Tag: James Blundell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, and Kylie Fisher Headline Sunset Sounds

As the weather warms up, I’m already thinking about summer getaways. If you are too, perhaps a trip to Woppa/Great Keppel Island is in the cards? This tropical paradise will host a sparkling variety of talent this November when Sunset Sessions returns.

This year’s line-up is stacked, with James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, and Kylie Fisher all heading up the bill. Lily-Grace Grant, Trent Richardson, The Short Fall, The Loops, Dawn & The Sax, and No Drahma will round out two days of entertainment in one of the most picturesque parts of the country.

“There’s something really special about bringing artists and music lovers together on Great Keppel Island,” Sunset Sounds organiser Amy Harris said. “People come for the music, but they also get to enjoy everything the island has to offer. Whether it’s spending the morning on the beach, catching up with friends over lunch or settling in for an afternoon and evening of live music, it’s a weekend that people remember.”

If you’re keen, I wouldn’t wait too long before organising your accommodation. Options on the island regularly sell out before the festival. If they book out, consider staying in Yeppoon or Rosslyn Bay and catching the ferry across for the music.

Sunset Sessions hits Woppa/Great Keppel Island on November 13 and 14. Tickets are on sale now from the Sunset Sounds website.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium” – Various Artists

In 1999, a who’s who of the Australian entertainment industry descended on Dili to entertain our troops. Australian Road Crew Association has now released a recording of their star-studded concert. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium’s release marks the first time that people could enjoy this concert since it originally aired on Channel Seven and Nine.

This album captures a moment in time. It feels like forever since Roy & HG hosted a gig, and gee it’s good to hear them taking the reins here. We get to hear Doc Neeson at the height of his powers delivering hits like “Shadow Boxer” and “No Secrets,” and John Farnham belting out so many of his classics like “Playing to Win” and “That’s Freedom.” He even “reluctantly” agrees to a rousing rendition of “Sadie (The Cleaning Lady)”! We’ve lost Doc, and likely we’ll never hear John Farnham sound like this again, so it’s a real thrill listening to them separately and duetting on timeless tracks like a medley of The Easybeats’ “She’s So Fine” and “Sorry.” Relative up-and-comers at the time like Gina Jeffreys and The Living End also make incredible appearances, along with our pop princess Kylie. You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face as I listened to big singalong numbers featuring the entire cast like “You’re The Voice” and the poignant closer, “I Still Call Australia Home.”

Admittedly some bits haven’t aged well, from the RMC Band’s cover of “Mambo No. 5” to John Farnham introducing Rachel Starkey of the RMC Band as a “pretty young lady.” But again, I remind you, this album captures a moment in time. And what a moment it was.

If there wasn’t enough incentive to get your ears around this release, all money raised with benefit Support Act’s Roadies Fund, which provides financial, health, counselling, and wellbeing services to local roadies and crews in crisis. Tour of Duty Live at National Stadium is out now and available on streaming services and as a digital download.

Images used with permission from On the Map PR