Catherine James
Date Published: Tuesday, 13 April 10
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 1 month ago
Hello again readers. Your regularly scheduled columnist is taking a well-deserved break this fortnight, leaving Locality, and all the perks that come with it, in my greedy little hands. One perk that comes with writing a column is getting to see your own name in print, in capital letters, again and again and again. This will be my final edition of Locality, so I figured I’d make the most of it and write the most quotable column in the history of columns. That’s right. I want my name on posters. On websites. On press releases. I want my name all over the damn place. And to that end, I am helpfully putting anything that would make a great pull quote in inverted commas, starting… now.
First up this fortnight, we have “the single greatest band in the world,” The Wedded Bliss. The boys are playing at the Phoenix, or as I like to call it, “an incredible place where magic happens.” You can catch their “inconceivably good” show on Wednesday April 21. The music starts at 8pm and entry is free.
Next up, check out the “heart-stopping genius” of local indie favourite JW Sparrow when he plays at “my absolute favourite venue,” Bar 32. JW is playing alongside “all around nice guys” The Scrapes (Bris) and “prince among men” Alejandro Alcazar on Friday April 16. The fun starts at 8pm and entry is $10.
“Canberra’s home of explosive good times,” also sometimes known as The Pot Belly, is hosting its annual band comp on Saturday April 17. Pop the Pot is always a huge night, showcasing hours and hours of music from a range of local acts. This year’s event features eight Canberra bands. Locality suggests you keep an eye out for the “effortlessly graceful” John Lollback, the “oft-celebrated” Dan Ihasz, the “ impeccably groomed” Tim Maloney, the “dazzling greatness” of Robert the Bruce, the “undeniable attractiveness” of the Adam Hole & Marji Curran Band, the “incomparable” Paulie the Water Tiger, the “monumental” Pleased to Jive You and those “uncompromising superstars,” Teen Skank Parade. The night kicks off at 5pm and goes til late, and entry is free.
There’s another big night of local music at The Pot on Saturday April 24. “Sensitive lovers” Johnny Roadkill, “great conversationalists” Activate Jetpack and the “unstoppable force” known as Flat Earth Confederacy are playing from 9pm, and entry is free.
The Bootleg Sessions are back at the Phoenix this fortnight. On Monday April 19, catch “first-rate talent” Emma Dryden, “master of his genre” Drew Walky, “musical marvels” The Lucky Wonders and the “rampant sexuality” of Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens. Be there on Monday April 26 to see “feisty” Joe Oppenheimer, the “dazzling” Matt Dent, the “superior” Second Sun and the “ever provocative” Matthew Simpson Morgan. The music starts at 8pm and entry is free.
Get along to the Phoenix on Wednesday nights for the Domus Adultus sessions. On Wednesday April 15, check out “vivacious virtuoso” Soheyla, the “irresistible” Teddy Conrick and “breathtaking prodigies” Readable Graffiti. On Wednesday April 22, catch sets by “local luminaries” David Goliath, the “hot, hot, hot” James Fahy Trio and the “still dazzling” Matt Dent. The bands start at 9pm and entry is free.
That’s it from Locality this time around. Have a great fortnight, kids!
CATHERINE JAMES
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 2 March 10
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 2 months ago
Hello again music lovers! Hopefully you’ve all had a great fortnight, and those who attended Corinbank haven’t partied themselves into oblivion. This fortnight brings with it plenty more reasons to party, so cover up your sunburn, dust off the pine needles and head out to one of the following fantastic gigs.
Local favourites The Fuelers are teaming up with Truckstop Honeymoon (USA) to present a night of great music, known to the initiated as Truckstop 23. Throw on some dancing shoes and a flannel shirt and head over to MacGregor Hall on Wednesday March 10. The party starts at 8pm and entry is $10, or $8 for CMC members.
Northsiders will be pleased to learn that locals Waterford and The Dunhill Blues have a gig lined up at thePot Belly in Belconnen this fortnight. The guys will play alongside Adelaide’s Kirk Special from 9pm on Wednesday March 17, which also happens to be St Patrick’s Day. The Locality team are crossing our fingers for green beer and felt hats.
The team at Birds Love Fighting are pleased to present yet another instalment of Gangbusters at Bar 32. Locals Super Best Friends, The Fighting League and Beat Hotel take the stage on Wednesday March 10. Doors open at 9pm and entry is $5.
Final Lies will kick off their inaugural east coast tour with a local gig on Wednesday March 17. The lads will play at Bar 32 with Perpetual End and Never Trust a Bunny, and will then play a series of shows in New South Wales and Queensland.
Canberra’s very own Indyfest is back again in 2010, and this year marks its 20th anniversary. Indyfest has featured a huge variety of local acts over the years, and this instalment boasts another awesome lineup, including Margaret Helen King,Brave Empire, Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens, Fun Machine, Point of View, Soheyla, Hail Lucy Nation and The Third Estate. There’s something for everyone this year, so get along to MacGregor Hall on Saturday March 6 and take in some great local music.
The Bootleg Sessions are on again this fortnight, making the Phoenix the only place to be on a Monday night. Head there on Monday March 8 to see sets by 7 Set, Sarah Daphne Foo, Pataphysics andFat Controller. On Monday March 15, the Bootlegs will feature Soheyla, Rattis Von Zanzebar, Swoon and The Glaciers. The music starts at 8pm and entry is free.
Head to the Phoenix on Thursday nights for the always great Domus Adultus sessions.Ayleen & the Husbands, Clankenstein and Second Sun will take the stage on Thursday March 4, while George Bishop, Pataphysics and Joe Oppenheimer will perform on Thursday March 11. Domus Adultus starts at 9pm and entry is free.
If you’re a local artist and you’ve produced a film clip, Landed Music wants to hear from you. The team at Landed Music are looking for local talent for their new program on Southern Cross Ten. The show will run for 48 weeks and will feature a selection of music videos, as well as interviews with local artists. This is a great opportunity for Canberran musos to get some free exposure, so check out www.landedmusic.com.au for more info and send your details in ASAP.
That’s it from us this fortnight. Have a rad one,
Catherine James
locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 16 February 10
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 3 months ago
It’s here! Yes, Corinbank 2010 is finally here, and it’s pretty much all people are talking about. However, as stupidly good as Corinbank will be, there are a great many other awesome things happening this fortnight.
For those not heading out to Corin Forest, Locality recommends making the somewhat shorter trip to the Pot Belly in Belconnen onFriday February 26. Locals Arythmia will be launching their EP on the night, and the tracks on their triple j Unearthed page are a tantalising taste of what’s to come. Entry is $5 and the launch begins at 8pm. Also promoting a new EP at the Pot Belly this fortnight are Teen Skank Parade, who will be launching Suck Satan Stick on Friday February 19. Teen Skank Parade will be joined by Paulie the Water Tiger and The Paranoia Club (Syd). Entry is $5 and the music starts at 8pm.
Anarchist Duck (QLD) are playing a few shows in Canberra as part of their current east coast tour and are teaming up with some great acts while they’re in town. You can catch the Duck alongside local favourites Dub Dub Goose at the Front Café & Gallery on Friday February 19. Entry is $12/$10 and the music starts at 8pm. Locals Beth Monzo and Ben Drysdale have recently joined forces, Voltron-style, and become the unstoppable machine known as Beth‘n’Ben. Get along to the Phoenix on Saturday February 20 to see Beth‘n’Ben and Anarchist Duck make beautiful music together. Entry is free and the show kicks off at 9pm.
We’re pleased to announce that Groovin in the City is continuing this month, so if you spend your lunch break in Civic during February you’re likely to come across some lovely local music. On Wednesday February 4, for example, The Chris Harland Blues Band will be playing in Hobart Place from 12:30pm. Free music in the city is rad, so get out there and enjoy it.
Domus Adultus is a weekly live music event, presented by the fine people at Cardboard Charlie and the Canberra Musicians Club. Each Thursday, three local artists are thrust onstage for your listening pleasure and they perform their little hearts out between 9pm and 12am. The big news for 2010 is that Domus Adultus has a new home, and that its new home is the Phoenix Bar, and that entry is now free. OnThursday February 18, Domus Adultus will feature Gemma and John, Jason Recliner andGenevieve and the Assumptions. On Thursday February 25, you can catch sets from Sally Holiday, The Blue Ruins and Mysterio.
Cardboard Charlie ’s mighty Bootleg Sessions are back at the Phoenix in 2010. Be there on Monday February 22 to have your socks rocked by Tim Maloney, Matt Dent and Daniel Champagne, and head to the Bootlegs onMonday March 1 to enjoy sets from Emma Dryden, Rafe Morris, The Feldons and Lady Grey. The bands play from 8pm til 12am and entry is free.
Have a great fortnight, and don’t forget to give the bands some love next time you’re at a gig. Musos really aren’t that scary, and if you tap someone on the shoulder and tell them you loved their set it will brighten up their week, and yours.
Have a great one Canberra,
Catherine James
locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 2 February 10
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 3 months ago
February is upon us once again, and this month’s To Do List just keeps on growing. Locality would like to remind the procrastinators amongst you to head online and buy your Corinbank tickets (and you had better get in quickly, as all of the first and second release tix have already sold out). Valentine’s Day rears its red cardboard head this month, so it’s time to either plan a sickeningly lovely surprise for whichever boy or girl you have a heart-on for, or decry the tradition as a load of commercial nonsense (preferably loudly, and on public transport). And, of course, remember to make a trip to the 2010 National Multicultural Festival, held in Civic from Friday-Sunday February 5-7, to enjoy the free entertainment and eat some stupidly good food.
If you’re strapped for cash and you love local music, head along to the free Global Concert in Garema Place onFriday February 5. The concert will launch this year’s Multicultural Festival and the lineup includes some great local acts. DJ Gosper and The KarismaKatz will be at their bluesy best from 5pm, Clankenstein will present their unique brand of Balkan honky-tonk from 5:40pm and jazz duo Anton Wurzer and Lachlan Coventry will play some original compositions from 6:10pm. I should probably also mention that this gig coincides with the Multicultural Night Markets, so really it’s a no-brainer.
On Saturday February 6, locals Waterford and Voss will play alongside Sydney five-piece Dusker. The music starts at the Phoenix from 9pm and entry is free. If your ideal lineup is less “indie” and more “screamy,” head to Bar 32 on Wednesday February 10. Locals Vera, Jerkstore and Hoodlum Shouts are playing with NSW’s Bare Arms and Italy’s Milvains. Doors open at 7pm and entry is $8.
Birds Love Fighting , Canberra’s facilitators of the finest in indie music, present another instalment of Gangbusters onWednesday February 3. This month, locals Kasha, Girl Sized Hands, Killing Birds and Ah! Pandita vie for your affection. Gangbusters kicks off at 9pm at Bar 32 and entry is $5 at the door. You can also catch Killing Birds at Bar 32 on Thursday February 11, when they play alongside local duo Assassins 88. The gig doubles as a launch party for a new photo zine, We Are Not Obscene. The fun starts at 8pm, entry is free and a zine will set you back $6.
The team at Locality has been sifting through the hundreds of ACT entries on the triple j Unearthed website and this fortnight we’ve discovered more standout artists. We’re currently listening to local four-piece Waterford’s Unearthed tracks, Waldeningstone, Painted and Sails & Raft. Waterford manages to make music that’s both cruisey and rousing at the same time. It’s catchy and poppy indie rock, and we’re big fans. To listen to these tracks, head to www.triplejunearthed.com and search for ‘Waterford.’ You can also select the Advanced Search option and opt to view every act from the ACT. While you’re online, we recommend taking an extra couple of minutes and registering as a member. Registration is free and it enables you to rate and review each track you listen to. So head to the site, give yourself a devastatingly witty username and create some buzz about Canberra music.
Have a lovely fortnight, boys and girls. ‘Til next time,
Catherine James
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 19 January 10
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 4 months ago
Happy New Year, boys and girls! I trust that you all had
a suitably festive and memorable New Year’s Eve. I managed to fit in
beer and local music at Pyjamanalia, carbohydrates and fireworks in
Garema Place and atrocious improvised cocktails at a friend’s house
party. It was the greatest.
The Canberra Musicians Club’s NYE event, Pyjamanalia, was a laidback and lovely affair. I was there long enough to
see sets by locals Night Parrots, Drew Walky, The Bluffhearts and Cuddlefish,
and drink beer on picnic blankets with assorted cool people. If this
sounds like your cup of tea, keep an ear out for Backyard Backanalia
events throughout 2010. You’ll need to be a CMC member to get the
lowdown on when/where each one is being held, so sign up now and be in
the loop. Membership costs $50/$20 and you can get all the latest info
at www.canberramusiciansclub.org.au.
So far, January has been hot. As in, really freaking hot. Thankfully the great minds behind Liquidfest 10 have come up with the
perfect antidote: a music festival and a pool party rolled into one. There will be live music from Canberran acts Friend or Enemy andSteady the Fall, as well as Queanbeyan’s own No Assumption, YBD and Corporate Takedown. Liquidfest is on at Queanbeyan Pool on Saturday January 30. The fun starts at
6pm and entry is a very reasonable $10.
Back on this side of the border, the Basement is hosting a night of local rock and metal on Saturday January 30. The
lineup includes Paulie the Water Tiger, Na Maza, Tranquil Deception and Robert the Bruce. Entry is $10 and the music kicks off at 9pm.
The patriots and public-holiday-aficionados among you will already know that Tuesday January 26 is Australia Day. There’s a ton of
free stuff happening around town on the day, including this year’s Australia Day Jam at Stage 88. The gig will
showcase great local bands and death-defying skateboarding and BMX stunts. You can catch Hancock Basement at 3pm, Zero Degrees and Falling at 4pm and Los Capitanes at 5pm. Head to www.australiaday.org.au for full details on the
day’s events.
We at Locality love triple j Unearthed and have downloaded tons of great music from the Unearthed website since it was first launched.
This fortnight I’ve had local lass Cathy Petocz’s song Sylvia
on repeat. It’s a sparse and melancholy recording and the understated
piano complements Cathy’s vocals nicely. To listen to this track and
two others like it, head to www.triplejunearthed.com and search for
‘Cathy Petocz.’ You can also select the Advanced Search option and opt
to view every act from the ACT. The site is a great source of free
music, and each time you download or review a track it boosts the
artist’s profile, so get online and get clicking.
We love local music, and we want to showcase the
best of Canberra’s talent in 2010. Email your music news to us and
we’ll do our darndest to make your business everyone else’s business.
Keep watching this space and have a great year.
CATHERINE JAMES
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Sunday, 13 December 09
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 5 months ago
It’s time to say a fond farewell to 2009 and to get
excited about all the lovely live music that 2010 will bring. Before we
do, however, there are lots of musical goodies to enjoy throughout
December.
On Sunday December 13, take a short trip across the border to the Goolabri Resort for the inaugural Summer Rhythm Festival. This is yet another local music event that will raise money for a very worthwhile cause, with the proceeds
going to victims of spinal injuries. There are heaps of Canberra bands playing, including Hancock Basement, Little Smoke, Dub Dub Goose and Owen Campbell. Head to www.strangehours.com.au for the full lineup
and other important info. The event is being held from 11am-11pm, and tix are a very reasonable $39/$29.
Surf music gurus Space Party are playing at the Pot Belly with 7set and The King Hits on Friday December 11. The music starts at 8pm and entry is $5. You can also catch local
singer/songwriter Jane Williams at the Pot Belly, from 9pm on Friday December 18.
Self-described psychedelic shoegazers JW Sparrow & the Miner Birds are playing at the Front Gallery on Thursday December 17. Sparrow and Co. will be joined by Alps of New South Wales (NSW), Tiger Saw
(USA) and Castanets (USA). The music starts at 8pm and entry is $12 on the door.
Rock enthusiasts will want to catch locals Black Creek and The Chuffs when they join forces with Sydney’s Tiff & the Kids. All three acts will be playing at the Phoenix on Saturday December 12 from 8pm.
Punk fans, on the other hand, should head to the Pot Belly to see Rotten Opera play with The Decline
(Perth), The Resignators (Melb) and Chris Duke and the Royals (Syd). The music starts at 8pm on Saturday December 12.
There’s great news for fans of local music this fortnight, with the first Corinbank 2010
lineup announcement appearing at the festival’s website. Our finest
folk and rock acts will be there, and there’s a troupe of gypsies and
some surf music thrown in for good measure. Head to the website for the
full list of performers, and stay tuned for further announcements from
the Corinbank team.
Local four-piece Kempsey gave Locality a heads up about three new tracks on their triple j Unearthed
profile. The lads have been recording in a humble rumpus room, and the
end result is really freaking good. The tracks get two large thumbs up
from us, and we hope to see these guys live soon. You can listen to
Kempsey at www.triplejunearthed.com, and can check out the other 560
Canberra acts while you’re at it. There’s a huge amount of great music
available for free download, and there’s something to suit everyone’s
taste, from dance and hip-hop through to punk and metal.
Domus Adultus
is taking the rest of the year off, and the Bootlegs will soon follow suit; however the good people at Cardboard Charlie assure us that both will be back from Monday January 18. The last Bootlegs session for 2009 is
being held on Monday December 14 and will feature Sarah Daphne Foo, Lady Grey, The Glaciers and Readable Graffiti. The music starts at 8pm and entry is free.
2009 has been a great year for local music, and it’s been a pleasure
sharing it with you lovable people. Have a safe and happy festive
season, keep the emails coming, and we’ll see you in 2010.
Catherine James
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 24 November 09
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 5 months ago
Happy Movember, Canberra! Yes, it’s that time of year
again, with newly-moustachioed men at every turn. Our local musos are
getting behind this great
event, and on Saturday November 28 you can catch Final Lies, Double on Hearts and NSW’s Caleb Skips Chemistry at the Pot Belly’s Movember Fundraiser.
Entry is $10 and the proceeds will be used to raise awareness of men’s
health issues. The fun starts at 9pm, and there are prizes for the best
and worst Mo, so get your hairy lips over there.
If you prefer tattooed ladies to stubbly men, you’d be better off to the Miss Ink Australia tattoo pageant. Local ladies will be
strutting their illustrated stuff at the Basement on Saturday November 28, and Friend or Enemy,Perpetual End, Spoil and Sydney’s Soma will provide the soundtrack. Local favourites Miss Kitka’s House of Burlesque will also make an appearance. Tix are $25 and doors open at 8pm.
Gypsy fanciers will be pleased to learn that Mr Fibby have two local gigs lined up this fortnight. Fibby are joined by Melbourne’s Rapskallion at the Front Gallery from 7:30pm on Wednesday December 2, and will play alongside
surf-western Mebournites Mikelangelo and the Tin Star at the Merry Muse from 8pm on Friday December 4.
The finals of this year’s Emergenza Band Comp are being held at the ANU. Get along to the Refectory onFriday December 4 to see sets from some great Canberra and NSW bands. Hannah and Sam, Brave Empire, The Preys and The Heroines are just some of the local acts that have made it to this stage of the competition, so
head out there and show these emerging Canberra artists some support.
The
Holy Grail
in Kingston is hosting
Aloha! Blues and Roots Hawaii
, an afternoon event which will raise funds for the
ACT Eden-Monaro Cancer Support Group. There’s a packed lineup, including local acts The Wedded Bliss, The Chris Harland Blues Band and Leo Joseph’s Key Grip. The gig starts at 1pm on Sunday December 6
and entry is by donation, so give generously.
Cardboard Charlie presents two more jam-packed Bootlegs sessions at the Phoenix this fortnight. You can catchBears with Guns, Amber Nicholls, The Feldons and Cartesian Discotec onMonday November 30, and Matthew Simpson Morgan, David Bath and the Hot Tubs, Rod Ladgrove and the Eastwoods and Prelucid on Monday December 7.
Entry is free and the bands start at 8pm.
CC also teams up with the Canberra Musicians Club to bring Domus Adultus to Hippo. OnThursday November 26, catch Ashley Walsh, The Jason Recliners,The Kevin Windross Band and Clankenstein. Thursday December 3 will feature Rattis Von Zanzebar, Ben Drysdale and Beth Monzo, Jacquie Nicole and The Blue Ruins
. The music starts at 8pm and entry is $7/$5.
That’s it from us for another issue. Have a great fortnight and keep supporting local music.
Catherine James
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 10 November 09
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 6 months ago
This fortnight, Locality is pleased to plug the inaugural Think Tank Music Festival. The festival will raise funds for the National Brain Injury Foundation, increase awareness of the dangers of drink driving and showcase 19 acts across two stages. Local acts include The Veebees, Australian Kingswood Factory, Looking Glass and Escape Syndrome. Think Tank is being held at the UC Refectory from 3pm on Saturday November 14.
Ska merchants Winchester and rock upstarts Girl Sized Hands are joining forces on Friday November 13. The music starts from 9pm at The Pot Belly in Belconnen. Our very own Voss and Hoodlum Shouts are playing with Melbourne's Potential Falcon at their Canberra album launch at the Transit Bar. The fun starts at 8pm on Thursday November 12 and entry is free. Local indie legends The Trivs are playing with Brisbane's Hungry Kids of Hungary, also at Transit. Be there from 8pm on Thursday November 19, entry is $10 on the door.
There are free gigs aplenty in the city this fortnight! Music in the City is being held in Garema Place every Friday in November, between 7 and 9:30pm. Catch Velvette on Friday November 13 and Los Chavos on Friday November 20. If you'd prefer to take in some tunes on your lunch break, check out Groovin' in the City each weekday between 12:30 and 2pm. Highlights include Backbeat Drivers at Petrie Plaza on Friday November 13, Beth Monzo at Garema Place on Wednesday November 18, The Jason Recliners at Ainslie Avenue on Thursday November 19 and The Rooftop Revellers at Hobart Place on Friday November 20. Go to www.events.act.gov.au for the full program and links to each artist's website.
Erstwhile Canberran Rafe Morris is headed back to our fair city (yes readers, they always come back...) for a night of awesome local music. Rafe will be playing with Drew Walky, Guillaume Soloacoustic and Dub Dub Goose at Macgregor Hall on Saturday November 14. The party starts at 8pm and entry is $12/$8.
The Basement is the place to be for local rock and metal this fortnight. Scapegoat, Futility, Inside the Exterior and Tortured will be playing from 8pm on Friday November 13. On Friday November 20, catch Reign of Terror and Machete alongside Earth (VIC) and Code of Lies (NSW). Be there at 9pm, entry is $10.
Get along to the Phoenix on Monday nights for the Bootlegs sessions. Drew Walky, Joe Oppenheimer, Fun Machine and James Fahy Trio are playing on Monday November 16, and you can catch Greg Carlin, Rachel Cooper and Bec Taylor and the Kits on Monday November 23. The music starts at 8pm and entry is free.
Domus Adultus is playing host to Sarah Daphne Foo, Blue 2 and Ah! Pandita on Thursday November 12, and Ruth O'Brien, Sally Holiday and Readable Graffiti on Thursday November 19. Domus Adultus is held at Hippo from 8pm and entry is $7/$5.
Have a great fortnight, kids!
Catherine James
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 27 October 09
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 6 months ago
Halloween is upon us, which means it's time to dress up in your spooky finery and head on over to Stonefest. There are four Canberra acts on the bill this year (well done you lot!) so get along to UC on Saturday October 31 and rock out with The Trivs, Super Best Friends, Hancock Basement and Ashleigh Mannix. Tix are $85.30 from Ticketek.
Grass Stains 2 is a showcase of local music, art and fashion, hosted by itrip iskip in Braddon. Be there from 6pm on Friday October 30 to see sets by Ah! Pandita, Hoodlum Shouts and Cat Cat. Ah! Pandita will also be playing at the lip magazine Fundraiser at the Front Café and Gallery on Thursday October 29. The fun starts at 8pm and entry is by donation.
Point of View will be playing at the ANU Bar with Claude Hay (NSW) and Chase the Sun (Syd) this fortnight. Be there from 8pm on Thursday October 29.
There's great news for Southside musos and punters alike, with PJ O'Reilly's in Tuggeranong introducing a regular live music session. MUDD Nights will be held on Wednesdays at 8:30pm, and on Wednesday November 4 you can catch Space Party, The King Hits and Teen Skank Parade. Entry is only $5, so head out on the night and show your support for Southside gigs.
Locals Jonny Telafone and Teddy Trouble and the Space Boys are playing with Crayon Fields (Melb) at Bar 32. The music starts at 8pm on Thursday November 5 and entry is $10.
The Pot Belly is the place to be for local rock and metal this fortnight. On Friday October 30, Army of Ignorance will be playing with Melbourne's The Rostovs. On Saturday October 31, Point of View are playing alongside Newcastle's CentreSection. On Friday November 6 you can catch Final Lies, Corporate Takedown, They Still Exist (Bris) and Never Trust a Bunny (NSW). Lastly, Paulie the Water Tiger, Freyja's Rain and Ffatt Controller will be playing on Saturday November 7 to raise funds for a school in Ghana. Each gig starts at 8pm.
Domus Adultus is on at Hippo again this fortnight. On Thursday October 29 you can catch Greg Carlin, Amber Nicholls, Cartesian Discotec and the James Fahy Trio. Be there on Thursday November 5 to see Alice Cottee, Cuddlefish and Little Sister. The music starts at 8pm and entry is $7/$5.
Be at the Phoenix on Monday November 2 and Monday November 9 for this fortnight's Bootlegs sessions. Entry is free and the bands start at 8pm.
Have a great week guys, and be sure to email us with all your live music updates.
CATHERINE James
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 13 October 09
| Author: Catherine James
|
| 3 years, 7 months ago
There's lots of news this fortnight punters, and the biggest news of all is the arrival of The Speakeasy Fringe Club. Local legends Cardboard Charlie, the CMC and Matt Ellis are joining forces to bring us four massive nights of original Canberra music at The Street Theatre. The lineup is too huge to list here, but highlights include Mr Fibby, Cathy Petocz, The Big Score, Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens, Sanjiva de Silva, Fire on the Hill, The Fuelers and Hashemoto. It's going to be massive, so check out the full lineup at the Canberra Musicians Club website and book your tickets early at the Street Theatre. The action takes place between Wednesday October 14 and Saturday October 17.
The Kremlin Bar is again hosting Le Chat Noir - a showcase of fashion, burlesque performances and live music. Local four-piece Little Sister will be joined by Miss Kitka's House of Burlesque, fashion designer Penny Murdoch, harpist Madame Q and DJs metaVirus and IDOC. The fun starts at 8pm on Thursday October 22 and entry is $10 on the door.
On Friday October 16, the Adam Hole and Marji Curran Band will be playing at The Merry Muse, along with NSW blues act Delta Glide. The music starts at 7pm and tickets are$17 (full) / $14 (concession) / $12 (Monaro Folk Society members).
Simone Penkethman is playing a mid-afternoon set on Sunday October 18, accompanied by Paul Christiansen and Chanel Cole. Be at the Parlour Wine Room in New Acton from 3pm-5pm for tunes and tapas. Entry is free.
This fortnight's instalment of SLAMFEST! is being held at the ANU Bar and features another lineup packed with rock, punk and hardcore acts. Locals I Exist are playing with Melbourne's Mid Youth Crisis, Sydney's A.V.O. and Germany's Spermbirds on Friday October 23. The fun starts at 8pm and tix are $27.75 from Oztix.
Beyond Q Books in Curtin is hosting an afternoon of jazz on Sunday October 18. The MP3s, the Sienna Aguilar Quartet and Frater Milton Campbell will be playing from 2pm-8pm and entry is free.
Local punk/metal act Final Lies are releasing their debut CD this month and are playing two launch gigs to celebrate. On Thursday October 15 they'll be playing at the Tuggeranong Youth Centre with I Exist, Vera and WA's Break Even. The music starts at 7pm and entry is $12. On Friday October 16 Final Lies will be playing at The Basement with Escape Syndrome and Corporate Takedown. The music starts at 8pm and entry is $10.
Get along to Hippo on Thursday nights for the Domus Adultus sessions. The lineup on Thursday October 15 will feature Joe Oppenheimer, Matthew Simpson Morgan, Waterford and Fun Machine and on Thursday October 22 you can catch The Amazing Brainboy, Rachael Cooper, One Foot in the Gravy and Bec Taylor and the Kits. The music starts at 8pm and entry is $7/$5.
The mighty Bootlegs are on at the Phoenix each Monday night. Sally Holiday, Duncan Sergeant, Army of Ignorance and The Feldons are playing on Monday October 19 and you can catch Judith Kohn, Owen Woolcock, Manouche a Trois and Fierce Beige on Monday October 26. The music starts at 8pm and entry is free.
Enjoy the music and we'll see you next issue.
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Date Published: Tuesday, 29 September 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 7 months ago
Locality is pleased to announce that we have yet another fortnight filled with lovely music (made by equally lovely musos).
Beyond Q Bookstore in Curtin is putting on a series of mid-afternoon gigs this fortnight. Catch Greg Carlin on Saturday October 3, Peter Harrison on Sunday October 4, Fun Machine on Saturday October 10 and John Harkins on Sunday October 11. Be there at 2pm to grab a coffee, browse the bookshelves and support some original local artists.
Local lads The Trivs are playing with Tom Ugly (Syd) when they come to Canberra to promote their EP. Catch both bands at the Transit Bar from 8pm on Thursday October 1. Entry is free, so get in early!
Canberra's own country and roots specialists The Wedded Bliss are putting on two free gigs this fortnight, bless their hearts! On Friday October 9, the boys are playing during Happy Hour at Old Parliament House, starting at 6pm. On Tuesday October 13 you can catch the Bliss at Garema Place in Civic for an open-air set at 12pm.
Birds Love Fighting Records are putting on another great night of indie music at Bar 32. This month's Gangbusters will feature locals Cat Cat and Silver Spine Trio and Melbourne's Tic Toc Tokyo. Entry is just $5 and the fun starts at 9pm on Thursday October 1.
The second and final fundraiser for Megafauna 2009 is being held at The Basement on Thursday October 1. Minifauna #2 will feature sets from The Red Vest, Looking Glass and one-man rock band Lesuire Suit Lenny. Tix are $10 on the door and proceeds from the resulting Megafauna Festival will go to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation.
If you have a free afternoon this fortnight, head into the city and support the 2009 Tilt Busking Festival. The festival runs until Sunday October 11 and each day, between 11am and 3pm, the streets of Civic will be lined with musos, performance artists and assorted creative types.
The mighty Bootlegs and the divine Domus Adultus are back again this fortnight, with typically packed lineups. On Monday October 5 the Bootlegs will feature Phil Crowder, Drew Walky, Amber Nicholls, Little Sister and The Camels. On Monday October 12 the lineup includes Jason Recliner, Blue 2, Margaret Helen King and Readable Graffiti. The Bootlegs are on at the Phoenix from 8pm, and entry is free.
On Thursday October 1, Domus Adultus brings us Jason Recliner, Duncan Sergeant, Manouche a Trois (Melb) and Arythmia. Playing on Thursday October 8 are Jacquie Nicole, Sean Smeaton, Matt Dent and the Real Men and Ah! Pandita. Domus Adultus is on at Hippo from 8pm and entry is $7/$5.
That's it from us for another issue! Have a great fortnight and tune in next time for more local music news.
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Date Published: Tuesday, 15 September 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 8 months ago
Hello again, you crazy kids! We have another busy fortnight ahead, with an assortment of local gigs to keep you lot off the streets and out of trouble.
The team behind the Hard ACT to Follow project has been recording original Canberran punk, metal and rock acts for some months now, and it's all coming to a head this fortnight. The Hard ACT to Follow CD will be launched at two separate gigs on Friday September 25. The all ages launch is at the Woden Youth Centre and features sets from Stigmata, Friend or Enemy, Corgi Crisis and Melrose High's InPowered. You can catch the bands between 6-9pm and entry is a mere $5. The over 18s launch starts at 9pm at The Basement. Entry is $10 and the lineup includes Bent Hen, Futility, Loud So Clear and System Addict.
Also at The Basement this fortnight, The Chuffs, Penguin, The Dirty Love (TAS) and Paulie the Water Tiger will be bringing the noise on Saturday September 19. Entry is $10 on the door and the music starts at 8pm.
Local virtuoso JW Sparrow will be playing two gigs at The Front this fortnight. The first is with the experimental (and very rad) I Dream in Transit (Syd) from 9pm on Friday September 18. Entry is $5 on the door. On Wednesday September 30 JW Sparrow launches his brand new EP and plays with Tiny Vipers (US) and Guy Blackman (Melb). The music starts at 8pm and entry is $10.
Mudpie Princess, Voss, Scaramouche and The Adam Hole and Marji Curran Band are joining forces to raise funds for CO-ID, an organisation that builds schools in Bangladesh. The bands will play at The Holy Grail in Civic from 8pm on Saturday September 19 and entry is $10. You can also catch The Adam Hole and Marji Curran Band on Thursday September 17 when they play at The Chisholm Tavern at 8pm.
Nightfest will run at Floriade from Wednesday September 23 - Sunday September 27 and will feature night markets, film screenings and lots of live performances. Local progressive jazz group The Lethals are playing at 7pm on Sunday September 27, so Locality recommends heading out to Commonwealth Park and working yourself into a moonlit, Howard Moon-esque jazz trance. Nightfest tix are available from Ticketek and cost $20/$10.
This fortnight we have two typically packed lineups at the Bootlegs. On Monday September 21, Lisa and the Lost Boys, Jonathan Fisher, Rachael Cooper, The Feldons and One Foot in the Gravy will be gracing the stage with their various presences. On Monday September 28, punters will be wooed by Glenroi Heights, Cuddlefish, Cartesian Discotec and the James Fahy Trio. Be at the Phoenix from 8pm, entry is free.
Domus Adultus is taking a bit of a breather this fortnight, with a single session on Thursday September 24. Make your way to Hippo to enjoy sets from Sally Holiday, Greg Carlin, Second Sun and Infinite Decimals. The music starts at 8pm and entry is $7/$5.
Enjoy the music and have a great fortnight,
Catherine James
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 1 September 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 8 months ago
Hello again lads and ladies! I'm pleased to say that we have another busy fortnight in store, complete with a huge fundraiser, a mid-morning blues gig, and everything in between. There's also big news for Canberra musicians, with the organisers of Corinbank putting out their annual call for artists.
Last year's Corinbank festival was a great success, and now the organisers are looking to make next year's event even bigger and better. If you're interested in performing, simply fill out the online form atwww.corinbank.com/apps and provide recordings of your two best songs. We at Locality can't say enough good things about this event, so get off your butts, apply online, and we'll cross our fingers for you. Applications close on Monday the 14th of September, and the festival is being held from the 26th-28th of February 2010.
If you're one of the many fans that enjoyed Canberra's 2008 Megafauna Festival, you'll want to get along to this fortnight's fundraiser for the 2009 event. Minifauna #1 is being held at The Basement on Thursday September 3 and will feature sets from indie rock supermen Super Best Friends, rock merchants Penguin and up-and-coming surf band Radical Surf Ninjas From Hell On Fire. Tix are $10 on the door, and proceeds from the resulting 2009 Megafauna Festival will go to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Rock out for a good cause, kids!
On a similarly warm and fuzzy note, ANU's inaugural Red Party will be held on Saturday September 5 from 7pm at the ANU Bar. This event will raise awareness of the international spread of HIV/AIDS, with proceeds being used to purchase medical equipment for a hospital in the Philippines. The lineup is packed; including local acts such as Hancock Basement, The Trivs and Team Wing and, if Facebook RSVPs are anything to go by, it's shaping up to be a huge night. Pre-sale tickets range from $15-$25 and are available at the ANU Bar or online at www.anuredparty.com.
Also at the ANU Bar, local act The Adam Hole & Marji Curran Band will be supporting Kim Churchill (NSW) and Dallas Frasca (Vic) on Friday September 11. Doors open at 8pm and tickets are available for $15 from Ticketek.
Hoodlum Shouts are keeping busy again this fortnight, promoting their new EP at the Pot Belly alongside rock five-piece The Red Vest. Get along to the Pot from 8pm on Friday September 4 and shell out for an EP if you like what you hear.
Once again, the Canberra Musicians Club and Cardboard Charlie join forces to bring you the Domus Adultus sessions at Hippo Bar. On Thursday September 3, the lineup includes Owen Woolcock, Amber Nicholls, Little Sister and three-piece Margaret Helen King. On Thursday September 10, be serenaded by Julian Hay, Blue 2, Waterford and Sean Smeaton. The music starts at 8pm and tickets are $7, or $5 for CMC members.
And for something a bit different, you can catch one of two daytime gigs scheduled for Sunday September 13. Award-winning soloist Jono Zilber will bring the blues to New Acton's Du Jour Restaurant from 10:30am. Meanwhile, Queen Juanita and the Zydeco Cowboys are playing at the Hush Lounge in Woden between 1pm and 5pm.
That's it from Locality for another fortnight! Hope you guys have a good one and we'll catch you next time,
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Date Published: Tuesday, 18 August 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 9 months ago
No time for pleasantries, dear punters! This fortnight is jam-packed, so let's get straight to it.
We are pleased to announce that The Kremlin Bar is again hosting Le Chat Noir - a showcase of fashion, burlesque performances and live music. Local four-piece Little Sister will be playing on the night and for those who aren't in the know, this quirky and soulful group are well worth a look. Little Sister will be joined by Miss Kitka's House of Burlesque, fashion designer Penny Murdoch, harpist Madame Q and DJs metaVirus and IDOC. The fun starts at 8pm on Thursday August 27 and entry is $10 on the door.
The last ACT heat of the National Campus Band Competition is being held at the CIT Music Industry Centre on Thursday August 20 and the ACT final is being held at the ANU Bar on Wednesday September 2. The winning band will get $500 and a trip to the finals on the Gold Coast. Last year's title was taken out by our own Rubycon and hopefully the ACT heats will produce another outstanding finalist this year.
Canberra's own jazz and blues merchants KarismaKatz are playing two local gigs this fortnight. You can catch them at Casino Canberra from 9pm on Saturday August 22 and again at the Hush Lounge in Phillip from 1pm on Sunday August 23.
Last fortnight's triple j Unearthed Feature Artists, Canberra's own Hoodlum Shouts, are playing at The Front alongside Athol (Sydney/Newcastle). Both bands are launching albums, so it promises to be a big night. Be there from 8pm on Saturday August 29 to hear the latest tunes from these bands.
The incredibly lovely love, sage will also be launching an album at The Front this fortnight. The local duo are launching their Apricot EP on Friday August 21 and will be accompanied by the similarly lovely Remember Little Grace and ambient duo Mornings. Entry is $5 and the music starts at 8pm.
You can also catch love, sage at the upcoming Captain, My Captain session at The Phoenix. The session is being held from 8pm on Wednesday September 2 and the lineup will also feature The Eko's, Jonno Zilber, Ben Drysdale and Beth Monzo.
Locality favourites Mr Fibby are performing a new piece entitled Ship of Fools at the Canberra Contemporary Arts Space on Sunday August 23. This performance is being recorded for posterity, so all punters in attendance will become a part of Mr Fibby history. Be there at 7pm to take part, tickets are $10 on the door.
And last but not least, the fabulous Domus Adultus and Bootlegs sessions are still going strong, each with great lineups this fortnight.
On Thursday August 20, Domus Adultus brings you Bridie Hill, The James Fahy Trio, Bec Taylor and the Kits and One Foot in the Gravy. The lineup for Thursday August 27 includes Jacquie Nicole, Amax, Big Score and Supernova. Both gigs are at the Hippo Bar from 8pm and entry is $7 or $5 if you're a fancy-schmancy CMC member.
The Bootlegs will present Greg Carlin, The Amazing Brainboy, The Feldons and The Blue Ruins on Monday August 24 and will feature Adam Cook, Drew Walky, Second Sun and The Glaciers on Monday August 31. Both gigs are at the Phoenix Bar from 8pm and entry is free.
It's a big fortnight, with plenty of great gigs to choose from, so have a good one and show the musicians some love.
'Til next time,
Catherine James
Locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 4 August 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 9 months ago
Here at Locality, we love live music. We also love you, dear punters, and your support of live music. We were lucky enough to catch local surf band Space Party at the Phoenix last fortnight. It was a fun night, the band was in top form and the venue was packed. It always leaves us with a warm and fuzzy feeling when a deserving act gets a great crowd and when that many people come out in the middle of winter to see a Canberra band it leaves us feeling positively toasty. Luckily for us, there are plenty more opportunities for you lot to show your support for Canberra musos.
This fortnight’s Domus Adultus sessions will bring with them two typically packed lineups. On Wednesday August 6, enjoy Ashley Walsh, The Blue Ruins, Matt Dent and The Real Men and Bears With Guns. On Wednesday August 13, be serenaded by Joe Oppenheimer, Rachael Cooper, Arythmia and Mudpie Princess. Both gigs start at 8 pm and entry is $7 for regular punters or $5 for CMC members.
In exciting news, Canberra lads Hoodlum Shouts are the current triple j Unearthed Feature Artists. Their track History’s End has been played on the station and the boys’ brooding faces are staring out at the nation from the Unearthed homepage. To see what it takes to make it on triple j, catch Hoodlum Shouts live at The Phoenix from 8 pm on Saturday August 15. Also rocking the Phoenix this fortnight are local four-piece Waterford, who will be onstage from 9 pm on Wednesday August 12.
The Folkus Room is playing host to two up and coming singer/songwriters this fortnight. Our own Ashleigh Mannix will play alongside Sydney’s Ed Patrick from 8 pm on Sunday August 16. In a similar vein, the very lovely Julia Johnson and her Deep Sea Sirens will be playing at The Front along with Melbourne’s Skipping Girl Vinegar. The show starts at 7 pm on Thursday August 6 and tickets can be preordered from Ticketek for $18.65.
At the heavier end of the spectrum, The Chuffs have returned after a 6 month hiatus and are keen to show off their shiny new drummer. They’ll be joined by Teen Skank Parade at the Pot Belly from 8 pm on Friday August 14.
Local dynamos The Fighting League are playing at Bar 32 on Thursday August 6, along with Sydney acts Royal Headache and Peewee. The fun starts at 9 pm and entry is a mere $5.
Friday August 14 is going to be a huge night at The Merry Muse. The Fire and Rope Band, The Ellis Collective, Dub Dub Goose and Mr Fibby are combining their considerable talents to bring you a night of merriment. Be there from 8 pm, or be square from 8 pm.
For something delightfully different, check out one of three gigs being held at Beyond Q Books in Curtin this fortnight. You can catch Second Sun on Saturday August 8, John Harkins on Sunday August 9 and Peter Harrison on Saturday August 15. Each gig starts at 4 pm and entry is free.
That’s it from Locality for another fortnight. Take care ‘til next time and be sure to keep sending your thoughts, gig info and music news to us at locality.bma@hotmail.com.
Big love,
Catherine James
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Date Published: Tuesday, 21 July 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 10 months ago
JEN CLOHER is a brave woman. Despite its title, her latest album Hidden Hands has rejected obscurity in favour of honest, revealing and confessional lyrics. Fans of her previous albums, including the ARIA nominated Dead Wood Falls, may be surprised by the change in focus, but certainly not disappointed.
Following a hectic and exciting schedule of tours, both supporting big-name acts and headlining events herself Australia-wide, Cloher found herself in an extraordinarily contrasting situation. Back in New Zealand, she had to come to terms with her mother's Alzheimer's. Though harrowing, it inspired the opening track Mother's Desk, in which Cloher asserts her belief in destiny and fate: "We can only go where we're meant to go. Hidden hands will help us along."
The beautiful artwork on the album cover illustrates the themes of mystery, but also the vibrancy and playfulness within the package. "Catherine Brickman, the artist, had a really beautiful, vibrant approach," Cloher explains. "Even though it dealt with big, big feelings like sorrow and grief, there was also a lot of hope, light and celebration."
The owls featured in the artwork, Cloher reveals, are mopoke owls, native to New Zealand. "I wanted the artwork to feature owls because they are my power animal! The mopoke owls represent this unseen, creative force."
Cloher has clearly done a lot of philosophising and is refreshingly candid about the creative block she felt after the exhausting schedule of 2007. Hidden Hands was the result of forcing herself to sit down and write. "The answer was in there," she says. "There were rewards and gifts if I kept at it, and creativity is a calling, not necessarily a chosen profession. It's a calling and you have to honour it."
Following a meeting with the Dalai Lama, after the One Earth concert in Sydney, Cloher blogged: "Our inner world reflects our outer world. Find peace within and we contribute to peace on a global level." For Cloher, it may be just as accurate to surmise that her music reflects her inner world.
Revealing the source of the album title, Cloher is keen to tell the story. "It's something that I borrowed," she admits. "This idea from a mythologist called Joseph Campbell. He's no longer alive but he is considered one of the foremost authorities on mythology and religion, and he inspired George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy in the '80s. He basically has a saying - follow your bliss, you'll be met by a thousand unseen helping hands. Hidden hands helped me to write the album and get through this challenging period of my life."
If not your bliss, follow your ears and don't miss one of 2009's most impressive album releases - Cloher's intriguing Hidden Hands.
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Date Published: Tuesday, 21 July 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 10 months ago
Hold on to your butts, punters! The Canberra music scene is going into overdrive this fortnight, what with two album launches, a troupe of gypsies, an evening of chamber music, two surf bands and a shiny new venue on the cards.
First up, Melbourne-based indie pop trio The Basics (featuring Gotye) are currently on tour with Brisbane's The Boat People, and will be playing in Canberra with our own Hancock Basement. Be at Transit from 9 pm on Thursday July 23, and get in early because entry is free.
Friday July 31 will be a huge night at the Woden Youth Centre, with five (yes, five!) local acts on the bill. AstroChem, Fallsuit Theory, West of the Sun, Fight the Fall and Escape Syndrome will be playing from 6 pm and entry is just $7.
The Merry Muse in Turner will be hosting two great homegrown events this fortnight. Accomplished practitioners Dr Stovepipe are launching their latest CD on Friday July 24, supported by Den Hanrahan and the Roadsiders. On Friday July 31, Melbourne's The Woohoo Revue bring their Antique Gypsy Roadshow to town, accompanied by the always alluring Mr Fibby. Both shows kick off at 7:30 pm, and tickets are $17 (full), $14 (concession) or $12 (members).
Local punk-and-garage-inspired surf band Space Party is back in town after playing at the Shadoz instrumental music festival in Melbourne last month. We at Locality are always pleased as punch when local acts get national recognition, so well done to these lads! You can catch the trio on their home turf when they support Sydney surf band The Alohas at the Phoenix on Saturday July 25. The fun starts at 9 pm and entry is free.
The Griffyn Ensemble are a chamber group made up of staff, graduates and current students of the ANU School of Music. They're currently working with emerging composers to produce an album, which the Ensemble will be previewing at the Street Theatre on Thursday July 23. The show starts at 6:30 pm and tickets are $25 (standard), $20 (concession) or $5 (Under 18).
The VeeBees are launching their latest album, The VeeBees Live at Summernats, on Saturday July 25 at The Basement. The boys will be joined by Casino Rumblers (NSW), The Rumjacks (NSW) and locals The Toxicmen. The music kicks off at 9 pm, entry is $10.
As some of you may recall from the previous issue's Tidbits page, the new management of The Redgum Café is throwing the doors open to Canberra's performers. Redgum can fit 200 people, has no noise restrictions and is located on Wollongong Street in Fyshwick. Noise restrictions have long been an issue for musicians and venues in Canberra, so this is a great opportunity for bands who like to turn their amps up to eleven. To find out more, email redgum@velocitynet.com.au or call Jeff on 0447 647 266 or 6162 0864.
You're spoiled for choice this fortnight, you lucky, lucky people! Get out there and show the musos some love and drop us a line with your goss for the next issue.
'Til next time,
Catherine James
locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Wednesday, 8 July 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 10 months ago
As many readers are well aware, Canberra is a breeding ground for musicians. These creative types, known for their blatant disregard for noise restrictions and tendency to spontaneously collaborate with one another, are slowly spreading their musical cooties throughout our fair city. The contamination is sure to worsen this fortnight, with a variety of highly contagious individuals performing around town.
This fortnight's Domus Adultus promises a particularly infectious lineup. On Monday July 9, lovely ladies Simone Penkethman, Jo Telfer and Claire Lawlor will be providing the tunes. On Monday July 16, Duncan Sergeant and Marianne Mettes are the Hippo Bar's musos of choice. Tix are $7 on the door, or $5 for CMC members.
There's more good news for Southsiders this fortnight, with Adelaide band The Beards playing at the Wanniassa Tavern, supported by our own Black Creek. Catch both bands on Saturday July 11 from 8 pm. And even further south, the Chisholm Tavern will be playing host to locals The Wedded Bliss from 2:30 pm on Sunday July 19. Both of these gigs are free, so it's a no-brainer: get out there, show your support and more great gigs will follow.
Canberra's mighty Fuelers are playing at the Phoenix from 9 pm on Saturday July 11, and you can catch the very talented Big Score at the same venue from 9 pm on Wednesday July 22. Free entry means that these gigs will be packed, so either get in early or wear something warm.
Hancock Basement will be playing with Tom Ugly at the Transit Bar on Monday July 16. Tom Ugly won triple j's inaugural Unearthed High competition with their ridiculously catchy single Cult Romance and locals Hancock Basement took out last year's Unearthed Trackside competition. Get along to the gig and maybe some of that sweet, sweet success will rub off on you.
The Chris Harland Blues Band will be playing at the Soul Bar in Woden on Friday July 10. For those that aren't in the know, Harland received the Canberra Blues Society's award for Best Blues Instrumental Guitar in 2008. To find out what award-winning guitar sounds like, be at the Soul Bar from 6:30 pm.
Sydney's Jack Ladder and Melbourne's Kid Sam are playing with our own JW Sparrow on Saturday July 11. Be at the Front Café and Gallery from 7 pm to catch the bands, check out the Front's latest exhibition and enjoy a chocolate milkshake. Rad.
Staying in quarantine is pointless, people! We're all going to be infected sooner or later, so you might as well get it over and done with. Get out there and see some live music this fortnight and pass the bug on to your friends while you're at it.
Until next time,
CATHERINE JAMES
locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Wednesday, 24 June 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 11 months ago
Another issue, another mixed bag of Canberran original music. Whether you prefer to listen to blues guitarists, indie bands or instrumental soundscapes, there's something for you to enjoy this fortnight.
Gangbusters is Bar 32's monthly band night, and on Thursday July 2 the lineup will feature local groups Kasha (formerly Also From Tokyo) and Super Best Friends. We at Locality were excited to hear a Super Best Friends track on triple j's Short Fast Loud program a few weeks back (Canberra bands on the radio = awesome), so get along to the gig and give the boys the props they deserve.
So Long Safety, ...like foxes and Ashton Skies are playing with My Name 4 Your Name (Syd) at The Basement. Be there on Saturday June 27, doors open from 6 pm.
2009's Seasonally Affected Depression Sessions (or SAD Sessions) are wrapping up this fortnight. Get along to Ainslie's Corroboree Park Hall on Saturday June 27 and Saturday July 4 to enjoy the excellent acoustics and hearty homemade soup. The Secret Lunch, New Neighbors (USA) and Newcastle's The Understudy will be playing on the 27th. Music starts at 8 pm sharp, and entry is $10 at the door.
Seaworthy (Syd) will be launching his latest EP of ambient soundscapes at The Front Gallery and Café on Sunday June 29, alongside Canberran act Pollen Trio. Be there between 3 pm and 5 pm to catch what promises to be an intimate and very unique gig.
Northside venues tend to have a monopoly on live music, but this fortnight The Wedded Bliss are taking their awesome live show down south. Get along to the Wanniassa Tavern from 8 pm on Saturday June 27 for some rootsy, folksy, countrified goodness.
To catch the Chris Harland Blues Band, be at the Old Canberra Inn on Friday July 3 from 9 pm. Local three-piece The Feldons will be playing at The Phoenix from 9 pm on Saturday June 27, and the Bootleg Sessions will be on at the Phoenix on Monday June 29 and Monday July 6.
Cardboard Charlie and The CMC are joining forces again for this fortnight's Domus Adultus sessions at the Hippo Bar. On Thursday June 25 you'll see Greg Carlin, George Bishop (former member of the Andi and George Band), Kasha and The Blue Ruins. On Thursday July 2, the lineup will include Rachael Cooper, David Bath and the Hot Tubs and Kooky Fandango. The fun starts at 8 pm, and tix are $7, or $5 for members.
Are you a tertiary student? Are you in a band? Well, get off your studious behind and sign up for the 2009 National Campus Band Competition! Canberra's own Rubycon won the comp in 2008, so now it's up to the rest of you to continue the ACT's winning streak. The local heats aren't 'til September, but Locality recommends signing up ASAP at www.aaca.net.au. And just so you know, at least one member of the band must be a tertiary student who makes "a substantial contribution to the band's performance," so recruiting an art school girl to play tambourine on the night doesn't actually count.
That's it from us at Locality. Keep supporting live music and keep sending your music news to us at locality.bma@hotmail.com.
'Til next time,
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Date Published: Wednesday, 10 June 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 3 years, 11 months ago
The weather is starting to cool down, making the 1am walk from the venue to the car a little more daunting than in previous months. But don’t be discouraged, dear punters! There will be all kinds of lovely live Canberra music for your listening pleasure during the next three weeks.
Sam King, of Canberra’s fabulous Mr Fibby, will be hosting the Seasonally Affected Depression Sessions (or SAD Sessions) in an effort to counteract the cold weather. Get along to the toasty warm Corroboree Park Hall in Ainslie on Saturday June 20 and Saturday June 27 and take in some tunes with likeminded music fans.
Zounds and The Pocket (both from regional NSW) will be playing at The Front Café and Gallery on Thursday June 11. They will be supported by Canberra’s The Sleeves and The Eastern Seaboard and the show kicks off at 8pm.
It’s time again for The Pot Belly’s annual showcase of Canberran bands and solo artists. Pop The Pot ‘09 will be held on Saturday June 20 and the music will start at 5pm. The lineup includes Pleased To Jive You, The Heroines, Paulie The Water Tiger, Johnny Roadkill, Ffatt Controller and Changeable Dan, plus solo artists Dan Ihasz, John Lollback and Sean Smeaton. With more acts yet to be announced and no cover charge, it promises to be a big night. Get in early folks!
The word on the street is that the Canberra Musicians Club is putting together a fundraiser, featuring some awesome local bands, in order to Save Canberra’s Music Scene. To save said scene, simply head to the ANU Bar on Saturday June 13 and rock out with Hancock Basement, Rubycon, Rounds, The Heroines and The Preys. Doors open at 8 pm, tickets are $12.
Hancock Basement will also be playing at the ANU Bar on Saturday June 20. This time around the boys will be supporting Hell City Glamours (Syd), along with local lads Escape Syndrome.
The friendly people at Servants of Sound want to hear from any acts that would like to be part of this year’s Dragon Dreaming Festival, which will be held on the October long weekend (Saturday October 3 – Monday October 5). The festival’s focus is electronic music; however the organisers are seeking interest from a variety of performers. The Andi and George Band played last year and their blog hailed the festival as “the most diverse bush doof I’ve ever been to”. High praise indeed! If any bands, solo artists or other creative types would like more information on this year’s event, send your queries to info@servantsofsound.org.
As always, there are two packed nights of great local music each and every week in our fair city. If you love cocktails and chandeliers, head to Hippo on Thursday nights for Domus Adultus. If you’re all about beer and chess, you probably already know about The Bootleg Sessions, held on Monday nights at The Phoenix. At the time of writing, there’s no info available on the acts that will be playing in June, but based on Locality’s experience, you really can’t go wrong with either of these events.
That’s it from Locality for this issue. Got some Canberra music news? Email us your info and we’ll make your business everyone else’s business.
‘Til next time,
CATHERINE JAMES
locality.bma@hotmail.com
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Date Published: Tuesday, 19 May 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 4 years ago
Anne Looby has created a musical devoted to a subject close to our hearts - literally. Breast Wishes, opening at The Playhouse on Wednesday May 27, is an unconventional, fun-filled and curious approach to women’s experiences of their bodies throughout their lives. “I identify very strongly with Carol, the character I play,” Looby says, “given that much of her experience is based on my own life: growing up flat-chested, then being in midlife and grappling with the ravages of gravity!”
Breast Wishes is the collaborative effort of celebrated and accomplished writers, Merridy Eastmen, Jonathan Gavin, Richard Glover, Wendy Harmer, Sheridan Jobbins, James Millar, and Debra Oswald. Joining Looby on stage are Angela Kennedy, Gretel Scarlett, Chelsea Plumley, David Harris and Valerie Bader. Highly respected Los-Angeles born musician and songwriter Bruce Brown was integral in crafting the musical pieces that drive the Breast Wishes narrative, but Looby struggles to pick a favourite song. “I love them all!” she says. “If forced to choose, I think the opening song would have to be one of the cleverest, cheekiest opening numbers in the history of musical theatre.”
Looby was inspired to create the show following her younger sister’s breast cancer survival. She approached the National Breast Cancer Foundation four years ago with the concept in mind and the show continues to raise awareness and funds for the NBCF. Looby hopes the musical leaves the audience with “a sense of hope, love and above all, acceptance of their bodies.” Looby relied on the openness and honesty of friends, family and colleagues to gather the unique experiences that are at the affecting heart of Breast Wishes. “I don’t think you can create a show about breasts and not deal with the issue of breast cancer, which touches so many thousands of people’s lives,” she says. Breast Wishes takes a journey through the issue with both sensitivity and humour, including the perspectives of the sufferers but also their husbands, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends – but the show is far from simply a sombre health message.
“I have always maintained that laughter is the best medicine and these wonderful scenes in Breast Wishes allow our audience to see the humour in the face of adversity.” So take this opportunity to gather your friends and family and celebrate that part of women’s bodies that is so fascinating and essential. “Everyone that sees the play will find something to identify with, whether it be that they are large breasted or small, real or enhanced, breast feeders or not,” Looby insists. “Breasts are many things: sexual, nurturing, a badge of femininity, motherhood, even survival.”
Breast Wishes flashes at The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre, from Wednesday May 27 to Saturday May 30 @ 8pm. Matinees Saturday and Sunday @ 2pm, twilight show Sunday May 31 @ 5pm. Tix $55/$48/$35. To book call Canberra Ticketing on 6275 2700 or visit the CTC website at www.canberratheatre.org.au.
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Date Published: Tuesday, 19 May 09
| Author: Catherine James
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| 4 years ago
Much like the Chupacabra, the Wendigo and the Loch Ness Monster, Canberra's live music scene is shrouded in mystery. Some say that it is an elaborate hoax, that it exists only in fairy tales, and that my collection of blurry polaroids do not amount to reliable evidence. But! As the initiated know only too well, Canberra is home to talented and prolific musicians.
The Pot Belly has supported many local artists over the years and this fortnight is no exception. On Thursday May 28 The Pot plays host to a lineup of rock acts, featuring Tasmania's The Dirty Love and locals ZZG and Paulie the Water Tiger. If your ideal night out is less rock and more folk, you can head to The Pot on Friday May 29 for the soulful stylings of Freyja's Rain.
In a similar vein, local blues man Jonno Zilber is supporting Richard Steele at the Folkus Room. Catch them at the Italo- Australian Club on Friday May 22. Ex-pat Kat Harley (of Beanort fame) is visiting from Sydney and bringing her new band Border Thieves along for the trip. Once the obligatory sightseeing is out of the way (Questacon, anyone?) they'll be part of a packed lineup at the ANU Bar on Thursday May 28, playing alongside Potential Falcon, Line Drawings and local up-andcomers Cat Cat. The fun starts at 8pm, and tickets are $10.
You can also catch Border Thieves playing a more intimate gig at The Phoenix, where they're supporting Melbourne's The Night Terrors. Be there on Saturday May 23 from 8pm.
triple j Unearthed legends and all-round nice guys Hancock Basement are launching their limited edition 7" vinyl on Thursday May 28. Be at Transit Bar from 8pm to get your hands on a slice of Hancock history in the making.
The Trivs have had a busy month, what with two interstate gigs and the launch of their shiny new EP. To show them some love, get along to Bar 32 on Saturday May 23; they're supporting Melbourne's Tall Buildings and Sydney's The Model School.
Domus Adultus is still going strong on Thursday nights at Hippo. The lineup for the Thursday May 21 features Drew Walky, Jacquie Nicole, The Blue Ruins and Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens. On Thursday May 28 you'll be serenaded by Rhys Crimmin, Second Sun and Also from Tokyo. At the time of writing, the lineup for Thursday June 4 has yet to be announced, but rest assured that it will be another night of great music, complete with couches, cocktails and mood lighting. Lovely.
My polaroids may be blurry, but I believe in the Canberra live music scene. If you want to believe, come out this fortnight and see for yourself.
As always, any musos that would like to be featured in the next Locality column should drop us a line at locality.bma@hotmail.com. Playing a gig that we haven't mentioned? Send us your details and we'll get the word out.
Until next time.
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