LOCAL acoustic folk band, The Stoney Six, is gearing up for a night of unforgettable music as they team up with two Melbourne-based groups, The Cherry Reds and All the Way Home, for a special performance on November 23. The collaboration is expected to bring a group of 13 musicians who share a passion for community music to the small South Gippsland town, and the anticipation is already building, with tickets for the event at local venue Meeniyan Hall selling quickly.
The Stoney Six, known for their soulful contemporary folk sound, have become a beloved staple of the local music scene. From their intimate performances at Truly Pizza to their regular appearances at Meeniyan Hall, the band has cultivated a loyal following. However, their journey to this upcoming show began far from Dumbalk. The band originally formed after a shared experience at a Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings festival, where the members were inspired to collaborate and create their own blend of acoustic harmonies.
“All three bands contain community music facilitators, as in community choir leaders, community ukulele group leaders; those that lead people to make music together,” said Jane Coker clarinet and mandolin player of The Stony Six.
The upcoming concert will feature not only The Stoney Six but also the Cherry Reds, a Melbourne-based group known for their raw country-blues style, and All the Way Home, who bring a pop, folk twist to their sound. Together, the three bands offer a rich tapestry of acoustic melodies and heartfelt lyrics that fans of folk, country, and blues are sure to enjoy.
"Each of us has our own unique sound," Jane explains, "but the beauty of it is that it all blends together so naturally. We’re excited to share the stage with Cherry Reds and All the Way Home—it's a collaboration we’re all really proud of."
Local residents will recognise the Stoney Six's signature blend of soft folk harmonies and intricate acoustic guitar work, but the audience can expect the soulful growl of country blues from The Cherry Reds, while All the Way Home promises to bring a lighter, more upbeat energy to the evening.
The event, set for Saturday, November 23, at Meeniyan Hall, will be an exciting fusion of the three bands' styles, with each group performing their own set before coming together for a collaborative piece. Given the popularity of all three bands, tickets are expected to sell out soon, so music lovers are encouraged to grab their tickets while they can.
In addition to the live show, The Stoney Six is currently working on their debut album, slated for release just in time for Christmas. The album, which has been in the works for the past year, is expected to showcase the band's signature sound—thoughtful folk lyrics paired with rich, dynamic instrumentation.
"We’re really excited to share this album with everyone," says Thompson. "It’s a reflection of who we are as a band and the journey we’ve been on together. We have a great connection through the community music scene and will share great stories through our music – that’s a kind of universal human experience because none of us from The Stoney Six grew up here in South Gippsland but we’ve all come to live here over the past 15 years and together we have a song about place.”
Don't miss the chance to catch Three Band Bill for a night of live music that promises to bring the best of folk, blues, and everything in between to Meeniyan Hall. With the talent on stage and the growing buzz around the band’s debut album, it’s clear that this will be an event to remember.
