King River Hoedown 2026 - The Michael Ward Trio & Justin Davies & The Bush Bashers

The Michael Ward Trio

Raised on the salty coastal swamplands of Stratham in regional WA Michael has spent decades performing live music around WA and across Australia. His music is a dynamic fusion of Alt Country, Blues, Roots & some solid Aussie Rock.

Michael has performed at many festivals including Perth Muster 2024 (Morgan Evans), Wangaratta CMF 2024 & 2025 (Lee Kernaghan & Adam Brand), Onslow Solar Eclipse Festival 2023 (The Waifs & Eskimo Joe), Country by the River Festival 2023 SA (Wolfe Brothers, Travis Collins, Sunny Cowgirls, Jayne Denham), Summer Swells Festival Perth (Caravana Sun, Jordy Maxwell), Fremantle Beer Festival 2024 (Sneaky Sound System), Mandurah Country Music Festival 2022 & 2024 (Adam Brand, Casey Barnes, Travis Collins, Amber Lawrence), Inspire Festival 2025 (Hoodoo Guru’s) as well as too many more to list.

The dedication to his music, live shows, touring and promotion has also resulted in Michael receiving a nomination for the 2025 WA WAM Awards. Michael has released numerous studio recordings which have gained thousands of radio plays both domestically and overseas including airtime on Australia’s Triple J networks.

"Love the energy and musicianship (my god that rhythm section!)”

Perth Blues Club 2024

“A 45 minute set of high octane Country rock originals and the occasional cherry picked cover thrown in. It was music that got you thumping and bumping… Michael’s infectious energy drove the set flying on top of some damn fine rock country”

Gidgestock Music Festival 2024

“Michael’s stage presence is unmistakable: grounded, generous, and electrifying. He doesn’t just perform to an audience — he performs with them. Every grin, every stomp, every guitar lick feels like an invitation. You’re not an observer. You’re part of the moment.”

BTN - Gig review 2025

Justin Davies & The Bush BashersJustin has had plenty of gigs across Perth, Wheatbelt and the South West and is primed for his Great Southern debut! A weapon on the guitar and a frontman like no other he has the personality to match the grunt behind his band. Get down early to catch JD and his great country tunes. Scottie is on sound and this place kicks when the bands are rolling so saddle up and enjoy this night of unique country music.Doors 7pmJustin Davies & The Bush Bashers - 8pmThe Michael Ward Trio - 9:20pm***Please note the King River Tavern is a cash only venue.

Special Guests:
Justin Davies & The Bush Bashers