Tracy McNeil

Column: TidBits | Date Published: Tuesday, 3 July 12 | Author: Ashley Thomson | 10 months, 3 weeks ago

WHAT: Acclaimed Songstress
WHEN: Fri Jul 13
WHERE: The Merry Muse

Hailing from the wilds of Ontario, Canada, Tracy McNeil is best known for her powerful voice, beautifully phrased songs and arresting stage presence. 2011 marked the release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Fire From Burning. After a sold out launch, East coast tour and international supports, McNeil and band are gaining speed as one of the finest acts on the Melbourne music scene. “Her songs ring with the kind of universal authority that lends them weight and gives the impression that McNeil is raiding some lost American troubadour songbook,” remarked Martin Jones of Rhythms Magazine. Special guest Nigel Wearne. 8pm. $17 door.

	Colombian Jungle: WHAT: Thick beats WHEN: Sat Jul 7 WHERE: The Clubhouse From word go Colombian Jungle have hit the ground running. Within months of bumping heads these two have got their debut EP coming out on Beatport through Shabang Records, have attracted attention from some of the best clubs and producers from around the country, and this has led to some fresh collaborations with some of Australia's best electronic artists to be released within the year. Catch them on their Australian EP launch tour which will be hitting The Clubhouse with The Manething to promote Blow This, released Monday June 11 on Beatport with remixes from Spenda C, Rubberteeth and Kraymer. 8pm. $15.

	Sunday Best at A Bite To Eat: WHO: Canberra's Finest WHEN: Sun Jul 8, Sun Jul 15, Sun Jul 22 WHERE: A Bite To Eat Cafe Sunday Best brings you lovers of live tunes free gigs from an ever-changing pool of talent. The welcoming ambience of the café is more Melbournian than Canberran but that’s OK, feel free to revel in it anyway. Marvel at the mish mash of nostalgic furniture and relive those carefree days of childhood when you encounter a glass or saucer just like the ones yer nanna had. Where crochet meets cool, you can sit back, order some tapas and an Aussie beer on tap and enjoy free live music every Sunday evening. This month sees The Dreamlanders (folk/country/swing blend), The Gossips (smooth jazz) and David Christoper (emotive originals and covers). See www.abitetoeat.net.au for details. Music and tapas from 5pm, Happy Hour 6pm-7pm. Free.

	Ray Beadle Trio: WHAT: Blues Guitarist WHEN: Fri Jul 13 WHERE: The Abbey Ray’s music is rich with a deep history of the Blues; rich from 20 years of experiences garnered performing nationally and internationally; and rich from a deep understanding of his instrument. Ray’s life as a musician started when he was just nine, and for the next 20 years he played with and learnt from the best. A three month residency with the house band in BB King’s Club in Memphis and Buddy Guy’s Blues Club in Chicago were defining moments during Ray’s three tours to the USA. Ray's guitar and vocal styles evoke numerous blues legends while concocting a breathtaking style of his own. Bookings through www.theabbey.com.au. 6:30pm. $25/$65 with dinner.

	Frenzal Rhomb: WHAT: Punk Stalwarts WHEN: Sat Jul 21 WHERE: The Basement After five years in the wilderness of the public conscience, the fearless foursome are back with album number eight, Smoko at the Pet Food Factory. It was recorded with infamous Descendents and Black Flag stickman Bill Stevenson (Rise Against, NOFX) in the backwoods of Colorado, USA, and finds Frenzal flashing new skills amid old tricks, albeit a little older, shinier, and dare we say it, wiser. It’s all systems go from there as Frenzal Rhomb continue spreading their patented bird flu-free vitriol far and wide. With a stellar track record for causing absolute pandemonium at any show they play – be it inciting huge circle pits, destroying piñatas of political leaders or drinking every other band’s beer – trust the brand you know. 8pm. $25 + bf through Moshtix.

	James Fahy: WHAT: Last Chance To See WHEN: Sat Jul 7, Wed Jul 11, Sun Jul 22 WHERE: The Front Gallery and Café James Fahy has played scores of gigs in this town in a bunch of incarnations: with Drew Walky, Pocket Fox, Cuddlefish, Beth & Ben, Dub Dub, even Peter Combe. He's toured the country with Joe Oppenheimer, was at the first Fun Machine practice (and will get up with them on the guitar at their single launch, Friday July 6 at the White Eagle Polish Club), and is off to take his mesmeric post-folk Elliott Smith-meets-Jeff Buckley thing to North America for ages. Luckily he's going to make up for it by playing all these shows in July. Recommendation: attend all of them; Saturday July 7, 4pm-6:30pm; Wednesday July 11 supporting Nick Saxon; and Sunday July 22 supporting Anna Smyrk. So long, Fahy. We’ll always have the storm water drain.