Review: Strummingbird at Claremont Showgrounds

Strummingbird at Claremont Showgrounds
Sunday, November 2, 2025

The first Perth edition of Strummingbird festival struck a powerful chord at the Claremont Showgrounds on Sunday, bringing an entire afternoon and evening of country music to Western Australia. As part of an inaugural national rollout—with sister events held on the Sunshine Coast and in Newcastle—the festival proved that WA’s growing appetite for country music is stronger than ever.

Across two stages, the Wildwing Main Stage and the Silver Spur Saloon, the lineup was stacked with both homegrown and international stars: Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Kaylee Bell, James Johnston, Julia Cole, Rachael Fahim, Wade Forster, Claudia Tripp, Zac & George, and The Jack Wharff Band, among others. From heartfelt storytelling to genre-blending experimentation, the day offered a panoramic snapshot of country music’s expanding identity in 2025.

As the gates opened, the crowd streamed in wearing cowboy boots, denim and Akubras—a sea of country spirit in the city’s western suburbs. The atmosphere was family-friendly, with kids dancing on the grass and groups of friends snapping selfies in front of the large orange-lettered Strummingbird sign.

Local singer-songwriter Claudia Tripp opened proceedings with warmth and authenticity, immediately winning over early arrivals. Her candid storytelling, matched with an ear for pop-country hooks, made her set feel intimate yet confident. For Perth audiences, there was pride in seeing a hometown artist kick off a major national festival—and she didn’t disappoint. Her single I’m Never Drinking Again hit especially hard for a Sunday afternoon, with distant thoughts of work the next day.

Following closely was Rachael Fahim, who delivered an effortlessly polished set of radio-friendly anthems alongside two unreleased tracks that showcased her growth as one of the country’s most exciting female artists. Fahim’s energy was infectious; with her bright stage presence and easy rapport with the crowd, she embodied the modern ‘girl-next-door’ energy that country-pop thrives on, balancing charm with substance.

Over at the Silver Spur Saloon, Zac & George—childhood friends turned country duo—took the stage with playful chemistry and genuine charm to a growing crowd. The duo’s friendship was palpable, creating a genuine connection with the audience through singalongs like Call It a Day and Red Wine & Roses. Their onstage banter, easy smiles, and toe-tapping melodies captured the spirit of mateship and storytelling at the core of Australian country.

By mid-afternoon, the Showgrounds had truly come alive. Families, couples, and groups of friends drifted between the stages, cooling off with drinks from the Strummo Bowlo or learning a few line-dancing moves from Maddison Glover under the shade and air conditioning provided by the Saloon Stage, giving festival-goers a chance to cool off and kick up their heels. The smell of barbecue smoke mingled with laughter and the sound of steel guitars—the kind of sensory fusion that only a country festival can offer.

Wade Forster, the Tamworth-born artist known for his rugged authenticity, brought a heartfelt sincerity to the Wildwing Stage. His grounded performance—simple, soulful, and deeply Australian—reminded everyone why the genre still resonates across generations. A touching highlight came when Forster dedicated a song to a close friend lost to mental health struggles, urging fans to reach out for help when they need it. It was a powerful, human moment amid the festival cheer.

From Texas came Julia Cole, the only independent artist on the lineup and one of the day’s most uplifting acts. Her set celebrated self-worth and sisterhood, covering fellow independent artist Alexandra Kay and performing her ballad Daddy Daughter Dance, which she played for her sister’s wedding. Cole’s closed with Day Late and a Buck Short, leaving the audience smiling, singing and waving their cowboy hats in the air.

The afternoon turned electric when Kaylee Bell took to the Wildwing Stage. The New Zealand-born country-pop powerhouse performed songs from her new album Cowboy Up, including Ring On It and Songs for Shania, blending infectious energy with relatable storytelling about balancing motherhood, marriage, and career. Backed by a tight band, Bell’s presence was magnetic—an artist fully in command of her craft. Her hits Boots ‘N All and Keith brought huge singalongs, proving she’s one of the genre’s most exciting trans-Tasman exports.

She was joined on stage by James Johnston for their 2023 duet Same Songs, a clear highlight of the day that showcased the chemistry between two of Australasia’s brightest stars.

When Johnston returned for his own set, the crowd was primed. Dressed in classic black and denim, he launched into Raised Like That, the anthem that has made him one of Australia’s most streamed country artists. His new song, One More, had the audience breaking into line-dance routines they’d learned earlier in the day, led by choreographer Maddison Glover. Johnston embodies the modern Australian country artist—proud of his roots yet unafraid to blend tradition with fresh energy. His set was a reminder of how homegrown talent can hold its own alongside global names.

Before the headliners, The Jack Wharff Band from Richmond, Virginia, offered a dose of authentic Appalachian flair. Their bluegrass-country rock hybrid drew a smaller but loyal crowd at the Silver Spur Saloon, who clapped and stomped along to tracks like Ole Virginia—a song that’s surprisingly become a streaming hit in Australia. Their musicianship and raw enthusiasm kept the afternoon rolling as fans began migrating towards the main stage for the evening’s final acts.

Then came Shaboozey, who brought undeniable star power to the festival. The American artist, known for his genre-blending mix of country, hip-hop, and rock, delivered a set that was both modern and deeply personal. Performing his chart-toppers—Blink Twice and Let It Burn—Shaboozey, in awe of his first trip to Australia, told the crowd he could “spend the rest of his life here” before launching into a soulful cover of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door dedicated to everyone who showed up with love, which was a moving moment that proved how universal the language of music can be.

Shaboozey paused between songs to share stories about faith and gratitude. His emotion was visible; at one point he wiped away tears before Good News. When he closed with his breakout hit A Bar Song (Tipsy), which the crowd had been waiting for, everyone was on their feet dancing and shouting the lyrics back at him.

As the last of the performers finished their sets, the anticipation built for the festival’s headliner—Jelly Roll, the Tennessee native whose gritty authenticity and larger-than-life personality have made him a global sensation.

Backed by a powerhouse band, DJ, and dramatic lighting, Jelly Roll opened with Heart of Stone, his gravelly voice filled with emotion. From there, he powered through Lonely Road, Wild Ones, and Bloodlines, his mix of southern soul, rock, and redemption storytelling resonating deeply with the 25,000-strong crowd.

Between songs, he was disarmingly real—speaking openly about fatherhood, his time in prison and the surreal joy of performing on the opposite side of the world. One of the night’s most powerful moments came during I Am Not Okay, when Jelly Roll spotted a fan in the audience holding a sign with the song’s lyrics. Clearly moved, he praised the cowboy’s courage and, breaking from his setlist, performed Hallelujah in dedication to him. The emotional connection between artist and audience in that moment was palpable.

His cover medley, a blend of different artists and genres from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Nickelback and DMX, reminded everyone that all music is good music, before concluding the festival in a shower of raining fireworks, performing Save Me, which features fellow country music sensation Lainey Wilson.

By the time the final notes faded and the crowd spilt towards the exits, one thing was clear: Strummingbird Festival Perth 2025 was a roaring success. Strummingbird marked more than just a great day out—it signalled the state’s arrival as a serious player in Australia’s country music landscape. With audiences that sang every word, local artists who shone brightly, and headliners who poured their hearts out, the festival proved that the West is best.

Standout performances from James Johnston, Kaylee Bell, Shaboozey, and Jelly Roll alone justified the ticket price, while smaller-stage acts provided the texture and soul that made the day feel personal. Though a few logistical tweaks—from stage transitions to vendor pricing—could refine future editions, the spirit of Strummingbird was undeniable.

When the festival returns next year, there’s little doubt Perth’s country faithful will be back too—boots polished, hearts open, and ready to sing every word. Country music has found its home in the West, and it’s here to stay.

CARMEN NELSON

Photos by Mikaela James