Blakout: Benny Walker, with special guest Madi Colville-Walker
- Blakout
- The Count’s
The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts
$20 - $35
As part of Blakout, Yorta Yorta singer-songwriter Benny Walker is set to ignite the stage at The Count's! He’s got it all—the voice, the songs, the showmanship, and the looks to kill. His love songs and epic tales pulse with passion for people, the land, summer vibes, and deep grooves that reach the soul.
“Walker’s voice has the drag and timbre of a natural soul man… his music is pure blues-rock, buoyed by clean, lyrical guitar solos and the throb of electric organ” - Michael Dwyer, The Age
Crowned 2016 The Age/Music Victoria Awards BEST Aboriginal Act of the Year, Benny Walker is widely regarded as possessing one of the best voices in Australia, taking listeners on an emotionally charged sonic journey in every performance. With a killer voice and the looks to match, Benny blends blues n roots with a contemporary, guitar-driven soul vibe.
From darker tracks that reflect his shadowy side—like those on his early album Through the Forest—to feel-good anthems like Summer Sun, Benny’s vocal and songwriting talents have left a lasting impression on audiences far and wide. In 2016, he was nominated for four NIMA Awards: New Talent of the Year, Best Song, Best Cover Art, and Best Film Clip for Oh No You Don’t, a track that shot to No.1 on the AMRAP chart. This success was followed by another No.1 with the heart-wrenching single SAVE. In 2017, Benny’s single GHOST and its EP Undercover both debuted at No.1 on the iTunes Blues Chart.
“GHOST oozes class. Sophisticated and soulful, it’s another step on Benny Walker’s road to superstardom.” – Jeff Jenkins, The Music
In recent years, Benny has graced some of the country’s most beloved festivals, including Woodford, Festival of King Island, Deni Rhythm, Blues and Jazz, Blue Mountains and St Kilda Festival. He has shared the stage with some of the finest, including Uncle Archie Roach, Alex Lloyd, Baker Boy, Blue King Brown, Mo’Ju and Tim Rogers.
For his debut at The Count’s, Benny brings his powerhouse band to deliver a night of heartfelt blues-rock.
Listen to Benny Walker
Also appearing: Madi Colville-Walker
Madi Colville-Walker is a proud Yorta Yorta Woman, an inspiring musician who has had many opportunities after her very first performance at the Tamworth CMAA Junior Academy back in 2017.
Since then, Madi has performed at many significant shows throughout Australia and has had the opportunity to work alongside many organisations. During her time in the music industry, Madi has supported many well known Artists such as Uncle Archie Roach, Alice Skye, Isaiah Firebrace, Benny Walker, Fanny Lumsden, Kutcha Edwards and Darlinghurst. 2023 was a huge year for Madi, a highlight being the recipient of the NIMA’S (National Indigenous Music Awards) Uncle Archie Roach Foundation Award.
Madi continues to hold a strong connection to her Community, Country, as well as all of the organisations and people she has connected with throughout her journey as an artist. These people inspire Madi, and have encouraged her to do her best in music, as well as having a strong continuous support from her family.
This show is proudly part of Blakout. Blakout is a bold celebration of First Nations talent, shining a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week. Experience a deadly mix of music and dance, with a multi-generational lineup that brings powerful First Nations storytelling to life. Find out what else is on during Blakout.
Show Times
Doors @ 6.30pm
Show @ 7.30pm
Eat & Drink
Make a meal of it! The music gets underway at 7.30pm, but arrive a bit earlier if you can. From 6.30pm until 8:00pm, enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks at The Count’s Italian-style kitchen and bar. Reservations are not required when you purchase a ticket to a show. Order from the QR code on your table, or at the bar. View the menu.
