with Allan Sko
WHO: Skyscraper Stan and The Commission Flats
WHAT: Those Were The Days Album Launch Tour
WHEN: Fri 30th May, 9.30pm
WHERE: Smith’s Alternative
Skyscraper Stan and his long-time touring band and collaborators, the Commission Flats, have generated a body of work that has attracted a loyal, and more recently, global fanbase drawn to their easy lyrical style, inventive arrangements, and deft genre twists and turns— from folk and country to indie rock and consummate soul— all key elements across the diverse new album.
As the weather gets cooler, Stan and the Band are taking their critically acclaimed live show around the country to celebrate the new record Those Were Days – a project several years in the making and well worth the wait. Tix are $30/35 via Smith’s.
WHO: Anna Ransom & Earl Unofficial
WHAT: An afternoon of Belco Sounds
WHEN: Sat 7th June, 3.30-6pm
WHERE: Kiln at Belco Arts, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen
Belco Sounds— a Connect Up 2617 initiative, funded by Medical Research Future until October—is a fortnightly live music programme that aims to support emerging Canberran artists and provide young folk with free gigs at which to connect.
Created by Mei, Esther, and Alex, who work with Connect Up 2617, says Mei: “We have a passion for music/art and appreciate the importance of community and social connection. This differs from traditional live gigs by focusing on creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in which people can meet new faces.” Grab your FREE tix via Humanitix.
“Connect Up 2617 has a range of free activities for 18-30s in the Belconnen-Bruce area. If you wish to meet new people, we have something for you!” – connectup.au, @belco.sounds, @connectup2617
WHO: Smith’s @ Belco: Neil Murray
WHAT: A evening with one of Australia’s finest song writers
WHEN: Sat 14th Jun, 7pm
WHERE: Belco Arts Centre
Continuing one of the good news stories amid a torrid touring landscape, the mighty melding of Canberra venue powerhouses that is Smith’s @ Belco keeps rolling out the big shows.
And June heralds the arrival of one of Australian music’s most key figures: Neil Murray.
Originally springing from Victoria’ western district, in the late ‘70s maverick songman set course for the Northern Territory with guitar in hand.
He emerged at Papunya in 1980 as a founding member of the pioneering Warumpi Band. Over three albums (Big Name, No Blankets, Go Bush and Too Much Humbug) and 20 years of performing, thrust contemporary indigenous music into mainstream Australia, yielding such classic songs as My Island Home, Blackfella Whitefella, Fitzroy Crossing, Jailanguru Pakarnu, Stompin Ground, From The Bush and Waru.
He has since become one of Australia’s finest singer/ songwriters, enjoying a solo career since 1989. He has released a remarkable string of albums – the latest being The Telling, which marks a recording career of four decades. Tix are $49/$59 via Belco Arts.
WHO: Steve Hunter Band
WHAT: The Jazz Haus Canberra night of nights
WHEN: Sat 14th June, 7pm
WHERE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Virtuoso bassist, prolific composer, and band leader Steve Hunter formed his first band in 1978 – at age 18 – and never looked back.
Releasing ten albums, and contributing to many other artists and bands, he has performed with international artists Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Mark Isham, and Bobby Previte and Oz artists The Translators, Mark Simmond, Dale Barlow, The Joseph Tawadros Trio, James Muller, and Bandaluzia.
His current trio with Matt McMahon (piano/keyboards) and Gordon Rytmeister (drums) has been playing regularly for seven years, occasionally augmenting to a 4-piece with the
addition of guitarist Ben Hauptmann. Steve brings this 4-piece to Canberra, performing originals along with a few tunes by Chick Corea and Miles Davis. Tix are $45 / $38 via Tuggeranong Arts Centre.
Enjoy!