Sal gets back to her roots

Country gal Sal Kimber and her band The Rollin’ Wheel are set to rip up the stage at ChillOut’s Carnival Day this Sunday.

It’s the first time the Melbourne-based five-piece roots band has played at the Daylesford queer festival.

Kimber told the Star Observer the gig will be a bit of a homecoming.

“I think we’re going to have a lot more fun. When we play at folk festivals, they’re really fun but family-orientated, so you hold back a bit.

“It’s nice when we play to our own crowds — we can do our own thing.”

Kimber certainly has the credentials to play at the event. The north-east Victorian native is also (along with drummer Cat Leahy) happily “out and proud”.

She said her coming-out was a pretty easy affair.

“I grew up in a beautiful, supportive family in the country and Mum and Dad never questioned anything about my sexuality. It was always so accepted,” she said.

“I think I had a different upbringing from many people coming out so when I’ve performed, I’ve never denied it. Even in my lyrics, I’ll have lines you’ll know I’m writing about a girl.”

Kimber will be joined on stage by older sister Beth Kimber (keys, piano accordion), Jacob Cole (guitar) and Trent McKenzie (bass).

INFO: Sal Kimber plays at Cream at The Old Hepburn Hotel on March 10, 4pm-late. Cost $30 on door. She plays with The Rollin’ Wheel on the Carnival Day main stage on March 11.
BANDING TOGETHER: Sal Kimber and The Rollin’ Wheel will play at Carnival Day.