Joshua Batten returns to Handle Bar for the first time since Easter Blues Bender 2021. 6pm-8pm, free entry, no bookings.

Joshua Batten is a modern-day troubadour, using music as his language to connect with his audience. Drawing on personal experience, his music provides both an escape and perspective in a complex world. His live sets have resonated with audiences as his songs strive to "know thyself" by exploring genuine reflections of life's most introspective moments, and then humbly offering them up as common and universal experiences. Based in Melbourne, Batten's style of 60's-70's inspired bluesy folk-rock is characterised by passionate vocals, accomplished guitar playing, layered arrangements and insightful lyrics.

Joshua's debut full-length album The City Within was released in April 2020. Despite COVID-19 halting touring plans for the album, Joshua maintained connection with his audience through weekly live-streamed concerts on Facebook. Over 35 consecutive weeks, Joshua played nearly 50 'Quaranstreams', with each show bringing in new followers from across the world.