Bendigo singing siblings Alanna and Alicia Egan’s folk music has been opening a lot of doors of late, most belonging to relative strangers.
Bankrolled by an Arts Victoria Touring Grant, The Egans have just wrapped up a national tour, taking in festivals all across the country, and never ones to avoid something new, that tour involved the girls playing a series of “house concerts” for the first time.
“You’re basically playing in somebody’s house,” Alanna says. “It’s our new thing. “The owners usually have a base of folk loving friends… it’s bringing the folk right back where it started from, in people’s houses. “Then after you just stay in the house… we played in some beautiful houses out in the country.”
They’ll also be playing a grand old building next month, Goldmines, all in the name of a heady concoction of beer, blues and plenty of grub. In short, the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival is teaming up with the boys from Bendigo Beer and Festival of Lamb to present: Ewes, Brews, Stews & Blues, a delicious mix of music, craft beers and lamb stews and recipes, from midday on July 22.
Bendigo Beer’s Justin McPhail said the event would be the perfect blend for foodies and musos. “Festival of Lamb is a great event showcasing some of our local producers’ finest produce,” he said. “As a result, Bendigo Beer was approached to continue that approach in regards to local craft beers.
“We love supporting the most local, and therefore freshest, hand crafted beers.
“Goldmines Hotel are one of our biggest supporters with only local beer on tap, so it’s a good fit, and especially great to have the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival linked in too, as we all know that lamb stews, craft brews and earthy blues go so well together!”
The Ewes, Brews, Stews & Blues is on Saturday July 22 at Goldmines Hotel from midday. The Egans sisters play The Palais on June 8.
