Canadian-born and Melbourne-based musician Brian Campeau brings his Sydney Fringe Festival award-winning show Get Blind with Brian to Kew Court House Live in August – a surround sound blindfolded musical experience.
The much-adored musician and producer made the relocation to Australia in 2002; adored for his genre-crossing styles that traverse folk minimalism, country and bluegrass. There’s even an ode to Swiss yodelling.
He has released six solo albums to date; his most recent Ambient Driver in 2020. He has also performed with bluegrass outfit Green Mohair Suits.
The Kew Court House Live returns for a second season in 2025; with an ongoing live Thursday and Friday night entertainment fixture.
Brian Campeau spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I live in Brunswick. I love the access to gigs and restaurants – all within a two-minute walk. There are also good bike paths, and I live in a rad house.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
I’m still obsessed with the Chicken rice at Good Days on Sydney Rd. This dish with a glass of red is pretty untouchable.
FAVOURITE BAR
I have a thing for dive bars, and strongly recommend The Retreat. The beers are great, the food is good, and the absolute best thing about it, there are young bands playing almost every day. The venue is so supportive of fresh independent music. I also love The Lomond, The Brunswick Artist Bar, Carwyn Cellars and Bar 303.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Whisky sour. Lovely, fun, serious and sour.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Fizzy water, a lime Gatorade and a greasy chicken sandwich + a hashbrown or ramen.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
The Grand Junction in Maitland. Killer music and hosts, lovely crowd and not a pokie venue.
OVERSEAS BAR
Don’t go to the “Irish” bar in Phuket. Otherwise, Les Foufounes Électriques in Montreal is excellent.
FAVOURITE WINE
I went to The Boat O’Cragie Winery in the Yarra Valley in January, and every wine was incredible. Usually, it’s a pinot noir or a grenache.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Boat O’Cragie near Healesville.
NEXT DESTINATION
Japan, if I can save up – I’m terrible at that, but would love to go there.
