Amazing experiences from knowing “diddly squat” and doing it anyway.

We’re a bunch of friends who got together to make some noise & have a bit of fun. We knew “diddly squat” about music but reckoned we’d do it anyway.

We play music we love…an eclectic mix of Rock ‘n Roll, Folk, Blues, Country & Pop – mostly from the 1960’s – 90’s, and a sprinkling of originals.

We’re having an amazing ride and love sharing the joy.

Diddly Squat were one of 6 finalists chosen from over 1400 entries featured in the ABC Exhumed TV series 2013 (Australia). 

Band Members

Merrilyn Bowers – drums
Chris Hall – vocals, bass
Ann Leung – vocals, guitar
Sophie Stevanov – vocals and other stuff


Previous:
Kathy Ridgway – guitar, vocals (2009 – 2021)
Mary Holdsworth – guitar, vocals (2009 – 2012)

Our Journey

In 2009, instigated by our friend Mary Holdsworth, we were challenged to prepare a few songs for a charity function. At that time half of us had never played an instrument or sung before, but it looked like fun, so we had a go.
Turns out, we all secretly harboured a desire to play in a band, but none of us had ever thought it possible.

Four years later, we found ourselves performing on national TV as one of 6 finalists in ABC’s Exhumed Band Competition. Created by James Valentine, the competition was “not for the wannabe’s, not for the has-been’s, but for the never-were’s” – people who play for the passion and enjoyment. The competition attracted over 1400 entries…. including us!

Sadly, we lost our lovable Kathy Ridgway to cancer in 2021, however we’re “doing it anyway” and thrilled to welcome Sophie Stevanov to our group and are enjoying exploring a new vocal blend.

Who knows what’s next…we’ll keep playing because we love the music, the friendship, the learning, and the downright good fun….and we hope to get better at it…bit by bit, all in our own time. 

Performances

We perform at functions, events, parties, markets, anyone who’ll have us. Contact Us if you’d like Diddly Squat at your event.

• Salisbury Community Sports Club – July 2023
• Folk Redlands – October 2022
• Qld Performing Arts Complex – Green Jam, April 2022
• Arcare Parkwood Open Day, November 2019
• Indooroopilly Hotel, November 2019
• The Green Owl, Bowen Hills, August 2018
• IndigiDayOut Festival, June 2018
• Green Living Expo, Indigiscapes, March 2018
• Coast Acoustics, February 2017
• Folk Redlands, Dec 2016
• Reclink Cup, Brisbane, September 2016
• Peaks to Points Festival, July 2014, 2016
• Clive Burdeu Aged Care, Aug 2015
• Wynnum Twilight Markets, Dec 2014
• Folk at the Friary, November 2014
• LGBTIQ Over 50’s Expo – New Farm, Southport & Kawana 2014, 2015
• Redfest Spring Festival, Cleveland, September 2014, 2015
• Alderley Arms Hotel, supporting Across The Ditch July, November 2014, April,July,December 2015, April 2016
• Launch It –Surfers Paradise Festival April 6, 2014
• 612 ABC Radio – Tim Cox Drive Show, April 2014
• Folk Redlands, Feb & Dec 2014
• Sherwood AFL Club, Dec 2013
• “Exhumed” Finalists – Featured in ABC Exhumed TV Series November- December 2013, culminating in Grand Final, Rooty Hill RSL December 2013 (broadcast on ABC TV)
• 612 ABC Radio, Tim Cox Drive Show, October 2013
• Co-winners “Exhumed” Brisbane Final, Kedron Wavell RSL August 2013
• Kahuna Hut opening, Salisbury, July 2013
• 50^th Birthday party, Enoggera, June 2013
• 50^th Birthday party, Oxley Golf Club November 2012
• Karuna Christmas Markets, Lutwyche, November 2012, 2013, 2015
• Karuna Art & Jewellery fair,  Lutwyche August 2012, 2013, 2014
• Private Birthday Party, Norman Park Bowls Club, March 2012
• Salisbury Bowls Club, November 2011
• Coorparoo Bowls Club, October & November 2011
• Bohemia Bar, Paddington, June 2011
• Heartbeast, Fortitude Valley, March 2011
• Inspire Gallery, West End, March 2011
• Wedding, Point Break, Burleigh Heads, February 2011
• Christmas Party,  Brisbane North, December 2010
• Channel 9 Christmas Party, Red Hill Community Club, November 2010
• Wedding, Norman Park Bowls Club, October 2010
• Blessing of the Cornfield, Enoggera August 2010
• Christmas party, Ukraine Club Nov 2009
• Koko’s Apartments, July 2009, February & November 2010, February 2011, December 2011
• Friends of Ebenezer Fundraiser, Heaven in the Hills, Maleny,  July 2009