Last Sunday night The Lucy Gale Quartet delivered a stellar night of Jazz to celebrate the recent opening of Aria Bar and Events, Dockland’s newest, state of the art events and live music venue.
Lucy Gale known as ‘the voice’ among her peers was supported by the cream of Melbourne’s Jazz fraternity, with Michael Tortoni from Bennett’s Lane, on double bass, the phenomenal Joe Ruberto on piano and Gideon Marcus on drums. Together they delivered a world class performance in launching their new Sunday night Jazz on the Docks residency. A show not to be missed by enthusiasts.
This venue’s conception and evolution is a labour of love by collaborators’ Poppy and Rima Takatainga and their business partner Johnson, all musicians in their own right as well as successful venue operators.
With a warm and inviting vibe, visually beautiful interior, great acoustics and a magnificent waterfront view, Aria is a red carpet experience earmarked to be one of Melbourne’s hottest live music venues for discerning over 25’s.
An attractive jewel in Docklands, Aria Bar & Events venue is located at 17G-18G, 427 Docklands Drive, Waterfront City with access through Doepel Way. There is ample secure parking just before you hit the red carpet entrance on the waterfront, plus a cab rank and a city bound tram stop meters away from the venue.
To find out more about this exciting new live music venue and performances by guest artist: www.ariaevents.com.au Lucy Gale with a five octave vocal range is hitting the high notes. Gideon Marcus on drums, Michael Tortoni double bass and Joe Ruberto
Oil & Gold leaf on Canvas 120cm x 150cm. Subject: Justice Betty King of the Supreme Court of Victoria, relaxing at home after a hard day ‘at the office’. portrait by Jim van Geet.
Those in the art world know that the 2013 Hidden Faces of the Archibald People’s Choice exhibition is currently open for viewing and voting by the general public at the Hilton Melbourne, South Wharf Docklands Convention Centre from June 10 to August 8, 2013.
This story is for the uninitiated.
Last year was the first time my attentions were drawn to Melbourne’s Salon des Refuses as it is known in art circles. This happened by invitation from a friend of my brother, singer / songwriter Lucy Gale who was the portrait subject for artist Jim van Geet’s 2012 Archibald entry and was part of that years Hidden Faces. My job was to cover the event.
Even though I have spent many years in media and promotions directly and indirectly since the family business was first born back in 1972; I had never been drawn into this creative world of fine art in such a personal and ethereal way prior to that meeting in the Hilton foyer this time last year. Since then I have been an enthusiastic and appreciative participant, doing what I can to further illuminate the fruits of Melbourne’s extraordinary home grown fine artists.
Melbourne is well known around the world as the epicentre for Australia’s premier art and cultural communities. The Victorian Salon des Refuses, Hidden Faces has evolved to give audience and expression to our best and is open exclusively to Victorian artists, running in tandem with the touring of the Archibald show.
Long time curator / manager of the Melbourne Hidden Faces, Jacqueline Taylor OAM from Ozlink Entertainment says, “I am constantly amazed at the talent of portrait artists in Victoria. Hidden Faces continues to bring-to-the-fore this expertise in this year’s excellent collection of paintings.
This years exhibition is showcasing 52 diverse portraits; encompassing a wide variety of subjects, styles and techniques featuring comedy, sport and justice making this display outstanding.
My friend Jim van Geet, a veteran contributor to the Sydney based Archibald art competition chose his subject for this years entry very carefully. He was drawn to the Hon. Justice Betty King of the Supreme Court of Victoria, regardless of the fact Betty was the subject of another artist’s 2012 Archibald entry. His reason for this when asked was to say, “I wanted to reflect who she is, not what she does.” Betty’s portrait bares witness to his intent. Another stand out feature of Jim’s portrait of Betty King is the surrounding gold leave background which is known by all artists as being exceptionally hard to paint well.
After close viewing of this inspiring exhibition in its entirety I can confidently say I have chosen my top five contenders to take out this years People’s Choice Award. In random order the remaining candidates are:
Gillian Warden titled “Virtue” Mixed Media on Canvas 122cm h x 122cm w. Subject:Laurie Baymarrwangaa (Australian of the Year 2012)
Matt Adnatetitled “For All to See” Spray Paint with Acrylic background on Canvas 110cm h x 180cm w. Subject: Samantha Harris, Aboriginal Supermodel.
Artist David Bryant titledMatthew Harding, Artist engaged in Scupture, Public Art & Designwatercolour 153cm h x 117cm w.
Vicki Sullivan titled ‘John Waters‘ Oil on Belgian Linen 130cm h x 100cm w. Subject: John Waters, Actor & Singer.
Location: Lobby, Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, 2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
When: 10 June – 8 August 2013. Freely open for viewing all day.
I attended the premier performance of Ross Hannaford who is known as one of the best rock guitarists in the country last Monday evening at Claypots in Barkly Street St Kilda. Ross was accompanied by the equally dynamic Ray Pereira and Jacob Kinniburgh on percussion and we were given a great performance to kick off their Monday night residency.
If you like to be entertainment and stimulated by musical virtuosos doing their thing in a relaxed and intimate environment I suggest you come along to this free gig and be part of.
No doubt these performances will continue to morph creatively as Ross’ unique and innovative style is always pushing through barriers in high art.
I love being surprised and absolutely thrive on being inspired. I was gifted both last night at The Light of Winter around the camp fire at Federation Square.
This amazing recreation of a desert campfire in the middle of the city, which will be burning 24/7 till the end of June 2013, combined with world class performances by multi-talented singer / songwriter and storyteller’s Jayden Lillyst and his uncle Peter Rotumah transported us to the positive and magical realms of our indigenous spirit.
Local Indigenous storyteller the amazing Uncle Larry Walsh opened the celebration by acknowledging the spirit of our land’s original caretakers and introducing the nights MC the eloquent artist and musician Rob Bundle who orchestrated this spellbinding evening of high culture.
‘World Environment Day’ 2013- how will you mark it?
Participating in activism in the Melbourne CBD? Or by marrying environment and art at St Kilda Town Hall? Either way, be sure to make your mark at the world’s largest celebration of the environment.
On Wednesday 5 June, the Wilderness Society is celebrating our State’s majestic native forests and raising awareness about Victoria’s logging practices. Every day, 8 city blocks of Victoria’s forests are logged, mostly to make products like inexpensive copy paper. At 12.45pm, there will be a joining of hands around one of Melbourne CBD’s two hectare city blocks, to show solidarity for protecting forests such as Toolangi. Find out where and RSVP.
The following evening, 6 June, there are a raft of free arts workshops on offer at the City of Port Phillip’s Creative SustainAbility event: Indigenous plant illustration; Treasures from country and Natural dye-making, to name a few. Channel your inner Namatjira! And don’t miss an unforgettable Boon Wurrung Ngargee performance. View Program.
Last century, back in the 90’s I was intrinsically linked to a group of inspirational and extraordinary street poets. My dear friend the late Allan “Word Warrior” Gregory was one of the driving forces that propelled this often rough and raw community to bare their souls weekly around the pubs of Melbourne on both sides of the Yarra. Equipped with robust creative spirits they did this with little to no other resources and my contribution at that time was a weekly article titled ‘Poets Corner’ featured in our family’s local independent newspaper.
Fast tracking a couple of decades and my dear friend Marian Webb a natural born wordsmith and local poet invited me to attend last Monday nights’ innovative evening of live performances at THE SALON; the new monthly Port Phillip Gilgamesh Salon at the Evening Star in South Melbourne.
Being told we were heading to a pub, on arrival I was thoroughly enamoured by the exotic digs provided by our host the cosmopolitan Renan Goksin, owner of St Kilda’s iconic Claypots.
After a spicy feed provided by the well stocked galley and armed with my camera it didn’t take long for me to be inspired to start shooting.
Esteemed writer Jacinta Le Plastrier THE SALON organiser is attracting and featuring the best Oz writers, poets, artists and thinkers to these very special monthly events. As a result, I was again transported to the ethereal and tribal world of lyrical connection where the creative juices flow unabated. But this time I was in the midst of a very classy, bohemian ship of artists; surrounded by high tech installations and the cream of Melbourne’s poet’s and academics.
Welcome to a view into the life of artist, musician and street philosopher Ed Browne aka BOX-ED through his recent exhibition titled THIS IS NOT A XANAX at BRIGHTSPACE art gallery in Martin Street, St Kilda.Ed’s hard hitting body of work is the manifest of 13 years born out of the primal need to be seen, heard, impact, validate and survive.
The selection of sixteen white on black statement based graphics illuminate transcendence from the stifling confines of isolation.At the beginning of his 13 year evolution Ed, then afflicted with a desperate sense of urgency spent many 16 hour ‘tours of duty’ sticking BOX-ED posters on poles and empty walls around the streets of Sydney and Melbourne.Today equipped with a robust spirit and a healthy streak of conservative eccentricities Ed chooses to share his iconic reflections with an appreciative audience of which I am one.This body of work is uplifting in effect taking us straight to a raw and honest overview of life’s many trials and tribulations, leaving us with an invaluable opening for reflective questioning.With true entrepreneurial style Ed also provides a selection of memorabilia in the form of statement t-shirts, coffee mugs, calendars and buttons. or expressions of interest call Ed on 0450 432 340.
After a successful show artist Ed Browne, gallery director Kylie Greer and owner Martin Kantor reflect on things to come. For a comprehensive view of Ed’s work stay tuned to www.brightspace.com.au for his forthcoming slideshow.
Cool Bananas Reggae revisited invite all to party free Sat. 27 April 2013 SIMBA’R CAFE 94 Poath Road, Hughesdale. www.simbar.com.au
In 1981 in an independently decadent cafe in Middle Park known as Cafe Jammin on the corner of Richardson and Armstrong Streets, a part of Melbourne’s rich cultural history was born.
My dear friend and all round cool dude Chaeem Sadikin had landed from Indonesian armed only with his guitar, a smile and lots of musical talent. Strolling down Armstrong street one day he decided to poke his head into Cafe Jammin and noticed a drum kit. He then discovered that Peter the proprietor not only made a good coffee and toasted sandwich but he was also a drummer with a penchant for Reggae who attracted a dedicated bunch of muso’s and enthusiasts most nights. Out of this incubator Cool Runningwas born, contributing to and enriching the second blossoming of Melbourne’s live music culture. At that time two other Reggae bands were emerging on the scene No Fixed Address who were one of the first Indigenous bands and the African connection embodied in Randy and the Roots.
For the next two years Cool Running were playing gigs six to seven nights a week all over Melbourne with residencies at the Sydenham / Richmond Tavern and the Terminus Hotel in Clifton Hill. It was a time when Indonesian and African students were attracted to our fair city and Cool Running, No Fixed Address and Randy and the Roots provided a cultural epicentre. The scene started hotting up and these guys knew how to dance the night away and PARTY…
At the end of 1982 with Chaeem at the helm, Cool Running morphed into the iconic COOL BANANAS. They pumped up the volume of Melbourne’s burgeoning Reggae scene and for over a decade played all over town. Their residency at the Richmond Tavern is the stuff of legend. During that decade Richmond Tavern was HQ for the Survival Reggae Club and Chaeem was the musical ambassador of the movement. As a result Richmond Tavern became a destination for Indonesian, African and Jamaican travellers from all corners of the globe.
And this is where it got interesting for me personally.
Sometime in 1992 another Indonesian friend, bass player Dekka launched another Reggae band, Undreaded. He asked me to join the team moonlighting as a door bitch. A few months in he invited Chaeem to join the band as vocalist and lead guitar. Soon after DJ Ianabo Dibango (who now heads Crew Jamaica) joined as resident DJ. For the next two or so years I watched as the McKinnon Hotel on a Sunday arvo was transformed into an exotic hotspot of dance, laughter, good food and community.
Chaeem has continued to perform as a singer / songwriter and Reggae champion here and throughout Indonesian.
The good news is that COOL BANANAS will be performing on SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2013 at SIMBA’R 94 Poath Road, Hughesdale. located near Chadstone.
For Chaeem this relaunch has come about to celebrate 30 years of Reggae, community and good times. For anyone who loves to dance and party on, this is the gig for you…
August 31st 2012, and finally the night Melbourne’s hard rock and alternative music scene waited 12 long years for, had arrived! Bought to you by Top Fuel Entertainment, Trak Lounge Bar’s Nitro exploded onto the scene reuniting punters from Outlaw Hard ‘n’ Fast, which had a legendary run from 1998 to 2000. Spurned on by a social networking page which put the squeeze on force to be reckoned with, Head Promoter, Julie Marrington, it was inevitable that this mover and shaker would once again get a burning itch for rock and roll which just had to be scratched! Enter Top Fuel Entertainment and Trak Lounge Bar‘s Nitro!
Alex Raunjak
Brett Wood
Rusty
Pete Robinson
Vermon
Trak Lounge Bar located at 445 Toorak Rd, Toorak, is an A1 set up perfectly suited for Nitro. The stage is just the right size and height & the lighting and sound systems are second to none. This is no surprise as the venue is partly owned by industry stalwart, Michael Gudinski, who built the renowned Mushroom Group and Fontier Touring Company. Gudinski recently topped the Australian Music Industry Power 50. Thus, as you’d expect, the premises are customised to rock hard. The cloak room comes in handy and leads downstairs to comfortable lounge area with a bar for those wanting to chill. From here you enter into the band room. Inside, no matter where you’re located in the audience, you can easily see the band. Overall the facilities are slick and smooth and the discreet VIP area gives its guests a bird’s eye view of the action.
Everywhere you turned at Nitro were people you knew from years ago, not only from Hard ‘n’ Fast, but from other venues playing bands of the genre in that era. It was unbelievable! This was the equivalent of a high school reunion for Melbourne’s lovers of hard rock & alternative music, with one twist. The crowd was a seamless blend of generations Y through to Boomers united by a common bond; specifically, the music and tonight’s band, local outfit, Electric Mary.
Punters were primed with sets by DJ’s Diamond Deb and DJ B on the Rocks who spun classic alternative heavy hits by artists including Ministry, Nirvana, Sonic Youth White Zombie, Soundgarden, White Stripes, Metallica, Mudhoney, Revolting Cocks, Nine Inch Nails, ACDC, Muse, Pantera, and Motorhead, to name but a few. People were diggin’ it but by 11.30 pm they were hungry for the main event; Electric Mary, back on home turf in Melbourne, for their first show in three months, hot on the heels of a tour of Japan.
If you haven’t heard of Electric Mary already, you soon will. Watching them action, it immediately becomes apparent that they’re a tight hard working band in the Aussie pub rock tradition. Formed by vocalist Rusty Brown, who has veto power over a collaborative song writing process, Brown, is joined by Venom on drums, Alex Raunjak on bass, Peter Robinson on guitar and newest member, guitarist, Brett Wood, formerly of Pete Murray’s band. Wood replaces guitarist, Glen Proudfoot, who stepped into the role for a time when a vacancy was created by Irwin Thomas, (previously known as Jack Jones of Southern Sons), who moved to New York after holding the gig for some years.
If the band was wearied by the inevitable line up changes which happen from time to time, it didn’t show. Brown opened the night with a one two punch of ‘Down to the Bone’ followed by ‘Gasoline’ both off the band’s 2009 offering, Down tothe Bone. From there, he prowled the stage like a panther staking claim to his lair, at times defiant and chest beating, running the gamut of emotion to the edge of spent, as he wrung himself dry daring the audience to join him for a wild ride – and join him they did!
Stand out songs of the night included Stained, off the 2012 EP Long Time Coming Here, with its killer riffs and pounding rhythms underpinned by the flawless work of Venom and Raunjak. deserves a mention here. Raunjak deserves a mention here. This is a bass player who works the engine room of the rhythm section with the stagecraft of a front liner, without missing a beat! What a sight to behold! Let Me Out grabbed you by the throat with Brown’s demanding lament and the guitar work, and Luv Me is so guttural Brown emphatically wipes the floor with you as he sings ‘shake in your boots baby’, then leaves you begging for more! Crashdown took the crescendo to new heights as both guitarists showed superb technique and took turns in a spectacular soloing frenzy! Wood, although suitably animated, perhaps still feeling his way with a new gig, tended to let his red left handed SG do most of the talking and boy did it howl! Robinson on the other hand, clearly at home here, literally morphed before your very eyes into a demon who played like man possessed! The place ignited at the sonic assault of the entire unit like it’d been napalmed with rocket fuel!
As the end drew near, the crowd starved of their Electric Mary fix in the lead up to the gig, demanded more! The band generously obliged with a three song encore. Here we heard new track Feel Your Pain, which featured with Who I Am on a two track teaser giveaway CD, and was heard earlier in the night; if these tracks are anything to go by, the full length album due for release in a couple of months will be another rip snorter. Both songs have monster riffs as foreboding as an anaconda and tight as a fishes arse. Like most Electric Mary tracks, the lyrics to ‘Feel Your Pain’ hint at underlying turmoil which is essential to songs of this calibre. My Best Friend followed and was notable for its more grunge style. Although not a personal favourite, it did showcase a ferocious drum solo by the seemingly inexhaustible Venom, one of only a handful of drummer’s up to the task of driving the beast which is Electric Mary. An ‘in the zone’ all in guitar duel where the band, minus Brown, went to another place to let off a bit of steam at the end this song, also made it worthy of inclusion, before a return to the gnarly, grunt laden riffs, rhythmic bottom end and powerhouse melodic vocals which are quintessential Electric Mary, with ‘O.I.C’ which ended the night’s performance.
With that the DJ’s took to the turntables, accompanied by Sinister Rouge cage dancers Lissy Deviant and Dallas Vandal, where they kept punters rockin’ and rollin’ ‘till 3 am.
This was a night Melbourne’s hard rock and alternative music scene will remember for years to come, so stayed tuned for more news on Trak Lounge Bar’s Nitro bought to you by Top Fuel Entertainment! As for Electric Mary, with an impressive list of credits already to their name, including supporting Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and Judas Priest, among others, you’ll be hearing more from them real soon
Lucy Gale with a five octave vocal range is hitting the high notes.
Gideon Marcus on drums, Michael Tortoni double bass and Joe Ruberto
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