Name: Checkerboard Lounge...
Start: 2026-02-28T10:00:00+11:00
Location: 15-17 Hercules St, Sydney, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2131

Multi-award-winning, ARIA-nominated roots sensation, Checkerboard Lounge bring their world class original blues and soul to Sydney for the first time since their standing ovations at Blues on Broadbeach, as part of their OZ/NZ tour.

Inspirational front man Carl Pannuzzo (drums and vocals), revered as one of Australia’s greatest voices, master guitarist and Blues hall of Fame inductee Shannon Bourne (Don Walker), Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal (Fiona Boyes), and ineffable bassist Zoë Frater breathe fire, virtuosity and improvisation into blues, soul and roots originals.
Multi-award-winning, ARIA-nominated album Sun Sessions, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee, catapulted the band to nationwide recognition. They’ve been touring, becoming festival favourites ever since. Recent release ‘Roller Coaster’ shot to the top 5 of several national charts and getting rave reviews nationally and abroad.
As a live act, no video can recreate the experience that gleans such ecstatic audience response. A dynamic, passionate powerhouse, Checkerboard are the very essence of a live music experience.
The spirit of some of history’s greatest music is palpable from the first note. They reinvent the music with authenticity and currency, appealing to old and new fans. From standing ovations at festivals to crammed inner Melbourne pubs, Checkerboard are a tour-de-force that blows audiences away.
Band members communicate almost telepathically with an intuitive sense of play, bringing the audience along on the journey through the heart and feet.
Checkerboard’s world-class musicianship is undeniable. With integrity and originality they deliver a potent brew of blues, roots and soul.
“You got it boy, it’s in you” ~ Jimmy Smith
"You could run a small city off these guys" ~ Fiona Boyes
“ Carl Pannuzzo is Australia’s best soul singer” ~ Broderick Smith