Meet four extraordinary musicians who are mastering melodies on My Way

Prepare to be blown away as Linsey Pollak crafts wild, wind instruments out of fresh carrots, garden hoses, and pure imagination.

Discover how Meneka turned sudden vision loss into musical magic, fusing her South Indian roots with modern songwriting to create a sound all her own.

Swap stethoscopes for saxophones with Meredith Brothers, proving it's never too late for a second act. Finally, join accordion maestro David De Santi as he throws open the doors to a high-energy folk jam session keeping global tunes alive. 

Meet four musicians making magic their way. Linsey turns carrots into instruments, Meneka blends Carnatic roots with modern pop, Meredith swaps vet life for a jazz club, and David keeps global folk traditions alive in high-energy jams. 

Linsey Pollak 

Linsey Pollak is a true original whose musical prowess has taken him across the globe to create groundbreaking sounds and invent instruments never heard before. A master of creative wonder, Pollak breathes soul into the ordinary, transforming everyday treasures – like fresh carrots, garden hoses, and watering cans – into wind instruments.

Gently infusing his creations with the timeless romance of Balkan folk traditions and modern live-looping, he transforms simple vibrations into rich, unforgettable melodies. As a performer and composer, Pollak invites audiences to dream, proving that beauty and profound artistry lie hidden in the humblest corners of our world. 

Menaka Thomas 

Meneka is a performer, mentor, and songwriter known for her distinct blend of South Indian classical and contemporary sounds. Formally trained by her mother in traditional Carnatic music, her artistic trajectory shifted in 2004 when a chronic condition caused legal blindness.

Turning to songwriting for healing, Meneka broke from strict traditional preservation to craft original fusion music reflecting her cultures, languages, and lived experiences. Today, she leads accessible workshops and performances that introduce South Indian traditions to diverse audiences, using music as a tool to cultivate cross-cultural connection, confidence, and community. 

Ruby Jazz Club 

After half a lifetime as a veterinarian, Meredith Brothers honored an undeniable calling to music. Proving it is never too late for a second act, she sold her practice to study at the Jazz Music

Institute. Embracing the spontaneous spirit of the genre, Meredith channeled her passion into founding Ruby Jazz Club – Brisbane’s only privately owned jazz venue. Today, she combines her late-blooming musical journey with an intimate performance space, offering audiences a warm, authentic haven built by a musician, for lovers of live jazz. 

Good Tunes 

David De Santi’s musical journey began in childhood, playing Italian folk songs on the accordion with his father – a spark that ignited a lifelong passion.

A cornerstone of the Australian folk scene, De Santi has directed major festivals along the east coast while championing grassroots artists through his popular “Goodtunes” sessions, creating vibrant spaces for musicians to perform and gather.

An avid collector of tunes spanning decades and centuries from around the globe, De Santi transforms ancient melodies into living traditions. Through his infectious energy, he breathes fresh life into world music, building a thriving, joyful community united by song.