Varius Violins 

5 of the best improv/Jazz/Blues Violinists in Sydney.

George Washingmachine, Clare O'Meara, Ian Cooper, Adrian K and Marcus Holden + guitarist Nigel Date

Varius Violins bring the virtuosity, originality and intricacy that only 5 of the best stylists in one room performing together can bring.

Hosted by George Washingmashine

George Washingmashine is a performing artist who has worked as an actor from A Country Practice to Circus Oz to 'Jake' in the Blues Brothers Show & for Company B at Belvoir Street Theatre. He formed the Dead Wringers Blues Band playing Blues Guitar and supported Albert King andTaj Mahal. Bo Diddly even played in George's band for one night. As an accomplished Swing/Jazz Violinist, he has toured Europe & Cuba and will be a featured Vocalist in Varius Violins.

Clare O'Meara is a multi-instrumentalist, road-warrior, and 2018 Musician of the Year at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. She has performed at major music festivals in Europe, USA, Asia and Cuba. Clare is an in-demand live and session player to many major Australian music artists from Brian Cadd to Kate Cebrano. She is currently touring nationally with John Williamson as violinist, accordionist and vocalist.

Ian Cooper was commissioned to compose and perform the "Tin Symphony" for the opening ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney. Growing up in a family of classical musicians and being taught the violin from his mother at age four, he has appeared with artists as diverse as Olivia Newton-John, Barry White, George Benson, John Farnham & is regarded as one of Australia's great Gypsy Violinists.

Adrian Keating was a Principal with Opera Australia for 25 years, but dabbled in the black arts of electric violin to work with Jimmy Barnes, Kevin Borich, Sir George Martin & Al Jarreau. He was an arranger for Jimmy Barnes 'Flesh & Wood' National Tour. He leads and directs the Sydney Lyric Orchestra and has had the good fortune to direct string sessions for 11 top 10 Australian-charting tracks. Adrian operates Music@ StreetMarket.

As a founding director of the Golden Fiddle Awards, Marcus Holden is a Bluegrass stylist who has performed at major events such as World Expo and the Lincoln Centre in New York. As a stalwart with Mic Conway’s National Junk Band, The Jugalug String Band and 'Fiddlers Feast' Marcus has also performed with a list of Artists from Jimmy Little to Smokey Dawson to Jimmy Barnes.

Nigel Date is a freelance Sydney-based guitarist with more than 33 years experience. In the capacity of guitarist, bassist, producer, sound engineer, arranger, videographer, graphic design and composer, Nigel has worked in countless recording sessions and live performances. He is well known for being an accompanist for work with singers, violinists, horn players and other guitarists. His recorded music ranges from alien space rock to old time swinging jazz and acoustic nods to the great Django Reinhardt.