The Brass Knuckle Brass Band

Canberräng:

WHO: Local/Interstate Bands
WHEN: Thu-Sun Aug 2-5
WHERE: Canberra & Surrounds 

This year the prohibition-themed weekend packs in everything from live big-band jazz music and social swing-dancing to a road trip to Lake George Winery. Friday August 3 will see Bim Bam Boogie play at Albert Hall as a fitting close to the highly esteemed Helzapoppin’ Dance Competition, in which fast dancers (we’re talking up to 320bpm) sweat it out in the classiest way possible, of course. Saturday night is the Prohibition Ball, with Spectrum Big Band playing live and a taster swing dance class. The weekend comprises eight live bands over ten events in total. Ticket prices vary for each, so check details at http://www.canberrang.org/

Pop Singles:

WHAT: Debut Album Tour
WHEN: Sat Aug 18
WHERE: The Phoenix Bar

Melbourne trio Pop Singles will be dropping into The Phoenix as part of the launch of their much anticipated debut album, All Gone. Expect a polished yet raw live sound with ‘80s post-punk melodies blended with the musical inspirations of local luminaries Popolice and Dane Certificate. With an album described as “assured and composed, relatable and affecting,” their launch will undoubtedly go off with a bang. Supporting on the night will be Melbourne’s Cat Cat, as well as TV Colours and Biscuits, each of which should be reason enough to get yourself down to the gig. Get a taste for Pop Singles here: http://vacantvalley.bandcamp.com/album/pop-singles-all-gone-lp-12-cd. 8pm.

Frode Gjerstad Trio:

WHAT: Norwegian Free Jazz
WHEN: Sat Aug 11
WHERE: Smiths Alternative Bookshop

There’s something about the thought of three Norwegian jazz musicians playing in the homely surrounds of an unconventionally couch-laden, wine-serving bookstore that conjures warm, fuzzy feelings. It’ll likely have a greater effect upon all those who experience the Frode Gjerstad Trio firsthand when they visit Canberra as part of their international tour. Featuring alto sax, clarinets, acoustic bass and drums and with extensive experience in various musical settings (saxophonist Gjerstad and percussionist Nilssen-Love’s 1992 Circulasione Totale Orchestra included a rock band) their ‘European free scene’-inspired jazz will likely keep you comfortably melted into those couches. 7.30pm. $15 door.

Jenny M. Thomas & the System, The Lucky Wonders:

WHAT: Contemporary Folk
WHEN: Fri Aug 17
WHERE: The Merry Muse

The Merry Muse will see two of the country’s finest contemporary folk bands showcase their talents when Melbourne’s post-modern bush band Jenny M. Thomas & the System bring their songs of murder, treachery and criminal women, and Byron Bay’s indie folk four-piece The Lucky Wonders launch their new album Lay Down My Arms. Since the release of their new album, Bush Gothic, Jenny M. Thomas & the System have appeared on countrywide radio programs and featured in the prestigious Roots UK 2012 album compilation, while The Lucky Wonders have been busy touring their own highly-esteemed and incredibly infectious recording that’s gained nationwide recognition. 7.30pm. Tickets $12/$14/$17.

The Griffyn Ensemble & Rob Gell:

WHAT: Cloudy With A Chance Of Rain
WHEN: Sun Aug 12
WHERE: National Gallery of Australia, Gandel Hall

Yep, you read correctly; joined by geomorphologist and former TV weatherman Rob Gell, The Griffyn Ensemble will perform Cloudy With a Chance of Rain as part of this year’s National Science Week. Described as ‘music spanning genre and geography in an entertaining scientific journey through the four seasons’, the program features re-imaginings of everything from Crowded House and Burt Bacharach to contemporary music from Uruguay, Latvia and Japan, as well as classic Debussy and Schubert. Staged as a weather forecast, the concert will explore changes in the weather and environment across the four seasons with geographical context and commentary provided by Gell. 2.30pm start. Tickets $10-$35 + bf from http://griffyn.iwannaticket.com.au