Tickets are now available for Homemade Jam at Tenterfield School of Arts on Saturday, 14 March.
The family-friendly performance by festival favourites Haystack Mountain Hermits promises their home-grown brand of blistering blues and lively family banter.
The talented south-east Queensland family of six have won multiple awards nationwide for their fresh take on folk and bluegrass music, including third place in the 2024 Australian Folk Music Awards People’s Choice and a Top 3 People’s Choice placing in the 2025 Gold Coast Music Awards.
Known for their driving rhythms, sharp wit, and extraordinary vocal harmonies, they have shared the stage with folk legends such as Paul Kelly and captivated audiences at the National Folk Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, and Tamworth Country Music Festival.
“We really think they will be loved by a Tenterfield audience and we’re very excited to have Haystack Mountain Hermits perform live at the School of Arts,” said President of School of Arts Tenterfield Inc., Kevin Markwell.
Concertgoers can expect heart and humour for the whole family, delivered through an upbeat blend of bass guitar, banjo, ukulele, accordion, mandolin, upright bass, and even a washboard handmade in the family’s back shed.
The family’s musical skill is matched by sharp storytelling, weaving together popular favourites and original songs. Full of energy on stage, Haystack Mountain Hermits share a chemistry that comes from close-knit family connections, with a dash of mischief that keeps audiences coming back.
The youngest Hermit, Ella, was just five when she first took to the stage. She and her siblings learned to play instruments in the back of the family van while travelling, an experience that became an “are we there yet?” busking tour of Australia in 2011. The seven-month journey inspired their hashtag #WePlayWeSingWeFight!
After 26,000km on the road, the family had built a national following and returned home with several busking trophies and titles. They have since performed at major festivals across Australia, and from Dorrigo to Tamworth.
Mum and media manager Kerrie has written many of the band’s original songs.
“My childhood road trips from the bush into town were always filled with music and singing, something we’ve carried over into family life and live performances,” Kerrie said.
Dad Dave leads vocals and rhythm guitar and doubles as roadie. He said jam sessions with well-known bluegrass musicians in his hometown inspired him to form his own family band.
“Holidays for our kids consisted of piling every instrument we could fit into the car and caravan to hit the road singing.”
Siblings Ella, Lachlan, Marcus, and Jackson complete the family’s trademark blend of feel-good music and onstage banter.
Haystack Mountain Hermits will make their Tenterfield debut on Saturday, 14 March, at Tenterfield School of Arts. Doors open at 6pm.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 concession, and $15 for under-18s. They are available online at https://events.humanitix.com/The-Haystack-Mountain-Hermits or from the Courtyard Café at Tenterfield School of Arts.
For more information, visit www.haystackmountainhermits.com.
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