Bands – Crank It Up Batemans Bay

Bands of Crank It Up

Crank It Up is a weekend of the best Rockabilly and Rock n Roll bands in Australia

Foreshore Park on Clyde St Batemans Bay, is where we have 2 stages blasting awesome music and dance floors to let loose.

The headline performances (Ticketted) are playing in the huge auditorium at the Bay Soldiers Club.

All outdoor events are free – only the headlines performances require tickets.

Friday 15th Headliners

Ticketed event at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club

A Band Called Twang

A Band Called Twang 7pm

Twang is a Queensland based rockabilly/Americana roots band, who have been headlining music and dance festivals Australia wide. Four skilled musicians fronted by the amazing vocals of Maree Fargo, Twang will rock your socks off.

Smokin Firebirds

Smokin Firebirds from 7pm

Heavily distilled in the rockabilly goodnes you'd expect from the calibre of this hefty three-piece outfit, this Queensland trio rip up the stage with front man Dan Firebird and his trusty steed Telecaster guitar.

Bay Soldiers Club in the lounge - Driving Sideways from 7.30pm

Saturday 16th

Main Stage

Sydney Swing Katz Demonstrations at 11.45 & 2pm

Smokin Firebirds

Smokin Firebirds from 10am

Backing up from last night's gig supporting Twang, the boys from Smokin Firebirds will kick off the main festival area on Saturday morning with their Kick-ass powerful rockabilly.

Ezra Lee

Ezra Lee from 12pm

Ezra brings something different to the rock n roll scene as he blasts the keys of his piano to bring us a cool blend of rockabilly and boogie woogie. Although only in his 30's, Ezra's vocals come from an old soul and channel Jerry Lee Lewis and Bill Haleys comets. Pairing up the Kid James band, this will be a performance not to be missed.

Hellcat III

The Hellcat III from 2.30pm

Hellcat III, the electrifying rockabilly surf band (and all-round good guys 😉) hailing from the central coast, infuse the spirit of the ocean with the soul of rock 'n' roll. With twangy guitars, driving double bass rhythms, and infectious beats, they will have the crowds on their feet with their modern twist mix of rockabilly surf songs.

Bridge Stage

Nic & His Hipshots

Nic & His Hipshots from 10am

Nic and His Hipshots are Sydney's authentic rockabilly sound, reviving the spirit of the 1950s with their energetic performances and classic tunes. Led by frontman Nic, their charismatic vocals and toe-tapping beats keep the dance floor alive, transporting audiences to a nostalgic era of rock 'n' roll swagger.

The Bonnevillains

The Bonnevillains from 1pm

Some classic rockabilly tied in with audacious humour and their remake of bygone tunes you'll know... these boys will have you waving your hands in the air as you rip up the dance floor

Main stage close at 4pm

Bridge Stage close at 3pm

Saturday 16th Headliners

Ticketed event at Batemans Bay Soldiers Club

Rusty Pinto

Rusty Pinto from 7pm

Rusty Pinto, the rhythm rockabilly maestro hailing from Western Australia, brings a unique blend of vintage flair and modern groove to the stage. Rusty's smooth vocals and upbeat, catchy songs, have allowed him to travel the world and perform alongside the rockabilly greats at the biggest rock n roll music festivals. This event will sell out.. get your tickets fast.

'Kid' James

'Kid' James from 7pm

Prepare to be amazed by the prodigious talent of ‘Kid’ James, Australia’s sensational young musician who is taking the music scene by storm. Despite his age, ‘Kid’ James showcases a level of skill and musicality that is beyond his years. When Kid James and Rusty Pinto pair up, they will raise the roof!

Bay Soldiers Club in the lounge - Rockabilly with Nic & His Hipshots from 8pm

Sunday 17th

Main Stage

Cherry Divine

Cherry Divine from 10am

Set your Sunday on fire with the gorgeous Ms Cherry Divine. Her vocals are a mix of Wanda Jackson and Imelda May, as she belts out the rip-roaring songs of the famous female rockabilly singers... She is our Australian Queen of Rockabilly

Coop DeVille

Coop DeVille from 1pm

This four piece band playing 'Bop Blues Dance' music from the 50's and 60's with a little bit of country twang. Coupe DeVille bring us nostalgia with beats.

Bridge Stage

The Rusty Mustangs

The Rusty Mustangs from 10am

The Rusty Mustangs are a pure 1950s rock and roll/rockabilly band. From Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Ricki Nelson and beyond, the Rusty Mustangs will have our Bridge stage pumping with classic rockabilly songs and energetic performance... as they say "We're gonna rock this town!"

Main stage close at 3pm

Bridge Stage close at 1pm

Learn to Dance Workshops!

This year we are giving our Crank It Up friends the opportunity to learn a few different styles:
- Rockabilly (Beginners/Intermediate)
- The Stroll (Rockabilly line dance)
- Bopping (Rockabilly dancing without partner)
- Swing (Beginners/intermediate)
Watch this space for more details on times and teachers.

Rock n Roll Acoustic Cruise

Cruise the Clyde River of Batemans Bay onboard the Merinda.
It'll be an acoustic set of laid back rockabilly tunes, as the boat cruises up the river to see the sights of the Bay.
Yes there is dancing onboard. But the seats are strictly limited.

Watch this space for updates