FEATURE - Marshy’s Moonshine Music

Mr and Mrs ‘Marshy’ are dedicated to supporting live music and local musicians. After 10 years hosting Thursday night live music sessions at Ricks Garage, Palmwoods, they ‘retired’ to run Open Mics (and much more) from their aptly named, Rancho Relaxo.

by Victoria McGuin

There’s something magical hidden away in the Landers Shoot foothills near Palmwoods, an oasis of music, merriment and creative expression. A place where musicians can play to audiences who soak up the atmosphere and support everyone on stage. How special is that? 

What and where is this place? I hear you ask. Let me introduce you to Marshy’s Moonshine Music at Rancho Relaxo - the elixir for music lovers across the Range!

Created and lovingly hosted by Andrew Marshallsea and Cheryl Thomson, this is a space for Open Mics (every third Thursday), album launches, home concerts, rehearsals and private events, in a characterful room complete with foldable chairs, a stage space, welcoming lighting, music memorabilia, Cheryl’s artworks and a bar (BYO only at Open Mic sessions).

The first time I attended an evening at Marshy’s, I was struck by how generous this couple is, sharing their home to support musicians of all ages and abilities. Anyone performing may feel nervous at first, but they are cocooned in a space filled with encouragement and kindness, and it’s a pleasure to see them unfurl and blossom as their set progresses – usually about four or five songs, sometimes covers; sometimes originals.

“Not everyone has a house they can promote music in like this,” said Cheryl, “so we’re happy to do it.”

Andrew ‘Marshy’ and Cheryl ‘Mrs Marshy’ spent ten years before this running the Thursday night live music sessions at Rick’s Garage in Palmwoods. 

“It was great to do, but some musicians found it overwhelming and quite loud and busy, so you couldn’t always focus on the music, whereas here it’s more relaxing,” said Marshy.

“When Covid hit, we started video-linking our evenings, and then we started having them here once a certain number of people could gather together. Now we live-stream every Open Mic and put the performances on our Facebook and Instagram pages, and they get seen by hundreds of people.”

Marshy also has a recording studio at Rancho Relaxo and has recently completed a six-track album with his band, Shibui Sound. 

“It’s me and friends, Justin and Gav. They’re all original songs, all co-written, produced and recorded here. We started last July, we used to get together and just play, and it grew from there, very organic.” There’s an Open Mic on April 24 for the album launch.

If that’s not enough, Marshy’s side project, Bamboo Fish, has recently released a new single Please Don’t Be Long, featuring singer Em Davis. Their 2022 album Cleanskin, recorded and mastered by Nyssa Ray, is also on streaming platforms.

“Sometimes you can make a song in 10 mins, other times, like one of mine, you could start it at 18 years old and write the bridge 30-odd years later,” shared Marshy.

“And then comes the editing!” added Cheryl, with a knowing look.

“I can sit there for days editing,” Marshy admitted.

“Which you do,” Cheryl laughed. “On this new album, there’s one part, just two seconds of music, and he spent ages on it!”

“And no-one will ever know,” Marshy added with a shake of his head.

The second time I visited for an Open Mic session, I enjoyed Merlot Lane, a guitar-playing duo singing folk; country singer/guitarist Peta-Maree, and bands Shibui Sound and The Flattering Light, who performed original songs, from poignant to atmospheric to foot-stomping – it was all fantastic! 

“People bring a plate and their own drinks, and we all enjoy the music from 6pm until around 8.30. Everyone is welcome, and it’s free,” said Marshy.

“We knew we wanted to share this with the world, so we offered our space for music videos, using our garden for photographers, we got the studio kitted out, a PA system, mics, monitors, air-con, Cheryl films every show and Open Mic session.”

“We’ve now had over 807 people play at Marshy’s,” Cheryl continued.

“For the first few years people would just turn up and play, but as the nights became more popular we realised we needed to get smarter, streamlining by using Facebook and Instagram for people to book in advance.”

The last few times I’ve visited, it’s been at night, with fairy and bistro lights festooning the place, but this time I saw the beauty of the surroundings in the afternoon light, the chickens running around, the established vegetable and herb garden, the tiered walkways, and could hear the creek gurgling and trickling across rocks and boulders below the house.

It’s a delight for garden lovers here, melding Australian bush with traditional Japanese garden elements (stone, water, plants). Before I left, I walked across a picturesque red wooden bridge and watched the row of Koi carp ‘koinobori’ (wind streamers) floating on the breeze above the wide creek.

Andrew and Cheryl should be proud – from the moment you drive down the winding road into Rancho Relaxo, it’s abundantly clear they have created a nurturing haven for music lovers, and I advise you to visit as soon as you can.