Music Among the Trees — Celebrating the Western Edge

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of performing at Celebrating the Western Edge, hosted by the Conservation Council ACT at the National Arboretum Canberra. It was one of those quintessential Canberra afternoons — golden light through the trees, a soft breeze, and the hum of people gathered to celebrate the land that connects us all.

Music at The National Arboretum Canberra

The Arboretum is a breathtaking venue in any setting, but performing within its forest groves adds something truly special. You’re surrounded by whispering leaves, the scent of eucalyptus, and the occasional curious bird — and on this day, a few distant cows adding their own low harmonies.

Getting my gear to the site, however, was its own workout. Access was rough — my gear cart didn’t stand a chance on the off-road track, so it became a hill climb with armloads of equipment. The organisers placed me on a shaded but slightly sloping patch of ground, which had me worried my tower speaker might topple mid-song. Thankfully, water bags kept the mic stand secure, and the big gym mat I’d brought proved a brilliant idea for stabilising the setup.

Everything for the show was fully battery-powered — no generators, no cords, just clean energy. My JBL EON ONE MK2 tower handled the main mix beautifully, paired with a Cole Clark acoustic guitar. Even my PAR can lights ran on battery, creating a gentle stage glow as the afternoon light shifted through the trees. It felt good to know the entire performance ran on stored solar power — quiet, efficient, and perfectly in tune with the spirit of the event.

Around 100 people gathered on picnic blankets and folding chairs, listening, chatting, and soaking in the atmosphere. The organisers borrowed my PA for speeches, which worked flawlessly, and the sound carried softly through the forest.

And then there were the flies — next-level Australian bushflies. Hard to sing with your mouth open, so I joked that I should have added She Swallowed a Fly to the setlist.

The afternoon closed on a high note. A number of people came up afterward to say thank you for the music — simple gestures that mean the world. And I’m fairly sure this was the first time “Pink Pony Club” has ever echoed through the trees of the Arboretum — and it sounded right at home.

Every outdoor gig teaches you something new. This one taught me that even when the ground slopes, the flies swarm, and the cows join in — the music still finds its place.