I first met Damon Smith while accompanying Western Australian Blues legend Ivan Zar to Damon’s home.
We were there to discuss a documentary that Damon is currently producing on Ivan’s life and times.
I was immediately impressed by Damon’s well polished appearance, polite manner and straight shooting honesty.
As a stay at home dad of a three year old and chief carer of Jerry Lee his sixteen year old dog and equally old cat Hannah, I quickly realised that this is a man that does not waste his time!
His home is immaculate and his beautiful native garden leads to a tiny, yet impressive recording studio designed and built by Damon in his spare time.
I discovered that Damon Smith is a man of many, many talents.
As a singer/ songwriter/ musican/ performer and producer Damon has created a space for a diverse selection of songwriters to come to perform one original song and one cover of an artist that inspires them. The 29 artists currently on his website come from all over the country and overseas to record their original songs in this extraordinary environment.
Every artist plays on the studio guitar named Zach Glickman and the music is performed in ‘one take’ in an effort to capture the raw, unbridled, essence of a song, including all the wobbly bits, which help to make a song truly memorable.
The Retreat Hotel in Sydney Road, Brunswick Melbourne, hosted a very special event with performances by long time friends, Western Australian blues artists’ Ivan Zar and Olive Knight.
Singer / songwriter, deadly guitar and harp musician Ivan, first encountered Olive when he was touring the Kimberly through the Aboriginal communities during the 1990s.
Back in the 1990’s Olive Knight whose tribal name is Kankawa Nagarra was already a Gospel singer and leader in her community. She was so inspired by Ivan’s high voltage energy, abundant raw talent and knowledge of the Blues, particularly Delta Blues, that she tracked him down in 2010 to be her mentor and produce her first album.
In 2011 Olive Knight was discovered by Hugh Jackman, who helped propel Olive to achieve worldwide fame performing in Hugh Jackman Back to Broadway along side her son, artist / singer Clifton Bieundurry and Nathan Mundraby playing didgeridoo.
In November this year Olive Knight will again be part of a national tour in his latest stage production Hugh Jackman from Broadway to Oz again accompanied by her son Clifton and Nathan.
Ivan and Olive are both powerful blues artists, both with extraordinary and rich histories. They are the real deal when it comes to Blues and they both continue to touched and inspired people from all walks of life.
Gospel Blues singer / songwriter Kankawa Nagarra, known around the world as Olive Knight.Blues artists’ Ivan Zar on harp and Kankawa Nagarra known as Olive Knight.Old friends and colleagues Olive Knight, Ivan Zar and Blues radio journalist Werner Martin who hosts Hot Damn Tamale Blues show on 3CR community radio on Saturday night.
THE CARLTONIANS established in 1964 is the original and longest serving coterie of the Carlton Football Club. It is also considered the most prestigious in the game and boasts a unique mix of leading business identities, corporate executives and entrepreneurs.
I was invited to the 2015 end of season celebrations held at Aerial Dockands to capture some highlights of the evening .
images by Kerrie Pacholli
Carltonian Vice President John Redman and President Vince Loccisano.The evenings compare Tony Tardio, radio journalist for 3AW with 2015 coach John Barker.Carltonian President Vince Loccisano giving Carlton Football Club President Mark LoGuidice this years donation.John Nicholls (Big Nick) regarded as one of Australia’s and Carlton’s greatest player with 328 games under his belt looking very much the statesman sharing his collective wisdom for the 2016 season.
The night’s entertainment was headlined by Lucy Gale, Dominic Ross and their band The Extremes. Also sharing the stage was the very dynamic standup comedien Bruno Lucia and the formidable and talented magician the amazing Anthony De Masi.
Lucy Gale, Dominic Ross and The Extremes.Multi-talented comedien Bruno Lucia.Magic man the incredible Anthony De Masi.The Extremes from (l – r) Joe Roberts (guitar / vocals), Peter Mollica (bass), Darryn Farrugia (drums), Lucy Gale & Dominic Ross (vocals), Norman Falvo (piano), John Toney (percussion / vocals and Gary Deleo (saxophones).
Performing Sunday 1st November 2015 at The Retreat Hotel, 280 Sydney Road, Brunswick between 5 – 7pm.
Delta Bluesman Ivan Zar.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt in Memphis Street,Ivan Zar migrated to Western Australia with his parents age 13. He was drawn to the Blues at an early age and taught himself to play the harmonica and Delta Blues style guitar. In 1968 he began writing his own songs and formed his first band “King Biscuit Co”. Since then, Ivan has supported many of the international touring acts as either a solo performer or with one of his many subsequent bands.
Noted for his raw and passionate, rhythmic country blues on his trademark Dobro Ivan has traveled extensively throughout the Kimberly promoting blues and mentoring blues artists.
Kankawa Nagarra (Olive Knight)
This coming Sunday Ivan will be joined by a special guest in Kankawa Nagarra (Olive Knight)who is a Walmatjarri elder from the community of Wangkatjungka. Olive and Ivan first meet while Ivan was touring the outback in the 1990’s. In 2010 Olive commissioned Ivan to produce her first album. Not long after Olive was making her Broadway debut with ‘Hugh Jackman, Back to Broadway’, supported by her son, fellow singer Clifton Bieundurry and didgeridoo players’ Paul Boon and Nathan Mundraby.
In November and December this year Olive will again be performing with Hugh Jackman in Broadway to Oz on a national tour.
This powerful and informative documentary strips bare the burgeoning problems to do with youth unemployment, street gangs, drug issues and the socio economic gap between the haves and have nots.
Les Twentyman has dedicated over 45 years of his life working in the trenches and caring for street kids. He is one of Melbourne’s and perhaps the world’s most experienced, hands on specialists when it comes to the rescue and care of street kids.
He understands what drives street kids, what they need to survive and what our society resources can do to assist in providing positive, practical solutions.
“It’s about the issues we face today, with homelessness and poverty and unemployment and drugs, but swings into a positive mode with the kids at the basketball centre in Braybrook, and doing some rap and dancing.”
Mr Twentyman said it was important for everyday Melburnians to know how the other half lives.
“Our welfare system is dysfunctional, our jails are full, we’re dealing with drugs and gangs, but people can make a difference,” he said. “
Only by knowing it’s a problem, you have the ability to take the baton and do something.”
HOW YOU CAN ASSIST
If you are in the position to donate money, goods or services please contact 20thMan Foundation on 03 9689 4800 / info@20thman.com.au
Eugene Hamilton (AKA musician David Bowers) and The Money are releasing their version of Bruce Springsteen’s 1985 hit ‘I’m On Fire’ as performed as if ‘live via satellite from Hawaii’ in 1972.
Other members of the band have played with Cat Empire, Melbourne Ska orchestra, Ross Wilson Band, Vaudeville Smash, Hunters and Collectors, Basement Jaxx, Shirley Bassey, Russell Morris and even Isaac Hayes amongst others.
Martin Lubran – Guitar Chris Paraha – Bass Haydn Meggitt – Drums John McAll – Keys Tibor Gyapjas – Trumpet Colin Snape – Keys
This iconic Melbourne band specialises in stealing, dismantling and re-birthing songs from the lucrative ‘used song market’ – smashing genres and eras together boldly and bravely.
Eugene is known as the worlds ‘MOST LIVING MAN’. His rich tenor voice is complemented by a deep understanding of jazz ballet, formal disco technique and primitive fertility rites. Eugene brings great emotional warmth, quality menswear, and loads of cash to the stage with each performance.
‘I’m On Fire’ is the first track to be released from the forthcoming album ‘The Bitter Tooth of Eugene Hamilton’ and is independently released.
The Money will appear as an extended, brassy 10 piece line up together with special guests, the dynamic Wolfgramm Sisters & Mr Barry of Stone Cold Boners fame.
Rod the therapist (Mitch Ralston), Liz (Kelly Cupo), Audrey (Hester Van Der Vyver), Dad (Paul Dawber), and Emad Liz’s ex-boyfriend (James Ao)
Dates: Six performances: 29 Oct. – 7 Nov. 2015 Location: Melba Spiegeltent – 35 Johnston St Collingwood Tickets: $35 to $55 – group discounts apply Information & bookings: www.audreypopmusical.com
‘Audrey Hepburn and I Consider Our Assets’ is a new Australian musical set in Melbourne which will have its world premiere at the Melba Spiegeltent in Collingwood on 29 October 2015.
The musical features 14 original songs, eight performers backed by a four piece-band and a choir featuring members of the Grace Notes Singers.
Originally written as a poem by award-winning playwright Gayelene Carbis, (Best Funny Poem at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival), it developed into a play and over the last seven years has transitioned into a musical via a series of moved readings, workshops and audience and industry feedback.
The show is a humorous modern day story that questions love and our expectations with a very funny twist about the potential complications of online dating and family connections.
The story follows lead character Liz O’Sullivan, the girl from Glenhuntly, whose family is obsessed with Hollywood movies and Audrey Hepburn – her father’s ideal woman. After a relationship breakup Liz is forced into therapy by her over- protective family. Her very handsome therapist Rod bears a striking resemblance to Hollywood heartthrob Rock Hudson – causing Liz to fantasise about what a real man is and why she doesn’t want to commit to marriage with her current partner Len who just wants a simple suburban life.
When Liz’s idol Audrey Hepburn ‘appears’ in Rod’s office offering advice on love, and how to find a real man – Liz completes her journey to self-acceptance. She realises her life is not about ‘What would Audrey do?’ – but the direction in life she needs to choose for herself.
Co-writer and Director Noel Anderson said, “An Australian musical is a rare beast especially one with original music. ‘Priscilla’, ‘Dusty’ and ‘Shout’ were all successful Australian shows but they used well-known pop tunes, they had no original score. Audrey is the real thing, like the classic musicals – ‘The King and I’, ‘Les Miserables’ or Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Follies’… only it’s being created right here in Melbourne, right now.”
“Creating an original musical has to be one of the most challenging projects you can embark upon in the Australian performing arts industry – however we are all very excited to finally see eight years of dedication bring Australia’s newest musical to the stage,” Noel Anderson
Written by Gayelene Carbis based on her original play; co-written and adapted by Noel Anderson, Geoff Main and Cerise De Gelder; Music & Lyrics Geoff Main, additional lyrics by Cerise De Gelder. Produced by Harlequin Ink Pty Ltd.
Hester Van Der Vyver as Audry Hepburn in world premier of ‘Audrey Hepburn and I Consider Our Assets’
Director: Noel Anderson
Musical Director: John Grant
Set Design: John Wonnacott
Choreographer: Caroline Hawke
Costumes: Lauren Ritchie
Cast: Kelly Cupo (Liz), Hester Van Der Vyver (Audrey), Paul Dawber (Dad), Nadia Andary (Mum), Mitch Ralston, (Rod the therapist), James AO (Emad the ex-boyfriend), Caroline Hawke (Caroline, Dad’s new wife), Benjamin James (Len the current boyfriend).
Band: The Real Man Band
Choir: Members of the Grace Notes Singers
Dates: Six performances from 29 Oct – 7 Nov.
Location: Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston St Collingwood
Tickets: $35 to $55 – group discounts apply
Information & bookings:www.audreypopmusical.com
… a funny, lyrical and probing exploration of one woman’s journey to self-acceptance…
I caught up withJarrod Elvin, King of MickMacks at St Kilda’s Leo’s Spagetti Bar in the hope of discovering exactly what kind of alchemy is fuelling this prolific artist’s brand of genius.
Ignited and inspired as a child by the iconic Walt Disney Jarrod Elvin now resides in the magical world of super creativity.
Over his 33 years he has produced an enormous body of work including original art in the form of comic books, stories and elaborate animations for music video clips and movies. As an animation artist, screen writer, filmmaker and gifted film editor he writes the scripts, hand draws with pen and paper, incorporating state of the art digital colouring processes and wraps it up with clever post production editing to create original, compelling and wondrous worlds.
His work is highly emotionally charged illuminating the light and dark forces that drive the social, psychological and the spiritual nature of humanity, and with every production he employs deep and substantial meaning to bring authenticity and legitimacy to the art. As a result his online presence has attracted a vast underground fan base.
The next step in this artists development is to write, direct and produce a full length animation movie for the silver screen.
Shanghai,the eclectic and lively collection of oddballs provide a crazy musical zapping of tangling brass, cinematic nostalgic moods and cartoon delusions. Purveyors of the film-rock-mutant-metal-jumpcut-cabaret styling that has something for everyone, Shanghai ignite drama, humour, and confuse their audience’s dancing shoes.
Author Margi Gibb launching her book Kissed by a Deer – a Tibetan Odyssey at Readings in Hawthorn.
Kissed by a Deer – A Tibetan Odyssey by author Margi Gibb is a story about East and West.
It is a passionate quest for the personal and intellectual truth that only comes through lived experience.
Gibb’s story gives us amazing places, and wonderful characters, people we come to love and care about despite their failings. In its pages, wisdom searchingly finds its humble roots in the connections of heart, imagination and mind; in the midst of the act of living.
Emily Humphries reading from Kissed by a Deer.Professor Robert Powers reading from Kissed by a Deer.Barry Scott from Transit Lounge Publishing with Margi Gibb
The Toorak Village Traders Association has invited 35 artists to showcase original paintings, drawings and mixed media in the shop windows of Toorak Village businesses.
Toorak Village will become a “Street Gallery” for the 4th year where businesses offer their front windows to artists from all over Australia to display their gorgeous paintings and artworks on easels of all sizes.
Toorak Village is between Wallace Ave and Grange Road, just east of Williams Road; simply catch the No 8 Tram from Federation Square, along Toorak Road to stop no 35. We invite you to visit our Toorak Village in October and November to view this ‘Art Walk’, enjoy the great shopping and take advantage of the warm hospitality of our traders.
The Toorak Village Art Walk presents a variety of original artwork that should delight and intrigue any student or collector of such art works. This is a free event; open 24 hours a day and offering affordable original art for those who simply wish to buy a beautiful work of art. All artwork is for sale and easily purchased from Toorak Village Pharmacy in Toorak Village – all details are in each store. All enquires to Tracey Cammock – 0438 542 713. Email: tracey@toorakvillage.com.au
By Janette Hammill titled ‘American Pharaoh’By Peter Byron titled ‘Close to the Edge’
