Month: February 2011

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kind Acts of Randomness Raises Money for Flood Victims

Is your social calendar looking a bit bare this weekend? Well get yourself down to Deck 23 in Dee Why tomorrow night for the Kind Acts of Randomness flood fundraiser.

Kind Acts of Randomness

And random it is, with a mixed bag of music, comedy, trivia, and even live art. Well you’re certainly not going to get bored! The bill is understandably eclectic, with singer-songwriter Andrew Morris, Lindsay “The Doctor” McDougall, The Cloud Girls, Versions, and even ABC reporter Lucy Carter all scheduled to make an appearance.

Tickets are just $25, which includes the entertainment, a complementary drink and canapés. All of that money’s going to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal too, so why not come along?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seabellies Announce Summer Single Tour

With their nautical name and groovy pop single “Board the Apartment Up” at radio, the Seabellies might just be the perfect summer band.

They’re celebrating the season, and the release of their final single from By Limbo Lake, by playing shows down the East Coast by way of Adelaide. The gigs will showcase the songs from that debut record and some new material written during a month long residency in Melbourne. They’ll lay those tunes down soon, but these shows give you the opportunity to hear them before anyone else.

Seabellies are quickly earning a reputation as one of Australia’s must see live acts. Come see why at the following shows.

12 February 2011 – Good Vibrations Festival, Sydney
24 February 2011 – ASP Surfing Awards, Gold Coast
26 February 2011 – Globe Theatre, Brisbane
3 March 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
5 March 2011 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
11 March 2011 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
12 March 2011 – Beachcomber, Toukley
17 March 2011 – Gaelic Theatre, Sydney
18 March 2011 – Mona Vale Hotel, Mona Vale
20 March 2011 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla

Image used with permission from Albert Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus & Julia Stone, Clare Bowditch, and More Play Shepparton’s 3630 Festival

A who’s who of the Aussie music scene will descend on Shepparton next month for the 3630 Festival. The line-up is impressive, with Angus & Julia Stone, Clare Bowditch, Ryan Meeking, and The Verses all on the bill.

As if the music wasn’t enough to entice you to part with your cash, it’s worth noting that half of the profits will reach Reconciliation Australia. This charity does vital work to bridge the gap in life expectancy between white and indigenous Australians. By donating their funds to the cause, 3630 Festival organisers hope to raise both money and awareness for this organization’s important work.

Considering Shepparton rarely sees any live music of note, let alone a bill like this, it’s impressive that the price of admission has been kept down. For just $65, I can’t think of a better way to spend a lazy Labour Day Sunday! Get your tickets at Shepparton’s Lemon Tree Café or online now!

Image used with permission from the 3630 Festival

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kids at Risk do “Griff The Invisible” Soundtrack

I don’t normally write about movies here, but I’m pretty excited about Griff the Invisible. It’s a sweet little Aussie film, with a solid romance to keep me happy and super hero themes for the lads. It’s already being described as “Kick Ass meets Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” which sounds pretty brilliant in my opinion. What a great contrast to all those glossy, action packed, and ultimately unsatisfying Hollywood comic remakes! Here’s the trailer for the movie, starring local boy made good Ryan Kwanten, for your viewing pleasure!

Griff the Invisible is hitting theatres on March 17, but before that we’ll get the first song from the soundtrack penned by our own Kids at Risk. The track called “Doing the Best That We Can” hits the web on March 4. With the band described as being a mix of pop, punk, and indie sounds I’m looking forward to hearing the song!

You can follow Kids at Risk on their own adventures to film premieres and the like at the brand new blog. Check it out at the Kids at Risk website!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Venue, New Tickets for Gimme That Guitar

Sorry about the late notice about this one, but sometimes I don’t hear about things until the last minute either. But if you’re quick, you can take advantage of the new tickets available for Gimme That Guitar, the tribute show for the late Harvey James.

The extra tickets are a result of the venue moving from The Factory Theatre to The Enmore. The tickets of all existing ticket holders are still valid, but the new larger spot allows more of the guitarist’s fans to pay their respects.

The line-up is incredible, with Sherbet reforming and Aussie legends like Richard Clapton, Renee Geyer, Ian Moss, Jon English, and Dragon also on the bill.

Tickets are a bargain at $65, and the funds raised will benefit Harvey’s family and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center. They go on sale at 10 am from Gimme That Guitar and the Enmore Theatre.

Image source: Gimme That Guitar website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Go Behind the Scenes with Barry Southgate on EP Artwork Shoot

When I posted Barry Southgate’s new song “Don’t You Think?” you all made it very clear that you liked what you heard. So I figured it was only fair that I gave you a little more of the man himself as we head towards the release of his debut EP Epitome.

This video takes you behind the scenes of the EP’s artwork shoot. The man behind the camera is Steven Taylor, who’s also worked with Bruno Mars, Ne-Yo, and John Mayer. Clearly he knows his stuff.

Make sure you watch it right through to the end to hear a little snippet of the EP!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Red Remedy One to Watch

Red Remedy may be one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.

This hard-rocking act almost packed out the iconic Annandale Hotel when they released their debut EP Oblivion late last year. Their single “The Fray” got a few airings on Rage, and was also heavily supported by local community radio.

The only question I’m asking is why these guys haven’t exploded in a major way. Their stuff is gutsy and anthemic. It rocks really hard, but the melodic undertones ensure the tunes stay accessible.

Sydneysiders looking to discover this amazing talent in their own backyard can see these guys live at The Excelsior Hotel on February 19 and the St. James Hotel on April 2. Hopefully Red Remedy get some gigs in the rest of the country soon. They’re too good to stay a secret for long.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dingoes Say Goodbye with Live Album and Shows

The Dingoes were one of the greatest bands of the 1970s, giving Australia hits like “Way Out West” and “Boy On the Run.” After their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2009, Brod Smith, Kerryn Tolhurst, Chris Stockley, and John Bois figured it was about time to get the band back together.

They recorded another studio album and travelled all around the country last August. During that tour The Dingoes recorded a live CD at their Northwood Hotel and Northcote Social Club shows, and it’s finally been released. Live At Last captures a band at home on the stage with a repertoire finely tuned after decades in the business. There’s everything you could hope to hear on this double CD, and a few other tracks besides.

Sadly we’re hearing that the dates they’ve announced are the last ones, the final chapter of The Dingoes legacy. These shows include A Day on the Green slots with Joe Cocker and George Thorogood, festival appearances, and headline dates. Yes we’ve heard it’s the end before, but if you’re a fan I’d get to a few of these gigs just in case.

12 February 2011 – A Day On The Green @ Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley (with Joe Cocker, George Thorogood, and Diesel)
13 February 2011 – A Day On The Green @ Centennial Vineyards, Bowral (with Joe Cocker, George Thorogood, and Diesel)
19  February 2011 – A Day On The Green @ Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth (with Joe Cocker, George Thorogood, and Diesel)
10 March 2011 – Stones Winery, Yarra Valley
12 & 13 March 2011 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
1 April 2011 – Prince of Wales, St Kilda
2 April 2011 – Caravan Music Club @ Oakleigh RSL, Oakleigh
3 April 2011 – The Williamstown RSL, Williamstown
22 April 2011 – East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Tyagarah

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Myles Mayo Prepares Self-Titled Debut Album

Adelaide grimester Myles Mayo is preparing to release his first solo debut album. The self-titled recording charts the natural evolution of the Special Patrol frontman.

Myles is pushing the genre, with genuine pop sensibilities, an organic approach to recording, and the occasional appearance of a steel guitar. The songs tell of Myles’ transition from small town boy to urban dweller, with a healthy mix of humorous and emotive lyrics.

Myles Mayo’s debut album will hit stores around the country on March 4. That gives fans just enough time to become acquainted with the songs before the April 15 launch at Adelaide’s Jive Bar!

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australia Can’t Smile Without Barry

April’s a notoriously busy month for me. We have Easter, the birthdays of four out of the five members of my immediate family, and at last count, I had two concerts lined up. So it was with a heavy heart that I passed on Barry Manilow’s upcoming tour.

While the hearts of Barry fans all over the country are breaking, I’m starting to feel like I might have a second chance. It’s been announced that those April shows aren’t happening, although some in future might be.

According to promoter Paul Dainty the whole thing is “presently under discussion,” which means it may be happening and it may not be. After the Huey Lewis tour fell through, I won’t be holding my breath.

Fans can hang onto that hope and their tickets until we know a bit more about this tour’s future, or simply return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Image source: Matt Becker @ Wikimedia Commons