Lomond Acoustica Presents Suzette Herft and Julia Michelle
Location
225 Nicholson Street
Brunswick East VIC 3057
Australia
Suzette Herft and Julia Michelle
Soulful, sublime and shining! Three words sum up this Melbourne based, exotic singer-songwriter from Sri Lanka.
Soulful songstress, contemporary troubadour, and weaver of magic with her heart moving original songs of resilience and triumph mixed with some joyful classics. Described as the 'Australian Joan Baez', Suzette is known for her beautiful voice and graceful stage presence.
Suzette has won wide acclaim for her brilliant tribute show to her hero - Joan Baez for being the ‘voice for the voiceless’ at numerous festivals around Australia, including standing ovations at recent Port Fairy Folk Festivals. With her band, she has recently breathed life into the songs and the story of Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, singers she admires.
Suzette is also masterful facilitator of singing sessions and a ‘song catcher’ with her wide-ranging repertoire and her passion for inclusivity, ‘giving everyone a voice’. Suzette is passionate about songwriting and inspired by a visit to Nashville, she founded the Melbourne Songwriters Guild. She has been a regular songwriting tutor at The Lake School for Celtic Music and other community groups.
Her songs have been finalists in the Australian Independent Music Awards over the years.
"Suzette Herft is an asset to a Festival such as ours in the Tamar Valley, here in George Town. We are a boutique Festival where friendships are formed, and Artists are treasured. Suzette has the gift of bringing locals and visitors into the festival and has as much joy entertaining locals at the Pub as she does on stage. Her beautiful presence, her voice, her words enrich us all and have people asking me to bring her back. Suzette has been our Choir Leader on several occasions and everyone enjoys her friendly style of teaching . A great Community Singer, wonderful stage performer. A singer /Songwriter to remember.
Christine Atwell - Director Tamar Valley Folk Festival (2024)
Suzette shines with a natural grace and presence that lights up any stage. Her live performances captivate the audience and she has been described as 'charismatic... with her heart in tune with her world' (The Australian Songwriter - Australian Songwriters' Association).
Suzette was awarded the 2019 Folk Victoria Award for services to Folk Music and shares this honour with many prominent figures in the music industry.
Suzette has produced 6 cds and is currently gathering up songs for her 7th cd. Her previous cds have been produced by the talented Shane O'Mara, and the late Hugh McDonald.
Julia Michelle is an emerging voice on the Australian folk scene, crafting personalised collections of Celtic, light country, and contemporary traditions. Accompanying herself on harp, guitar, and violin, her clear, melodious soprano brings warmth and expression to every performance.
Recently a programmed artist at the Basin Festival and the Highland Games & Celtic Festival (Victoria), she has also appeared in the Easter service concert at the National Folk Festival multiple times. A regular at the National, Julia has often graced the Bohemia Stage and has twice been selected to return for the showcase concert. She has also performed at the National with Borderline Kaylee and the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.
A featured support act at the Victorian Folk Music Club and Berwick Folk Club, Julia performs with collaborator Rob Broomhead (bass and piano), who also recorded, produced, and mixed/mastered her latest album, Rathlin Island. Her album launch is in May.
Wednesday 24th June 8pm $10 Tickets at the door and on Eventbrite