Entertainment News

Ross Wilson & the Urban Legends will be playing some great gigs both in Victoria and in New South Wales in the next couple of weeks.

Here’s the list:

In VIC:
Fri FEB 25 SHEPPARTON - Bush Market & street party. Enquiries on (03)5821 4400

Fri MAR 4 MILDURA - Workingman’s Club, Deakin Avenue. Tix $25 - $29.50 available at the venue or ring the club on (03) 5023 0531

In NSW:
Sat MAR 5 BROKEN HILL - Outback & All That Jazz - Ross Wilson and the Urban Legends headlining. Go to http://feral.com.au/outbackjazz/ for more info or ring Broken Hill Music on (08) 8088 4840

In VIC:
Sun MAR 13 GEELONG - 3pm Deakin Waterfront Cafe, Deakin University Waterfront Campus, Western Beach Road. Tix are $27and can be booked on (03) 5225 1200

Sun MAR 20 WERRIBEE - 3pm Weerama Festival - More details TBA.

Sun MAR 27 STAWELL - Trackside, the day before the running of the Stawell Gift - More details TBA.

The secret of BOMBAs success has always been their eclectic and righteous party blend of riddems, beats, dubs and funky soul! Learn To Breathe blends all these sounds with their impeccable reggae sensibilities and finds them poised to convert new fans not only in Australia, but overseas as well. Check out Going Solo and Spaced Out to find two of the best reasons to love Learn To Breathe.

The CD launch date for Melbourne is 11 March at The Northcote Social Club with Skin as support. You can find out more about the Northcote Social Club at www.northcotesocialclub.com. Tix are $15 and you can buy them online or get ‘em at the Corner Hotel box office on 9427 9198.

The Josh Owen Band have been invited to showcase their funktastic music for the soul at Australian Music Week! They will be performing Friday 25th February 2005 at 8:20PM at Cherry in AC/DC lane, CBD.

ALSO COMING UP:

BARBUKKA

SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY and SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY- Josh Owen Band
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MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27 - Josh Owen Band rocks the Melbourne International Music Festival at 12 NOON, LAWN STAGE, SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL!
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EVELYN HOTEL

SUNDAY MARCH 6 - Josh Owen Band begins a month long residency at the Evelyn Hotel
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MOOMBA RIVERSTAGE

SUNDAY MARCH 13 -Moomba Riverstage 6.45 PM
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FRANKSTON GUITAR FESTIVAL

FRIDAY MARCH 18 at 4.30pm AND SUNDAY MARCH 20 at 3.30pm
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AND LASTLY, YOU CAN CATCH JOSH EVERY WEEK..

Josh and band will be performing at the Evelyn Hotel every Sunday in March and will also be continuing their Wednesday residency for the entire month of February downstairs at the Cape, 298 Brunswick Street Fitzroy from 9pm- no cover charge.

www.joshowen.com.au

the date
Saturday 19th March 2005
Gates open midday
Music from midday
Bands from 2pm

the cost
$30 or $60 family tickets

The licencee of The Guildford Hotel - Zack Grumont, and local girl turned performer Danni Carr have joined forces to bring something very special to the Goldfields region.

Having performed at many festivals around the country as part of the much loved folk/blues/pop outfit Sweet Painted Ladies, as well as touring with partner and fellow musician Ash Grunwald, Danni Carr has always wanted to bring the experience of a great festival to her old stomping ground for locals to enjoy in their own backyard.

Zack Grumont has also had plenty of experience in presenting and supporting both local live music and arts, with the Guildford Hotel hosting the annual Music Jamboree and the songwriter competition - Guildford Green Guitar. Zack has also been wanting to experiment with something a little bigger and bolder for the region.

After much planning; and with Danni calling on some of her friends from within the music industry; the lineup, date and details have all been set. We hope you will agree that the festival promises to be a great day (or weekend) of wonderful live music for the whole family, in a friendly, laid-back environment.

Both organisers are keen to see this become an annual event for the region, with plans to make it bigger and better each year.

ARTIST INFO

CHRIS WILSON www.chriswilson.com.au
Singer, songwriter, musician Chris Wilson is arguably one of the biggest icons in Blues and Roots music in the country.

He has been an essential part of the Australian musical landscape since taking to the stage more than 20 years ago with the Sole Twisters. Stints with Harum Scarum, Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls followed before he fronted the superb Crown Of Thorns.

He has worked with a who’s who of musicians including Hunters and Collectors, Vika and Linda Bull, Renee Geyer and Archie Roach to name but a few.

Chris’ stage presence, voice and talent are all as big as the country he lives in. Chris Wilson is a master of his craft - of that there is no argument.

COLLARD, GREENS & GRAVY www.collardgreensandgravy.com
Formed in 1995, Collard Greens and Gravy have quickly established themselves as one of this country’s leading blues acts with their unique style of stripped down swamp blues.

Performing a mix of original material and covers by Mississippi blues artists such as R.L Burnside, T Model Ford and Fred McDowell, the band have created a sound which saw them win the 2001 ARIA award for best blues and roots CD - on only their second album - MORE GRAVY.

In February 2001 Collard Greens and Gravy, competing against more than 50 bands from around the world, were awarded runners up in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Since then the band have returned twice to tour the US, playing festivals from New Orleans to New York. They have also toured Australia, performing at many of the major blues and roots festivals.

News Update: Collard have just tied for 1st place for Best Self-Produced CD at the International Blues Challenge for their 3rd release, the critically acclaimed Silver Bird.

CHUBBY RAE & THE ELEVATORS
This is one band that is guaranteed to show you a good time. This 5 piece rhythm and blues outfit is fronted by the extraordinary Marisa Quigley alongside Craig Chiller, Karl Inderberg, Lou Toth and Jim Dyson, father of Mia. The band has played Narooma, Queenscliff, Melbourne, Port Fairy, Byron Bay, Bridgetown & Thredbo music festivals.

DANNI CARR with DANNY BURTON www.sweetpaintedladies.com
As the founding member of much-loved Melbourne outfit Sweet Painted Ladies, Danni Carr has forged a reputation as dynamic performer & accomplished recording artist. With the Danni Carr project picking up momentum around the state, and the return of Sweet Painted Ladies to the live scene in the coming months, 2005 looks like another big year for singer/songwriter Danni.

Danni Carr & Danny Burton together with Michael Tricarico, will be combining a mixture of their own swampy grooves with some favourite blues standards thrown into the mix for this one day only. The trio will be opening the Blues Explosion on stage at 2pm.

SKIP SAIL
Skip Sail is one of the few musicians around who play the old style delta blues, not just rock with a slide guitar. He also pulls off some amazing old time ‘hill billy’ mountain music. A true Roots musician, Skip plays only a small amount of gigs each year by choice and is well known on the festival circut.

He was a standout act at last years Guildford banjo jamboree and also a favourite of the legendary Bob Brozman, with whom he tours each year.

ROB SAWYER www.robsawyer.com.au
Rob Sawyer follows in the footsteps of recent Australian artists like Xavier Rudd and John Butler but also the guitar stylings of other notable guitarists like Jeff Lang and Tommy Emmanuel….and manages to tread a neat path between all, drawing upon a vast array of influences from folk and reggae music right through to roots and foot stomping blues, all the whilst sculpting a unique individual sound.
After having songs featured in Australian Guitar Magazine, Rob quickly shot to the attention of touring artists and picked up several international touring supports. A tour in April 2004 with visiting US artist Donovan Frankenreiter saw Rob sell out an initial pressing of 500 of his debut EP in 5 shows.

“Sawyer is on another level as a guitarist and this is no exaggeration. He is one of those performers you’ll stare at for their entire time under lights (much like John Butler) and wonder about their upbringing- their reason and drive for music, as well as their day to day life. Few artists emanate this.” Xpress Magazine WA April ‘04

MC HELEN JENNINGS www.pbsfm.org.au www.rootsrhythm.net
There are few people around with a greater love and knowledge of the Australian Blues, Roots, Folk and Jazz scenes than PBS’s Helen Jennings. Her much loved show (Wednesdays 9 - 11am on 106.7FM) Roots Of Rhythm has been one of the strongest supporters of Australian music and musicians. We are extremely pleased to have Helen as our MC for the day. Her knowledge, MC skills and warmth will ensure everyone has a good time.

HEADBELLY BUZZARD (Sunday 2pm)
The fantastic Headbelly Buzzard, features Craig Woodward on Fiddle, Banjo & Vocals; Mick Cameron on Geetar & Vocals; Brett Lepic on Banjo & Mandolin & Matt Ryan or Steve Thompson on the slappin’ double bass. Headbelly Buzzard have recently celebrated 10 years of performing. One of Australia’s premiere “old-timey” string bands, who include original songs and arrangements, the band play on the rhythmic, hypnotic and downright raunchy aspects of the old-time dance music from the Southern states of the good ol’ U S of A.

These guys will be perfect way to wind up the weekend.

Guildford Blues & Roots Explosion is proudly presented by PBS Radio & Forte Magazine.

Greyhound Hotel
1 Brighton Rd St Kilda. Ph: 9534 4189
Gig Guide

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Wed 23 Feb
Public Bar: Pool Comp.
Bandroom: Indie Initiative w Redefine, The Moops & Moon Bounce Radio. Free 8pm.

Redefine are a 3 piece rock band from Melbourne, featuring singer/guitarist Rickshaw, bass guitarist Fats and drummer Jess Ramsay. The band play an awesome mix of soulful acoustic to electric driving rock - something there for every music lover, a ballad your grandmother could appreciate to some riffs & beats metal fans would adore.

Their influences are wide and varied, ranging from classic rock such as Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin to contemporary alternative acts including Incubus, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. Add to that mix a great appreciation for songwriters like John Butler, Ben Harper and Jack Johnson and you are starting to get a feel for the band’s extensive appreciation of music.

The Moops play diverse, melodic rock n’ roll that connects with truly musical hearts. James Bean told Inpress readers ‘They melt funk, pop-hooks, insolence in one stankin’ heap, and are anything but your typical indie cutouts. I’m there wherever their next gig is’, advising music lovers to ‘suck up all that Klein-pride and get into it regardless of what anyone says’. The Moops are now preparing to record their first full-length album, to be released mid-year.

Moon Bounce Radio The story begins with 4 guys in their mid 20’s being true to what they know best, and that’s Rock ‘n’ Roll. Brothers Mick and Andy Morris from Blackpool, Lancashire, the birthplace of some of England’s finest Rock ‘n’ Roll bands met Daniel Hallpike and Mat Akehurst in the music capital of Australia, Melbourne.

How they met and why they met is irrelevant; the fact is they are all on a mission, a mission to do what they want with their lives, and that mission is Rock ‘n’ Roll. Slaving in a kitchen, packing fruit and veg, shoveling concrete and sitting in a dingy call-centers is all in the name of Rock ‘n’ Roll, these shitty jobs pave a way for the boys to hire their amps, pay for rehearsals and eat. Free 8.30pm.

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Thur 24 Feb
Bandroom: Gangawry, High Stakes & The Uninvited. $5 from 8.30pm

Sydney rock band Gangawry are touring with Adelaide powerhouse High Stakes, showcasing their music at the Australian Music Week being held in Melbourne February 22 to 26. They will be joined by fellow Sydney band The Uninvited in Melbourne for AMW, and all three bands will perform at The Greyhound Hotel.

High Stakes, who last visited Melbourne in Nov 2004, describe their music as “Full Tilt Slam Rock” and their live show is tight and full of energy. High Stakes new EP ’Boots & Cuts’ (available through MGM) was recorded at Flashpoint Studios and produced by Buzz Bidstrup. (The Angels and GANGgajang)

Christie Eliezer from Billboard said about High Stakes, “Always nice to hear a young Aussie band bowing to its Oz Rock influences in their quest to give their audience a cardio-arrest.”

Gangawry’s style is hard rock with a progressive, groove-based edge. They are signed to Harry Vanda’s label ‘Flashpoint Music’ with an EP currently being produced by Vanda and John Brewster of The Angels.

When you walk into a venue and The Uninvited are on stage, dark edgy rock hits you in the face fuelled by fiery guitar licks, precision rhythm and beat. This band has locked together as one of the tightest new sounds to come out of Sydney.

All three bands feature contrasting styles yet all are powerful in their delivery to the audience. Gangawry, High Stakes and The Uninvited have built a healthy respect for each other’s music and there is a reverberating sense that these bands are on the verge of bigger things. These do not do some pastiche rock show, this is tight, high energy performance from three young bands on the way up!

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Fri 25 Feb
Public Bar: Ian Rilen & The Love Addicts. Free 9.30pm

Mr Rilen brings his Love Addicts to the ‘hound’s public bar for more of that dirty, sleazy, low-down rock n roll they do so well and we love so much - yessirree.

Bandroom: Porn, Streign & Torquemada. $5 from 8.30pm.

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Sat 26 Feb
Public Bar: The Budgie Smugglers. Free, 9.30pm.

The Budgie Smugglers are a 3 piece instrumental band that derives its name from classic Australian slang for Speedos. Lineup includes Jeff Wiener on lead guitar (Quarrelmen; ex-Shonky Tonk). Peter Leeming on bass (Jack Rabbit & the Pubic Hares; Teddy Turner & the Bunsen Burners) and Jason Liusoon (Speed Demons) on drums.

The Budgie Smugglers goal is to prove that instrumental music can be entertaining. They feel that it is not really necessary to justify themselves by including a vocalist. As a result, their repertoire consists of obscure songs that are a mixture of surf instrumental, hard rock, rockabilly, jazz, blues and country.

They play songs by artists such as; Link Wray, Dick Dale, Wes Montgomery, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and Chet Atkins. Some of their songs include: “Third Stone From The Sun” and “Driving South” both by Jimi Hendrix. They also do Stevie Ray Vaugn’s instrumental version of “Little Wing”. Other songs include “Steppin’ Out” by Freddie King and for a bit of humour, Chet Atkins’ versions of “Mr. Sandman” and “Yaketty Axe”, which they refer to affectionately as “The Benny Hill Theme Song”.

Bandroom: The Drag Show. $8, 8pm.

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Sun 27 Feb
Public Bar: Finger Pickin’ Sunday Sizzle w The Original Smith Band from 5pm, free.

The Original Smith Family are Ian Wettenhall (banjo, uke & vocals). Jen Land (vocals) and Chris Taylor (guitar and vocals).

Jen, Ian and Chris bring a range of musical experience including garage rock, classical, electronica, rock n roll and country to influence the raw blend of old timey 20s and 30s roots, country, folk and blues, and their originals.

Their live performances showcase a collection of antique instruments lovingly restored by Ian. The band have been playing in venues throughout Melbourne from the city to the fresh mountain air of the Dandenong Ranges for the past year.
Bandroom: Karaoke free from 8.30pm.

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Wed 2 Mar
Public Bar: Pool Comp.
Bandroom: Indie Initiative w Redletter, The Raylenes & Red Ink Spills. 8.30pm free.

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Coming Soon
Bag of Nails - 5 Mar
Legends Of Motorsport & The Cry Baby Killers - 10 Mar
Zig Zag Circus - 11 Mar

David Holmes has a string of gigs coming up and will be performing live on the ABC on Derek Guille’s program at 8pm MONDAY 28TH FEB.

David will perform at:

The Rainbow in David Street, Fitzroy on Wednesday 2nd March
Clifton Hill hotel, 89 Queens Parade in Clifton Hill on Wednesday 20th April
Lomond hotel, crn Nicholson and Blythe East Brunswick Saturday 7th May

Help keep the St. Kilda Festival a free live music event.

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St Kilda Festival is the only great street festival left in Australia.

The City of Port Phillip supports this fantastic festival and supports music in St Kilda. The council wants to keep this fantastic festival as a free event.

www.stkildafestival.com.au