A new band has entered the Snowy Monaro live music scene and its members are ‘chuffed’, if not a tad surprised, to find themselves suddenly flying high.

Dalgety-based The Chuffs - named for the ‘chattering’ of Chough birds that turn up when they rehearse - “sort of evolved” last year when a couple of its members who had met through The Band From Snowy River (TBFSR) recognised kindred musical spirits and began to jam together.

Bass player, Marc O’Hare, and guitarist, Andrew Shumack, started exploring different music together just for fun. They were soon joined by Mark’s acoustic and electric ukulele playing partner, Wendy McDougall and fellow TBFSR singer, Jon Percy. Drummer, Darren ‘Heg’ Heginbothom, was a more recent addition to the band.

Things evolved so well, soon they had a name, were playing a few small gigs and then, a fortnight ago, they made a splash at Jindabyne’s black tie Snow Ball, sharing the program with highly respected local acts, The Hip Replacements and Cool Change.

It seems there is no rest for the Chuffed. Next gig has been set for Cooma Bowling Club on 21 June 6 - 9pm.

“Playing local venues and private parties is fun,” Wendy, an acclaimed music photographer and author, Raglan Gallery volunteer and the band’s spokesperson, said.

“Andrew suggested naming the band after the birds, but we like the spelling - Chuffs, so that’s how we roll,” Wendy said.

“We play rock, blues, funk and pop from varied eras of music. We also prefer to do our version of a song rather than a straight cover, and we have an original we throw in most gigs. Hopefully there will be more of those to come.”

Founder Andrew, who plays lead electric guitar and sings backing vocals, has 36 years of experience as a guitarist, but started his musical life as a drummer in primary school, a trumpet player in high school and a chorister throughout his life.

He has played in various bands, but says he particularly likes playing with good musos who like playing the same songs.

“Hopefully I help make us all feel that we don’t take ourselves too seriously and have a lot of fun whilst learning,” he said.

Bass player/backing vocalist, Mark O’Hare, comes to the Chuffs with formal studies in music and experience in bands in Perth and Sydney.

“When Andrew decided we should form an offshoot band from the amazing and fun community (group) The Band From Snowy River, I felt we had a great musical instinct for each other’s style and we learn from each other; it’s so much fun,” he said.

“I’ve found some super friends and appreciate how the local communities have made us feel. “I’m Chuffed with how nice our fans are to us. I love locking in with Hegs’ groove; it’s so in the pocket I can do my job supporting the band and when inspired run amuck harmonically and know he’s got my back.

“Music has allowed me to meet and work with some amazing talent. It’s taken me to some amazing places, it’s been a ride.

“My (jazz bass) studies at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, playing with some great bands and acts and watching my singer Dad perform as a child, has taught me how important it is to arrange, leave space, and put on a show. It is early days for the Chuffs and we promise to keep this our goal and most importantly, have fun.”

Drummer, Darren Heginbotham, has been drumming on and off for 43 years, played with a few bands on the Central Coast and joined The Chuffs six months ago.

“Best part about playing with the Chuffs is the live shows are so powerful,” he said.

“The shows are a musical journey. The guys choose great songs and I love playing drums amplified.

“I feel I add a happy vibe. I’m serious about keeping things tight for the band particularly my bass man Mark. It’s lots of fun.”

Wendy, who first picked up a uke about 10 years ago, along with some percussion and backing vocals (“reluctantly, but I’m getting more confident”), says she loves being able to play with people who love music as much as she does.

“I happened to be around in the early days when Mark and Andrew were jamming so I started to sit in with them. They haven’t asked me to leave yet!

“Knowing of their high skill set I’m just thrilled I am in the mix.

“It’s a lot of fun and a fabulous learning curve. I truly never thought to play music to an audience. I think musically I prefer the rehearsal room. But sharing music is certainly magic too. Gotta love showbiz.”

Wendy had previously played in a five-piece uke based band (which included Mark on his bass) in Sydney and at lots of uke festivals.

Lead singer and acoustic guitar player, Jon Percy, believes he brings a spirit of encouragement to the band, “wanting to lift up each individual and the band as one”.

He was four when he started singing, then became a Christian worship leader and sang in some bands between 17-22 years of age.

He took up guitar seven years ago.

“Playing with the Chuffs is so enjoyable,” he said. “Great friends and challenging, given the songs we choose to cover are not always simple. It seems the bar is always being raised.”