Monthly Archives: November 2015

MITCH GRAINGER in Concert at Hotel Blue, Upstairs “Live At The Attic” Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Sun 22nd Nov 2015

MITCH GRAINGER in Concert

Hotel Blue, Upstairs “Live At The Attic” Katoomba, Blue Mountains

Sunday 22nd November 2015, 6:30pm. Doors Open 6pm.

US-Based world-renowned blues harmonica player & Australian roots-music troubadour previously of The Beefs, Bondi Cigars & Papa Lips. Mitch returns to Australia in 2015, on tour to follow up his award winning album ‘The Blues’.

A master of the blues harp, singer and guitarist, Grainger cut his teeth with Harry Vanda, Alex Lloyd, Bondi Cigars and Papa Lips before re-locating stateside, where he plays harp on sessions from LA to Nashville. In this hi-tech world Mitch Grainger is now collaborating with artists from Hollywood to Botswana, while teaching people from all walks of life around the globe how to play their first ever note on the blues harp, though his wildly successful youtube channel.

After taking up the harmonica at age 14 inspired by a dream, Mitch was introduced to Little Walter and within 6 months was performing Blues ‘n’ Roots music 3 nights a week across Inner Sydney on both the Guitar and Harmonica in THE BEEFS with Australian soon to be pop star ALEX LLOYD. After THE BEEFS disbanded (despite much industry attention) Mitch was recruited by the BONDI CIGARS in 1992 and put to work playing hard hitting blues guitar and harmonica across the length and breadth of Australia’s states and territories, from Broome to Launceston. This was a formative period in Mitch’s life, what he calls his “university degree in rock n roll”. He lived almost constantly on the road, in a new town, playing in front of a new crowd.

In 1994 after 2 years and one Album (After Closing Time), Mitch left the BONDI CIGARS and formed PAPA LIPS with his sister KARA GRAINGER, DECLAN KELLY, ROWAN LANE, DANNY GUERRERO and CLAYTON DOLEY. Together they created a sensation “Greater than when Lenny Cravitz re-discovered the wah wah pedal” (Michael Smith, Drum Media, Sydney). The band recorded “Harmony” (1996) and “High Time Now” (1998), toured constantly, and played Australia’s premier music festivals, including WOODFORD and BYRON BAY BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL numerous times.

In 2001 at the request of Atlantic, Epic, Sony and BMG records, Mitch and Kara Grainger visited New York to play showcases. Their visit coincided with the tragic September 11 terrorist attack and brought on a deep reflective period of song-writing for both Mitch and his sister, stretching over 5 years and leading them in different musical directions.
Upon hearing Mitch Grainger’s compositions written during this period, legendary Australian producer, HARRY VANDA (Vanda/Young) encouraged Mitch to record his own debut solo album “LOVE & DEMONS”, which was released in 2006.

Since his 2006 solo debut Mitch Grainger’s voice and music has been heard in movie cinemas across Japan, America & Europe in the “DECEMBER BOYS” movie opening scene, in American and Australian NATIONAL TV SHOWS such as NASHVILLE, KILLER WOMEN, RAKE, and THE TIME OF OUR LIVES. He has recorded countless sessions, written songs, and produced music with artists such as ROSA PULLMAN, PAPA LIPS, KARA GRAINGER, RICK PRICE, THE WRIGHTS, JOHN PAUL YOUNG and acclaimed Australian thespian, JACK THOMPSON.
Forward to today and Mitch Grainger has gained an international reputation and audience for his harmonica skills. Type “Harmonica Lessons” into YouTube, and Mitch’s video is the first one on the list.

In this hi-tech world Mitch Grainger is now collaborating with artists from Hollywood, to Botswana, while teaching people from all walks of life around the globe how to play their first ever note on the blues harp.And now, in 2015, importantly ‘The Blues’ marks a signpost of artistic and personal growth that brings Mitch out of a recording hiatus and into the spotlight.

www.mitchgrainger.com

VENUE:
HOTEL BLUE “LIVE AT THE ATTIC”
Upstairs, 88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
Blue Mountains

Doors Open 6:00pm. Show Starts 6:30pm.
General Admission. Theatre Style Seating.

Tickets $15 pre-sale available from:
HOTEL BLUE (during reception hours)
88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Cash Only)

Or Card /Phone 02) 4782 6922 and Online $16.50 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/IXWF

Or $15 on the Door from 6pm Sunday 22nd Nov 2015 (Unless Sold Out)

This is an intimate seating venue and tickets are strictly limited!

CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au

‘Rhythm Hunters’ RHYTHM UNDERGROUND 2015 at Jenolan Caves, Sat 21st Nov 2015

‘Rhythm Hunters’
RHYTHM UNDERGROUND 2015 at Jenolan Caves

Sat 21st Nov 2015 from 8pm
Venue: Jenolan Caves (Grand Arch)
4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan NSW 2790.

RHYTHM HUNTERS + special guests:
Si Mullumby (Wild Marmalade)
Nicky Bomba (Melb Ska Orchestra/John Butler Trio)

Don’t miss this amazing unique experience world rhythmic dance party event!

Rhythm Hunters​ (& awesome friends) return to the glorious echo chamber that is the Jenolan Caves​ Grand Arch, NSW, this November 21st for the annual RHYTHM UNDERGROUND extravaganza.

Rhythm Hunters are a dynamite force combining music from Indonesia, Japan, West Africa and Australia. Cutting edge physical drumming, subtle electronics, western horns, Asian flute, tuned bells, synth effects, deep grooves and ethereal soundscapes combine, making them one of Australia’s most exciting music groups.

The ‘Wow’ factor comes from the dramatic physical movement spectacle originally influenced by Taiko drumming.

Rhythm Hunters new world tribal music has a reverence and a love of tradition that transcends age and genre. Incorporating power, pizzaz, funk, innovation and old school discipline that is delicately channelled into their irresistible sound and sweet Indo-Pacific Grooves.

Those that had the pleasure of catching this fabulous group as they closed out the 2015 Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival​ can attest to their warm infectious rhythms with soul.

“The Rhythm Hunters were a highlight of the 2015 Winter Magic Festival. They grooved, danced and drummed the night away with their own unique brand of music magic. Always a crowd pleaser and always create an amazing atmosphere whenever they appear on stage” – Tina Marie Pizel Sheil, Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival
“Rhythm Hunters seems to be a force of nature rather than a grouping of musicians… a show that was so musically engaging and complex that it feels like you have slipped inside an ancient myth or other world. I was clearly unprepared for the power of this act” – Steve Gadd, Director Cygnet Folk Festival
“Rhythm Hunters shone and inspired, the intensity of the drums, combined with the poetics of dance and martial arts was irresistible”. – Lisa Maree Botticelli, Australian Stage Online

Jenolan caves is the world’s oldest discovered open underground caves system and they are the largest, most spectacular, and most famous caves in Australia. The acoustics are on par with any of the world’s greatest concert halls but the atmosphere is still and ancient.
The caves are 4 hours drive from Sydney, nestled deeply in the Blue Mountains World Heritage wilderness.
*PLEASE NOTE: The road into The Grand Arch closes at 7.00pm.
The event begins at 8pm sharp. Please aim to be inside the venue no later than 7.00pm.

Come just for the concert or stay tuned for information about camping options with the Hunters crew 12 km from the Caves. This year there will also be a chai tent/chill space set up at the camp grounds to relax and soak up the mountains.

www.facebook.com/events/1675279752690805

EARLY BIRD Discount pre-sale tickets $49.95 online: www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/rhythm-underground/78355
Further discounts for group bookings of 8 or more adults.
Or tickets $60 at the door (unless sold out)
All Ages Event. Kids under 12 FREE!

Promo video online: https://youtu.be/nfEkHx5RntM
For more information: www.therhythmhunters.com
www.facebook.com/TheRhythmHunters

MEDIA CONTACT
Charity Mirow
E:
M: 0409 042 869

*PLEASE NOTE This is not a Fusion Boutique organised/run event. We are engaged as the publicist for this event.

FRANK YAMMA in Concert + Dinner at Paragon Café, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Fri 20th Nov 2015

FRANK YAMMA in concert at the iconic Paragon.
CONCERT + 3 COURSE GOURMET DINNER + A CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL + TEA/COFFEE, BISCOTTI & CHOCOLATES!

Fri 20th November 2015
Strictly limited tickets!

Frank Yamma is the voice of Australia’s Central Desert striking a chord in hearts all over the world.
He is regarded as one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous songwriters with an ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries.

Frank’s rich and deeply evocative voice, mighty songs and exceptional guitar skills, combined with his honest tales of alcohol abuse, cultural degradation and stories of his country, are spine tingling.
When he sings, you listen and travel with him. An initiated Pitjantjatjara man, Frank sings in his native language and English. A love song sung in Pitjantjatjara will make your heart sing in whatever language you speak.

His compelling album ‘Uncle’ (2014) shows the continuity of a musician that is hitting his peak with grace and conviction and is a follow up album to the critically acclaimed ‘Countryman’ (2010). ‘Countryman’ re-launched Frank’s career following a ten-year hiatus, gaining international attention, sparking extensive national and international touring.

Frank’s touring highlights include three tours to Europe since 2011, a 2014 summer tour setting hearts on fire across Canada at Calgary, Vancouver and Winnipeg folk festivals, where he shared the stage with Buffy Saint Marie and The Mekons, as well as performing a coveted spot opening for Joan Baez. Frank has performed at various Australian festivals including the 2015 Blue Mountains Music Festival where he performed with fellow musician David Bridie.

A new career defining opportunity for Frank arrived in the form of a coveted invite to perform at the foremost world music conference and trade show WOMEX ’14, held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. A spot on the WOMEX official selection showcase has not come to an Australian music act for the previous five years and it was both an honour and an acknowledgement to Frank’s unique story and music. His performance received a standing ovation from the notoriously tough crowd.

Come and see why Frank Yamma is the man everybody’s talking about in the global world music scene, performing songs from both of his acclaimed albums.

“The voice grabs you first, a soulful shout of pain and yearning to connect and remember. But it’s the voice, relating hard tales with honesty and emotion that makes this a raw, stripped-back classic.” – The Independent UK

“Yamma’s rich, powerful voice resonates and is as spiritually charged as any of the songs on Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s solo CD or Archie Roach’s albums.” – Tony Hillier, The Australian

“A POWERFUL cry from the heart of indigenous Australia, an album that deserves consideration alongside the work of greats.” **** – The Courier Mail

“the songs… resonate with grace and power, whilst Yamma’s sense of rhythm and timing in his guitar playing is tinged with the ghosts of old time Delta bluesmen like Lead Belly and Lightnin’ Hopkins…” – Buzz Magazine UK

“… one of Australia’s most sought after indigenous artists. Yamma’s heartfelt set of husky, beautiful songs hit the AWME crowd like a sucker punch…” – Songlines /BBC3 (5 Star Review)

“Frank Yamma … received a standing ovation from a packed house” – Rhythms Magazine

www.frankyamma.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyqyezX08Bw
She Cried http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQFPwt9Lu1I

Arrive Shortly After Doors Open at 6:30pm for a Champagne Cocktail followed by a gourmet Entrée and Main course.
Show / event begins at 8pm.
Dessert served during intermission.
Concludes with tea/coffee, Biscotti and chocolates!
General Admission. Room configuration for the performance in the Banquet Hall is theatre style.

Paragon’s Chef David Povelsen spent his first 4 years working at Solitary which saw the restaurant maintain it’s coveted position as a ‘one hatter’ in the Good Food Guide. In 2007 David realised a chef’s dream when Solitary attained 2 hats and was one of only 2 two-hatted restaurants in the state.
We are delighted to be able to include David and his talented culinary skills in these unique experience events at the Historic Paragon Café.

The seasonal special event MENU will be an alternate drop, unless guests advise of preferences prior to the evening of the event. Please note that vegetarian options are also available by prior order.

Special Event 3 Course Gourmet SPRING MENU below:

Established in 1916, The Paragon is Australia’s oldest running and most original café and certainly one of the most opulent ever built in this country. Situated in the heart of Katoomba the Paragon is an iconic landmark that is an essential stop on any visit to the Blue Mountains. The three rooms that comprise the Paragon: Café, Formal Dining Room and Cocktail Lounge are some the finest and most richly detailed Art Deco interiors anywhere in the world.

VENUE: THE PARAGON CAFE
65 Katoomba St, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au

Tickets $85 pre-sale available from PARAGON CAFE, 65 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
+$2.90 booking fee card/phone 02) 4782 2928 (10am-4pm daily)

Or online $87.90 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/ICJL

PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL.
This is an intimate seating and tickets are strictly limited!

ALTURAS in Concert + Dinner at Paragon Café, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Fri 13th Nov 2015

ALTURAS in concert at the iconic Paragon.
(CONCERT + CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL + 3 COURSE GOURMET DINNER + TEA/COFFEE, BISCOTTI & CHOCOLATES!)

Fri 13th Nov 2015
Strictly limited tickets!

Alturas are a quintet specialising in the performance of contemporary tango music with distinct jazz influences.
Inspired by the music of Argentina, ‘Alturas’ combines influences from classical, latin and tango to create a unique blend of haunting melodies with jazz-inspired solos.

‘Alturas’ have been performing as a group since 2009. The group started as a duo with Gaye Thomas (flute/bandoneon) and Jane Andino (piano). They have over the years grown to become a quintet, performing throughout Eastern Australia. Members also include Inge Courtney-Haentjes (violin/ viola), Greg Gibson (sax/clarinet), and Stan Valacos (Bass). The group have performed twice for the National Argentine Day celebrations in Canberra, at the request of the Argentinean Embassy.

With a constantly expanding repertoire, Alturas push boundaries with unique re-workings of traditional tangos, along with stunning arrangements of Piazzolla, Ziegler, Egozcue and contemporary composers including several tango-inspired original pieces.

“An absolute pleasure to play Alturas. Congratulations on a beautiful sounding album.” – Robbie Buck, The Inside Sleeve, Radio National

“I get a lot of CDs and my ears perked up when I heard yours.” – Lucky Oceans, The Daily Planet, Radio National.

Following on from their debut CD, ‘Café con Tango’, Alturas are currently recording their second CD ‘sin palabras’ which moves further into the genre of jazz and includes works from Venezuela and Brazil as well as many Argentinean classics.
They will be embarking on an album launch tour from May 2015.

Web: www.alturastango.com

Arrive Shortly After Doors Open at 6:30pm for a Champagne Cocktail followed by a gourmet Entrée and Main course.
Show / event begins at 8pm.
Dessert served during intermission.
Concludes with tea/coffee, Biscotti and chocolates!
General Admission. Room configuration for the performance in the Banquet Hall is theatre style.

Paragon’s Chef David Povelsen spent his first 4 years working at Solitary which saw the restaurant maintain it’s coveted position as a ‘one hatter’ in the Good Food Guide. In 2007 David realised a chef’s dream when Solitary attained 2 hats and was one of only 2 two-hatted restaurants in the state.
We are delighted to be able to include David and his talented culinary skills in these unique experience events at the Historic Paragon Café.

The seasonal special event MENU will be an alternate drop, unless guests advise the cafe of preferences prior to the evening of the event. Please note that vegetarian options are also available by prior order.

Special Event 3 Course Gourmet SPRING MENU below:

Established in 1916, The Paragon is Australia’s oldest running and most original café and certainly one of the most opulent ever built in this country. Situated in the heart of Katoomba the Paragon is an iconic landmark that is an essential stop on any visit to the Blue Mountains. The three rooms that comprise the Paragon: Café, Formal Dining Room and Cocktail Lounge are some the finest and most richly detailed Art Deco interiors anywhere in the world.

VENUE: THE PARAGON CAFE
65 Katoomba St, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au

Tickets $85 pre-sale available physically from:
PARAGON CAFE, 65 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
+$2.90 booking fee card/phone 02) 4782 2928 (10am-4pm daily)

Or online $87.90 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/HBQO

This is an intimate seating and tickets are strictly limited!

YESHE & KURAI in Concert at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Sat 7th Nov 2015

YESHE & KURAI in Concert

Sat 7th Nov 2015
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

The long awaited music debut of long time friends and music journeymen, Yeshe and Kurai, is set to push out the edge of contemporary Zimbabwean Mbira Music.
This exciting new musical project picks up where Garakayi Tirikoti and Thomas Mapfumo left off, taking the old bottles of ceremonial and traditional Mbira Music and filling it with new wine.

Their live debut as a duo will be previewed on an Australian East Coast festival and theatre tour in November 2015. Their debut recording, “Return to Matapi Flats”, will be released worldwide to coincide with their Canadian national tour in February 2016.
Matapi Flats is a ghetto in Mbare, a high density southern suburb of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. It was here in the late 1990s that Yeshe Reiners (DE/AU) and Kurai Blessing Mubaiwa (ZIM/CA) met and immersed themselves in Mbira music, in traditional Bira ceremonies and in the live venues of Harare, Africa’s most lively live music scene at that time.
Over the course of a number of years, Yeshe and Kurai lived in Mbare, practising every day at Garakayi’s room, as well as playing music for his wife’s ceremonies. On their debut recording, “Return to Matapi Flats”, Yeshe plays Mbira, Kamele Ngoni, Kickdrum and other percussion. Kurai plays Mbira, Bass Mbira, Bass Ukulele and Shakers. Both Yeshe & Kurai sing and Kurai is also known for his captivating live dancing when the moment on stage demands it.

Hailed by the Sydney Morning Herald as “groundbreaking roots musician” and “sublime *****” by the Montreal Metro, German born Yeshe has explored all corners of the globe in developing a rich tapestry of sound and a vivid collage of musical culture. He embodies the musical nomad, drawing heavily from his African teachings and expressing his music with a sophisticated style and distinctly cosmopolitan flavour.
His music transcends labels and boundaries.

In the early 80s Yeshe met Canada’s most awarded blues artist Harry Manx and the pair have since collaborated and toured together with many different acts around the globe – Manx would have a tremendous and powerful influence on Yeshe’s future musical development, eventually inspiring his solo career.
It was after a tour late in 2003 that, with Harry Manx’s production guidance, they would record Yeshe’s début album entitled ‘World Citizen’ (which charted and won multiple international awards), released through Manx’s Canadian-based label Dog My Cat Records. “Yeshe’s music will never go out of fashion, this kind of music will remain relevant for ages to come,” says Manx.
In 2011, Yeshe released his finest work to date in ‘Roots & Wings’, with the opening track ‘Peace Of Mind’ voted Number One in the World category of the esteemed Billboard World Song Contest.

Since the release of his sophomore solo release, Yeshe has truly come into his own and has been in high demand on the international circuit, most recently collaborating with Australian roots icon Xavier Rudd in Australia, North America and Europe and touring Canada and Australia as a featured guest on Harry Manx World Affairs tour, after co-writing two songs with Manx on his latest release ‘Om Suite Ohm’.

“Yeshe is a triumph of multiculturalism……His voice – imagine Tom Waits crossed with Harry Manx……Were you looking for a snapshot of the wonder of Australian multiculturalism, this band is it” – John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald, Australia

“Truly a ‘citizen of the world’, his music is marked by African influences with a sophisticated style and very cosmopolitan touch” – Festival D’Ete, Quebec City, Canada

“Progressive, evolving and rooted powerfully in the earth, Yeshe continues to push cultural boundaries to find new sounds, new experiences and share simple messages of hope and peace” – Island Folk Fest, Canada

www.facebook.com/YesheOfficial
www.yeshe.com.au

Doors Open 8:30pm.
Kurai Solo Starts 9:00pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of theatre style, cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets $18 pre-sale available from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)

Or online $19.20 (Including booking fees): www.trybooking.com/ITIB

Or $20 on the Door from 8:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS: