As we approach the 60th anniversary of Simon & Garfunkel's iconic ascent to the top of the Billboard Top 100 with "The Sound of Silence," a local band with deep roots in Kiama is set to rekindle the magic of their timeless hits at the Folk By The Sea festival this September.

The Carefree Road Band will pay homage to the legendary folk duo with a Simon & Garfunkel Tribute Show, performing at the Kiama Showground and other venues around town from September 20-22. The band has been diligently rehearsing at the home studio of band members Louise and Mark Raue, preparing to deliver renditions of beloved classics such as "The Boxer," "Bridge over Troubled Water," "Cecilia," "El Condor Pasa," and "I Am a Rock."

"We are thrilled to present a Simon & Garfunkel tribute at Folk By The Sea," says John Tubridy, guitarist and vocalist for the band. "Their songs are iconic for those who grew up in the Sixties and Seventies, but they continue to resonate with music lovers of all ages."

Tubridy, a former Gerringong resident and Assistant Principal at Kiama’s Sts Peter and Paul School, highlights the local connection and camaraderie within the band. "Performing at Folk By The Sea feels like coming home. With Louise and Mark Raue and Joel Robards residing in Kiama, and both John Spillane and I having lived in the area, it's a familiar and welcoming environment."

The Carefree Road Band, a nine-member ensemble, boasts members from five different countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, England, and Ireland. This rich tapestry of backgrounds is united by a shared love for Simon & Garfunkel's music. The band includes Louise Raue (vocals), Mark Raue (mandolin, guitar, vocals), Miffy Ryan (violin), John Tubridy (guitar, vocals), Joel Robards (percussion), Wolfgang Klogor (bass guitar, flute), John Spillane (Irish whistle, harmonica), Allan Vander Linden (lead guitar), and John McKenna (keyboard).

The band’s name, inspired by a road near Nabiac on the NSW Mid-North Coast, reflects their laid-back approach and passion for music. "I noticed the Carefree Road sign on our travels north," Tubridy explains. "It struck me as a great name for a song, and later, it became the perfect name for our band."

The Carefree Road Band's tribute show is scheduled for 5pm on Sunday, September 22, as part of the free Festival Finale hosted by Kiama Bowling Club. But they won’t be the only act celebrating musical legends at Folk By The Sea; local artist Penny Hartgerink will honour American blues and roots legend Lucinda Williams with a special performance.



Folk By The Sea promises a rich lineup of 44 national and local acts, delivering over 100 concerts and dances across nine venues. Highlights include performances by acclaimed Indigenous violinist Eric Marrawuy, the Fred Smith Band, and Brisbane's Cigany Weaver.

Stay tuned to The Bugle for the complete Folk By The Sea program, which will be published in the edition a week before the festival – on Sept 7.

For ticket information and the full festival lineup, visit www.folkbythesea.com.au