Smith’s@Belco: Archer and The Open Sky Big Brass Band

Overview

A troubadour for these troubled times, Archer's sophisticated blend of pre-war country blues and contemporary folk is reimagined with new arrangements by jazz icon Eugene Ball, and backed by the 28-piece Open Sky Big Brass Band.

Archer is one of a kind — a country blues crooner, a poet with a captivating voice, and a walking encyclopedia of forgotten Australian music. Archer is a walking bridge between the past and the present, having spent decades traversing the continent to document and preserve the voices, stories, and musical traditions of the land, and transforming his findings into a raw, resonant style of Australian cultural storytelling.⁠

Archer's 'Open Sky Brass Band' enlists the help of local brass bands wherever he goes — for this gig at Belco Arts, he will be accompanied by one of the top community brass bands in the local region, Canberra Brass.

Archer will be supported for this gig by Canberran singer-songwriter Ian Paulin: artist, activist, academic and community worker, Ian's songs are powerful journeys, always performed with passion and a true sense of fun.