Issue 747
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The Scene - Local Entertainment NewsStiff Drink and a Good Rock
Female trio Stiff Gins take their name from a derogatory term for Aboriginal women. They're passionate, talented and proud trio singing soul-groove, which has been described as 'Christine Anu meets a gospel choir. " They won best single at the Deadlys, the Aboriginal music awards, for ‘Morning Star' from their debut album Origin. Now they've pulled together a band featuring Ben Fink (Whitlams), Bill Jacobi (Warumpi Band) and Matt Ledger (Utungan Percussion) and head for the Great Northern this Sunday night. Their beautiful voices intertwine into something sublime. Tickets at the door.
Blue Belles
As part of a national tour to promote their second album, 6 Minutes of Breathable Air, Melbourne's all-female folk/pop group, The Bluehouse, will perform a one-off gig in Lismore next Thursday, December 6. After the trio completed a huge UK and America tour, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, they returned home to Melbourne where in true DIY style, they built a recording studio in their garage. They then managed to secure producer James Black (Black Sorrows, Mondo Rock, Things of Stone and Wood) and their second album was born. 'Even though they play acoustic, folky music their own interests are quite eclectic and poppy, and this was captured on the album,' said James. The Bluehouse gig is $16.20/13.20 (bookings 6621 5600). Doors open at 7pm with the gig to start at 8pm. You can also catch them at the Great Northern in Byron Bay next Wednesday.
Now they're Heading for Home
Almost a decade ago, some music students from Southern Cross uni headed for the big smoke where they teamed up with a couple of brothers – Aya and Del Larkin. While the siblings jumped to the front of the stage as singer and rapper, two other brothers, Dean and Mike Southerland delivered a drivin', groovin' rhythm section, supported by Warwick Scott on guitar and Paul Searles on keys. And so, in a Kings Cross nightclub in 1992, Skunkhour was born. Now they've decided to take the advice from the title of their fourth and final album, The Go, and go. Skunkhour are breaking up, and next week they play their last local gigs at the Great Northern in Byron. While Del left some years ago, Aya, Michael, Dean, Warwick and Paul had an ‘amicable split' and plan to pursue new musical projects. 'It's time to close one door and open others. After a nine and a half years of what we feel is a truly original path in making Australian music, some frustration, and many great shows, we're going out with a Big Goodbye,' Aya said. Their international funk fused with rap, pop and rock influences created a joyous and powerful mix of addictive music and intelligent lyrics. They've played more than 1200 shows in Australia, Europe and Japan. While the final shows will feature the evocative ‘Home' from The Go, Aya says they'll be playing a retrospective show of hits, favourites and many songs they haven't played for years. 'We're closing a chapter with an album we feel has connected. It will be a lot of fun playing all our best material from the four albums in some big shows, it's a great way to farewell it,' he said. And then they're heading for home after being away too long. Tickets for Skunkhour, at the Great Northern December 3 & 4, from the pub or at the door. Zephyr Timbre play support.
Irish XmasThe Lismore School of Irish Dance is putting on a special Irish Christmas Concert at the Star Court Theatre next Saturday, December 8, at 1 & 7pm. Proceeds of the 1pm matinee are being donated to the Lismore Base Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit. For bookings/ enquiries, phone 6622 4258.
Do What You CanThe 'Do What We Can' charity music project, which is raising funds to be donated to the Australian Red Cross, celebrates the local release of its theme song as a CD single this Sunday, December 2, at noon, at the Byron Bay Markets. Musicians who joined together in the recording of the CD with local band, The Phoenix Movement, will also be performing the song in conjunction with the market's band of the day, The Love Handles. All proceeds raised from the sale of the CD, which will be on sale at the event, will be donated to the Australian Red Cross
Pottering SeasonThe wonderful Union Street Design studio – at 23 Newbridge Street, Sth Lismore – features some of the regions finest ceramicists, including Liz Stops, Robyn White, Marion Russo, Robin King and Mark Lindbergh. The studio has been going since 1995 and each year, holds its annual Open Day and sale. Each ceramic designer makes their own range of art works – from sculptures to vases, porcelain tableware and candle lights. The studio Christmas show is this Friday, November 30, from 4pm until early evening. It's a chance to meet the artists, see their latest work and pick up some bargains for Christmas shopping at the same time. Any questions, phone 6621 6778.
Nice PieWhile the first American Pie made teenage boys look at their sexual rights of passage in a whole new (and somewhat unhealthy) light, it did deliver some teen comedy laughs. More importantly, it delivered lots of money for its makers. When you're on a good thing, stick to it, Masters and Johnson say, so American Pie 2 hits the big screen next Thursday. To get you in the mood, Lismore 4 Cinemas are holding a pie eating contest next Wednesday, December 5, at 6pm. Get along if you fancy a bit.
Brackets CabaretThe next Brackets and Jam Night, a showcase for local performers of any kind, will be held on Friday, December 7 in the Lismore City Hall dance studio. All performers are invited to join in whether it be musicians, story-tellers, poets, dancers, comedians, bands, singers or songwriters. Any groups or individuals who get involved will perform throughout the evening, with the nigh culminating in a musical jam session. Brackets and Jam is a on-profit group run by volunteers. The next Brackets and Jam Night will start at 7.30pm and entry is $5/3. To get involved phone Virginia on 6622 3814.or email nrbracketsandjam@yahoo.com.au
Messiah Sounds Glorious
Baritone Peter Axford has studied singing at the legendary Julliard School of Music in New York and knows his way around Handel's Messiah, having sung it with the Adelaide and Queensland Symphony orchestras. So it puts him in good stead for a glorious evening of choral music this Saturday, December 1, at St Andrews Anglican Church, Lismore. The concert, presented by the Lismore Choral Society and Casino's David Jaggers Trust, is titled ‘Sounds Glorious, Glorious Sounds' and will feature excerpts from Messiah. Colin Winter will conduct an 80-voice choir filling the rafters with beautiful songs. Joining the pre-Christmas bliss are New Zealand clarinettist Kathryn Burton and Queensland Orchestra principal trumpet Geoffrey Spiller. The concert kicks off at 8pm at St Andrews (opposite Harvey Norman is Zadoc Street). Tickets for the concert are on sale now from the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre in Molesworth Street (phone 6621 5600), for $18, or at the door on the night.
Wax LyricalThe next original music showcase, Wax Lyrical, will be held next Wednesday, December 5 at the Tatts Hotel from 8pm. This month's gig includes grunge guitarist Shane Murray, Charlie Calos, pop/folk musician Paul Dorahy, guitar/vocal duo Maya Terra and three acoustic guitarist/singers Simon, Dan and Ben. The gig will also feature Melbourne-based jazz pianist and singer Jo Stephenson and three hip hop vocal ensemble Tor Tess.Entry is $4 at the door. Any local musicians who want to get involved in Wax Lyrical should phone Vanessa on 6633 7273.
Films for ThoughtOrganiser of the AM Film-Fest, Jacob Baldwin, who will screen his own film Ability Trek during the festival. Australia's first film festival highlighting disability issues will be launched by next Friday, November 30 at the Verve Cinema in Byron Bay. Timed to coincide with International Day of Disabled Persons, the Ability and Attitudes (AM) Film-Fest is a four day festival which includes the screening more than 20 films. Some of the more well-known titles include Shine, Man Without a Face and the Australian award-winner, Dance Me to my Song. Organiser, Jacob Baldwin, will also be screening his own film, Ability Trek, which features his wheelchair adventures across Australia. The festival will act as a fundraiser for the Dream Trust, an organisation set up by Jacob to promote disability research, education, access and mobility. The AM Film-Fest will run from November 30 to Monday, December 3. A four-day pass is $60/42. Two-day passes and session tickets are also available. To book phone 6680 9100 or 6684 3095.
A Merry Chris Mass
Long-known as a stalwart of the Melbourne inner city music scene, and as a musical contributor to such acts as Paul Kelly, Vika & Linda, Hunters & Collectors Chris Wilson deserves a special place as a living musical treasure. He has one of the most powerful, lyrical and rich voices in blues-rock, plays harp life a whirling dervish and belts out a blues classic like there's no tomorrow. But, as the former school teacher revealed to the crowd at a recent gig, that's the way he feels sometimes. Toasting recently lost greats like Larry Adler and John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Rodgers as he sang their songs, he added adding spontaneously 'F@#! it, how about a toast to me. I nearly topped myself four weeks ago.' Already critically acclaimed for his 1994 album Live at the Continental and 1998 double album The Long Weekend, and his collaboration with Diesel for Short Cool Ones, a collection of blues classics, Wilson has just released a new studio album, King for a Day. It's a bloody good reason to live. His music is raw and powerful, yet sensual and evocative. Chris Wilson rocks, and funks, and blues, and ballads, and rips into you with his harp. If you give a stuff about live music, then this is one extraordinary gig that shouldn't be missed. Tickets at the Great Northern. Doors open 10pm.
Women on Show
A special night of female entertainment featuring comedy, poetry and song, Women's (Show) Business, will be held next Tuesday, December 4 at Maggie Moores. Based on the monthly Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge this all-female show highlights some of the best talent in the local area, including comedian Mandy Nolan. The mother of three has been performing stand up for more than 10 years in the local area and most recently she has appeared as a guest comic on SBS's series, Mum's The Word. Local poet Christine Strelan will be MC while Melbourne-based singer/songwriter, Jo Kelly Stephenson, will provide the musical entertainment. Jo is a dynamic performer who combines modern acoustic sounds with elements of blues, jazz and her own quirky style. Most recently she won first, second and third place in the AUSMUSIC category of the 2001 National Songwriting Competition for three of her songs. Women's (Show) Business also features cabaret star Biskit, who will compere the $50 joke competition, and local comedian Shane Shepherd. Tickets to the gig are $12, a meal and show ticket is $20 (bookings 6622 1888) and uni students are $6 (bring student ID). The gig starts at 8.30pm.
Local Gig Guide
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The Stiff Gins play the Great Northern in Byron Bay this Sunday.
Bluehouse launch their second CD at the Star Court Theatre next Thursday.
After a decade together, Skunkhour say farewell with gigs at the Great Northern next Monday and Tuesday
Colin Winter leads an 80-voice choir performing Handel's Messiah at St Andrews this Saturday.
One of the most electric singers and performers in Australia, Chris Wilson, prowls the Great Northern in Byron Bay this Saturday.
Comedian Mandy Nolan features at the Women's Show Business gig next Tuesday. 