About to embark on just its second run in the rodeo grounds, it’s easy to assume Savannah in the Round has been around much longer.
The inaugural three-day festival put Mareeba on the map among country music enthusiasts, and this year, it’s expanding to cover another day and night of roaring entertainment, camping and cultural experiences.
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Already boasting international acts Brad Paisley and MacKenzie Porter among a solid Australian line-up, event organisers have recently added a bunch of fresh artists to the bill.
Amy Sheppard – who’s perhaps best-known for her role as co-lead singer of Brisbane indie-pop trio Sheppard – is just one new addition sitting among top headliners.
She’s only recently made her foray into the country music world with her first solo song, Nothing But Wild, which was released at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Savannah in the Round also welcomes raconteur, troubadour, balladeer and poet, Mick Thomas to the Far North family.
Best known as the song master of iconic pub-rock band Weddings Parties Anything, his own band The Roving Commission features Squeezebox Wally on piano accordion, Ben Franz (The Waifs) on bass, Dave Folley (Tex Perkins) on drums and bright new talent on guitar and vocals, Brooke Taylor.
The collective is set to be a unique mix of folk, roots and country.
While he’s done the rounds across the Far North, Big Pups is making his Savannah debut this year.
Born in New Zealand’s deep south and raised in PNG's highlands, his musical career was forged in Charters Towers and is now based in Cairns.
Cooktown local Yazmindi is another new name to the festival, offering a light-hearted dose of folk and indie sounds.
Locals will recognise her catchy tunes Bars Ain’t Closin’ and Avocado Latte – an ode to her hometown of and a tongue-in-cheek play at Melbourne’s city stereotypes.
Head to the festival’s website for the full line-up and ticket details.
Q&A with MacKenzie Porter
Canadian-born but Nashville-based MacKenzie Porter skyrocketed to international acclaim this year when she reached five ‘No. 1s’ on Canadian country radio – a record only matched by Shania Twain in the 90s.
But the country singer has been spinning tunes for much longer.
How does it feel to be heading down under for the first time as an artist?
I’ve been to Australia before on vacation, but this will be my first experience touring. I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve heard only amazing things about country music fans in Australia and New Zealand, and can’t wait to experience it myself.
We hear you’ll be touring with Savannah in the Round’s other headliner, Brad Paisley!
In early 2020 I was out on the road with Brad. The back half of the tour got cancelled because of COVID so I’m soooo ready to pick back up where we left off. His whole camp and crew are amazing. I’m just a fan!
You’ve made history, becoming the only woman this century to score five No. 1s on Canadian country radio, matching the record set by Shania Twain in the 90s. How was that?
It’s so wild. I feel very grateful to do what I love for a living in any sense. To break these records is a whole other thing. Shania will always be the Queen, I’m just excited to even be in the same sentence as her.
What else are you looking forward to doing while in Australia?
I’m bringing my husband along with me so we can be dorky tourists on our days off. I can’t wait to experience Australian culture again! I think I’m most looking forward to the food and the animals!
What will you be working on after your tour around Australia and New Zealand?
I’m working on my record right now, so as soon as I land back in the US it will be right back to recording and writing.
What’s been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
I think playing The Grand Ole Opry! It was such an epic night where my whole family flew into town to watch. I will never forget the moment I walked into that circle. That is every country singer’s dream.
What’s the next bucket list goal for you?
To head out on a headlining tour!
This article originally appeared in Tropic magazine Issue 37
