For over 40 years Shane Howard has established himself as one of Australia's most influential writers and singers and created a uniquely Australian voice.

His songs challenge existing social paradigms and dig down into what it means to be a modern Australian. They also reach across the globe and champion the cause of the common people, our human condition, the environment and the injustices of colonisation.

He has had a chance to catch his breath, after a whirlwind lap of the country in 2022 with his legendary band Goanna, paying homage to their classic 'Spirit of Place' album and reigniting the Goanna spirit that championed Aboriginal rights and environmental justice in the 1980’s. 

A senior statesman, musician, and poet, Howard will share songs and stories from his decades long journey, with his band of long time musical collaborators, Richard Tankard (Keys), Ruben Shannon (Bass) and Marcus Ryan (Drums).

From the red heart, where he penned his enduring song ‘Solid Rock, Sacred Ground’, to the wilds of Tasmania that gave birth to ‘Let the Franklin Flow’, Howard leads us through the 40 years of songs that have continued to flow since then, for one night at the Queenscliff Town Hall. 

PLUS SPECIAL GUEST ROSE BYGRAVE

Born into a farming family, on the plains of Willaura, near Lake Bolac, in Victoria’s Western District, Rose Bygrave was one of the two exceptional women in Goanna, whose solo and harmony vocals created much of the distinctive sound of Goanna. Her songwriting debut on their seminal, multi-award winning album, ‘Spirit of Place’, was the haunting ballad, “On the Platform”; the ‘B’ side to the single “Solid Rock”.

As well as being one of Australia’s great female voices, she’s also a gifted songwriter and keyboardist and visual artist and these days, Rose is a Queenscliff local, where she lives with her husband, writer and poet, Barry Hill.

PRESENTED BY QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL INC.