The Scene - Local Entertainment News

Afrobeat for charity

Fela Anikulapo Kuti - the beat goes on...

In memory of Nigerian musician and freedom fighter Fela Anikulapo Kuti, in a Nigerian prison, there will be a night of Afrobeat music at the Fracas Recording Studio in Byron Bay. The profits from the $5 donation entry fee will go towards a care package of food and medicine for the Ekundayo Children's Orphanage in Nigeria.

Mighty Highness Records is a local record label based in Mullumbimby. They are holding the night as a way to raise funds for the orphanage and showcase the powerful music of Fela and the African nations.

This will be a night to remember, with DJs Ari and Misha playing the funkiest and finest Afrojazz and Beat music on vinyl.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti came from Lagos, Nigeria. He led a band in the 1970s called Fela & the Africa 70 and in the 1980s called Fela & the Egypt 80.

Fela's music is the powerful sound of a full brass section, woven through hypnotic bass and guitar lines and driven by the rhythm of afro percussion and kickbeat. Fela was a social engineer, concerned with issues of injustice, corruption and abuse of power, and for his trouble was beaten, endlessly harassed and finally imprisoned. His own mother was to die after being thrown from the second storey window of his house by the Nigerian police.

But for all his beatings he always bounced back with a vengeance, stronger than ever, until his death from AIDS in prison August 2, 1997.

The gig is also being supported by local businesses including Fracas, Print Solutions & Tribe 187 to make this a more successful fundraising event.

Groove to these charitable sounds at Fracas Recording Studio, 144 Jonson St. Byron Bay (near the Mitre 10 building) Saturday, August 2, from 10pm. Entry is $5 donation.

Film fundraiser

Film punters are invited to a short film fundraiser featuring 2 DJs and 3 bands including Swanky Dee and El Gonzo Green. There will also be four cult films, door prizes and all types of fun to help film producer Michael Wren create capital for his short film, Beautiful.

It's on at the Winsome Hotel, Thursday, August 7, from 8pm. Entry is $10.

Jodi back briefly

Jodi Martin (pictured) released her critically-acclaimed debut album Water and Wood in 2002 and has been touring Australia solidly since, playing the nation's finest festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Folk Festival, the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival, and touring with the crème de la crème of international folk and roots music: Ireland's Paul Brady, Luka Bloom and The Frames, the USA's Arlo Guthrie and Eric Bibb and Australians The Waifs.

Now Sydney-based, Jodi grew up a long way from there, on the eastern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, near Ceduna. Isolated from mainstream media, Jodi recalls scaling a 20 metre-high tower (for CB radio reception) with her small tape player/radio and three extension cords to attempt to tune in to the only 24-hour music station broadcasting from 400km away!

Her search for songs has never stopped and songwriting has been the constant driving force in her life since she was five.

When Jodi was seventeen, Kasey Chambers and the Dead Ringer Band recorded her song Why for their ARIA Award-winning album Homefires. Jodi's songs are the heart of her own shows. Her style has its roots in folk, but draws on blues, soul, funk, reggae... whatever a new song demands.

Jodi has a strong connection with the North Coast, having spent five years living in the Lismore area, studying production and composition at Southern Cross and writing songs (such as the notorious Lismore Song!!). Jodi took out the NCEIA award for Album of the Year for her debut album Water and Wood in 2001.

A highlight of her recent touring last year was a run of shows in Germany, France and the UK.

A gig close to her heart was headlining a once-in-a-lifetime concert in her birthplace of Ceduna last December to celebrate the total solar eclipse, which flooded her slightly bewildered home-town with thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Jodi is currently touring the east coast, showcasing her hefty arsenal of songs, stories and instruments, including mandola, acoustic guitar, resonator guitar and percussion. Jodi's rhythm section includes her sister Robyn Martin on electric bass and Kent Windress on drums.

Both Jodi's album and her live shows have been winning her rave reviews. As Sandra Bridekirk from The Weekend Australian wrote, 'Martin writes incisively on personal musings, sometimes with a social or political undercurrent... it's perfect folk for skeptical non-folkies.'

Be a part of her show at the Tatts Hotel, Lismore, on Friday, August 8, from 9pm.

Lizard Laughter

Grose laughs at the Lizard Lounge...

The Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge is kick starting August with its monthly show at Maggie Moores Pub this Tuesday, August 5 from 8pm.

The Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge is a cultural institution in Lismore having commenced comedic operations over four years ago.

During that time the Lizard has presented some of Australia's best stand up comedians in an intimate and friendly environment. Lizard punters have seen Aussie laugh legends Greg Fleet, Arj Barker, Denise Scott, Akmal Saleh and many more comics at the Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge and this month the tradition continues with Peter Grose.

Peter has been in the comedy biz for a long time, sixteen years in fact, whipping crowds into a frenzy- why does he do it?  Is it the good karma that gets generated by the release of endorphins? Is it knowing that humour is the only solution to our global problems? Or is it the cash?

Peter has performed at the Edinburgh Festival, L.A. and New York. He also has his own radio show in Brisbane - Planet Radio, where he challenges the status quo.

Brendan Lovechild from Mullumbimby is the support and some budding local comedians (on L plates) will also grace the Lizard stage in their quest for total comedy domination. There is also the very popular Joke Competition where some lucky punter wins great prizes from Millies on Magellan Cafe.

Fine food is available and it's a good idea to book if dining.

S Sorrensen is your host and with the Lizard team provides the best comedy club in Australia - (that's what S reckons...)

Check out the Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge at Maggie Moores Pub, Tuesday, August 5, from 8pm. Tickets are $12 for the show, $20 for the show and meal deal and $8 for students. For bookings phone 6622 1888.

Freebie - The Scene has a double pass to the Laughing Lizard Comedy Lounge to give away to a reader. Ring 6622 2888 after midday Friday to win.

Multi music man

Chris Aronsten navigates the world of acoustic roots music...

Chris Aronsten is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, fiddle, mandolin, spoons and harmonica. His music includes songs and tunes from a wide range of music traditions, including folk, blues, reggae, cajun and klezmer.

Richard Thompson, Ry Cooder, Taj Mahal, Christy Moore and Tom Waits are only a few of the songwriters Chris covers. He has shared the stage with such stars as Martin Carthy, Dave Swarbrick, Andy Irvine, Fairport Convention, Christy Moore and Maddy Prior.

Chris is an accomplished and inspired musician with an evident love of his work, demonstrated in the care he takes to acquire and maintain instruments of the highest quality. His performance showcases his ability with a range of instruments and a diversity of styles.

Moving effortlessly from dobro to fiddle, from delta blues to folk, Chris's professional experience and onstage charisma give the songs a vitality and magic that reflect his own love of them.

You can enjoy Chris's show at the Gollan Hotel, Saturday, August 2, from 9pm.

No Angels but rock gods

The Brewster Brothers (pictured) came from a musical family. Their grandfather was a renowned concert pianist and composer in Adelaide. Their father was the lead cellist in the SA Symphony Orchestra and conducted his own string orchestra.

Rick Brewster followed in his grandfather's footsteps learning classical piano, while his brother John Brewster played guitar and was heavily influenced by Bob Dylan and The Beatles.

The two teamed up from separate directions to form the inventive, rebel rousing, Moonshine Jug & String Band. The Brewster Brothers evolved from within this band and founded Australian rock band The Angels.

Their music has spanned three decades and includes hits such as Straight Jacket, Take A Long Line, Marseilles, Face The Day, Shadow Boxer and After The Rain.

In the USA their songs became staples on American radio and influenced the likes of Guns & Roses.

In 1998 The Angels were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Having gone the full circle, The Brewster Brothers have found a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. What started out as quiet airing of new material in out of the way venues has snowballed and is gaining momentum across the country.

See them at the Beach Hotel, Byron, this Sunday, August 3, from 4pm.

Country Arvo

An afternoon of country music and poetry will feature bush ballads, modern country, middle-of-the-road and some great bush poetry. The day, hosted by John Bird and Lyn Manning, and is at the Station Hotel, South Lismore, Sunday, August 3, from 11am. This is a free event.

For more information call 6662 3243 or 6621 5966.

More bush poetry

Enjoy a smorgasbord of bush poetry, food and laughter with bush poet Noel Stollard. Presented by the St Josephs School, Coraki, Parents and Friends Association, this will be a great evening of meal and mirth at the Coraki Golf Club, Friday, August 8 at 6.30pm. Cost is $15 and includes a light supper.

Tickets are available on 6683 2248.

Art to the Maxx

One of the paintings in Maxx Maxstead's upcoming Bristol exhibition, In Dappled Shade, to be raffled.

Nimbin resident and renowned artist, Maxx Maxstead is exhibiting his artwork in Bristol, UK, in September. To finance his artistic addiction to coffee, coffee talk and coffee shops, Maxx is raffling one of his paintings, In Dappled Shade.

This painting, framing donated by Premier Framing, is now on display at the Rainbow Cafe in Nimbin until Friday, August 1st. So... hurry!

Also on Friday, August 1, you can preview Maxx's exhibition at the Nimbin Regional Art Gallery from 6pm. Good luck, Maxx.

Kelly jazzes Maggies

Good Lord - it's the Latin Lovers

Jim Kelly's Latin Lovers will be performing music from the countries of Central and Southern America - the 'south of the border' countries.

The Latin Lovers gig is part of the regular 'Concerts @ Maggies' program on Wednesdays.

With Steve Russell (keys), James Cox (percussion), Jack Thorncraft (acoustic bass), Dave Sanders (drums), Jim Kelly (guitar) and the heavenly voice of Elizabeth Lord, the Latin Lovers are cool, sophisticated and toe-tappingly irresistible and do their Latin thing at Maggie Moores Pub, this Wednesday, August 6, from 8.30pm. Entry is $5.

Bands boogie Ballina

After doing some gigs in New York City in early 2002 and after experiencing the vibrant New York music scene, Mark Ponsonby returned to Australia and put together The Pennyblack Band with his brother Shay as lead vocalist.

Their style is melodic driving rock, with textured guitars and strong vocal harmony lines. Bassist Robin Nelson adds the funk and groove and Ben Wordsworth rocks out behind the drums.

During the recording of their latest CD they used hammond player Gary Day in the studio and were so impressed with his playing that they asked him to join the band full time.

In October 2002 they released their debut 5 song EP, Get Ready for the Good Time produced by Mark Ward (Electric Hippies, Pearls and Swine).

You can be a part of the Pennyblack Band experience at the Ballina Beach Hut on Saturday, August 2, from 10pm. Supporting acts are the Colin Bullock Band and The Rochelle Lees Duo and the cost is $5.

A Group of Soloists

Musica Viva Lismore presents brilliant Argentinian pianist, Andrea Katz who joins three principal players from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (Frank Celata/ clarinet, Diana Doherty/oboe and Nathan Waks/cello) in a special musical night at Lismore City Hall, Friday, August 8.

Tickets prices are $28/adult, $24/concession, $14/ student.

Hear wax

Wax lyrical is on again with a huge line up of talent including Imogen Wolf, Pamela Di Munro, Shelley Hughes and Adam Briggs, Nick O'Connor, the Side Benders and more.

Come and support local, original, acoustic music at the Tatts Hotel, Friday, August 1. Entry is $3.

Flying high

Kick start your weekend and have your boarding pass ready as Jet Lounge takes to the skies this Saturday night from 8pm at the Winsome Hotel with a mix of new and classic sounds featuring Kabuki and DJ Supa.

Sign up for your free Boarding Pass for a chance to win some great prizes and discounted entry to future Jet Lounge nights.

Winsome Hotel, Saturday, August 2, 8pm. Entry is $5/3.

Bentley Art Prize

The 19th annual Bentley Art Prize is on again with its range of striking art works, entertainments and local cuisine and produce.

Friday night from 7.30pm features singer Marge Graham with wine and cheese nibblies, while on Saturday there is a BBQ, live entertainment and the presentation of prizes by the Hon. Rod Kemp, Federal Minister for Arts. Sunday is a relaxing day of art viewing (and perhaps buying) with refreshments available.

See it at the Bentley Hall, August 1, 2 and 3.

Nimbin - poetry capital

The Nimbin Performance Poetry World Cup is on this weekend with $5000 in prizes for the best performance poets who will be competing on Saturday and Sunday at venues throughout the village.

On Saturday night there is a big gig at the Nimbin town hall showcasing some of the fantastic artistic talent that Nimbin is famous for.

For more information ring 6689 7424

Middle eastern magic

Ayelet and Yuval shake some stomach at Ewingsdale...

KaOZ Klezmer will transport you to the Middle East with their next event on Saturday, August 2 at Ewingsdale Hall. Doors open at 7:30 for the wonderful food by Ronit and Annalee of Open Table catering.

The night will feature belly dancing by Adriana and Ayelet. Ayelet has been working as a belly dancer for 7 years since studying theatre and movement in an arts degree at Haifa University.

From university she went straight into working professionally both as a teacher and performer, including directing workshops at Haifa Theatre with renowned dancer Layla Hadad.

Adriana is an exciting and engaging dancer with her own unique style incorporating influence from flamenco, Indian classical and Latin dance. Lebanese director & dancer, Samia Gamal featured Adriana in the documentary Red Light In Full Flight made for SBS.

Also featuring is the debut performance of the Middle-Eastern music ensemble, Shahnaz, recently formed around the wonderful oud playing of Yuval Ashkar.

Shahnaz is a new Byron based band led by Yuval. Along with the luscious sound of the oud you can hear Mark Bromley work his magic on the double bass, Pietro Fine on clarinet, sax and piano and the sensitive drumming of Peter Davidian.

KaOZ Klezmer (local klezmer icons) are well known for their specialisation in the Jewish music that had its origins, along with Yiddish culture, in Central & Eastern Europe (Klezmer). Along with their European and jazz influenced repertoire, KaOZ perform a number of pieces from Arabic cultures as well as Jewish music with middle-eastern musical inspirations.

There will also be musical interaction between Shahnaz and KaOZ Klezmer, making it a night of unique performances and fantastic food - a wonderful night to share.

It's all happening at Ewingsdale Hall, near the Byron turn-off, Saturday, August 2, from 8pm. Tickets are $15/12 or $40/30 for families.

TOKYO dasSHOKU Girl

starring Yum Umiumare
Star Court Theatre Lismore
Friday, August 22 at 7.30pm
Butoh Magic

NORPA presents TOKYO dasSHOKU Girl, a breathtaking torrent ofchoreographic, theatrical and musical ideas. DasSHOKU, (meaning bleaching), whilst hilarious and thoroughly entertaining, pays homage to the darker underbelly ofcontemporary Tokyo.

Outstanding talent and not-so-nice Japanese girl Yumi Umiumare challenges the commonly held views of Japanese women ascute, polite and submissive. In this powerful production a form of butoh is created that moves from the beautiful and finely executed, to the frenetic and dangerous.

Yumi first came to Australia in 1991 as part of the internationally acclaimed Butoh company, Dai Rakuda Kan and now has become a creative powerhouse in her adopted country since moving here in 1993. She won 2 Green Room Awards (judged by industry peers) in 1998 for her production 'Fleeting Moments' and another in 1999 for Best Form in Cabaret.

TOKYO dasSHOKU Girl first premiered at the Melbourne Fringe and was Highly Commended for the Fringe Cabaret Award. It is a wildly beautiful hybrid work that blends dance, music and theatre.Join us on this unrestrained trip through modern cultural values and contemporary artistic practice.

Dance students (all levels) are invited to participate in a butoh and movement workshop with Yumi at the Performing Arts Centre, Byron Bay High School on Thursday August 21 at 5.30pm. Places are limited and bookings are essential, contact NORPA Dance Action on 66223279. Visit www.norpa.org.au for a full workshop program.This production comes to Lismore from Multicultural Arts Victoria via Kultour Multicultural Touring Network.

Bookings

Tickets for shows are on sale now at the Northern Rivers Ticket Centre on 6621 5600 or buy online at www.norpa.org.au.