The David and Katie concert in Gunning on Sunday 23 April won unstinting and enthusiastic praise from a small but very appreciative audience.  David Turnbull, playing a Martin guitar modelled on those used by artists from the 1970s onwards, and Katie Cole on violin combined to bring new life to songs by Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Tom Petty and others.

These musicians do not look flashy.  Nor do they rehearse before performances.  They know and love their pieces and play spontaneously in the moment.  And what a wonderful job they did.  The acoustics of the Courtroom allowed their voices and instruments to be heard to the very best effect,

Bob Dylan would have approved.  David told us that after Dylan achieved huge popularity and could fill the Madison Square Garden, he went back to playing small halls around the country to be closer to his audiences.  Our Gunning audience was not a Madison Square-sized one, but the total engagement of the performers and patrons was palpable – just what Dylan wanted to achieve.

The audience comprised people from Canberra and Yass as well as locals – reflecting a growing trend for the Gunning district to attract people seeking quality cultural experiences in an inviting country setting.  Council and locals are working to build on the natural attractions of the Picture House Gallery, Connect @ Gunning Station, the Courtroom: Gunning’s Home of Chamber Music and more.  The David and Katie Concert was a great example of what the district can offer.