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Dubbo's own music festival

October 21, 2023

MUSIC | ART | MUSIC | MARKETS | KIDS ACTIVITIES | CRAFT BEER

Every great music city needs a great music festival: Under Western Skies is Dubbo's own music spectacle celebrating the art of the Central West. After sold-out events in 2019 and 2021, and our biggest ever event in 2022, we're back on Saturday Oct 21.

Don’t miss this!


The idyllic surroundings of Dundullimal Homestead - National Trust NSW will once again set the scene for an afternoon and evening of music, craft beer, kids activities, food, art, stalls and skies!

This musical lineup on the main stage will offer something for everyone from acoustic to rock, pop and more from the best local and truly extraordinary touring acts. Headliners, Little Quirks, have recently signed with NY indie label Glassnote Records - home to Mumford & Sons and Aurora - and are currently wrapping up a tour of the UK and Canada.

They are joined by two massive 6-piece acts, The Safety of Life at Sea - inspired by blues, soul and taking a leaf out of the books of Stax and Motown - and Big Sky Mountain, who have featured at the National Folk Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival. Local and regional acts Riley & Ah See, Fireball Sally, Civil Hands, Sunset Pass, Killing Time, and The Crew round out the stacked bill, and youth Aboriginal ensemble, Yindyamarra Dancers, will showcase a featured performance.

No festival is complete without an assortment of local fare and Under Western Skies is no exception. Craft beer, gourmet food and market stalls round out the festival grounds.

A dedicated kids area will keep the young folks entertained, with an assortment of activities on offer.

 
 
 

Tickets on sale Now!

 

Every great music city needs a great music festival.

 

 

Dubbo, this is ours.

 
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The Artists

 

Our 2023 lineup is jammed packed with amazing music.


 
 

 

Little Quirks

“World-class indie-folk beauty” - Dan Condon, Double J

Little Quirks is the family that accidentally became a band. Sisters Mia and Abbey grew up not far from their cousin Jaymi on the Central Coast of New South Wales in Australia. At family get gatherings they were all about making music for fun, playing whatever instruments were lying around following the demise of their parents' touring rock band in the late 90's. The Beatles and Queen would feature heavily. The three teenagers gradually formed a tight musical bond and began performing as Little Quirks.

The youngest in the group Mia (drums) is just 19 years of age and often gets stopped by security entering venues to perform, but what they've lacked in fake IDs, Little Quirks make up for in hooks, harmonies and explosive live energy. The band's boisterous approach to the folk/pop genre unashamedly pushes catchy melodies and big rhythms to the fore. While their layered vocals will draw comparison to the sibling charms of First Aid Kit and The Staves, the trio's direct and often epic songs land them in a space of their very own. Recently that sound captured the attention of esteemed NY indie label Glassnote Records who promptly signed them to a roster that includes some of Little Quirks' own major influences in Mumford & Sons and Aurora.

With a DIY mindset that would rival any act - the band make all their own recordings, videos, stage costumes, artwork and merch - Little Quirks are a breath of fresh, unbridled and joyful air that is determined to keep the music fun. Just try and stop them.

Website | Facebook


The Safety of Life At Sea

Blues & Soul

The Safety of Life At Sea is a 6-piece with a distinctly vintage vibe - inspired by blues and soul as well as the classic songwriters of the 60's and 70's. The grooves take a leaf out of the books of Stax and Motown, and the piano went for a weekend in New Orleans and never really came back. Their horn section is set to up the ante at Under Western Skies 2023 and create the perfect party atmosphere.

Their album ‘Let the River Go’ has received airplay across Australia and internationally. Copies will be available on vinyl & CD, as well as all streaming services.

Website | Facebook


Big Sky Mountain

Americana Country

Six women, a kaleidoscope of harmonies, driving rhythms and fierce musicality. It’s chaotic. It’s earthy. It’s Big Sky Mountain.

With a sound reminiscent of The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and a pinch of Kacey Musgraves, these ladies can sing, and they’ll hold you ransom with their jaw dropping harmonies.

“All Our Minutes” is the first album, released in 2019 and produced by ARIA winner Paul McKercher, the album is “crisp but warm…the instruments and vocals, including their glorious harmonies, are given respect and space” (Sunburnt Country Magazine)

In 2020 Big Sky Mountain made their debut at the Tamworth Country Music Festival capturing a bounty of new fans and most recently the group was featured at the 2022 National Folk Festival in Canberra.

Big Sky Mountain got busy during COVID with producer Jackson Barclay (The McClymonts, Vera Blue). The results were two new singles “Bed of Roses” (September 2021) and “The Great Escape” (April 2022). Both singles are enjoying airtime on the high rotation with ABC Country Radio.

The recent recipients of a Create NSW grant, Home Fires is their second single to be released this year. Once again teaming up with Jackson Barclay the results are a fresh, sing-along Country anthem.

Website | Facebook


 

Riley & Ah See

Dynamic Indigenous Hip-Hop

Riley & Ah-See is a Dynamic Indigenous Hip-Hop duo made of Anthony Riley and Brian Ah-See hailing from the lands of Wiradjuri Country in a rural town called Dubbo. Both artists are products of a long line of two well known musical talented families.

What started as a generational family connection soon became serious when the boys grew older and started to explore their Culture and embarked on their own individual musical journey which lead to the establishment of the group that was destined to be.

Both also share the occupation of revitalising their mother tongue by learning, sharing and teaching Wiradjuri Language & Culture to all generations and ethnic groups whilst incorporating the elements of music and art.

Facebook


 

Civil Hands

Indie Pop/Rock

Civil Hands’ music is hand-crafted indie-rock with a dash of joyful pop; REM by way of San Cisco, Icecream Hands with a splash of Cloud Control. They have played local and festival stages for over 6 years. Their second album, Skylines Fall - available on vinyl and all major platforms - is a perfect encapsulation of their sonic storytelling style.

Website | Facebook


 

Sunset Pass

Electric Rock

Sunset Pass is a 3 piece band from Central West NSW. Long-time friends who finally decided to jam in 2017 and have been evolving ever since. The group’s taste spans many genres, forming an eclectic brand of rock as they weave their way through floating melodies and punchy drums.

Facebook


 

Killing Time

Alternative Rock

Killing Time is a 3 piece alternative rock band with punk influences. Over the last few years they’ve cranked out their signature brand of 90’s infused tones playing festival, local and metro stages, supporting the likes of Red Bee.

Facebook


 

Fireball Sally

Southern Gothic Americana

Fireball Sally will perform in duo mode at Under Western Skies 2023 - featuring Darcy Coates on double bass and Zoë E. Newman on guitar, harp and voice.

Their style revolves around a fresh Southern Gothic Americana sound with an eclectic mix of Soulful Blues, Dark Country and Rockabilly Grunge.

Whilst their repertoire often examines topics such as whiskey drinkin’, death, the devil and lost love, their overall vibe is both philosophical and uplifting and with the infamous Zoë aka ‘Sally’ at the helm, their unique sound is bound to first intrigue and captivate you and then have your feet tapping to the rhythms of this lively and dynamic rootsy band.


 

Yindyamarra Dancers

A collective mainly comprised of students, the Yindyamarra Dancers are an accomplished ensemble who radiate positive energy. Under the mentorship of Doug Gordon the group have graced many local stages and members have long been involved in the Schools Spectacular performances, including selections among the Elite Group.

 
 
 

music | craft beer | kids activities | food | skies

 
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Now on sale!

Tickets

 

Grab your tickets now for Under Western Skies 2023, Saturday October 21, at Dundullimal Homestead.


 

Adult

$40.00

Junior

$17.50

10 to 17 years old - must be accompanied by a responsible adult

Child

FREE

9 years and under

 


 
Thank you for giving Dubbo such a great experience! We will be back with friends
— 2019 UWS festival-goer
 
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sustainability

We are committed to a sustainable festival

 
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Minimising our waste footprint

  • BYO (empty) water bottles

  • use of starch-based bio-cups at the bar (not plastic)

  • minimal plastic cutlery for sale, encouraging patrons to bring their own

  • recyclable bottles and cans

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Reducing our carbon footprint​

  • use of primarily digital promotions

  • choosing local and regional suppliers for food, drink and on-site services

  • borrowing infrastructure from like-minded local groups rather than buying it (which helps keeps costs down too!)​

 
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Over the next few years we aim to:

  • eliminate all single use plastics

  • move to bar ‘keep-cups’

  • continue to reduce power consumption

  • provide more transport options to reduce vehicle trips

  • use only carbon-neutral electricity sources (via greenpower products)

 
 
 

If you missed out on tickets last time…


 
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Location

Dundullimal Homestead

 

Dundullimal is Australia’s oldest timber slab homestead and Dubbo’s oldest building open to the public. Set on 4 hectares Dundullimal is surrounded by farmland but only 5 minutes from Dubbo city centre (2km past the Western Plains Zoo).

 
 
 

Free shuttle bus

LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME!

A free shuttle bus will be operating all day between Dubbo CBD and Dundullimal from 12:00pm to 8:30pm.

It will make the following stops:

  • Dubbo CBD - Dubbo Square

  • West Dubbo - Club Dubbo

  • Dundullimal Homestead

No bus ticket required - free for all festival attendees.

Proudly brought to you brought to you by Transport for NSW: new services commencing in Dubbo later this year!


 

What to bring to on the day

 
 

Bring:

  • Camping chairs + picnic rugs

  • Reusable water bottles (Empty!)

  • Sunscreen + hats

  • Credit card (or cash) for food and drinks

  • Your tickets!

Don’t bring:

  • Liquor or any UNSEALED drinks

  • Footballs etc

  • Pets

  • Glass + sharp Items

  • Tents + Shade shelters

See the full Conditions of entry >


Spend the weekend in Dubbo

Heading to Dubbo for the Under Western Skies Festival? Start planning your adventure to the Dubbo Region with a little help from the Dubbo Region Visitor Guide.

 
 

Tickets


On sale now - Don’t Miss out!

 
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Brought to you by…

SOMAD Inc.

Under Western Skies music festival is proudly brought to you by the Songwriters & Original Musicians Association Dubbo Inc (SOMAD).

SOMAD is a grassroots not-for-profit incorporated association founded by Dubbo musos with the aim of transforming Dubbo into a Music City.

 
 
 
 

Our fantastic Sponsors

 
NSW Government

This event is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.’

This program has been supported with funding provided by the Dubbo Regional Council Cultural Plan

 

Under Western Skies is supported by National Trust NSW.