August 30 saw the popular Australian blues musician Ash Grunwald take to The Co-Op Gerringong's stage, captivating a sold-out crowd with his signature sound. The atmosphere was electric, as fans from all walks of life gathered to soak in the live music experience that many, especially those of us who grew up in the '80s, have long been craving. The enjoyment in the room was palpable, with everyone clearly relishing the opportunity to enjoy live performances once again.

The crowd was diverse in age, though it leaned slightly toward the 'over 40s' demographic, proving that Grunwald’s appeal spans generations. With his masterful bluesy guitar work and rich vocals, he effortlessly drew the audience into his world, making it impossible not to get swept up in the moment. Grunwald's performance was more than just a gig; it was an experience - a testament to his prowess as a live musician.

Currently on an extensive tour across Australia, Grunwald’s dedication to his craft is nothing short of impressive. Before his Gerringong performance, he played in a string of diverse locations including Mudgee, Canobolas, Wagga Wagga, Silverton, Chatswood, Avalon Beach, Bulli, and Pambula. Following this show, he’s heading south to Moruya and Milton, then continuing on to Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. To say he’s hardworking is an understatement; Grunwald is a true road warrior, bringing his music to every corner of the country.

This isn’t the first time Grunwald has played in Gerringong. I last saw him perform at the Winter Festival at Crooked River Winery over the June long weekend, where he delivered a sensational set that left the crowd thoroughly engaged and wanting more.

Throughout his career, Grunwald has released nine studio albums and garnered five ARIA Music Award nominations. Notably, five of his albums have made it into the ARIA Albums Chart top 50, including Fish out of Water (2008), Hot Mama Vibes (2010), Trouble's Door (2012), Gargantua (2013), and Mojo (2019). His latest single, "Life Without You," is now available for streaming and download: https://linktr.ee/ashgrunwald.

Grunwald’s musical journey began in Melbourne, where he learned guitar and bass from his grandfather. Although initially training as a secondary school teacher, he chose to follow his true passion for music at age 26. His first recording, a cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Going Down Slow," was a collaborative effort with his grandfather, marking the start of what would become an illustrious career. By his early twenties, Grunwald had already played in several bands, including the Blue Grunwalds and the Groove Catalysts, and had also formed a couple of duos.

In addition to his musical achievements, Grunwald is also an author. In August 2019, he published his first book, Surf by Day, Jam by Night, where he interviewed 15 of the world's top surfer-musicians, including Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Jack Johnson, Dave Rastovich, Pete Murray, and G. Love, among others.

On a personal note, Grunwald is married to Danni Carr, the founder of the highly successful How I Quit Alcohol podcast. Together, they made a life-changing decision in January 2017 to quit drinking, initially committing to a 12-month hiatus that has since turned into a journey of lifelong sobriety.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that The Co-Op in Gerringong is a venue not to be missed. Beyond hosting incredible gigs and performances, it’s a well-appointed space for conferences and receptions, with excellent amenities and a lovely outdoor area perfect for a breath of fresh air.