The Cat Empire

Aussie icons The Cat Empire have had an illustrious career, spanning decades and genres. Illuminating stages across the globe, the band are a magnetic force that have captivated millions of adoring fans with their high energy performances and explosive sound and visuals. With the band’s infectious groove and vibrancy, audiences are guaranteed to shimmy, shake, and sing their way through a Cat Empire set. 

Continuing the legacy and the driving force behind a fresh new era for the band is Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill, two of the original three founding members of the group. Breathing energy into the band, the new project will showcase a wonderful collective of musicians who will make sure to retain the core DNA of The Cat Empire but include more collaborations, influences, and diverse artistry.

Leaning into a sense of musical curiosity with boundless possibilities, this newfound spirit promises to shine an even brighter light on the band’s exuberant musicality, elevating their sound and broadening their influences.

The Cat Empire’s new show will celebrate movement, vibrancy, and playfulness – with a host of new material as well as the crowd-favourites. 

With a history of multiple platinum records, awards, sold out tours and over 250 million streams – The Cat Empire have officially entered their golden era.

Formed in 2023, Theoretical Blonde is a 5-piece bluegrass-adjacent band from Salt Lake City with a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly unexpected. Its members include Peter Cain (mandolin, vocals), Ford Huntington (Guitar, vocals), Grayson Wickel (Fiddle, Banjo, vocals), Patrick McNally (Bass, vocals), and Daniel McNally (Keys, vocals). Despite the name, none of the band members are actually blonde, which seems to be a fun little misdirect. What is true is that their music takes cues from bluegrass, jazz, americana, country, jam band, and singer-songwriter traditions, blending these styles into a dynamic and energetic mix. With the addition of keys and electric bass, they expand the traditional bluegrass palette, creating a fuller sound that’s as comfortable with intricate picking as it is with laid-back, groove-driven jams. The group doesn’t try to be tied to one sound or genre; instead, they focus on making music that’s genuine, without worrying about where it fits in the larger landscape. 

At the heart of Theoretical Blonde is a group of best friends who’ve forged a deep connection both on stage and off. It’s this camaraderie that brings something special to the music. The moments of unspoken telepathy during their live shows—the way they anticipate each other’s next move—create an energy that’s impossible to fake. The band’s vibe is one of effortless collaboration, where the chemistry between the members elevates everything they play, making even the most complex arrangements feel natural and unforced. They are worldbuilders.

What really sets Theoretical Blonde apart, though, is how their individual talents come together to form something greater than the sum of its parts. There’s an undeniable magic that happens when they play live—moments where their chemistry reaches a point of pure synergy, creating an experience that’s impossible to describe. That feeling, that electricity, is what makes this band worth following. Their weekly gigs at Roha Brewing Project have cultivated a deep local following that promises an auspicious career. It’s not just the songs they play, but how they play them, and the genuine connection they share with each other and their audience. That’s where the real beauty lies.