Buskers Burrow
Nestled at the eastern end of the Corso in Manly, just a stone's throw from Sydney's iconic surf beach, sits The Buskers Burrow, affectionately known simply as "The Burrow".
The brainchild of musician and entrepreneur, Paddy Roach, The Burrow has become far more than a performance space. It is a gathering place where music, culture, creativity and community come together. Locals, tourists and performers alike are drawn to its welcoming atmosphere, where established musicians share the stage with newcomers pursuing their dreams.
The Burrow is home to Paddy's Troupe, a colourful collection of regular performers whose talent, humour and camaraderie have transformed the space into something of a local institution. Whether it's music, laughter, storytelling or spirited debate, there is always something happening beneath The Burrow's unofficial motto:
Everybody belongs
For Sam Crews, The Burrow provides refuge from the pressure of corporate life. For visitors, it offers a glimpse into the soul of Manly. For its performers, it is home.
And for Paddy Roach, it is only the beginning. His dream is to revolutionise The Burrow into the launching pad for the Australian Street Entertainers Championships (ASEC), a national celebration of busking talent that could place Manly at the centre of Australia's street performance scene.
Meet Paddy's Troupe
Paddy Roach
Founder of The Buskers Burrow, Paddy is an Indigenous Australian musician whose talent is matched only by his generosity of spirit. Born in Cairns and gifted on five musical instruments, Paddy spent years travelling around Australia before settling in Manly.
His music blends storytelling, culture and lived experience, captivating audiences and performers alike. More than simply the leader of Paddy's Troupe, he is its heart and soul, welcoming strangers with open arms and creating opportunities for anyone willing to share their gift.
Paddy's ambition extends far beyond The Burrow. His vision for the Australian Street Entertainers Championship could transform busking from a local pastime into a nationally celebrated art form.
Ronnie Galah
If you've spent more than five minutes at The Burrow, you have probably met Ronnie Galah.
A gifted guitarist in his early fifties, Ronnie has never met a stranger. His philosophy is simple:
"We're all the same. Nobody is above me and nobody is below me".
Whether he is sharing a song, telling a story or casting a line into the waters off Palm Beach, Ronnie embraces life with enthusiasm and humour. A proficient pool player with a reputation for quietly hustling unsuspecting opponents, Ronnie is equal parts philosopher, entertainer and larrikin.
His favourite greeting "Me ol' china" has become something of a Burrow catchphrase.
Sherese Murray
Sherese arrived from Alice Springs and immediately transformed the sound of The Burrow.
A cousin of Paddy and a musician of extraordinary versatility, Sherese can move effortlessly between drums, guitar, piano, trumpet and saxophone. Combined with a rich, powerful contralto voice, her performances possess an emotional depth that can stop passers-by in their tracks.
Warm, approachable and endlessly accommodating, Sherese thrives on audience interaction. With a repertoire spanning countless genres and styles, she rarely turns down a request and has a knack for knowing the perfect song for the moment.
Ti
Ti (pronounced “Tea”) is known for his constant smile, geniality and love of playing the didgeridoo and a play on words. So when he arrived at The Burrow and looked across the Corso to see the Tea and Biscuits (TAB) cafe, he immediately quipped to Paddy that they should open a Ti and Buskers cafe. Of course he was joking but it still brought a sharp rebuke from Paddy as his respect and admiration for Carla is profuse.
Ti is an eternal optimist and sees the day when Australia’s favourite musical instrument will be the didgeridoo. And if you mention to him that you like it, he will teach you how to play, free of charge.
THE TWO TENORS (Jeff and Hampton)
At first glance Jeff and Hampton are chalk and cheese: Jeff is 6' 4", thinner than a drink of water and has a receding hairline. Hampton, on the other hand, is 5'5", portly, verging on obese, with a thick mane of dark brown hair.
But what they have in common is they can both sing - brilliantly. And when they do it together you feel the planets have aligned. There is a good chance, at a time in the not-too-distant future, you will see them at the Opera House in a prominent musical, but for now, The Burrow is where you will hear their majestic intonations.
SOPRANOS
After meeting two years ago at the Sydney Conservatorium, where Rita is pursuing a Bachelor of Music and Kayley is in her final postgraduate year of a Master of Music Studies, the two sopranos have been almost inseparable ever since.
While they agree on almost everything, the one issue of difference is State of Origin: Rita, hailing from Queensland is an ardent Maroons supporter while Kayley is equally as loyal to her barnstorming Blues. They are also working on performing a new song at The Burrow with Ti on didgeridoo. They took a liking to the pun-loving Ti when he quipped their high Cs should be performed on the high seas, something they hope to do one day.