With a foot in Australian and Celtic folk music camps, Christine Wheeler’s singing has been described as ‘sweet and powerful’ by Blue Mountains Wonderland magazine and “a voice that matches the warmth and clarity of your end of day malt” by Springboard Media UK. Chris and skilled guitarist/bouzouki player Leigh Birkett got together 4 years ago to produce an album of Henry Lawson poetry set to music. The album, described as ‘a landmark in the interpretation of Australian folk song’ (Graham McDonald, National Film and Sound Archive), received frequent airplay on ABC Classic FM Drive for many months after its release. Chris and Leigh toured the show up and down the eastern seaboard, with several other fine musicians.

These days their canvas still includes some of the iconic Henry Lawson material, as well as songs from more exotic places from Greece to the Americas, via the Celtic regions of the world. Chris’ classic folk-style singing evokes comparisons with Maddy Prior and Joan Baez. She has performed at most major Australian folk festivals including the National, Port Fairy and Blue Mountains, and has shared the stage with and backed some remarkable artists including country rock guitarist Albert Lee, Scottish/Australian songwriter and punk folk genius Alistair Hulett, and Irish traditional music legend Andy Irvine. Leigh’s exceptional musical imagination on guitar and bouzouki overlays jazz chords onto a Celtic sound. They’ll be joined for this performance by talented musician Stewart Peters on double bass and vocal harmonies.

“Christine Wheeler’s beautiful voice swirls and layers with her accomplished musical friends to inflate a venue with exquisite ripples of sound. This music is compassionate, powerful and joyful.” Cornstalk Magazine

“Your performance as a singer and musician is delightful and I was completely taken by how you own this music. Your fellow musicians and singers are also superb in their performances. “ Warren Daly, OAM

Chris & Leigh will be performing in the Hotel Blue lounge (4:30-6:30pm; Free Event) on Sunday, September 25th. The bar & kitchen will be open and we are a family friendly venue. Stick around however as The Willie Wagtails are on their National Tour so head up to the Attic (6:30-8:30pm; $15) to see this Melbourne folk act energise your Sunday evening with their quirky aussie folk songs! Hotel Blue, the home of live music in the Mountains.