Also appearing for the first time is legendary USA cult favourite, Son Volt. Led by the songwriting and vocal stylings of Jay Farrar, Son Volt was one of the most instrumental and influential bands in launching the alt-country movement of the 1990s. A movement that was the precursor to what is now widely referred to as Americana.
As a songwriter, Farrars depth and poetic penchant has been the foundation of a thoughtful, deep and intelligent body of work. Both attributes are on full display on their latest studio album, Notes Of Blue, where he touches on themes of redemption and the common struggle, both of which are at the core of the blues
Lubin Rains also joins the bill as he opens for cult-favourites Son Volt with a solo performance of weary tales woven with country-folk tones reminiscent of Neil Young. Best known as the singer of esteemed Auckland alt-folk act The Vietnam War, Lubins fragile and timeless songwriting style has seen him captivate audiences in his rare solo performances infused with a wayward and intoxicating country flavour.
Now in its fourth year The Great South Pacific Tuning Fork, 95bFM and Under The Radar with support from Jim Beam, are proud to announce the lineup for the Southern Fork Americana Fest 2017 as it returns full steam this October.
2017's lineup brings together a stellar cast of local and international names in alt-country. This year includes lauded Nashville-born songwriter Justin Townes Earle with support from Canadian-based quartet The Sadies. With 20 albums under their belt, USA cult favourites Son Volt will hit The Tuning Fork for the first time as will Grammy nominee (Best Folk album & Best American roots song) Robbie Fulks. Jonny Fritz, Robert Ellis and Cory Chisel return with their super group side project Traveller with support from Nashville's rising star Joshua Hedley.
This year's lineup also includes a heady dose of New Zealand's finest, with beloved folk-noir act Eb & Sparrowlaunching the festival in style on a double bill with country-folk darlings The Miltones. Followed the next night by local legends The Eastern with The Bads. The Shape I'm In: Hootenanny & BBQ will also make a welcomed return after its successful debut last year.
2017 also sees festival passes available for the first time since the festival's debut in 2014. Passes will be in limited supply, so snap one up quickly before they sell out.
TICKET PRICING
To once again offer enthusiasts the chance to see more acts and to encourage music fans to discover new artists, the festival will have a special ticket pricing scheme, enabling them to receive discounts on multiple ticket purchases. Each show is colour coded. Buy a ticket to a red show and you can buy tickets to white shows at 25% off and blue shows at 50% off. White show ticket buyers can get blue show tickets at 25% off. These offers are only available for advance purchases.
Also, any purchase of a ticket to shows on the following dates (7th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th October) will be able to buy a $10 ticket to ‘The Shape I’m In’ Hootenanny and BBQ on Saturday the 14th of October. This offer will be available when purchasing other tickets.
