Snake Gully

Australiana/Acoustic/Blues Family Entertainment

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One of Far North Queenslan's most enduring bands, Cairns-based Snake Gully plays a combination of traditional Australian folk music, Celtic tunes and originals (including the odd blues) with plenty of pizzazz and splashes of colour from other acoustic styles.

Co-founded by Alan Jones back in 1986, Snake Gully's name is synonymous with Australian folk music in Far North Queensland. Apart from entertaining countless international visitors, the band has performed every Australia Day since its inception and supported visiting Irish super groups the Furey Brothers, Foster & Allen and Finbar Furey & Bohinta in concerts at the Cairns Civic Theatre.

In the past dozen years, the Snakes have flown the Aussie flag overseas, playing to large crowds at major festivals in China, Finland, Denmark and Estonia.

They have recorded two CDs. Home Among the Gumtrees, comprising some well loved bush favourites, was commissioned by Gene Pierson and was distributed around the globe. Snakes Alive, which was also recorded in Cairns at Pegasus Studios, saw the band edging away from their trademark Australiana sound, and moving more into Celtic realms.

Snake Gully, which actually started life as a theatrical ensemble, has had numerous personnel changes since its inception. The current line-up comprises multi-instrumentalist Peter Ella, who plays mandolin, fiddle and guitar; lead singer and rhythm guitarist Tony Hillier and double bass player Dave Hart. Harmonica whiz Steve Gilbert left at the end of 2007, but fiddler Steve Wettenhall often sits in with the band and founder member Alan Jones usually returns to the fold for Australia Day, Anzac Day and other big occasions. Snake Gully gathered past and present members to celebrate its 25th anniversary at cabaret-type shows at the 2011 Cairns Festival and Tablelands Folk Festival. The band is celebrating its 30th birthday in 2017.