “Hands of Fame” in SA August 2004 Graeme won the “2004 Adelaide Country Music Industry Award” Feb 2005 he received the Victorian Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon “Outstanding Contribution Award” Jan 2005 to 2013 hosted a coach to the Tamworth Country Music Festival held in NSW 2008 to current, Graeme began running entertainment for groups at a venue set up & leases on the York Peninsular in Sth Aust. 2009 won the “People’s Choice Award” – most popular SA Country Music Artist (voted by people in clubs of SA) 2011 released his 4 th album “You Asked For It” 2011 Golden Medallion finalist – Media awards – Male Vocal section 2012 to current day - SA celebrity host for Goseetouring – hosting national & international Country Music trips 2013 Citizen of the Year award for his service to the outback communities 2013 Community Event of the Year award – his services as the music co-ordinator for the Cowell CM & Ute Muster 2013 Golden Medallion Award nominee – Male Vocal - held in Tamworth. 2013 Winner of the highly sort after “Terry Smith Achiever Award” – 2013 Recording Artist of the Year (held in Qld) 2014 Golden Medallion Award nominee – Male Vocal - held in Tamworth. 2014 Community Event of the Year award – his services as the music co-ordinator for the Cowell CM & Ute Muster 2015 Winner of the KrossKut Industry Award for outstanding contribution to Country Music 2017 Inducted into the highly honoured AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC HANDS OF FAME (Tamworth, NSW) with a display of hispersonal memorabilia on display in the museum & his handprint placed in concrete at the ‘Tamworth Hands of Fame’ park. 2019 – 2021 Due to COVID 19 restrictions entertained when possible. 2023 Celebrating 50 years in the Country Music Industry. ‘2023 Red Carpet Award’ nominee held in Europe ‘2023 Dusty Boots Award’ nominee held in Dubbo, NSW 2023 Entertained & hosted tours to Norfolk Island and Fiji 2023 Released album no 7 – ‘50 Years On The Road with Graeme Hugo’ Volume 1 & album no 8 is Volume 2 ‘2024 Dusty Boots Award’ nominee held in Dubbo, NSW 2024 International Judge for the ‘2024 Red Carpet Awards’ held in Europe ‘2024 Red Carpet Award’ nominee. Awards are held in Europe 2024 Entertained & hosted tours to Singapore & Norfolk Island

Peter Gall

Peter has been playing drums since the age of 13. Receiving many awards drumming in championships in Melbourne. Travelling all over Australia his love of country music and caravanning Peter has become a regular at many country clubs and pubs. He along with his wife Yvonne are based in Geelong and has now taken up singing as PT ( Crikey), of PT`S Outback Rock n Country entertaining and backing all over Australia. Yvonne is the best Roady ever, Peter says, she just

Wishes he played the mouth organ. And here he is at the COBBY RIVERLAND MUISC FESTIVAL, 2027 for the 2nd time

The Cobby Riverland Music Festival

June 9th-14th 2027

Walk Up Sessions From 9th June 2027 Competing for Dave Verrall Award