Ryder, band set for free, all-ages gigs

WA country rock artist Ray Ryder is bringing his band to Newman and South Hedland for a free, all-ages gig this month.

On Saturday, May 13, Ryder will perform at 5.30pm on Boomerang Oval in Newman and on Wednesday, May 17, at 6pm in the South Hedland Town Square.

Ryder is one of the State’s up- and-coming country performers, and has shared the stage with Sting, Chris Isaak, John Farnham, Shirley Bassey, James Morrison, Bryan Ferry, and the Screaming Jets.

Starting in WA, Ryder’s Bringin’ it to the Country national tour will have him and his band play 45 free concerts and travel almost 20,000km by June.

Audiences can expect to hear plenty of Ryder’s new songs and a few country classics with a twist.

“I am excited to be taking my new songs on the road with my band, creating a fun, energy- filled showcase of original music for people of all ages, ” Ryder said.

“The shows give audiences a fantastic opportunity to connect with a group of musicians who really love what they do.”

The tour follows the release of his self-titled debut album last year and focuses on regional areas. Ryder has been entertaining music fans in thousands of venues nationwide for more than 20 years.

He has been added to the line-up for the 2017 Birdsville Big Red Bash alongside Lee Kernaghan, Missy Higgins and Kate Ceberano.

Located in the Simpson Desert in Queensland, the 2017 Birdsville Big Red Bash is known as the most remote music festival in the world, and attracts Aussie music superstars and thousands of people every year.

Ryder will also be hosting free music workshops in various towns across regional WA while on tour.

The Newman workshop will be at 3.30pm on May 13 at the Boomerang Oval Pavilion.

The workshops are supported by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, administered by the Department of Culture and the Arts in consultation with the Department of Regional Development.

Visit rayryder.com.au for tour date information.