The first of four shows in the annual program will be held on Sunday, February 21. 

It features four dynamic, young women who sing like angels from heaven.

Co-Cheol (pronounced Co-Sharl and meaning ‘harmony’ in Scots Gaelic) not only sing in four part harmony but also between them play harp, flute, piano accordion and ukulele.

Their repertoire encompasses the land of the Celts as well as some a splash of other material, sometimes humorous, often cheeky, occasionally irreverent but always beautiful.

Although the group has only been formed for a couple of years they have already enjoyed great success taking out the best up and coming celtic act award at the 2015 national folk festival as well as clinching runner up in the Aust-ACA National Acapella championships.

“It’s a sound that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end,” Mary Souness, manager of Just Shows To Go, said.

Just Shows To Go is the touring company responsible for touring the Cafe Culture Series into regional Victoria.

The second show in the series, which tours in April and May, is a program of classical and contemporary music performed by the Melbourne Guitar Quartet.

“Very rarely does this ensemble perform outside of Melbourne and even more rarely do they perform in regional Victoria,” Ms Souness said. 

Whether it is an arrangement of modern Australian work or a re-modelling of a traditional chamber work, they surpass the limitations of standard guitar ensemble.

Their combination of innovative arrangements and superp ensemble playing is a joy to listen to. 

The third show, which tours in August and September, sees six young jazz musicians (The Lagerphones) mix a traditional jazz sound with old timey tunes, deconstructed pop songs and some originals mixed with traditional takes on contemporary tunes. The lagerphones bring it, wing it and swing it!

The series crescendos in November and December with Backwards and in High Heels, a cabaret show written, choreographed and performed by Kelly Auty.

This show pays homage to women who changed the world by way of their vast creative talents as songwriters, musicians, actors, artists, political, environmental and social activists, philanthropists and trend-setters. Kelly Auty will be accompanied by her tasteful band who also provide wonderful backing vocals.

The Cafe Culture Series has been running for 17 years and is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

During 2016, the Cafe Culture Series will be delivered to fifteen towns in regional Victoria.

Each program has an emphasis on praising originality, honouring traditions and valuing inventiveness. It strives to keep the program fresh, interesting and inspiring whilst keeping it relevant to regional audiences. It’s like taking four short holidays in your own town.

The Cafe Culture Series 2016 is proudly presented in Stawell by Stawell Regional Arts.

All this great entertainment kicks off at Stawell Entertainment Centre (Town Hall) on Sunday, February 21. It commences at 5 pm. Doors open at 4:30 pm. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time.

Tickets for “Co-Cheol” are now available at Stawell Library (03) 5358 1274 with the cost being $20 per ticket. Students aged 16 years and under and accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.

Tickets will also be available for purchase on the day at the door at a cost of $25 per ticket. BYO drink and nibbles plus coffee/tea and homemade cake will be available for purchase. 

For any further information, please contact (03) 5358 2059 or djc2@bigpond.com.