Co-Presented w/ Keene Music Festival
Get out your dancing shoes for this one!

Amidst smooth harmonies, rhythms rooted in a strong Polynesian family lineage, and unassuming grooves that gradually elevate even the most casual listener, Bobby Alu’s music has a way of sneaking into your subconscious and staying there. His songs often reappear as toe-tapping reminders to take it slow and enjoy the moment. Dubbed the “curator of calm,” Alu delivers his island-time ethos not with force, but with gentle optimism—inviting reflection best done in a hammock. Yet it’s not all palm trees and daydreams—there’s a robust energy in his mastery of traditional Samoan log drums and a songwriting vitality that draws from world, roots, and pop influences.

His long-standing musical connection with producer and tour mate Paulie Bromley (The Beautiful Girls, george) has fueled both recorded and live momentum through numerous creative partnerships. After five years touring globally as a percussionist for Xavier Rudd, Alu stepped back into his solo spotlight in 2018, playing 132 shows across 14 countries and supporting acts like John Butler Trio, Trevor Hall, UB40, and The Beautiful Girls. That same year, he performed and co-wrote a song for the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony—a full-circle moment for the Gold Coast-raised artist. The following year brought BIGSOUND showcases, a North American tour with Xavier Rudd, and a national run with Busby Marou. Alu’s songwriting also hit new heights: his third album Flow (2019) was a Double J feature and topped the AIR Independent Album Charts. Singles like “Move,” “Other Side,” and “Finally” garnered critical praise, national airplay, and songwriting accolades. In 2020, he revisited and reimagined his debut album in a 10-year anniversary release. Known for leaving audiences uplifted and full of heart, Bobby Alu continues to ride life’s rhythms while locking into his signature grooves. Whether solo or with a band, his live shows fuse Polynesian ukulele, Pacific beats, thoughtful harmonies, and powerful log drumming into a smooth, soulful experience that’s equal parts hammock and heartbeat.