“Locals support locals” is a saying for a reason. So, when an iconic local artist like Steve McCauley brings talented musicians into Gunnedah, the venue threatens to sells out.
It did not take long for the Gunnedah Conservatorium to realise seats at the Civic Theatre were being bought out well before the Saturday concert.
It was shifted to the town hall to meet the demand of more than 200 people wanting to see Steve on the guitar and in his words, some of the country’s most amazing female artists.
His retrospective show Angels Flying Too Close to the Ground, presented female singers and songwriters from Gunnedah and beyond.
He ventured into the thought process behind the name, “for all those people who did not ask”.
“They have got the voices of angels and they have got the hearts of angels but they are still doing stuff that angels should not do,” he told the crowd.
It is also a nod to Willie Nelson’s song, Angels Flying Too Close to the Ground.
“Gunnedah has always been amazingly supportive to me,” he said
He is known for being involved with bands and pub gigs along with backing (now national) artists such as Katrina Burgoyne and Anthony Snape.
“I thought sometimes there is another side to what I do, which is back some of the most amazing female singers in the country,” he said.
“We put this show together so I can bring their music to Gunnedah.
“They are all incredibly different but they share an unbelievable independent spirit and unbelievable sense of loyalty and friendship.”
First up was young singer and songwriter Gia Henry, who also happens to be Steve’s granddaughter.
Gunnedah’s Alison Stuart joined the mix before Tamworth-based Kirsty Larkin took to the stage.
She was followed by Alison Forbes, Jess Holland and Johanna Vitalone all displaying the diverse styles Steve mentioned.
Included in the band were Ben McCauley, Paul Owen, Joshua James and Billy Richardson.
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