Kashus Culpepper And Paul Dempsey Added To Howlin’ Country 2026

The Howlin’ Country lineup just got even hotter, with Alabama-born country breakout Kashus Culpepper and Australian alt-rock icon Paul Dempsey joining the bill. Set for Saturday, February 14 at Newcastle Foreshore, the festival continues to position itself as one of Australia’s most exciting new country events.

Culpepper is just going from strength to strength. This year alone, he was named one of GRAMMY.com’s 25 Artists to Watch, performed at C2C Festival in London, CMC Rocks in Ipswich as well as at the inaugural Countrytown Awards in Brisbane.

Looking ahead to 2026 Culpepper will not only make his debut at Howlin’ Country but it was also announced today that he will join Wyatt Flores on his upcoming Bucking Bin Chicken Tour.

Finding his voice in church at just five years old, Culpepper’s sound is a melting pot of country, blues, soul, and southern rock, delivered with a husky growl. Since breaking through, he’s toured with Leon Bridges, Dylan Gossett, and Whiskey Myers, and played at some of the biggest festivals in the US including Stagecoach and Tortuga Festival.

Dempsey, frontman of Something for Kate, brings his own brand of songwriting mastery to the Howlin’ Country stage, offering fans a rare opportunity to see one of Australia’s most respected artists in a fresh beachside setting. Known for his powerful lyrics and distinctive voice, Dempsey’s inclusion adds depth and crossover appeal to the already diverse lineup.

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Howlin’ Country promises a full day of live music, local food and drinks, and plenty of southern spirit now with two powerhouse artists joining the celebration don’t wait to get your tickets.