On the back of winning Ensemble of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards in December and performances at Woodford in 2015, Canada’s fast-rising Celtic-style traditional power trio The East Pointers return to Australia for the fourth time in 2017 to perform at The Tanks Arts Centre on Friday 31st March. Having already played Tasmania, WOMADelaide, WOMAD NZ, and Victoria earlier this month, the band are travelling up the East Coast to perform in Cairns as part of the World Music Series.
“It’s been a pretty full on tour so far, nice and busy. We just did a stretch in New Zealand but it’s nice to be back in Sydney, working our way up the coast”. said guitarist Jake Charron.
“I’ve been up to Cairns once before as a tourist to snorkel the reef, which was a quick trip. So I’m looking forward to having a proper visit this time.”
With The East Pointers having only formed in 2014, the band came to promise quickly with their self-titled EP making its mark instantly on the world stage. In 2015 the band toured Australia and performned at the iconic Woodford Folk Festival were they were dubbed ‘the new hit of the festival’.
With all members of the Prince Edward Island based trio an accomplished musician in their own right and all sharing a traditional music upbringing, it was no surprise that there new spin on the genre would prove so successful so quickly.
“For all three of us we grew up with our parent’s music and being right into traditional Scottish and Irish tunes. So from a young age we were learning the traditional songs and it’s just something we’ve always played. So in a way we’ve just taken it a little bit further now. Although our music is traditionally influenced it’s got a lot of contemporary vibes going on. So we’re just trying to put a new spin on it.”
With rousing performances at both WOMADelaide and WOMAD NZ, the band’s latest album ‘Secret Victory’ recently climbed to number 12 on the New Zealand album charts.
“They were really great massive festivals and it was really good to be a part of them. We had a lot of people dancing and we met some really great artists. Both festivals were really cool and a lot of fun.”
With an ability to get toes tapping and hands clapping, The East Pointers are well known for their upbeat performances and recently uploaded a cover of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ to their repertoire.
“He had such a huge influence on contemporary music in general and after his passing last year, we decided to learn the song ‘Heroes’ which will all loved and try to do it justice with our three instruments. It’s a great song to play, and always great to play one that people recognise.”
The East Pointers perform at The Tanks Arts Centre on Friday 31st March as part of the World Music Series. Doors open 6.30pm. Show starts 7.30pm. Support by Jordan Brodie. Tickets from Ticketlink.
Mitch Sullivan
© Copyright 2025 | NQ Music Press