The Gympie Music Muster has announced West Virginians The Davisson Brothers – Chris and Donnie – as its 2026 International Ambassadors, with the band returning to the festival.
While the band has performed at festivals and venues around the world, it was the Gympie Music Muster’s rare sense of community, hospitality and connection that meant it was one of their favourite festival experiences.
Gympie Music Muster Australian Ambassador Amber Lawrence said The Davisson Brothers were the perfect choice to represent the festival internationally.
“I’m so excited to hear that the Davisson Brothers are the international ambassadors – Australia loves them and so do I,” she said.
“We’ve been mates since 2018 and it’s safe to say they have made Australia (and Gympie) their second home and will bring their American charm to the big stage in August. I can’t wait!”
For Chris Davisson, the connection with the Gympie Music Muster began from the moment the band arrived in the region.
“Gympie Music Muster has a special place in our hearts. From the moment we stepped out at the Amamoor General Store and Post Office, we knew we were somewhere special,” he said.
Donnie Davisson said being named the Gympie Music Muster’s 2026 International Ambassadors was something he never expected.
“We love you guys and carry you in our hearts and in our music every single day,” Donnie said.
“Everywhere we go we talk about Australia and how wonderful everyone has been to us. We’ve made so many friends and so many memories, and it seems like it gets better every time. I hope we get to do this forever.”
Chris said the similarities between regional Queensland and his home in Appalachia extended well beyond the landscape.
“The people were the highlight for us,” he said.
“Getting to go through the campground and pick a few songs is a memory we will hold close forever. We felt like we were back home; the families that have been staying there for years and years blew us away with their hospitality and open arms. The friendships, the traditions, and the sense of community reminded us so much of the way we were raised in Appalachia.”
Donnie agreed that the Muster and surrounds reminded him of him.
“On the drive to the Muster I knew we were in for a treat. We were on dirt roads, driving through creeks, across open cattle country, and it just felt like home,” Donnie said.
“Then we drove through the campgrounds and saw everyone’s camps set up with trailers, tents and even their own little bars. We stopped in with friends, played a couple of songs and before long everyone was singing along. That’s what it’s supposed to be like, and that’s what makes the Gympie Music Muster so special. It felt like home and the perfect place for The Davisson Brothers.”
Gympie Music Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh said The Davisson Brothers were part of the Muster family.
“One of the wonderful things about the Gympie Music Muster is its ability to create lifelong connections with people from all over the world,” he said.
“The Davisson Brothers didn’t just perform here, they embraced everything that makes the Muster unique. Their genuine appreciation for our community and the friendships they formed during their visit made them the perfect choice as our 2026 International Ambassadors.”
One of the band’s most memorable moments of their career came during their previous Gympie Music Muster performance.
“Having the Triballink group join us on stage was a spiritual moment for us that had never happened before,” Chris said.
“We literally had cold chills and cried on stage that night. It was one of those rare moments where you realize music is so much bigger than a stage or a performance. It brings people together across cultures, across oceans and across generations. It reminded us that the universal language of music is real.”
Despite touring 45 weeks of the year and performing across the globe, Chris said the Gympie Music Muster remained among the band’s favourite events.
“We are thrilled to be back and to be the International Ambassadors is an honour we don’t take lightly. We are proud to represent the Gympie Music Muster, the USA, West Virginia, and the Appalachian Mountains with the utmost respect.
“Thank you for making us feel like family. We can’t wait to see you all again and make a few more memories together.”
