Community
7 February, 2026
Hopes for home grown show takes blues away for muso
BLUES music is notorious for being just that - stories of heartache, struggle and hurt. But for Geoff “Duck” Donaldson, he’s the happiest he’s ever been when he’s on stage.
BLUES music is notorious for being just that - stories of heartache, struggle and hurt.
But for Geoff “Duck” Donaldson, he’s the happiest he’s ever been when he’s on stage.
From his early days in brass bands around St Arnaud, even he could see music would be his life.
“It just makes me happy, it fuels my soul,” he said.
“And even, after all this time, I’m still hungry for it all.
“I don’t think that will ever change.”
As one of eight, Mr Donaldson was surrounded by music.
“Seven of us were all in the brass band and mum was always playing an instrument somewhere,” he said.
“Mum was always our biggest fans and would take us here, there and everywhere.
“I remember when I was about 17 and I was out at the Logan Pub and saw Vick Hunt playing a gig.
“He was absolutely killing it on the harmonica.
“I just remember thinking that was the coolest thing I had ever seen.”
Ms Donaldson traded his brass for a smaller instrument and never looked back.
The now 65-year-old can’t say he’s had a boring life, with a music career that has taken him all over the country and the world.
“I’ve played with so many legends, like Geoff Achison, Muddy Puddles and more,” he said.
“Blues is something that allows you to just slot in with anyone and everyone on stage. We have so many talented people in the industry, but we all just love what we do.”
Mr Donaldson said one of his fondest memories was when he was touring Japan and was invited up on stage in a Blues club.
“It was an American Blues bar and there wasn’t a lot of English being spoken out on the floor,” he said.
“But the thing you find is, music is a universal language.
“We were able to get up there and just jam out and everyone knew what we were doing, the story we were telling.
“It’s times like those you sit back and think about how lucky you are to be a part of something as cool as that.”
But it’s the crowd that keeps Mr Donaldson going.
“You see the reactions from the crowd and you see the joy it brings,” he said.
“Everyone’s just there having a good time and you can all feel it together.”
Mr Donaldson said while he has accomplished a lot in his life, including his band TwoDucksDothe Blues, his one dream would be to perform back here in St Arnaud.
“I think having a big crowd at the hall would be the best thing,” he said.
“I know that I’ve still got a lot of life-long friends from my early days and they’re all talented in their own right.
“And I know there’s a lot of talent in and around the area that should be showcased.”
Read More: St Arnaud