Greg Hastings

About

Greg is adept as both an Adult and Children's Entertainer. His musical career spans across three and a half decades, from the early 70's as a founding member and dance caller of the iconic 'Mucky Duck Bush Band' in Western Australia, to International Touring Artist. Leaving the band in '79, he has lived the life of a Troubadour, sharing his unique Australiana shows around Australia and overseas. Known by many in remote regions of Australia as the 'Wandering Man', Greg has traversed over 400,000 kilometres of the vast continent of Australia, amassing a unique knowledge of Australia and Australians, including some of the most respected elders of the Aboriginal people.

During 1988 - 1993 he toured schools of the remote Aboriginal communities of North Western Australia, where he wrote his children's songs and was taught to play didgeridoo by a Kimberley elder. These songs evloved into an internationally acclaimed children's show, the 'Wandering In The Bush Show' which Greg and his partner Linda now tour worldwide.

Greg's contemporary Australian concerts incorporate didgeridoo, songs of humour, environmental awareness and the essence of the land of Australia, from the rain forests of North Queensland to the Snowy Mountains and the Nullarbor Plain to the Kimberley. He has driven across the Nullarbor Plain 37 times and captured this intrepid journey across Australia in a humorous song ‘Nullarboring Plain’ recorded in 1990 on his live album ‘Walkabout’

The combination of a rich voice, a wealth of songs and stories, a warm friendly approach and a fine didgeridoo style make up the talents of one of Australia's favourite performers. For three and a half decades, Greg's sole income has come from his entertaining skills, a fact that he is justly proud of. Greg is based in Perth, Western Australia and spends a great deal of time on the road, travelling the country performing at Festivals, Clubs, Tourist Resorts, Schools and even the odd backyard barbie. He has 11 original albums to his credit. Greg’s Welsh origins are betrayed by a lilting accent and this, accompanied by his wry sense of humour, guitar and didgeridoo, draws his audience into the show.

TESTIMONIALS:
I have known Greg Hastings for the last 30 years and watched him blossom from the front man for The Mucky Duck Bush Band to a fine solo interpreter of aboriginal culture and music. His Concert Performance and children’s show are spellbinding, combining some of the best didg playing you will ever hear. His love and passion for the material is so wonderfully apparent during his show.’
Ray Downes: West Australian Concert Promoter and Touring Agent for UK acts.
Australian manager for Jez Lowe, Keith Donnelly and Colum Sands

Whenever I have been at one of Greg's performances I am impressed with the friendly way he relates to his audience - adults and children alike. He has been a stalwart of the West Australian Folk Scene for many years. Greg has a deep appreciation of indigenous culture and the Australian landscape which finds its way into his catchy and often poignant original songs. He is also a fine exponent of the didgeridoo.
Carmel Charlton
Chairperson West Australian Folk Federation Inc.

The 'Nomad Performer’ - He travels the world enchanting everyone with his voice and music, especially the didgeridoo.”
Expresso Magazine 27th August 2006 (Mauritius)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
1972 - 1973 Folk Clubs and Beginnings of the ‘Mucky Duck Bush Band’, Perth. Western Australia.
1976 - 1997 Turned professional, Tours and Festivals, around Australia, New Zealand, United States, Canada, U.K. & Europe
and School Tours of the remote Aboriginal communities of North Western Australia.

1998 - 2004 AustralianTours and Music Festivals
Tamworth Country Music Festival N.S.W.
National Folk Festival, Canberra, A.C.T.
Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, Queensland.
Tamar Valley Folk Festival, Tasmania.
Cobargo Folk Festival, N.S.W.
National Folk Festival, Canberra, A.C.T.
Fairbridge Festival, W.A.
Top Half Festival, Mt Isa, Queensland.
Victor Harbor Festival, Victor Harbor, S.A.
Maldon Folk Fesival, Maldon.
Heritage Festival Sydney.
National Folk Festival Canberra
Araluen Festival W. A
Aquafest Exmouth W. A
Fun4Kids Children's Festival, Warrnambool, Victoria.
Nannup Folk Festival.
Shinju Matsuri Festival, Broome, W. A.

2005 - 2008 Tours to UK and Europe, for schools and Festivals, including Broadstairs Folk Week and WOMAD Rivermead.
England, Wales and Denmark School Tours.
Mauritius & Seychelles School Tours for the Australian High Commission of Mauritius.

2009 - 2012 Australian Tours
Queensland (Road Tour Perth / Cairns, 13,000km)
Mid-West, Pilbara and South West regions of Western Australia.
Perth, W.A. Concert and CD Launch, celebrating the milestone of 35 years living solely off music..

2012 Ontario, Canada - Show-casing the 'Wandering In The Bush Show' for schools and events.

Personnel

Greg Hastings: Adult & Children's Entertainer
Linda Gillan: P.A. & Children's Entertainer

Influences

John Lennon, James Taylor

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 30 - 240 minutes

AUSTRALIANA CONCERTS & INTERACTIVE AUSSIE CHILDREN'S SHOWS

'WANDERING MAN' CONCERT - Guitar & Didgeridoo
Top class entertainment with a distinct Aussie flavour. Greg Hastings takes you on a journey around Australia with his wry wit, interesting anecdotes, songs of humour, environmental awareness and the essence of Australia. He plays some of the most spell-binding didgeridoo you will hear, has penned over 200 songs and recorded 11 original albums of Folk/Roots / Country / Humorous and Children's songs. Greg's forte is always leaving his audience feeling like they have been richly entertained. For FAMILY events, Greg is joined by Linda and incorporates interactive pieces from their children's show.

AUSSIE CHILDREN'S SHOW (45 mins)
'WANDERING IN THE BUSH SHOW' - Interactive & Educational Children's Show
Greg Hastings & Linda Gillan

Children learn about the ancient land of Australia, its unique animals and Aboriginal culture through the joy of singing and participation.
Seated in a semi-circle, they are taken on a journey of imagination back in time, joining in with hand actions to didgeridoo pieces and songs of the Australian Bush and its animals.
Originally written during school tours of 38 remote Aboriginal communities of North Western Australia in 1988 - 1993, where Greg was taught to play didgeridoo by a Kimberley elder. The show is now enjoyed by children of all ages nationalities.

Stage/Setup Requirements:
minimum stage area - 2m x 3m
Travels with own small P.A. / or would require DI for Guitar, Vocal mic, Didgeridoo mic

Additional Notes:
Festivals / Events / Corporate / Schools / Summer Camps / Fundraisers

CONCERTS - P.A. requirements: 1 vocal mics. DI for guitar and floor mic for didgeridoo.
CHILDREN'S SHOW Stage performance - P.A. requirements: 2 vocal mics. DI for guitar and floor mic for didgeridoo.

Performances for small groups can be performed acoustically - please discuss individual requirements with us.

Set/Song/Sequence List:
Greg has penned over 200 original songs of Folk / Roots / Country / Humorous and Children's songs.
Original Didgeridoo pieces.
Numerous Familiar favourites and classics.
Traditional Australiana Songs

Please contact re particular artists / songs to check if included in Greg's repertoire.

Available for Your

Concert Venue, Corporate Event, Cruise, Fair, Festival, Grand Opening, Holiday Party, Luncheon/Tea, Private Party, Seminar, Sporting Event, Studio Session, Trade Show, Workshop