There’s a lot of things we’ve all missed in the past two years: friends, family, special get togethers, big milestones.

These are significant gaps in our lives, so what I’m about to say next might seem trivial by comparison: I’ve really missed seeing live music. In the past 20 months, the gaps between seeing a live performance are the biggest since I was about 18 … and that’s quite a few decades ago.

Fortunately, we’ve got a great venue just a short drive away, that has been dodging and weaving through the lockdowns and when it could, kept bringing amazing local musicians to entertain us.

Hurray for Archies Creek Hotel and Caravan Music. What a feast of musical riches they’ve served up.

With international borders pretty much closed, and limited movement between the states, the focus has been on Victorian musicians. Familiarity breeds contempt, the old saying goes. I’m as guilty as anyone of being dazzled by the lure of the “international star”, and assuming I’ve heard all there is to hear from a local musician. But a little absence has certainly made this heart grow fonder. What a reminder Covid has been of the calibre of performers that live amongst us.

You should check out the Facebook page to see the list of musicians who’ve loaded up the van and travelled down the Bass Highway to play at Archies Creek, but here’s a snapshot of three shows I’ve enjoyed in the past few weeks.

It was a rainy and cold Sunday afternoon in November when Dan Kelly played at the Archies Creek Hall. If he wasn’t such a great musician, he’d have a career as a stand-up comedian. Despite the rain drumming on the hall’s tin roof, off we went on tropical adventures in the hills near Bellingen, riding the Hydra ferry, or seeing out the apocalypse in an underwater oasis with Terri and Bindi Irwin. Not as well known as his famous uncle Paul (although the pair often play together), and nowhere near as prolific, for my money, he’s still a vital part of the Kelly gang.

Earlier this month, we went romping through the 60s with Thee Marshmallow Overcoat. You might not have heard of them, but you’re sure to have heard the members in their other incarnations. Ash Naylor has his own band Even and is frequently found playing with Paul Kelly. Davey Lane is the lead guitarist in You Am I and The Pictures. The trio is rounded out by drummer Brett Wolfenden (The Pictures, The Casanovas). All three are superbly talented musicians and great singers and goddamn human jukeboxes who love everything about the psychedelic decade. They played tracks from The Who, The Kinks, Badfinger, The Small Faces to name but a few … if it was released in the 60s, chances are these guys can play it. According to Ash, their one band rule is “no rehearsals, no arguments”. I think I might just take that as my motto for life. The only way to enjoy their delicious, gooey fabulousness is to get out and see them play. So just do it. 

Then last weekend, we rugged up for Forever Young, a tribute originally scheduled to celebrate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday in May. It finally arrived at Archies Creek on a brisk December Saturday night, with guitarist Shane O’Mara the musical director and ringmaster of sorts on a night of rambling tributes to Dylan. Backed by Shane and The Luminaries, eight different singers shared their favourite Bob tracks. It wasn’t a greatest hits parade, more a deep dive into a much-loved catalogue. Hard to pick a favourite performer, although Suzannah Espie’s sparkling disco dress may well have stolen the show.

Yes, Forever Young reminded me of what an incredible songwriter Bob Dylan is, but mostly, driving home, all I could think about was how great the performers were, and how effortless they made that greatness seem. And even though I was tired and during the week I’d been feeling fed up … with Covid, with complaints, with protests … I realised that now I just felt good. The night air might have been chilly, but the music warmed my heart.

There’s plenty more shows coming up at Archies Creek – you should get on down there and get your heart warmed and your spirit refreshed.