[Listen to the audio-only version of the interview above, or watch on YouTube instead.]
Each time I interview Tom Curtain I learn something new, which is probably not surprising, given the scope of his life: running the Katherine Outback Experience in the dry season, at his home in the Northern Territory, then taking it literally on the road during the wet season, with horses and dogs and humans in tow. This is all while he writes, records and releases music, and is involved with organisations Dolly’s Dream and Farm Angels.
The reason for this latest conversation was his latest single ‘Here’s to You’, the title track of his new album, which he recorded with Laura Frank, who is part of Curtain’s tour. We talked about how Frank came to join the tour a couple of years ago, and why she and Curtain recorded the song together (Frank also made the video, with partner Nick Morrissey, who is also on tour with Curtain). Then I asked Curtain about his work with Dolly’s Dream and Farm Angels, and that’s when I discovered another element of his life: how he also takes on young people who need a break, to work with him in Katherine. He believes in giving horses, dogs and people a second chance, and has folded that into the enterprise he now runs. This is not something he advertises, but it’s work that has an impact.
Curtain is certainly someone who makes the most of every single day of his life, and his songs reflect a life well lived, and lived on the land, and he has found fans all across Australia because of them. He’ll be playing those songs on tour, which kicks off in October. Dates below through to January (for now). Tickets on sale now and available via: https://www.tomcurtain.com.au/all-tours/heres-to-you-tour/
Listen to Here’s to You on Apple Music
Tom Curtain/Katherine Outback Experience on tour
Friday 10th October – Mount Isa Campdraft Ground – Mount Isa, QLD
Saturday 11th October – Julia Creek Campdraft Ground – Julia Creek, QLD
Sunday 12th October – Hughenden Showground – Hughenden, QLD
Friday 17th October – Dalrymple Equestrian Complex – Charters Towers, QLD
Saturday 18th October – Bartlett Park – Townsville, QLD
Sunday 19th October – Ingham Showground – Ingham, QLD
Friday 24th October – Tully Performance Horse Centre – Tully, QLD
Saturday 25th October – Gordonvale Polocrosse Grounds – Gordonvale, QLD
Sunday 26th October – Malanda Showgrounds – Malanda, QLD
Friday 31st October – Ayr Showgrounds – Ayr, QLD
Saturday 1st November – Bowen Turf Club – Bowen, QLD
Sunday 2nd November – Mackay & District Hack & Pony Club – Eton, QLD
Friday 7th November – Comet Showgrounds – Comet, QLD
Saturday 8th November – The Caves Showgrounds – The Caves, QLD
Friday 21st November – Monto Showgorunds – Monto, QLD
Saturday 22nd Novem ber – Dallarnil Showgrounds – Darllarnil, QLD
Sunday 23rd November – Fraser Coast Sports & Recreation Precinct – Hervey Bay, QLD
Friday 28th November – Kenilworth Showgrounds – Kenilworth, QLD
Saturday 29th November – Kilcoy Campdraft Grounds – Kilcoy, QLD
Sunday 30th November – Fig Tree Pocket Equestrian Club – Fig Tree Pocket, QLD
Sunday 7th December – Gatton Showground – Gatton, QLD
Friday 12th December – Wandoan Showground – Wandoan, QLD
Saturday 13th December – Kumbia Race Club – Kumbia, QLD
Friday 2nd January – Stanthorpe Showground – Stanthorpe, QLD
Saturday 3rd January – Casino Showground – Casino, NSW
Sunday 4th January – Copmanhurst Showgrounds – Copmanhurst, NSW
Friday 16th January – Morisset Park Showground – Morisset, NSW
Saturday 17th January – Denman Pony Club – Denman, NSW
Monday 19th January – Longyard Hotel – Tamworth, NSW
