Jay Hoad

Column: TidBits | Date Published: Tuesday, 17 July 12 | Author: Ashley Thomson | 10 months, 1 week ago

WHAT: Multi-Instrumentalist
WHEN: Wed Jul 25/Thu Jul 26
WHERE: The Front/The Phoenix

Fijian-born didgeridoo/string instrument virtuoso Jay Hoad has spent the last six years touring the globe, following the sun and his music throughout the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Fiji, Canada and North America, keeping up a relentless touring schedule whilst learning about third world culture and every style of music he can. The result is a high-energy show that sees Jay in a cockpit of instruments: didgeridoo, Weissenborn lap steel, dulcimer, dulsitar, cigar box guitar, wine box bass, harmonica, ocarina, djembe, loops and then some. Jay is touring worldwide supporting the release of his second album, Stories For The Soul. He’ll be at The Front, 7:30pm, $10, and the next day at The Phoenix, 8:30pm, free.

	Smitty & B. Goode: WHAT: Rock Minimalists WHEN: Sat Jul 21 WHERE: The Phoenix Bar Smitty & B. Goode are a rock ‘n’ roll two-piece from Sydney. The band formed at the arse-end of 2008 when B. Goode met Smitty while they were both working at an indie record label. After finding out they possessed a rock ‘n’ roll chemistry most bands only dream of, the pair knuckled down with producer Lachlan Mitchell (The Jezebels, Rhomb) and recorded their self-titled debut before they’d even played a gig. In March 2012, Smitty & B. Goode released a new EP, We’ll Take It From Here, self-recorded in a church. Their extreme minimalism has won them fans across all music tastes. With special guest Tom Woodward. 9:30pm. Free.

	Cam Nacson: WHAT: Rising Songwriter WHEN: Fri Jul 20/Sat Jul 21 WHERE: Tongue & Groove/Mooseheads Pub Music has always been second nature to Sydney singer-songwriter Cam Nacson, but with his infectious single Crazy Kids hitting the airwaves he’s finally being tested. While Cam was the first in his family to pick up an instrument, he was raised on a staple diet of The Beatles and music greats courtesy of his DJ-turned-radio-broadcaster father. His early appetite for pop soon matured into a taste for classic rock, but it was compatriot and mentor-turned-mate Pete Murray and US star Ron Pope who opened Cam’s eyes to his own creativity. Signed to Wonderlick Entertainment (management for Grinspoon, Josh Pyke and more) 2012 is shaping up as Cam Nacson’s biggest year yet. 6pm-9pm both nights. Free.

	The Bon Scotts: WHAT: Celt-Folk For Kamikaze Drinkers WHEN: Fri Jul 20 WHERE: The White Eagle Polish Club triple j Unearthed has lauded the The Bon Scotts for defying notions of plain and normal, melding traditional folk instruments with an endearing, satirical voice. Laced with irony and hype, their unconventional hooks and distinct sound have put them at the forefront of the new folk revival. The band’s response: “[It] could be BETTER described as a pre-emptive 'Irish wake' for kamikaze binge drinkers.” They should be right at home so come along and make them welcome! The Bon Scotts will be supported by one of Canberra's most energetic songwriters, The Burley Griffin. If you like your music with energy and a twist, this is your night. Doors 8pm. $15 full/$12 concession/$10 CMC members.

	400KW, The Skronks, Hang Dai AD: WHAT: Detroit Rock Metal WHEN: Sat Jul 28 WHERE: The Basement Desert-fried stoner-rock with a side of Detroit tang will be dished up when two of Sydney’s hardest-hitting stoner bands, 400KW and Hang Dai AD, come to Canberra with the support of locals The Skronks. 400KW are hard-edged, nitro-charged classic Australian dirty rock 'n 'roll, with drums hitting like a 42-wheeler and a low-end rumble like a city-levelling earthquake. Hang Dai AD, also no strangers to the riff, have started to make their mark in Sydney’s more energetic venues, and Canberra’s The Skronks bring twisted, melodic, original twin-guitar rock with a nod to MC5-era Detroit rock, psychbeat and garage. This night will send winter whimpering back to its Mum! 9pm. $10.

	Anna Smyrk and the Appetites: WHAT: Pianissimo Pop WHEN: Sun Jul 22 WHERE: The Front Gallery and Café Melbourne band Anna Smyrk and the Appetites play a unique blend of dramatic folk-pop. Their latest EP, entitled The Belly of Winter, was recorded last year with ARIA-award winning producer Craig Pilkington (Gurrumul, Mia Dyson). They are touring for the second time this year and hoping for smoother sailing. “We learnt how to play Extreme Milk-Crate stacking, the card game 500 and our all-time favourite, Erecting a Tent in Torrential Rain… The next recording will strictly deal with summery themes,” says Anna. They straddle many genres and moods, moving from smooth to rowdy, theatrical to thoughtful, eccentric to immediately accessible. Witness their easy charm in action. With guest James Fahy. 8pm. $5.