Mak & Shar ProfileAustralian country-pop duo Mak & Shar could have watched Day on the Turf, a new festival in their town of Mudgee, fall apart after being hit with a major setback. Instead, they did the opposite and saved the day.
On Friday (16 October), Mak & Shar took to social media and shared a plea with fans and fellow artists after headliners Mental As Anything dropped out of the festival at the last minute.
“We’re absolutely devastated that Mental As Anything have had to cancel their performance at tomorrow’s Day on the Turf. But THE SHOW MUST GO ON,” the duo captioned a video explaining the situation.
They added that the Mudgee Race Club had invested “thousands of dollars” in making the festival happen, and that organising ticket refunds meant facing “a massive financial hit.”
So, Mak & Shar decided to get their community to rally together.
“Shar and I are still getting up there and putting on a show, and we’d LOVE to see you there,” they continued. “Bring your friends, bring your family, grab a drink and support the Race Club!
“We all want to see more live music and events in Mudgee, and now’s our chance to show just how much this community can get behind them. PLEASE SHARE THIS POST! Let’s turn a devastating situation into something positive!”
In under four hours, Mak & Shar had gathered “a whole new lineup, audio and lighting.” Local artists who stepped up to perform at the festival included Chloe Swannell, Clinton Maynard, Colin Yule, Gaz Brentnall, and Jaymie Rowlands, while Mak & Shar performed a headlining set.
Mudgee’s Day on the Turf went ahead on Saturday (17 October) thanks to Mak & Shar’s efforts and incredible community spirit. Reflecting on the day's success, the duo described festival attendees as “absolute legends.”
“What could’ve been a disappointing cancellation turned into an incredible display of what this town does best… COMING TOGETHER,” they wrote.
“A MASSIVE thank you to Colleen and the entire Mudgee Race Club team for all the hard work behind the scenes and for pushing through when things didn’t go to plan!
“To the incredible artists Chloe Swannell, Clinton Maynard, Colin Yule, Gaz Brentnall and Jaymie Rowlands, thank you for jumping in at the last minute and donating your time and talent to keep the music alive! Absolute champions!”
Mak & Shar also gave a shoutout to Arlan and Tay, who jumped in when things seemed chaotic, and shared appreciation for the audience: “To everyone who came along, sang, danced and supported the day… THANK YOU!”
They concluded the post, “We were stoked to play a small part in such a special day. It just goes to show what can happen when a community rallies together.
“MORE OF THIS, MUDGEE! Let’s hope Day On The Turf becomes an annual tradition! 🤠🔥 Much love, Mak & Shar.”
Following the success of Day on the Turf, Mak & Shar have started teasing “BIG” plans for 2027, which looks like an Australian tour. Stay tuned for more information.
