Michelle Chandler is an accomplished award winning songwriter and compelling performer. The Free Press wrote "Michelle Chandler's ability in song composition and her velvety voice made for breath-taking entertainment. It was the best original music I have heard in a long time." She is a skilled guitarist, gifted with a beautifully rich velvet voice. Together with her band 'the handful', Michelle’s evocative music is reflected in dynamic and energetic performances. Having played at the 2004 Port Fairy Folk Festival to packed houses with similar reviews stating "Michelle Chandler & her band 'the handful' were the best original band I heard at this year's Port Fairy Folk Festival. Great songs, great music & so much energy. Very uplifting!" The band features Multi-Instrumentalist Sigi Gabrie, Max McIntosh on Bass and Vocals, Denise Smith on Vocals & Hand Percussion and Nick Carrafa on Drums and Percussion. Following those performances, an 11 track CD 'Here & Now', was recorded and released in October 2004 and in response to popular demand, Michelle Chandler &'the handful' continues to perform at music festivals and venues throughout Australia where her songs describing her observations of the human condition leave audiences wanting more……….. Performed in Australia with: Kristina Olsen (USA) & Peter Grayling Gilly Darbey (UK) Rose Bygraves (Goanna) Denise Smith (Kate Ceberano, Men at Work, Goanna, Mondo Rock) Christina Green Russell Smith (Renee Geyer, Kate Ceberano, John Farnham, Vince Jones) Jo Jo Smith (Marcia Hines, Venetta Fields, Crossfire, Justin Brady) Daryl McKenzie (Hey, Hey it’s Saturday, Marc Hunter, Deborah Byrne) John Crosby (Dugites, Grace Knight, Jason Donovan) Boris Falovic (Dugites) Sigi Gabrie (Andy Cowan, Kelly Auty, Frank Yama, Rocky Dabscheck) Max McIntosh (Brian Cadd, Off The Leash, Rocky Dabscheck) Nick Carrafa (Kelly Auty, Urban Nomads, Rocky Dabscheck) Mal Webb (Oxo Cubans, Totally Gourdgeous, Kaya) Janette Geri (Maria Forde, Phil Smith) Riley Jordan (Medusa, Kids in the Kitchen) Penelope Swales (Totally Gourdgeous, Mal Webb) Monica Weightman (Brian Cadd, The Seekers, Lee Kernaghan) Mark Manning (Dave Dobbin, Spencer Jones) Ron McIntyre (John Farnham) Billed with, and/or Support for: Bruce Cockburn (CAN), Janis Ian (USA), Kristina Olsen (USA), Gilly Darbey (UK), Patti Larkin (USA), Steeleye Span (UK), Chris While & Julie Mathews (UK), Michael Martyn (CAN), Vika & Linda, The Waifs, Deborah Conway, Ross Wilson, Mark Seymour, Stephen Cummings, Coco’s Lunch, Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter, Tiddas, Sally Dastey, Rose Bygraves, Broderick Smith, Shane Howard, Uncle Bill, Chris Wilson, Kutcha Edwards, Matt Walker, Ross Hannaford, Tiffany Eckhardt & Dave Steel, Andy Cowan, Women In Docs, Sophie Raymond, Mundy & Turner, Jigzag, Ruby Fruit Jungle, Spectrum, Phil Manning, Nick Charles, Janette Geri, Things of Stone & Wood, Redgum, Emma Wall, The Bushwackers, Nichaud Fitzgibbon & Shelley Scowan….. Reviews - Michelle Chandler “Michelle Chandler has been honing her craft as a musician for many years. Influenced by songwriters like Van Morrison, Janis Ian, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell, she began playing professionally at fifteen in small cafés and restaurants and attended many of the folk and music festivals around Australia. She was recognised very quickly as a talented artist performing in a variety of line-ups and delighting audiences everywhere with her original music. An accomplished singer/songwriter, Michelle can lift an audience to new heights with her heartfelt music. The lyrics and melodies have often been described as healing, taking listeners inside themselves where they can share their feelings and experiences, wrapped in the safety and warmth of such beautiful music. She has worked with a number of established performers including Janis Ian and Kristina Olsen, receiving high praise from both. Michelle’s songs are renowned for getting to the heart of the matter, not being afraid to explore the human psyche for inspiration. She enjoys performing her music for a live audience whether in an intimate setting sharing in the responses of those listening or large auditoriums such as those found on the Festival circuit. Her new CD, ‘Here and Now’ is yet another example of her extraordinary talent. The album features her band ‘the handful’, superb musicians whose skill and expertise add subtle layers to an already enlightening musical experience. Now you can hold the music in your hand while you feel it in your heart.” Review Article from A’n’R Magazine - Issue #22 (January 2005) "What a fantastic line-up! The instruments chosen are perfect for your music & the arrangements were great. You write such beautifully crafted songs." Ranges Folk Festival (May 2004) "Michelle Chandler & her band 'the handful' was the best original band I heard at this year's Port Fairy Folk Festival. Great songs, great music & so much energy. Very uplifting!" Port Fairy Folk Festival (March 2004) "I love your music! I went to all of your performances & bought all of your CD's. I can't believe this is the first time you've played here." Punter on Port Fairy Folk Festival (2004) "We were so excited to see you performing at this year's festival, we didn't miss one of your gigs & hope you'll be back next year.” Punters on Port Fairy Folk Festival (2004) “I could listen to you sing your songs all day. I just love the way you play!” Punter on Stephen Cummings support Gig at Uncle Neil’s Café (March 2003) “I am thoroughly impressed by you!” Dennis Halsey (US) - The Best Female Musicians Magazine (May 2002) “You write the most beautiful songs” Kristina Olsen (US) in a shared performance at Yackandandah Folk Festival (March 2002) “One of the five best concerts I’ve been to, look forward to hearing more” Judy Small (March 2002) on the shared Concert at Loxley Vineyard – as part of the National Tour (April 2001) “Thanks to Michelle Chandler for providing fabulous support – I cried, I laughed, I reminisced.” Janis Ian Concert at Loxley Vineyard – from the National Tour (April 2001) “Thinking of the wonderful talent you have. Hope your life is as beautiful as your music.” Punter on CDs (November 2000) “The words and feelings you convey in your music are beautiful.” From Stringybark Bush Festival (October 2000) “Your music prompted me to stay till the very end.” From John Weeks Presenter of Spectrum on 3MDR (October 2000) “Michelle Chandler’s ability in song composition and her velvety voice made for breath-taking entertainment. It was the best original music I have heard in a long time.” Free Press - Letters to the Editor (June 27, 2000) “You have a truly wonderful voice, a true gift.” Punter on CDs (May 2000) From: Wichita, USA “Michelle Chandler gets top billing. Bravo lassie!” Frankston Guitar Festival (April 2000) “Your words have touched others and will always be a shrine to those that you have written about.” Punter on CDs (January 2000) From: Nashville, USA “Michelle Chandler has an uncanny ability to tap into people's feelings, write a song about it and then present it to them in a raw and honest performance.” Excerpt from Stringybark Festival (October ’99)