American Roots. British Style. Skiffle is high energy upbeat American roots music in the style of UK proto-rockers Lonnie Donegan, Chris Barber and the Vipers Skiffle Group.

It was the birth of British rock. Donegan’s blistering 1954 hit recording of Leadbelly’s ‘Rock Island Line’ started the UK skiffle craze that inspired countless musicians to pick up the guitar, an instrument that was hitherto largely ignored by British popular music.

The Beatles, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page and the BeeGees all started their musical career as skifflers, exploring the rich tradition of American hillbilly and blues music from Leadbelly to Woody Guthrie.

Classic skiffle tunes include upbeat sing-along versions of many well-known traditional folk songs including John Henry, Stewball, Cumberland Gap, Lost John, Midnight Special and Maggie May.

Melbourne band Skiffle Party, featuring Floyd Thursby (vocals/guitar), Tom Flenady (double bass/vocals) and Adam Russo (guitar/vocals), are rediscovering the excitement and intensity of this critically influential but largely overlooked genre. They released their debut self-titled album in July 2022.

Doors 2pm | Performance 3pm

Free Entry