Monthly Archives: October 2017

THE CROOKED FIDDLE BAND & SONORI at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, SAT 16th December 2017

THE CROOKED FIDDLE BAND + SONORI
in concert at Hotel Gearin

Sat 16th December 2017
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

Put on your dancing shoes and don’t miss your chance to enjoy this unique musical experience!

THE CROOKED FIDDLE BAND return to the Blue Mountains to showcase some of their new material ahead of recording for their next album.
They will be joined on the night by Blue Mountains locals SONORI for their highly anticipated Mountains EP launch.

The mesmerising and fiery acoustic 4-piece that is THE CROOKED FIDDLE BAND deliver high-energy Chainsaw Future-Folk. Post-Apocalyptic World Music. Celtic Energy. Swamp-Stomping Hoe down. Dance-Inciting Mayhem. Hardcore Gypsy Passion!

The Crooked Fiddle Band formed in 2006 through their mutual love of the energy and intensity of various traditional world music. Whilst writing and arranging, they discovered that this energy was shared by the other music they love: there seems to be a common thread between the frenetic accompaniment of gypsy, klezmer and punk rock; between the twisting rhythms of math-metal and balkan folk; between the clear tonalities of Scandinavian folk, Celtic folk, and cinematic post rock.

All these influences went into the mix, but what came out was The Crooked Fiddle Band. The sound they love is dark and often driving, but also writhing and ecstatic. They have jumped around with whirling crowds at festivals, bars and dirty warehouse parties throughout Europe and Australia and also played their more cinematic sounds in the Opera Theatre of the Sydney Opera House.
From whirling dances to intense battle-scene climaxes, this four-piece spurs the dance floor into a post-apocalyptic hoe down.

This music they have sometimes called ‘chainsaw folk’ – even though they are pro-conservation – but others have called it “14th century Romanian metal”, “thrash folk”, “whirlwind gypsy” and even “what Sepultura would sound like if they provided the soundtrack to a hyperactive version of O Brother Where Art Thou.” So whilst the search continues for a name for their genre, they are mainly concerned with making music with melody, energy and intensity.

Driven by the beautiful and furious fiddling of Jess Randall (also on Lennart Lovdin Nyckelharpa), and underpinned by a rhythm section featuring Gordon Wallace (Gilet guitar, a Wheeler Customer Lutherie guizouki and a Fylde mandolin and cittern), Mark Stevens (double bass, Appalachian dulcimer, charango) and Joe Gould (drum kit, hand percussion, garbage bin, vocals) the Crooked Fiddle Band sound blasts, rocks and grooves to the point of dementia, compelling listeners into a joyous frenzy.

Their music has been described by Brian Eno as “…completely surprising: the music is original and quixotic. I can’t say I’ve ever heard anything else like it!”

“This band really is a national treasure and testament to the infinite talent that keeps manifesting in our backyard… this group have re-invented folk music as it is known… The Crooked Fiddle Band charmed the audience into submission.” – Vanessa Lahey, Australian Stage

“When The Crooked Fiddle Band took to the stage, it was as though someone had put 10,000 volts through the dance floor.” – BEAT magazine.

www.crookedfiddleband.com
www.facebook.com/crookedfiddleband

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SONORI-2017_300web

Formed in the music and art rich community of Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains of NSW, SONORI was the result of the unlikely convergence of an effects loving classically trained cellist, a post rock guru and an electronics junkie. Word of this intriguing and unusual combination lead to a gig booking before they had even played a single note together. Beginning life as an instrumental three piece made up of looped cellos, guitars/keys and drum machines, they were then joined by an eclectically influenced singer taking their original compositions to a whole other level with an extensive set of lyrical themes and versatile singing techniques.
They quickly discovered that their individual skills and complimentary differences blended with their shared passions and friendly natures, resulting in a musical style which fulfilled the promise of something special and unique.

Rich with thick layers of sound, pulsing beats and soaring and shadowy vocals, they have been described as “Cinematic orchestral experimental journey music. Post rock you can dance to”.

Appealing to both the outgoing dancers and the inward thinkers alike, they immediately captured people’s attention and the buzz that was created on the local scene following their first few shows confirmed that they were onto something.
As their sound continued to develop through a string of hometown appearances, the band commenced work on their debut EP, further solidifying the bond between the members as they all worked closely together on the writing, composition, arrangement, recording and mixing.

With a front page feature in local street press ‘The Haze Mag’, and multiple appearances on community radio, local support continued to grow as they appeared on stage alongside acts as varied as Sydney post rock giants We Lost the Sea, and Melbourne beats oriented world music titans Tijuana Cartel.
A trip to Psyfari festival in 2016 saw them playing a technicolour ‪Saturday night‬ set with a great response from the happy Psyfarians.

More recently the band spent two nights performing on the steps of Katoomba’s iconic Carrington Hotel as part of the ‘Culturescape’ festival event, where their music provided a live soundtrack to the works of local artists projected across the face of the building as the band played.

This romantic origin story is represented beautifully on their debut self titled EP, which is due for release in December‪.‬ The recording serves as both an introduction to the band and a promise of much more to come.

Line up:
Lulu Levins-Skehill – Vocals, Bass
Andre Matkovic – Guitar, Keys
Tim Mahony – Cello
Jasper Russell – 303, 808, 909, TRON, other drum machines, electronics & lights

www.sonorimusic.com
www.facebook.com/sonorimusic

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Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
*Please note that this Hotel Gearin show is over 18’s only.

Doors Open 8pm. SONORI Start 8:45pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets DISCOUNT Early Bird pre-sale $20 available from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only) or the Hotel Gearin front Bar during open hours.

Or online $21.50 (Including booking fees): www.stickytickets.com.au/59302

*Please Note – there are a limited number of pre-sale discount tickets available!

Or $25 on the Door from 8pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

CASS EAGER & THE VELVET ROPE + Special Guest ANDIE in Concert at The Metropole Guesthouse Upstairs for ‘Metro Social’ Katoomba Blue Mountains, SUN 22nd October 2017

Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with 
CASS EAGER & THE VELVET ROPE
‘Ain’t No Stopping Me’ Tour
+ Special Guest ANDIE
Live in Concert at the 1930’s Metropole Guesthouse.

Sunday 22nd October 2017, 6pm. Doors Open 5pm.

Named by folk-blog Timber and Steel as ‘Janis Joplin and Ben Harper’s love-child’, Cass Eager’s mix of raw soul, husky blues and light-hearted ditties are all punctuated with her unique whisky-soaked vocals. Emotive, slightly raspy, at times tender and at times powerful, Cass’ authentic voice is always the driving force of her music.

Internationally renowned but defiantly grassroots, Cass Eager is one of those rare artists that’s mastered everything from the foot-stomping blues to a sensual slow burner. She’s been called ‘one of the best female singers in Australia’ by Richard Glover (ABC), ’the girl with the golden voice’ (Daily Examiner), and Diesel claims ‘she has a voice so sweet she could sing the phone book and you wouldn’t get bored’.

Eager’s music has taken her to some of the world’s most far-flung places. She’s done several ‘tours of duty’ entertaining Australian troops, from The Middle East to East Timor (with Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett). She’s toured through North America and Canada – alone with her acoustic guitar; alongside Ash Grunwald; and with US musician Bob Egan (Blue Rodeo; ex-Wilco). She performed for Prince Harry during his Australian visit, and after being invited back for a repeat performance, ended up giving the prince guitar lessons.

More recently, Cass supported Michael Franti & Spearhead on their 2015 Bluesfest tour, sat in with Alabama-native Kristy Lee’s Bluesfest sideshows and played alongside G. Love & Special Sauce and JJ Grey & Mofro. 2016 saw her perform with Canadian artist Irish Mythen at Bluesfest and national dates.

A finalist for Best Group and Best Female Vocalist in the Australian Blues ‘Chain’ Awards and Best Blues/Roots Artist in the MusicOz Awards, Cass’ EP ‘Down On My Knees’ was voted one of the ‘Top 10 Albums’ of the year in Rhythms Magazine.

Cass Eager has a brand new beat and she’s hitting the road with her band this October to send new single ‘Ain’t No Stopping Me’ off into the world.

Strange Daddy produced the new track, which is somewhat of a stylistic departure from Cass’ previous work. Lyrically, it’s a testament to her resolve, and sonically it has a vintage Motown charm that hints at an Amy Winehouse swagger but sounds like she’d be more at home drinking tequila with Elle King. As always, Cass has got “more soul than heaven on a busy day”. (Brag)

Her voice carries like the wind and slams you right in your gut where you want it to. She also loves a good story and a good laugh, and her shows are just as much about heart-warming and entertaining tales as they are about the music.

Some artists take a hiatus to write, some to travel, and others to re-ignite their creative inspiration. Cass Eager has done something a little more pragmatic with her recent years, and the result is two small children, Hank and Lois. But she’s back – better than ever – and ready to tell the world to step aside with her new single.

“One to watch” – Sam Fell, Rhythms

www.casseager.com

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AndieIsalie300

+ Special Guest ANDIE
20 year old Andie has been busking and performing professionally in the upper-mountains villages of Leura and Katoomba since the age of 11 and is deeply connected to her local community and music scene, living and breathing the lifestyle of a young musician.
Electric guitar, an understanding of jazz, folk finger-picking and soaring vocals are brought together to create her unique flavour of soul.

www.andieisalie.com
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VENUE:
‘METRO SOCIAL’ Metropole Guesthouse Lounge Upstairs (lift available) Cnr of Lurline and Gang Gang Streets, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
Opposite the Katoomba train station.
There is limited parking available at the rear of the property. Access can be made through the rear and the lift to the lounge is in the atrium.
If entering from the front the cocktail bar/restaurant is on the right and access to the upstairs performance space in the lounge is up the stairs or via the lift towards the back of the hotel.

The Metropole is a family friendly venue!
*Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and supervised.
Children do require a ticket for entry.

There is also a retro cocktail bar downstairs and drinks and light meals will be available from the Metro Retro pop up bar upstairs once doors open.

Doors Open 5pm. Show Starts 6pm.
General Admission. Theatre Style Seating, cocktail lounge and some standing room.

Tickets $20 DISCOUNT pre-sale available from THE METROPOLE GUESTHOUSE (during reception hours) Cnr of Lurline and Gang Gang Streets, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780. (Cash Only)

Or + b/f Card /Phone 02) 4782 5544 and Online $21.50 (Including booking fees):
www.stickytickets.com.au/54905

Or $25 on the Door from 5pm (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

FOGHORN STRINGBAND (USA) in Concert at The Metropole Guesthouse Upstairs for ‘Metro Social’ Katoomba Blue Mountains, SAT 21st October 2017

Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with 
FOGHORN STRINGBAND (USA)
live in Concert at the 1930’s Metropole Guesthouse.

Saturday 21st October 2017, 6:30pm. Doors Open 5:30pm.

“Face it people – there’s Foghorn…and then there’s everybody else.” – Stuart Mason – The Fiddlefreak.

The Foghorn Stringband is the present day gold standard for real-deal hard-hitting genuine old-time American string band music, with eight albums, thousands of shows, over 15 years of touring under their belts, and an entirely new generation of roots musicians following their lead.

American roots music is a diverse and never-ending well of inspiration, and Foghorn Stringband continually and obsessively draws from old-time, bluegrass, classic country, and Cajun music traditions in an ongoing quest to present a broad span of American historical music with an unparalleled youthful energy, joy, and virtuosity.

The Foghorn Stringband is comprised OF four master performers and historians:
– Reeb Willms (vocals, guitar) – From rural Farmer, Washington
– Caleb Klauder (vocals, mandolin, fiddle) – From Orcas Island, Washington
– Nadine Landry (vocals, upright bass) – From the Gaspé Coast, Eastern Quebec
– Stephen ‘Sammy’ Lind (vocals, fiddle, banjo) – From Minneapolis, Minnesota

Each member of Foghorn Stringband exemplifies the best of the roots music traditions from their respective native cultures. Caleb Klauder’s wistful, keening vocals and rapid-fire mandolin picking are as influenced by Southern roots music as much as they are by his upbringing in the sea islands of coastal Washington State. Reeb Willms hails from the wind swept Eastern farmlands of Washington. Her musical family and rural upbringing are on display with every note she sings and every heart she breaks. Nadine Landry’s roots lie in the rural backroads of Acadian Québec, and her high lonesome vocals have delighted audiences the world over. Her earth-shaking bass playing is the rumbling backbone of the Foghorn sound. Minnesotan Stephen ‘Sammy’ Lind, simply put, is the old-time fiddler of his generation whose tone and voice are as old as the same hills that gave birth to this music. Together, these four have forged a sound like no other.

In performance, Foghorn Stringband gather around one microphone, balancing their music on the fly, and playing with an intense, fiery abandon. To the band, this music is as relevant today as it was at it’s birth a century ago. They see themselves not only as cultural revivalists, but also as historians and fans of this music. Their performances and recordings are a joyful celebration of music from a bygone era that still holds the power to delight audiences worldwide.

The band’s repertoire has expanded greatly in the past 15 years. They are as comfortable playing music at a neighbourhood square dance as they are stirring a festival audience to a frenzy. Old time dance tunes rub shoulders with Cajun waltzes, vintage honky tonk country, and classic bluegrass….and it’s all rendered into a cohesive whole. Foghorn Stringband can often be found after a performance in a local pub or club continuing to play with equal energy and joy late into the night. They’re obsessed, and that obsession rings true with every note they play and every song they sing. You’ll see. There’s Foghorn…and there’s everybody else.

“Many are called, but few are chosen. On their new recording Devil in the Seat, Foghorn Stringband proves once again that they are still the Chosen Ones when it comes to down-home, footstomping, ass-kickin’ old time music.” — Stuart Mason, FiddleFreak

“All they have to do is play, and the power surges straight through your own chest. They let their own musicality and the tunes speak for themselves.” “There’s an honesty to this music….It’s pure and simple, ingredients that often go missing in this day and age. It just makes you want to get up and dance.” “Foghorn Stringband makes the music their own with instrumental virtuosity and intense dedication to the sources.” – Old Time Herald

“…the quartet is among the finest practitioners of American old-time music on the globe, a string band whose faithful renditions of songs from bygone decades are no less than living, breathing history.” – Ned Lannamann, The Portland Mercury

www.foghornstringband.com
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VENUE:
‘METRO SOCIAL’ Metropole Guesthouse Lounge Upstairs (lift available) Cnr of Lurline and Gang Gang Streets, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
Opposite the Katoomba train station.
There is limited parking available at the rear of the property. Access can be made through the rear and the lift to the lounge is in the atrium.
If entering from the front the cocktail bar/restaurant is on the right and access to the upstairs performance space in the lounge is up the stairs or via the lift towards the back of the hotel.

The Metropole is a family friendly venue!
*Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and supervised.
Children do require a ticket for entry.

There is also a retro cocktail bar downstairs and drinks and light meals will be available from the Metro Retro pop up bar upstairs once doors open.

Doors Open 5:30pm. Show Starts 6:30pm.
General Admission. Theatre Style Seating, cocktail lounge and some standing room.

Tickets $20 DISCOUNT pre-sale available from THE METROPOLE GUESTHOUSE (during reception hours) Cnr of Lurline and Gang Gang Streets, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780. (Cash Only)

Or + b/f Card /Phone 02) 4782 5544 and Online $21.50 (Including booking fees): www.stickytickets.com.au/50105

Or $25 on the Door from 5:30pm (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

Sarah McLeod (The Superjesus) + Special Guests at Baroque Room, Katoomba Blue Mountains, FRI 13th October 2017

SARAH McLEOD (The Superjesus) “Rocky’s Diner” Album Launch Tour
+ Special Guests Lola Sola and Paperhill
at Baroque Room, Carrington

Fri 13th October 2017
Venue: BAROQUE ROOM 86 Bathurst Rd (Upstairs from ‘The Harp & Fiddle’ Irish Bar), Katoomba, NSW 2780 Blue Mountains.

Sarah McLeod’s highly anticipated first solo release in 12 years ROCKY’S DINER is officially out. To celebrate, The multiple ARIA Award winning, platinum-selling artist has just announced the first run of dates on her massive national tour. The epic ROCKY’S DINER tour will run from October right through to November, and will showcase her newest work which marks a radical change of creative gears for Sarah.

McLeod created the album in near-complete isolation during a three-month stint in New York. She bunkered down in the bitter cold, watching the world go by outside her Brooklyn apartment, finding her muse in watching the lives of locals.

“I took my whole studio set up in a Samsonite hard case… There was zero room for clothes except for what I was wearing, I figured I’d buy more clothes when I got there. I wasn’t planning on going anywhere so I didn’t need much, the lack of party attire would hopefully eliminate any temptation to party, I was here to work.”  – Sarah Mcleod

Her first single off the album, “Giants”, was released with a beautiful video, with the treatment written by Sarah herself.

Following her huge achievements as the front woman of South Australian rock-band The Superjesus, she made her first move as a solo artist in 2005 with her debut album BEAUTY WAS A TIGER. Now, she continues this exciting journey with ROCKY’S DINER.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see Sarah perform live!
Joining her will also be Mick Skelton (Baby Animals / Thirsty Merc) on drums.

www.sarahmcleod.com.au

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+ Special Guests Lola Sola and Paperhill (Solo)

With her roots in Aotearoa, Lola Sola is a singer-songwriter with a dynamic vocal range and emotive lyrics; blending folk, soul and a hint of blues.
Lola’s solo performances are intimate and captivating. Her shows are always developing with the different collaborative efforts of the musicians she works with.
She has released her first studio album ‘Walking Back from Hell’ in mid 2016 and has toured the East Coast of Australia and New Zealand nationwide. Earlier this year she successfully crowdfunded her first independent music video for single ‘Swim’ filmed in New Zealand and due to be released in november this year.
She will be joined by Sydney guitarist Jack Perry on the night.

www.facebook.com/lolasola.music

Paperhill solo is Oliver Morley-Sattler (guitar/vocals) who gives high energy, emotive and sometimes even political uplift with bright melodies and driving rhythms, sending feet tapping and hearts yearning.
From Katoomba, NSW, Paperhill bring a unique and exciting sound. Bring a spare pair of socks…

www.facebook.com/paperhillmusic

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Venue: BAROQUE ROOM
86 Bathurst Rd (Upstairs from ‘The Harp & Fiddle’ Irish Bar)
Katoomba, NSW 2780 Blue Mountains
*Please note that the ‘Baroque Room’ is an over 18 years only venue. No minors will be granted entry to the event.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of standing/dancing and cocktail lounges.

Tickets DISCOUNT Early Bird pre-sale $20 available from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)

Or online + booking fees $23.50 through Oztix: https://sarahmcleod.oztix.com.au/?Event=75868

Or $25 on the Door from 8pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS: