THE RELUCTANT LEAVING (Dedicated to P.F. Sloan)

By

-

18 March 2016

You say you’re leavin’
And you know it ain’t fair
Every day I wake unto this world
I’m gonna hurt that you’re not there
But God knows best
And God is good
If you believe in Him
Tonight I wish I could
We said our goodbyes
And now we can’t take ’em back
The last time I saw your smiling face
We didn’t see the sky turn black
We laughed too loud
And hugged too long
You saw the best in me
Even when I was wrong
You’ve been cryin’
’cause you don’t want to go
And I’ve been lyin’
Pretending I didn’t know
Now all the days of my life
All the days of my life
I’m gonna be grieving
Your reluctant leaving
The winter’s comin’
Bringin’ storms that’ll surely rage
And I’ll sit here on this lonely bench
And I will try to act my age
We played too hard
We cared too deep
I’ll see ya in my dreams
When I stumble into sleep
You’ve been cryin’
’cause you don’t want to go
And I’ve been lyin’
Pretending I didn’t know
Now all the days of my life
All the days of my life
I’m gonna be grieving
Your reluctant leaving…
I’m gonna be grieving
Your reluctant leaving
Speechless
Without a tale to tell
Adios, dear friend
Adios
And farewell….

(C) Frank Howson

More…

Grosset Springvale Clare Valley Watervale Riesling 2010

By

Mick Pacholli

-

17 March 2016

0

$39.00

I opened this wine during the week on a warm night looking for a steely sharp acid crisp Grosset Riesling and what I got was a very approachable ready to drink now wine. With all its wonderful lime and grapefruit perfume wafting up from the glass. Finishing with a chalky green apple sharpness then a hit of red apple sweetness wrapt in a lick of fresh floral lime juice. All this from a five year old. For me I loved the taste of this wine, its drinking well right now. It was not the Riesling I expected and I will be putting the rest in the fridge soon as they are drinking wonderfully.

P.S Please note I drink my white wines at room temp.

Michael@Winereviwes

Tickets for Nichaud Fitzgibbon and The Mark Fitzgibbon Trio in TOORAK from Ticketbooth

By

Mick Pacholli

-

17 March 2016

0

Nichaud Fitzgibbon and The Mark Fitzgibbon Trio

Wed. 23 Mar, 2016 at 6:30pm AEDT

15 days away

AUD $20.00 – AUD $50.00

18 and Over

Get Tickets
Details

AUD $20.00 – AUD $50.00

18 and Over

Event Description

Toorak’s NEW Monthly Jazz Series At Marquee Lounge Bar
Featuring Nichaud Fitzgibbon and The Mark Fitzgibbon Trio

Sing the songs from the Movies!

Moon River – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Cheek to Cheek – Top Hat

It Had to be you – When Harry Met Sally

Plus loads more!

Nichaud Fitzgibbon is regarded as Jazz royalty and is one of Australia’s premier Jazz stylists, her reputation as a stylish and versatile performer precedes her. She is renown for her chameleon ways from Bossa to Blues, Ballads and Latin Grooves.The famous Fitzgibbon family have been synonymous with Jazz for over a century and have entertained Melburnians for at least 3 generations. Nichaud, keeping the family tradition alive has carved a name for herself as a singer with a honey drenched voice who swings with ease and sings with a natural sensuality and as a performer who lights up the stage with her delightful, charismatic personality.

A delight from beginning to end- Fitzgibbon is a supreme balladeer, cheeky, sexy and seductive – Kevin Jones, The Australian

Ticket Information

General Entry: Cabaret seating

Dinner & Show: Includes, two course meal (main and dessert) with a seated table.

Reserve Tickets

	General Admission Price Level Info	AUD $20.00
	Dinner & Show Price Level Info	AUD $50.00

Venue Details

MARQUEE LOUNGE BAR 445 TOORAK ROAD
TOORAK, VIC 3142

ticketbooth

WAM

By

Mick Pacholli

-

14 March 2016

0

WAM SONG OF THE YEAR

#WAMSOTY NOMINEES REVEALED!

WA’s premier song competition, and one of Australia’s biggest, we’re excited to reveal the WAM Song Of The Year 2015 nominees in 16 categories covering all genres. Vying for a share in $40,000 worth in prizes, leading the nominations pack is Joni In The Moon with four nods. Also scoring multiple nominations are Brayden Sibbald, ChaosDivine, Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group, Eastwinds, Figurehead, Intenso,Juliana Areias, Karanina, Katie J White, Madi Henry, Nerve Quakes, Safe Sex,Scalphunter, Tangled Thoughts of Leaving, TERA and Valentine. For the full list of nominees…

The rest of the nominations pool features an inspiring mix of songs from both established acts and new discoveries, with the winners to be revealed at an epic publicWAM Song Of The Year Awards Party on Saturday 9 April. After an amazing debut last year, the sunset-starting soiree will return to Fremantle’s B-Shed warehouse for one last time, where the winners are to be announced. A diverse showcasing of artists will keep the good vibes running, with guest MCs also to be announced soon. Presale tickets are $25+BF available via Oztix.com.au (available here) or at Oztix outlets from 9am (AWST) Friday 11 March. Capacity is strictly limited and this event is likely to sell-out.

#WAMSOTY proudly acknowledges the generous support provided by our:

Major Partners: APRA AMCOS, Audiofly, City of Fremantle
Associate Partners: Fremantle Ports, Patrick
Grand Prize Sponsors: Alberts, Perfect Pitch Publishing, RØDE Microphones, Berklee Online, Firestarter Distribution, Sonic Lolly, Diskbank
Category Sponsors: Cool Perth Nights | Mojos Bar, Country Music Club of Boyup Brook, Nannup Music Festival, Perth Jazz Society / The Ellington, Sunset Events
Studio Sponsors: Artisan, Blackbird Sound Studio, Crank Recording, Debaser Studios, Fremantle Recording Studios, GibSONICS / Belltones Studio, Poons Head, Shanghai Twang, Sonic Lolly, Soundbaker, Sovereign Studios, Sumo Sound Studios, Tone City Recording Studio, Rada Studios, Underground Studios

Full list of partners here and studio sponsors here

Highway to hearing hell: musicians and the danger of deafness

By

Rob Greaves

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12 March 2016

0

AC/DC have postponed their US tour after singer Brian Johnson was warned by doctors that he was at risk of “total hearing loss”.

This is unsurprising, perhaps, given the decades that the Australian band has been pumping out the hard rock decibels. But deafness isn’t only a concern for rock musicians, or drum and bass DJs – from classical violinists to pop singers, in recent years it’s become clear that anyone around music a lot has reason to be equally worried.

The largest study into noise-induced hearing loss in musicians was published in 2014. Three million Germans were examined, including 2,227 professional musicians. They found that the musicians were about four times as likely to report a new noise-induced hearing loss compared to the general population.

Many studies into classical musicians have also found evidence of problems. One study from the 1990s found that violinists and violists have more hearing loss in their left ear compared to their right ear. This loss of hearing is caused by the musician’s own instruments, as the violin is placed under the chin with the left ear almost touching the instrument. Five studies have found that between 37% and 58% of classical musicians experience hearing loss. For rock and pop the numbers are similar, with studies finding that just under half of musicians suffering from a hearing loss.

Far from safe either.

Whether you are exposed to factory noise or listening to music, risk to hearing arises from a combination of how loud the sound is and how long you are exposed to it for. If you visit a nightclub that is thumping out music on the dance floor at 100 dB (A-weighted), then after only 10-15 minutes the exposure is potentially damaging. In a quieter part of the club, but where the music is still loud enough that you have to shout at your friends (say a level of 90 dBA), then you could be there for a couple of hours before having to worry about your hearing.

In the UK, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations sets limits for exposure to noise. The lowest action level is an exposure of 80 dBA averaged over a working day; about as loud as a heavily trafficked street. When this action level is exceeded, employers must provide information and training and make hearing protection available. When the upper action level of 85 dBA is exceeded, then employers need to take action to reduce the noise and hearing protection becomes compulsory. Of course music frequently exceeds 80-85 dBA, but what counts in assessing the risk to hearing is the average exposure.

One of the earliest studies into classical musicians worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to measure levels during concerts and rehearsals. They found average levels ranging from 79-99 dBA. The exposure varied depending on where the musicians were in the orchestra, and it also changed with what pieces were being played. A huge orchestral work such as Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique will expose musicians to much higher noise levels than a small classical orchestra playing a piece by Haydn.

Exposure to high noise levels often causes temporary deafness – something that many people have experienced after going to a loud gig or nightclub. While hearing usually recovers after a few hours or days, repeated loud exposure leads to permanent hearing damage. Initially, this damage is subtle and unlikely to be noticed by the listener. Problems only becomes significant in middle age when the noise-induced hearing loss combines with the natural loss of hearing due to ageing. Often, one of the first signs is when someone finds it hard to pick out a conversation in a noisy pub or restaurant – unfortunately, once that’s noticed, it’s too late.

While reports often focus on the loss of hearing sensitivity, loud music can also create tinnitus (ringing in the ears). For example, one study showed that professional musicians were one-and-a-half times more likely to suffer from tinnitus. At its worst, this condition can be very distressing and lead to sleep deprivation.

What can be done?

Fortunately, there are steps that musicians can take to reduce their risk. With acoustic instruments, one immediate threat is any loud instruments close by. In the wind band I play in, the trombones are right behind me, and these are one of the loudest instruments in an orchestra. Moving further away quietens the sound, but if that isn’t possible, then two other approaches are available.

Often orchestras employ perspex screens to block sound from the loudest instruments. Alternatively, there are “musicians ear plugs”. These decrease sound without completely blocking everything out. I’ve found that these are very useful in rehearsal, but get in the way of balancing the sound in a concert (not really an option for Johnson, then). As the risk to hearing is about the average across a day, wearing the ear plugs during rehearsal only helps. Professional orchestras also look at how they schedule music, to ensure that musicians are exposed to a mixture of quiet and loud pieces (again, not really an option for Johnson).

Given how loud their instrument are, drummers are particularly at risk, but using quieter practice pads when not performing, and ear plugs can go some way to lessening potential hearing loss. For rock and pop musicians, using in-ear monitors rather than loudspeakers also has the potential to reduce noise exposure, because the sound within the ear can be better controlled.

Improved technology means that the number of musicians such as Johnson having to give up performing could decrease. But student musicians and wannabe pop stars need to be educated about the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss. The increasing use of headphones will also work against this – for musicians and everyone else. Unless people are careful with the volume level on their portable music players, hearing loss caused by music will increase.

This article was written by Trevor Cox [Professor of Acoustic Engineering, University of Salford]

Linden Art Prize 2016 > Winners announced

By

Mick Pacholli

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12 March 2016

0

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2016 celebrates the third year of the Linden Art Prize officially opened this evening by Emma Crimmings, Director, Gertrude Contemporary. The exhibition will continue until 1 May 2016.

Congratulations to all the exhibiting artists: EMMA COULTER > SIMON CROSBIE > JENNY PETERSON > JULIE SHIELS > ELIZABETH WALLACE > DEBORAH WHITE.

Judges, Emma Crimmings and Anthony Fitzpatrick said of the works in the Linden Art Prize,
‘All six works are utterly exemplary in their own right, with each artist displaying a great facility and a high degree of innovation in their chosen medium, which made our tasks as judges extremely difficult. The prize winners were ultimately chosen for the emotional and conceptual depth that their works conveyed.’

Linden New Art would like to thank the judges who generously donated their time to select the award winners. The judges who awarded the final prizes were:
> Emma Crimmings, Director, Gertrude Contemporary
> Anthony Fitzpatrick, Curator, TarraWarra Museum of Art

The finalist selection judges were:
> Lyn Johnson, Deputy Director, McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
> Mardi Nowak, Senior Curator, Town Hall Gallery

Discover more about these artists, DOWNLOAD, your free exhibition catalogue.

Linden Art Prize > $10,000 + tailored mentoring

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The winner of the
Linden Art Prize 2016

EMMA COULTER

for her works:
> Spacial Deconstruction #15, 2015, synthetic polymer paint on wall and floor
> Construction #4, 2015, synthetic polymer paint and Victorian Ash

Linden New Art Board Encouragement Award > $2,000 + tailored mentoring

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The winner of the
Board Encouragement Award

SIMON CROSBIE

for his works:
> 1965: Church, 2014, wool and mixed media
> 1969: (Trauma series #1), 2014, wool and mixed media

MARS Award > A commercial gallery exhibition at MARS in 2017

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The winner of the
MARS Award

ELIZABETH WALLACE

for her works:
> Chai Mandala (Varanasi), 2013, clay chai cups, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and tea leaves
> Smoke (Varanasi), 2014, smoke, hahnemühle 300gsm paper

MEET THE WINNING ARTISTS > LINDEN ART PRIZE 2016

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Join Linden New Art Director, Melinda Martin for a guided tour of the Linden Art Prize with the opportunity to hear from this year’s winning artists about their work.

WHEN > TUESDAY 8 MARCH 2016 > 6.30 TO 7.30PM
WHERE > Linden New Art, 26 Acland Street St Kilda 3182
COST > $11, includes a drink on arrival
BOOK ONLINE > HERE

IMAGE CREDITS: Linden Art Prize Director Melinda Martin with Sarah Brennan, Chairperson of the Linden New Art Board of Management with Linden Art Prize finalists. L-R: Elizabeth Wallace, Jenny Peterson, Simon Crosbie, Julie Shiels, Sarah Brennan, melinda Martin, Emma Coulter, Deborah White. Photograph: Josephine Harkin > Emma Coulter, Linden Art Prize, installation view, 2016. Photograph: David Marks Photographer > Simon Crosbie, Linden Art Prize, installation view, 2016. Photograph: David Marks Photographer > Elizabeth Wallace, Linden Art Prize, installation view, 2016. Photograph: David Marks Photographer > Visitors at the opening of the Linden Art Prize 2016. Photograph: Josephine Harkin > All images reproduced courtesy of the artists. Emma Coulter is represented by Anna Pappas Gallery, Melbourne.

RY X ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM

By

Mick Pacholli

-

12 March 2016

0

DAWN OUT 6 MAY AND NEW SINGLE ‘ONLY’

“RY X was a seed that was planted, gently watered and nurtured. And it has grown, and blossomed. It has already grown beyond what I initially imagined.” elaborates Australian artist RY X of his rise to notoriety following his standout debut EP, Berlin, released late 2013.

Benchmarking his return is his new offering entitled ‘Only’ – a seamless extension of its predecessor, which once again showcases RY’s boundless ability to create thought-provoking atmospheric pop music, engulfed with his distinctively ethereal vocal lines.

‘Only’ is the lead single to be taken from RY’s eagerly anticipated debut album, Dawn released 6th May via esteemed UK label, Infectious Music. A conscientious and unfeigned debut, RY discloses how the 12-track LP came to fruition via a candid process of self-discovery and trust – “I have followed my heart and it has been a beautiful process of building trust with myself, as an artist, and person.”

Stream ‘Only’ here – https://soundcloud.com/ry-x/only/s-FRXcQ

Pre-order Dawn here – https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/dawn/id1088069598

DAWN is out May 6 through Liberator Music/ Infectious

ry-x.com‎ | facebook.com/RYXmusic | @ryx

liberatormusic.com.au

SPECIAL OFFER: VIOLET | LION HEART DANCE COMPANY | TICK, TICK… BOOM! | PYGMALION | MADONNA SHOW-OFF AND MUCH MORE

By

Mick Pacholli

-

12 March 2016

0

VIOLET – THE MUSICAL
WINNER OF THREE SYDNEY THEATRE AWARDS – including BEST PRODUCTION.

With show-stopping anthems ranging from American roots to folk and gospel, it follows a truly original woman who, on her quest across America for divine intervention, finds a very different kind of salvation.

‘Violet is a stylish and vivacious production that is sure to entertain the cynics and the faithful alike.’
Herald Sun

‘Broadway magic’ Man In Chair

‘Not just a show but a night of theatrical magic…’ Stage Whispers

3-20 MARCH
MORE INFO

**Special ENEWS discount, just type ‘bus’ into the promotional code box to purchase tickets at the special price of $49. Strictly limited offer book early.

TABLE OF EIGHT

After losing one of their own, a tight-knit friendship circle must navigate the rapidly changing landscape of their relationships. This is an honest lyrical dance work, exploring grief through quirky, intricate choreography and a deep desire to connect with the audience.

The inaugural season for Lion Heart Dance Company, directed and choreographed by Benjamin Curé (The Scarlet Trace).

9-12 MARCH
MORE INFO

M A D O N N A SPECIAL -SHOW OFF AT CHAPEL
Just Like A Prayer, Chapel Off Chapel will take you there… to celebrate the Queen of Pop’s arrival in Melbourne after 23 years with a pre-concert party and everybody is invited!

Hosted by SUPERGIRLY and musical theatre star ANA MITSIKAS on keys – this is your post show foyer Madonna
A massive line-up of special guests – including musical theatre stars from upcoming musical productions including Violet – The Musical, CrossXRoads, Dogfight – with special dance performances from Lion Heart Dance Company, Footnotes and The Space – Dance Academy.

FRIDAY 11 MARCH
MORE INFO

FREE EVENT

HOME GROWN

Home Grown is a place to experience the best and newest material written by the Australian Industry’s own Music Theatre Writers.

Based on New York institutions, Joe’s Pub and 54 Below, Home Grown is the only event of its kind where writers from the music theatre industry are invited to showcase their works performed by Australia’s hottest talent.

13 MARCH
MORE INFO

ELEANOR’S STORY
A true tale of an American girl trapped in Nazi Germany.

Eleanor’s Story is the theatrical adaptation from the autobiography of Eleanor Ramrath Garner. Written and performed by her granddaughter, Ingrid Garner – this award-winning play details her youth, growing up as an American girl caught in World War II Berlin.

Struggling to maintain stability, hope and identity in a world of terror and contrasts.

WINNER – BEST THEATRE AWARD – Adelaide Fringe 2015

15-20 MARCH
MORE INFO

HAMLET & JULIET
A TRAGIC FAKESPEAREAN MASH-UP!

Responding to the need for theatrical comedy mashups, Sound & Fury has created Hamlet & Juliet! A parody of infinite jest. Who are Sound & Fury? Three super bright, well-read and consummate comedians who hail from LA.

‘5 Stars! Mashes up two of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies into one hell of a Vaudevillian comedy!’ RipItUp Adelaide

16-19 MARCH
MORE INFO

ONE NIGHT STAND:
A MUSICAL COMEDY SHOWCASE
Love musical comedy? Then this is the show for you! Rusty Berther (Scared Weird Little Guys) headlines musical comedy’s night of nights – an hilarious evening of laugh-laden lyrics and toe-tapping tunes that are sure to tickle your funnybone.

Joining Rusty will be a cavalcade of Melbourne’s musical comedy rising stars including: Linda Beatty, Darren Freak, Claire Healy, Melinda King, Andy Moratis, Stew Walker and Rohan Windle. You’ll love them in the evening and respect them in the morning!

2 APRIL
MORE INFO

PYGMALION
BY JEAN-PHILIPPE RAMEAU

Rameau’s one act opera Pygmalion (1748) is baroque opera at its most irreverent and fun. Lyric Opera of Melbourne brings this opera/ballet to the stage with an exceptional creative team lead by James Cutler.

Early and late shows are available so Pygmalion can be the perfect entrée or nightcap to your evening out.

Proudly supported by the City of Stonnington.

5-9 APRIL
MORE INFO

SONGS FOR SARAH CONNOR
(A LOVE STORY TERMINATED!)
A ‘mix tape’ cabaret show that explores the emotional journey and internal monologue of the T-800 during his various missions to terminate Sarah Connor# Inspired by the blockbuster Hollywood film franchise, the show uses existing songs from the Gershwin brothers to Patsy Cline to Radiohead, and is a re-imagining of the iconic characters made famous by over 30 years of Terminator films, TV shows and pop culture#

If you are a comedy and musical fan, action movie buff or a sci-fi aficionado then this is the show for you#

12-16 APRIL
MORE INFO

CROSSxROADS
CROSSxROADS is a ground-breaking new Australian musical by Anthony Costanzo (Life’s a Circus – Green Room Award Nominated 2009) and Peter Fitzpatrick (flowerchildren: the Mamas and Papas Story: Green Room Award 2011) that takes us into a world of intimate feelings as modern as tomorrow.

Featuring a stellar cast of Australian musical theatre’s brightest stars including Alinta Chidzey, Stephen Mahy, Fem Belling, Ed Grey, Joe Kosky, Bianca Baykara, Ryan Gonzalez and Maddie Featherby.

15-30 APRIL
MORE INFO

TICK, TICK…BOOM!
January 25, 2016 marks twenty years since the untimely passing of Jonathon Larson, the creator of the global smash-hit RENT.Pursued by Bear will be giving Melbourne audiences a rare and exclusive opportunity to experience a slice of musical theatre history and get to know the man who fatefully lived—and died—turning his dreams into a reality.

This musical depicts the composer’s journey from despairing and desperate struggling artist to successful author of the Broadway mega-hit RENT.

21 APRIL – 1 MAY
MORE INFO

DOGFIGHT
The whole damn world might change tomorrow. So we go for broke today.

It’s November 21, 1963.On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boy’s night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress, he enlists to win a cruel bet with this fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

Based on the 1991 cult movie of the same name starring River Phoenix.

5-15 MAY
MORE INFO

SCAPES – Exhibition
by Cressida Beale & Kylie Thomas

Inspired by a recent dream trip to Arnhem Land and a shift north from Melbourne to Sydney, Cressida and Kylie have built on their friendship to collaborate on this wonderfully diverse exhibition which is threaded together by unique land that surrounds us.

Both artists have a great connection to the landscape and celebrate their skills in Scapes.

3-20 MARCH
MORE INFO

ART-TOWN – Exhibition
PRESENTED BY CHAPEL ST PRECINCT

Celebrated Melbourne art event ART-Town is back again in 2016. A unique live-art making experience sees artists working in public spaces of the Chapel Street Precinct over two weekends, 2–3 April and 9–10 April 2016.

ART-Town artworks will be exhibited at Chapel Off Chapel. Pick up a free ART-Town walking tour map in the precinct.

26 APRIL –14 MAY
MORE INFO

STAY IN TOUCH WITH US
FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM

For more information on events visit Chapel Off Chapel
Enquiries and phone bookings available on 03 8290 7000, Mon-Fri 10-5pm, Sat-Sun 12-5pm
12 Little Chapel St, Prahran 3181
Melways Reference: 2L, J10

When Ross Hannaford Went Out West

By

Fabrizio Marsani

-

11 March 2016

0

I met Ross Hannaford in 1996-97. He was a middle-aged Australian Rock Legend and I was an improbable young entrepreneur. At face value, we had very little in common. Apart from both living in Kew and we both wanted to get the fuck OUT! Around this time Ross moved into a former workshop in Yarraville- he was a pioneer of ‘warehouse’ living in the West.

He was getting the odd gig at The Commercial Hotel in Yarraville- the only music venue in Melbourne’s inner West at the time. My partners and I thought that they and the area needed some competition. So we opened an alternative venue in Footscray – Yarraville’s adjoining suburb and immediate neighbour. Whilst Yarraville was in the grip of inexorable and frenzied gentrification. Scores of Eastern Suburbs types were buying up cottages and trying to create a slice of Canterbury in Melbourne’s West. The irony was I gathered Ross was trying to escape these Aspirational Middle Australia types and they were now moving into his new neighbourhood, feverishly buying up Yarraville.

Footscray was on the wrong side of the tracks, still very much the Badlands. At the time notorious for Franco Cozzo Furniture, Drugs-an in your face and confronting street heroin culture. Footscray was on the nose and its reputation soiled. Even the suburb’s AFL team decided a name change to The Western Bulldogs was a good PR move at the time. When word got out we wanted to open a Live Music Venue a few locals called us ‘bloody fools’…… Eureka, we decided to name our venture, House of Fools.

Ross was one of the first ’name acts’ we booked. And being new and ‘green’ publicans, we were getting advice from all and sundry on How to Run a Pub. Ross was quick to point out how the Musician’s Rider worked- ‘look after musicians with drinks and they’ll play with more passion,’ was the message he sold us. And then he proceeded to drink more triple scotches in between sets than I thought a human could possibly consume and still perform, let alone walk unaided out of the joint at the end of the evening.

After Hannaford’s first gig we implemented a far less liberal Rider Policy for musicians. Ross was also keen to offer advice on how we could save money by sacking the support act on his Friday night gigs. Richard Lewis did a quasi Tom Waits tribute set which was pretty bloody impressive and Ross knew it.

I gathered he didn’t want to be upstaged by a polished support act…or maybe he was angling for a more generous drinks rider with the money we’d save by sacking the support act!

Our audience couldn’t be pigeon-holed- the word eclectic doesn’t paint an appropriate picture. We were a demographer’s nightmare and choosing bands-entertainment to satisfy the punters was always challenging. On any given night our audience was made up of disillusioned pre-Middle Aged Artists, small-time Macedonian drug dealers, teenage lesbians, frisky African refugees and scores of young kids generally confused about their sexuality and their place in proceedings. This motley crew of seemingly unlikely bedfellows were our Audience. Many a young ‘straight’ lady chose to try- flirt with same-sex relations after being pestered by one of the more persistent Macho Macedonians or Africans.

Booking bands was never an easy task with that sort of audience but The Ross Hannaford Trio would invariably have the joint rocking on a Friday night at the House of Fools.
Thanks for the memories, Ross.

SMADJ from Istanbul and Paris to Australia.

By

Michael Hunt

-

10 March 2016

0

I had the pleasure of meeting Tunisian born, Parisian musician Jean-Pierre Smadja aka SMADJ who is currently on tour along the east coast of Australia performing with his signature Oud, both acoustic and electric.

With it’s origins in the Middle East the Oud is considered a sacred instrument and described as the King of Instruments. Legend has it that the Oud was invented by Lamech, the sixth grandson of Adam from the pharaonic era stretching back over 5,000 years.

Smadj grew up listening to Oriental, Brazilian, funk and folk music and started his musical career as a Jazz guitarist at age 15. His interest in the mechanics of making music lead him to pursue a degree in sound engineering resulting in a fruitful career as a recording and sound engineer for other famous musicians.

Smadj’s discography includes 17 albums with his first in 1993.

In 2000 he became recognised on an international scale for his signature blending of acoustic and electronic sounds on Equilibriste which ascended on the European World Music charts to 4th position.

On this tour he will be performing songs from his current soon to be release album “Oud Solotronic”

An authentic musical collaborator and Oud master, Smadj along with his musical kindred spirits in other world class musicians has transported the Oud to the 21st century.

For more information smadjmusic.com

SMADJ – Australian tour 2016

4 March 2016 – Arrive to Melbourne

5 March 2016 – Melbourne – Mesopotamia (Underground music Festival

6 March 2016 – Sydney – The Basement

7-8 March 2016 – Promotional activities

9 March 2016 – Tasmania – Fluke and Bruce

10 March 2016 – Tasmania promotional activities

11 March 2016 – Melbourne -Memo Music Hall

12 March 2016 – Melbourne – private event at the Glasshouse.

13 March 2016 – Melbourne – Queen Victoria Market Festival (with Bashka)

14 March – Melbourne – Belle Ville

15 March – Melbourne – Rest

16 March – Brisbane – promotional Activities

17 March 2016 – Brisbane – The Wooly Mammoth

18 March 2016 – Canberra – White Eagle Polish Club

19 March 2016 – Sydney – Private Party

20 March 2016 – Melbourne – Musica VIVA Festival (with Bashka)

20 March 2016 – Return to Paris

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$39.00

Nichaud Fitzgibbon and The Mark Fitzgibbon Trio

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WAM SONG OF THE YEAR

#WAMSOTY NOMINEES REVEALED!

Linden Art Prize > $10,000 + tailored mentoring

Linden New Art Board Encouragement Award > $2,000 + tailored mentoring

MARS Award > A commercial gallery exhibition at MARS in 2017

MEET THE WINNING ARTISTS > LINDEN ART PRIZE 2016

DAWN OUT 6 MAY AND NEW SINGLE ‘ONLY’

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