The Nights Outside series features a range of local and national acts, performing in Cascade Court. These are open air, free events with a great ambiance, acoustics and a crowd of all ages. Acclaimed singer-songwriter James Grehan kicked off the evening with his folk rock originals; he was the highlight of the show! Energetic and visually exciting, he is superb on acoustic or slide guitar. Listed as a solo artist with friends, including the astounding Briony on cello, they created a diverse range of music, easy on the ear, atmospheric and moody. Currently receiving airplay on Triple J for the single Hold On, this man is a talent to watch out for!

They were followed by the Tim Steward Band, and after a few problems with sound they launched into an experimental set. It was very slow paced and mellow at first, eventually kicking into high gear with the crowd-pleasing song Xmas in Amsterdam. Then followed with an unusual finale involving keyboards from the local toy shop, similar to Ben Lee’s Catch My Disease.

Headliners The Gin Club have quite a following in Brisbane, currently promoting their new album Junk, and tonight frontman Ben Salter delivers original musical pieces with his soft and sexy sound, the highlight being the award winning Ten Paces Away. Creating an ambient style of folk music, made all the more rich by Bridget Lewis on cello and Dan Mansfield on keyboards, with an almost Jon Lord / Deep Purple feel as he rocks the keys back and forth to the rhythm. It was a great way to finish off a superb night of music for all ages.