The fuse has been set for the dance floor to go up in flames when dynamite legends Checkerboard Lounge bring their groove game to the Agnes Blues Roots & Rock Festival Marquee Stage in February 2025.
Evolving over thirty-five years, Checkerboard Lounge has become a cult-like institution with an impressive cast of musicians over its lifespan. Band members have included Australia’s best blues exponents, such as Rev. Mick O’Connor, Ian Collard, Broderick Smith, Jeff Lang, Richard Tankard, Garrett Costigan and Dave Boyle (USA).
Checkerboard’s point of difference has always been playing with different musicians and throwing them into an improvisational hot-seat. Ever since their famed seven-year residency at the Great Britain Hotel in the early 90s, Checkerboard has played a part in the ascendency of some of Australia’s finest musicians and bands, such as Powderfinger, Dirty Three, Clare Bowditch, Jet, Spoonful/Rocket Science and Kylie Auldist to name a few.
Checkerboard’s current line up is founder and inspirational front man Carl Pannuzzo (drums and vocals), revered as one of Australia’s greatest voices, master guitarist Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal, and ineffable bassist Zoë Frater. Together they are a force of nature, breathing fire, virtuosity and improvisation into blues, classic soul and roots originals.
Their multi-award-winning album SUN Sessions, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee, catapulted the band to nationwide recognition. Recent release ‘Roller Coaster’ shot to the top 5 of several national charts.
The spirit of some of history’s greatest music is palpable from the first note. Checkerboard Lounge reinvent the music with authenticity and currency, appealing to old and new fans. From standing ovations at festivals to crammed inner Melbourne pubs, Checkerboard are a tour-de-force and no two shows are ever the same, bringing the audience along on an improvisational journey through their heart and feet.
An undeniable powerhouse, world class musicianship, dynamic, passionate and playful, Checkerboard Lounge are the very essence of a live music experience, delivering a potent brew of blues, roots and soul with integrity and originality. “The most intensely electrifying experience in Australian blues today…” The Age
Light the fuse and hang on for a dynamite ride as Checkerboard Lounge blow up the #AgnesBluesFest Marquee Stage at 5.00pm Saturday 22 February 2025. This will be a performance journey so electrifying, “You could run a small city off these guys” (Fiona Boyes)
#AgnesBluesFest 2025 Pre-NYE Tickets are currently on sale for $169pp, until 31 December 2024. RRP is $184pp from 1 January 2025, so get your tickets now at this final discounted price via www.agnesbluesandroots.com.au/tickets
Rocking out since 2008, the Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival is a 3 Day Annual Event held in the Great Barrier Reef’s Sensational Deep South. Follow @AgnesBluesFest on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Each and every year the #AgnesBluesFest is not only focused on delivering a fantastic live show for ticket holders, it also ensures a positive impact on the local community and environment. In 2025, profits will go directly to local community groups, including the Agnes Water SES, Discovery Coast Environment Group, local Lions Club and the annual community event established in 1992, the 1770 Festival, held every May.
