JON AND BEL
Bendigo based Sweethearts, Jon and Bel Marland are an acoustic duo inspired by the masters and legends of Jazz, Blues, Soul, Pop, Rock, Folk and Country. The duo have been generating cool vibes in Bendigo and central Victorian towns for more than 2 decades. They have had well supported residences in Bendigo music venues, such as Gold Dust Lounge, Goldmines, Billy Roys Blues Bar, Golden Vine Hotel . They have featured multiple times at Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival, Tamworth Festival, Marysville Jazz & Blues Festival, Bendigo Blues Club and events such as the Kilmore and Marong Cups, Taltarni and Warrenmang winery, Bendigo Blues Tram and many more.
Jon and Bel were both born into musical families, so being musicians was inevitable at such a young age. At the age of 16 their lives crossed paths, fell in love and were married in 1999 at the age of 21. Throughout this whole time they have been writing and performing music together as Jon and Bel.
Bel is one of Bendigo’s most dynamic and versatile performers. Her soulful voice resonates in a way that it captivates the hearts of her audience. Jon is the mastermind behind the guitar. Having studied Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Chet Atkins, Jon developed his own unique and diverse style that encompasses rhythm, bass, lead and percussion simultaneously to create a complete sound.
The duos love and true passion for this art radiates through their music and humble stage presence. They have been known to give new life and meaning to songs. Their vocal harmonies are described as sublime. And combined with Jon’s intricate and unique guitar techniques they speak truth and heart in every song they deliver.
