LIVE: TWANG! Guitar Festival – York | Ballardong, 16 – 18 October 2026

LIVE: TWANG! Guitar Festival – York | Ballardong, 16 – 18 October 2026
York, Western Australia
Reviewed by Scarrrlet Black
Photography by Pete Gardner

I’m not sure about the rest of the readers, but this writer has not been to a regional festival (of any sort) for many years and therefore was thrilled to be attending.

On arrival in the fair town of York, accommodation sorted just out of town at the cozy Olive Branch, I hightailed it down (with a little assistance from the proprietor of the Olive Branch – lovely bloke) to the opening of the York Festival at the York Town Hall where the evenings festivities were to kick off.

York Shire President, Chris Gibbs, welcomed the folk already in situ, with their carefully chosen seats and was especially proud that Twang happened to be opening on the first anniversary of legendary Kiss guitarist, Ace Frehley’s death. Mr Gibbs explained he used to jump around his room with a tennis racket to emulate the late Frehley with dreams of rock stardom.

The Hon Klasey Hirst MLC, standing in for the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, stepped up and amongst her opening pointed out a t shirt worn by a front crowd member that read ‘Music Connects People’ which she felt was the spirit of the weekend.

Treated to the Moorditj Koolingas Children’s Choir, who followed the Welcome to Country, these adorable cherubs conveyed their songs in Nyoongar, English and Auslan.

Their “set list” comprised the songs ‘Welcome’, ‘Butterfly’, ‘Six Seasons’ and ‘We are Australian’ beautifully and passionately delivered, leaving an impression given the writer struggles with the most basic of English at any given time.

First up was Nathan Ward.

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The young, slim and humble bloke had a quite surprising baritone, which belied his appearance. Accompanied by his guitar his voice resonated around the hall as he offered up a couple of his earnest composition including a crowd rousing version of ‘Country Roads’ by the late John Denver. We were treated with ‘Rescue my Heart Again’ attributed to his dad, George, who was in the crowd and no doubt grinning from ear to ear. Giving a bit of background to his first single, ‘She Gave Me A Kiss,’ he explained the clip had been filmed in the nearby town of Northam and was rewarded by the applause of the crowd, local and otherwise I suspect, before finishing with a cover of Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire.’

Quick changeover and time for a bar run, the next group to take the stage was Perth’s own Scarlet’s Way.
Rock inspired country with a bluesy feel, this band was exceptionally enjoyable to the listener. For anyone unfamiliar with Scarlet’s Way, they took home the award for ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Group of the Year’ at the 2024 WA Country Music awards. They have been on the main stage of the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2025 and have shared stages with Ian Moss, Kasey Chambers and Kip Moore.

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The enigmatic lead singer, Katey Gabel and suavely dressed guitarist, Shayne Savic, interact easily with each other, the rest of the band and audience, regaling them with stories from the road and peeks of inspiration. This included writing songs inspired by people watching in Nashville and getting sick of each other driving the Nullabor. Katey has the moxie and strong vocals to match the energy of the band, whilst also knowing when to step off for a moment to let the sheer musicality and talent of the band shine through.

A beautiful range of their original songs, punctuated by covers of INXS ‘Need You Tonight’, ‘Black Velvet’ best known as sung by Alannah Myles and the Kris Kristofferson penned, ‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ made famous by Janis Joplin (BIG shoes to fill in this writer’s opinion). Shayne took lead vocals for a cover of Charlie Daniel’s 1974 ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’, carried off with the bands signature sound that had the crowd on their feet, enjoying the freedom of ‘nothing left to lose’.

I heard around the traps a bit later whispers of “it was too loud” and “the music drowned the vocals” but from where I was it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Despite the average age of the crowd – including this writer – and not to offend anyone but ‘if it’s too loud, you’re too old’!

Finally at the York Town Hall was Lucky Oceans’ New Darling Rangers.

This band piqued my interest on their set up. I mean, when was the last time you saw a five piece that included a pedal steel guitarist, double bass player, a quiff sporting dual saxophone / pianist, drummer and a guitarist, who had decided for the performance to wear a miniature, pale straw like hat, which could’ve been the ‘pork pie’ version of a Stetson?

As it turns out, in early October Lucky Oceans was inducted into the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in Texas. An accomplished pedal steel guitarist and lead vocalist was a big drawcard for the festival as the crowd seeped in from all directions. No standing on the double bass whilst playing it was a disappointment, but can understand the insurance for that sort of malarkey must be horrendous.

The stage presence held by this group of the genre known as ‘Western Swing’ invites you into their intimate surrounding. Turns out this genre is extremely popular and Lucky seems to specialise in it by having the audience in the palm of his hand as he performed slow bluesy songs, along with remarkably complex rhythms to really illustrate what the band could do. Finished off with ‘I Miss You the Most When You’re Not Here’ the crowd gave a standing ovation. Justifiably, I did not hear even a whisper of discontent during the weekend about this performance.

On to the Castle Hotel and the performers were in full swing by the time I reached the band area. I caught the last of Kerry B Ryan and by what I could see from the final tunes I heard, this was a positive experience for those who had been there much earlier than me. I will be on the lookout to get more of the feel when I catch him next time.

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Lindsay Wells was resplendent in all white, topped with a suitable black hat. Seated on the carpet in front of the stage, I had a bird’s view and only the occasional struggle to make sure my ill-thought-out fashion choice of a short dress was not offending anyone behind me or in my immediate vicinity.

Watching Lindsay and his band was the absolute proof I needed to know that you can indeed keep doing what you love and doing it well when you reach a certain age. Much like our beloved Guitar Gods holding an audience in Valhalla, this included playing the guitar behind your head (impressive) or with your teeth (dentists audibly shuddered somewhere).

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Original songs and covers of Jimi Hendrix and Cream littered the set and there were definitely times where the facial expression of Lindsay reminded me of an old Billy Connolly skit, where he references the facial expression and twitch of the eye possibly attributed to tweaking a rogue pubic hair.

Seriously though, this three piece were strong both musically and vocally and the punters were up and jigging about as much as their hips and knees would let them. They even inspired a younger fan to hop up at the end of the set, grab the microphone, and espouse her enjoyment and admiration of both Lindsey Wells and the music just performed. Unfortunately, the fan’s microphone was cut off just before she finished her monologue, but the message was clear – live music is here to stay.

Empire Blues finished off the night with incredible gusto and some striking, steel guitar playing. Knocking about since 2005, this trio of veterans of the Perth Blues scene, rocked the final act of the night. I can see why they been labelled as an ‘Australian Blues Power trio’.

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By this stage of the evening, the crowd were filtering out slowly, however this had no impact on the band’s performance. From the get-go, it was a matter of ‘hold on or you’ll be run over’ and despite having been awake since some ungodly hour (5:30am), this writer unwittingly found a fourth wind for the day and imbibed the well practiced and driving rhythm on offer.

When they wound up, I can safely say there were a few folks who would’ve been extremely happy to have continued with this group. Unfortunately, bed was calling and the promise of a new day with more to offer, was looming so off into the night we went.

Day Two – Saturday 17 October 2026

I would like to say that the day started in a sedate and relaxing manner, but it was very obvious from the time the eyes pried open, God’s flashlight (AKA the Sun) was hellbent on making its presence felt (…knew I should’ve drunk more water!)

Trotting into town, I landed at the Bardo Café which coincidently was holding space for the exhibition ‘In the Photo Pit’. A collection of photographs by the inordinately talented folk behind the camera who are responsible for some of the most memorable moments in WA rock history.

Photographers Pete Gardner, Ross Hunter, Mark Francesca and Linda Dunjey had some of their most impressive visual images on display and were never far away to answer or explain any of the questions which invariably arise about this sacred art.

The visual feast included ZZ Top, the Hilltop Hoods, Heilung, Cher, BuckCherry, to name a few of the subjects. These talented photographers have the eye for what constitutes a good, but what will make a great picture. I am sure I am not the only one whose been quite proud of the phone camera efforts but can safely say that I will never be in this league.

There are so many aspects to consider when taking these pictures which includes the lighting, the angle, the accessibility as to not block an audience member and of course, the inevitable ego of the artist, they are doing their best to portray their subjects in the best possible way. Stories of non-disclosure agreements, substance affected artists and early morning visits by lawyers abounded, which made for a great way to spend the morning, including the best Reuben toastie I’ve had and the much-needed chai, made from a hand me down recipe. Shameless plug but deserved. Also big thanks to the owner of the café – an Angeline Jolie lookalike and the gorgeous curley hair girl, who was just so friendly and beautiful in her manner and style.

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Determined to absorb at least a smidge of history, I headed over to the York Cemetery for the historical tour. Now I know that this type of thing is not everyone’s cup of tea (too close to home?) but as they say, ‘Death is a great equaliser.’

I enjoyed hearing the stories of how York came to be with the background and photographs of the well-informed tour guide, Mike Bryant. Mr Bryant was well versed in being able to adeptly fit approximately 15 lives into succinct and interesting stories. Tales of well-to-do pioneers, rogues and scallywags were all given the time and the backstory, in an hour. Not bad as there was a group of about 40 odd like-minded folk all burning (no pun intended) with questions, expertly answered.

Leaving the place where everyone is dying to get in to (sorry – Dad joke), I made it back in time for my next experience.

A quick pop through The Castle Hotel to see the rocking Triple Engine (featuring Shire President Chris Gibbs) in their red, white and blue matching boiler suits where I had to crash a table (with permission, of course) as seating was at a premium. I enjoyed the talent and skill showcased by this band and headed off just prior to their final set, as I was becoming increasingly aware that the vibe was becoming eerily similar to that of a desperate car parker at IKEA on a Saturday morning.

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With my usual nonchalance, I wandered into the Town Hall and found Mr Nathan Cavaleri and his crew, setting up for a talk he was giving about his personal experience, ‘Beyond Fear and Anxiety’. Determined not to be ‘that fangirl’ I casually walked out, because let’s face it, no-one will appreciate you hanging about while they are trying to get their head together.

Twenty minutes later, I was back, everything was set up and I felt this may be the time to cheekily request a selfie to which Nathan obligingly was happy to take part in, even roping his manager into taking the picture for me.

The talk itself was fascinating as Nathan speaks from the heart with unflinching honesty. If you are anything like me, you’ll remember him as a guitar prodigy alongside Tommy Emmanuel. He is still an absolute prodigy, but the fame did not come without demons. Thankfully, Nathan has done the hard yards and worked through these years, coming out the other side with a story and the ladder to help anyone who has been in a similar hole. We know those are the people we need in such situations.

An hour to get back and change up for the evening and I was back at Town Hall.

First up, Refractory Road.

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Anyone who thought the music was too loud the previous night was not going to be happy about the volume from kick off. Always one to look after my ears (since the great 3-day hearing loss event of Rose Tattoo and Motörhead in 2007), I travel with my earplugs now and I’m grateful every time that I’ve outsmarted myself and stashed a pair in whatever coat, jeans or purse I happen to have on me.

These guys were thumping. High energy washed over the room and set the mood. From Northam, York and Toodyay, these fellas were professional and had a great set, evolving from a folk band to this incredible driving rock band. The harmonica, not seen very often nowadays, was a staple and added just that little something, that I found incredibly intriguing. Refractory Road certainly knew their audience and delivered for the punters present. One band not to miss.

Mr Nathan Cavaleri

What a stage presence! Nathan has a unique way of going from one song to the next, with multiple guitar swaps and with introductions and stories that paint a picture for the audience in intricate detail including one colourful story of him being in the Pier Hotel in Port Hedland at age 14. He explained that he had been booked to play a set there and unbeknownst to him (or his mum) it would seem, his support group turned out to be strippers.

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Nathan explained that he had never finished a soundcheck so quickly to get into the prime position to see his support act ‘warm up’ only to be exceeding disappointed when big sheets of black plastic were put up on the windows obscuring his view by guess who – his mum! Suffice to say he was a tad dirty with his mum about this and wrote a song about it.

Nathan displayed the exemplary talent that despite he was born with, has honed over the years and with various experiences, matured, and can be heard in the music as well.

Anyone attending this performance in York will no doubt talk about it with the reverence it deserves in the years to come. Truly a consummate and humble performer, enjoying every experience on its merits. Thank you, Mr Cavaleri, Thank you.

So – you could say that if you have seen one hole in WA, there is a chance you have seen them all… Not in this case.

Mr Dave Hole and band were electric from the time of hitting the stage. The hall was standing room only with still more trying to get in and appreciate this great man and his music.

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His incredible playing style of overhand on the slide guitar sets him apart from his peers due to a simple accident, which left him not being able to play in the conventional underhand way.

Despite his years of touring and the very similar styles of both he and Nathan Cavaleri, this was indeed the first time they had crossed paths – somewhat of a historic event I would say.

He paid tribute to the likes of Muddy Waters, BB King and others, while adding his own signature sound. This was the quintessential blues and the deserving headliner the York Town Hall had been waiting for.

This talented, very technical musician, energetically jumped around on stage and performed moves, I know I’d be paying for dearly for several days after. Double leg jumps, back bends and other physical feats which defied his age but clearly not his talent were on display and punters revelled in them.

Dave Hole is one of Australia’s (despite being born in England – He’s ours!) premier, internationally acclaimed blues and slide guitarist for an exceptionally good reason. He puts on a flawless show, supported by an incredible band. Knowing that he is not far off my mother’s age, I do hope we have him for many years to come.

Keep going with that clean living and yoga, Dave, we would love to see you again soon.

There was more music and merriment at the Castle hotel after Mr Hole wrapped up but unfortunately, they were at capacity, so an early-ish night was unexpected.

Back to the Bardo Café in the morning for another amazing toastie – 3 cheese and honey – simply delightful and the exquisite chai, some good craic with the other patrons and the ease of a beautiful Sunday.

As I drove home, away from the very pretty, accommodating and welcoming town of York, my heart and soul were full to bursting and so very grateful to have seen, met and experienced all this festival had to offer, that I could squeeze in.

Keep going York! Keep Twang! coming back!

 

 

Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries