A couple of weeks ago a bunch of Australia's most recognisable names gathered at the Forum at the behest of Triple J, to celebrate the oeuvre of Paul Kelly.

Over two nights the Forum played host to the likes of Ashley Naylor, Bob Evans, Megan Washington, Paul Dmepsey, Dan Kelly, Adalita Srsen, Dan Sultan, John Butler, Missy Higgins and more, all having a crack at some of Kelly's most iconic songs out the front of backing band Augie March.

Our highlights?

- Megan Washington sending the crowd silent throughout an a capella rendition of 'Everybody Loves You Baby'.

- Paul Kelly's nephew Dan doing a gorgeous version of 'Down To My Soul'.

- The Panic's Jae Laffer opening the second set with a respectfully understated 'When I First Met Your Ma' and 'They Thought I Was Asleep'.

- The Herd's Ozi Batla pulling off a completely unexpected highlight via laconic yet exciting versions of 'Careless' and 'Sydney From A 727'.

- Magic Dirt's Adalita Srsen opening her spot with a spoken word 'Everything's Turning To White' before turning on the adrenalin for a ripping 'Sweet Guy'.

- Paul Dempsey's amped up take on 'Dumb Things'.

- Missy Higgins (she really does have an excellent voice, y'know) bleeding all over 'If I Could Start Today Again', buoyed by some beautiful pedal steel courtesy of Augie March's Adam Donovan.

And finally, the hero of the occasion in a cheery looking Paul Kelly appearing to close the night out with an all-star singalong for 'Leaps and Bounds'. Flanked by two longtime members of his backing band obviously having a ball, the man was in fine form. And while a night of interpretations revealed a swathe of unexpected gems, as Kelly's unmistakable voice rang clear, one couldn't help but wish he was granted a few more of his own tunes to play on the night.

(Pics: Tim O'Connor)