ARARAT Live has a treat in store for blues lovers.
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Geoff Achison, supported by Rhiannon Simpson, will be on stage in the Ararat Hotel’s Red Room on Wednesday, June 8 from 8 pm.
Geoff is a self taught musician, he began playing in his father's dance band at the age of 13. He developed a passion for American blues and learned the rudiments of the art form. In his early 20s he moved to Melbourne and joined with legendary local bluesman 'Dutch' Tilders.
Geoff Achison has grown from strength to strength with his music collecting a room full of awards along the way. He re-located to the USA for a time and he spent many months on the road performing countless live shows and recording his One Ticket, One Ride album there.
In 2008, a Guitar Player magazine reader's poll listed Geoff as one of the top 10 'hot new guitarists' on the US scene.
After returning to Australia in 2009, the relentless touring continued with regular visits to the USA, UK and Europe. The tireless travel kept fans enthused and gleaned several 'live' CD releases from different corners of the world.
His annual Boxing Day Blues concert with Australian bluesman Chris Wilson has also resulted in a shared album release titled Box of Blues. His other CD releases include an acoustic Live at Burrinja Cafe and the electric Live at Guitars Across the Bay. Meanwhile, his Little Big Men album has been re-issued in the US and Europe to renewed critical acclaim. In 2012, Geoff was named as one of the top 50 Australian guitarists in Australia Guitar magazine.
Geoff is also well known as the front man with the band the Souldiggers. He is a jaw-dropping, crowd pleasing guitar virtuoso with a rich vocal style his infectious and inventive style has earned him fans around the world and some very keen fans here in Ararat.
Support artist Rhiannon Simpson, from Ballarat, has got her career off to a good start after she won the Laxenby Young Blues Guitarist award at the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival in 2015.
After leaving school in 2012, she has dedicated herself to creating a her own niche on the blues music scene. She has been gaining experience playing in local bands and now hopes to venture further, travelling and playing blues where ever she can.
Rhiannon is the daughter of former Ararat resident, Glen Simpson, who is well known in the music circles in Ballarat.
Ararat Live is a not-for-profit collective whose main objective is to support original music.
An entry fee of $20 per head goes to the performers and to support future events. All Ararat Live shows are open to the general public but potential guests are encouraged to get on the mailing list.
For more information, message David Nicholson 0409 848 960 or email araratlive@davidsmedia.com with your details or check out the website. There is also a Facebook group: Ararat Live.