MIKE COMPTON
View Mike Compton Website
Mike Compton is one of the leading mandolin players in the United States. Although also a talented multi instrumentalist, it is his magic mandolin playing that has him nominated for the highest awards in the business at the IBMA Mandolinist Of The Year in 2001 and 2002; at the 2002 Grammy’s TV broadcast he was the mandolinist on with the Soggy Bottom Boys; his playing is featured in much of the “0 Brother” soundtrack and Down From The Mountain CD and tour; and who the New York Times called a “new bluegrass instrumental hero” He is the leading interpreter of the great Bill Monroe’s mandolin style, a composer of traditional mandolin tunes and a leading teacher of Monroe-style mandolin at camps around the world.

DANCEHALL RACKETEERS
The Dancehall Racketeers are a Melbourne institution, although dormant for many years they are resurrected in fine form and lead by three of the original members, Andy Baylor, Rick Dempster and Graeme Thomas. The other permanent members are Liam O‘Connell banjo/guitar, Sandra Talti on drums; for this special performance the band will be joined by Peter and Donal Baylor. A special line up indeed. The band’s repertoire has broadened if anything from their original Texas Swing days, and now includes classic tunes from Hawaii, Louisiana swamp and cajun, Appalachian two steps and New Orleans jazz, eclectic and always brilliant – a must for all lovers of true roots music.