The Summer Swells series has been running for the last few glorious years at the Indian Ocean Hotel in Scarborough, bringing you the best music from artists such as Caravana Sun, Jordy Maxwell, Mitch Santiago, Steph Strings, Gaudion, Sunday Lemonade and many, many more!
This year we are expanding this celebration of live music and coastal festivities to the south west and the home of original music, The Prince of Wales Hotel in Bunbury. A venue that has been blessed with international touring artists for decades and continues to be a prime supporter of live original music.
Our inaugural lineup is a tantalizing collection of talent from across WA whose collective experience and range is as diverse as this fine state that we reside in.
Don’t miss out, grab your tickets while you can and be part of something huge.
Ben Catley
With mesmerising acoustic guitar playing and an ecstatic stage presence, Ben
Catley pours every ounce of his soul into his live show. Having toured all across
Australia, New Zealand, UK many times over, he captivates audiences like few
other solo artists.
Ben has played huge international festivals with the likes of The Doobie Brothers,
John Butler, Xavier Rudd, Jessie J, Groove Armada and many more, and in WA is
also often found performing shows with Si Mullumby, who is widely regarded as
one of the world’s best didge players.
Having released tracks featuring the voice of the legendary WIM HOF, as well as
Ash Grunwald and Tijuana Cartel, Ben’s music catalogue is as diverse as his live
show. While mostly known for his high energy acoustic style, he has recently been
releasing collections of chilled, finger-style guitar instrumentals ‘Cloudcabins’, that
he has weaved into his live set, creating a dynamic show of guitar craftsmanship.
“A tour de force of contemporary acoustic guitar styles… A virtuoso
guitarist.” – XPRESS MAG
FESTIVALS PLAYED:
Australia: Bluesfest Perth, Nannup Festival, Blues At Bridgetown Festival, WA Guitar Festival, Fremantle Folk
Festival, Wollombi Festival, Wallaby Creek Festival, Ravenswood Blues & Roots, Emergence Creative Festival,
Ningaloo Whaleshark Festival, Troopicool Festival, Music In The Park, Blazing Swan.
UK: Bestival, Shambala Festival, Green Man Festival, Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, Boomtown Festival,
Camper Calling Festival, Lindisfarne Festival, Maui Maui Festival, Sun & Moon Festival, Berwick Festival.
New Zealand: NZ Spirit Festival, Earthbeat Festival, Marchfest, Resolution Festival, Solrise Festival, Coro Summer
Whiskey Jack
From the Hills of Perth, nature enthusiast and singer-songwriter Whiskey Jack is described as an old soul with a smooth sound and timeless vocals. Drawing inspiration from many wondered trails, he finds helpful metaphors in plain sight – a modern jolly swagman.
With a distinctive blend of indie-folk, alt-country, and Americana influences, Whiskey Jack pioneers a fresh Australiana sound; captivating audiences with his heartfelt and poetic compositions.
His unique signature sound pushes boundaries and delivers a captivating musical experience. His latest releases ‘Stars In The Black’ and ‘Darlin’ Range’ are set to further establish Whiskey Jack as a staple soundscape for your next adventure.
Fest.
Michael Ward
Raised on the salty coastal swamplands of Stratham in regional WA Michael has spent decades performing live music around WA and Australia. The acoustic singer songwriter delivers his fusion of alt country, gritty blues & roots with a supercharged energy whenever he’s on stage. His love of touring and performing live has seen him currently elevated to one of Perth’s most prolific touring original artists. He’s joined by full time professional jazz musicians Ryan Daunt and Adam Springhetti who add effortless detail and texture to the set.
Michael had a massive 2023 with many festivals and tours across Australia with artists such as The Waifs, Morgan Evans, Eskimo Joe, The Wolfe Brothers, Travis Collins, Steph Strings & Andrew Swift. In 2024 his tour is reaching all the corners of WA and includes a National tour of festivals (Perth Muster, Blossom Festival, Pinjarra Festival, Kalamunda Spring live music Festival, Mandurah Country Music Festival, Gidgestock, Wangarrata Rodeo & Music Festival, Fremantle Beer Festival & Winter Swells Festival.
The dedication to his music, live shows, touring and promotion has also resulted in Michael receiving nominations for the 2025 WA Country Music Awards for Male artist of the year, Alt Country Single of the year and Open Songwriter of the year.
“Love the energy and musicianship (my god that rhythm section!)”
Perth Blues Club 2024
“A 45 minute set of high octane Country rock originals and the occasional cherry picked cover thrown in. It was music that got you thumping and bumping… Michael’s infectious energy drove the set flying on top of some damn fine rock country”
Gidgestock Music Festival 2024
Livid Lillith
Livid Lillith is the project of southwest singer-songwriter Imogen Pinelli. She approaches contemplation with a raw folk-rock blend of honest lyricism and powerful vocals to illuminate the shadows she never wants to visit.
Her most recent single, ‘We Kissed In The River,’ is a romantic reflection on the desire to hold onto small, fleeting moments.