Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Live At The Attic’ with THE SOUTH CAROLINA BROADCASTERS (USA)
Featuring Jackson Cunningham from The Whitetop Mountaineers Live in Concert, upstairs at Hotel Blue
Friday 22nd November 2019, 7pm. Doors Open 6pm.
The South Carolina Broadcasters are the “real deal” when it comes to Old-Time Bluegrass music, or “primitive bluegrass”, as they sometimes call it. Their razor sharp harmonies, exceptional multi-instrumentation, and fabulous song selection will have listeners riveted to their seats. Wherever they perform, audiences connect with the Broadcasters through their heartfelt songs and good old-fashioned entertainment.
Their material ranges from the Old-Time mountain music of Appalachia, through Carter Family country classics, and Cajun music, to original tunes that sound like they’ve come from the past.
The trio consists of David Sheppard (guitar & vocals), Ivy Sheppard (fiddle, banjo, & vocals) and new band member, Jackson Cunningham from The Whitetop Mountaineers (mandolin, guitar, & vocals).
This is the Broadcasters’ first Australian tour, playing the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, the Maldon Folk Festival and MountainGrass Festival, and a number of other gigs in NSW, Victoria and the ACT. However, Jackson has toured here a number of times with The Whitetop Mountaineers, playing all the major folk festivals including Port Fairy, the National, and Blue Mountains festivals, and numerous successful gigs, including a sell-out show at The Metropole, Katoomba on their last tour here in January 2017!
“I’d like to think that if AP Carter had had more time to think about it and work things out, the Carter Family would have been singing like the Broadcasters.” – Tim O’Brien
“Clear, powerful playing. Great singing. Respect for the past, all the while setting the bar high for musicians of the future. Strong music.” – Joe Newbury
VENUE: HOTEL BLUE ‘LIVE AT THE ATTIC’ Upstairs,
88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
Blue Mountains
The main entrance and reception are accessible via Merriwa St.
The upstairs performance space is in the function room on the top floor.
Access can be made up the stairs at the back of the lounge area.
Drinks and meals will be available for purchase from the bar downstairs.
*Please note that there is no bar on the level of the performance room.
Hotel Blue is an all ages venue however minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must remain supervised and do require a standard ticket for entry. Please also keep in mind that the performance space is a seated listening room.
Doors Open upstairs 6pm. Show Starts 7pm.
General Admission. Theatre Style Seating.
Tickets DISCOUNT $25 pre-sale available from Hotel Blue reception (during reception open hours) 88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780. (Cash Only)
Or $30 cash on the Door from 6pm (Unless Sold Out)
This is an intimate capacity venue and tickets are strictly limited! CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au
Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Live At The Attic’ with MIKE + RUTHY (USA) – FROM THE MAMMALS Live in Concert, upstairs at Hotel Blue
Friday 1st November 2019, 7pm. Doors Open 6pm.
Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar are a Hudson Valley, USA based husband-and-wife duo setting the Americana/Indie-Folk scene ablaze, as a duo or with their five-piece band, The Mammals.
Singers, songwriters & storytellers, social & environmental activists, poets and parents, they tour with their children in tow, embodying a down-home approach to Americana.
Merenda is a prolific songwriter, who’s recent crowd-pleasing piece, Sunshiner, was nominated for an International Folk Music Award for Song of the Year. It is an ode to renewable energy which simultaneously honours the past and looks to the future with the sing-along lyric, “Yes my Daddy was a miner, but I’m gonna be a sunshiner.”
Ungar’s unique vocal style ranges from a capella balladry to earthy soul and country. She was raised in a folk music family and learned the fiddle at a young age.
She is carrying on her family tradition, being the daughter of legendary fiddler/composer, Jay Ungar, known for his famous composition, ‘Ashokan Farewell’ used as the theme for Ken Burns’ landmark documentary, ‘The Civil War’, which she also enjoys performing.
“Mike & Ruthy concerts blend artistry and authenticity, with fiery fiddle & banjo, emotionally potent harmonies, and dynamic stories that deepen the experience. Tap your toes and sing along as Mike & Ruthy “roam effortlessly through the whole span that is Americana, from alt-country to folk to bluegrass.” – The Bluegrass Situation
“These two will shatter any stereotypical misconceptions of what it means to be a folk musician” – The Coastal Journal
“Everything is masterfully performed as Mike Merenda and Ruthy Ungar sing about the charms of hard work, home made wine and free parking. Amid the barn dance reverie created by fiddle, pedal steel, horns and more, Ruthy’s versatile alto is the most glorious instrument of all.” – ABCnews
“Pristine” – The New York Times
“Some of the best song writing of their generation” – LA Weekly
VENUE: HOTEL BLUE ‘LIVE AT THE ATTIC’ Upstairs,
88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
Blue Mountains
The main entrance and reception are accessible via Merriwa St.
The upstairs performance space is in the function room on the top floor.
Access can be made up the stairs at the back of the lounge area.
Drinks and meals will be available for purchase from the bar downstairs.
*Please note that there is no bar on the level of the performance room.
Hotel Blue is an all ages venue however minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must remain supervised and do require a standard ticket for entry. Please also keep in mind that the performance space is a seated listening room.
Doors Open upstairs 6pm. Show Starts 7pm.
General Admission. Theatre Style Seating.
Tickets DISCOUNT $20 pre-sale available from Hotel Blue reception (during reception open hours) 88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780. (Cash Only)
Or $25 cash on the Door from 6pm (Unless Sold Out)
This is an intimate capacity venue and tickets are strictly limited! CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au
Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Live At The Attic’ with MISSY RAINES TRIO (Nashville) – Australian Tour
+ Special Guests WHOA MULE Live in Concert, upstairs at Hotel Blue
Friday 18th October 2019, 6pm. Doors Open 5pm.
With a smoky and seductive alto, 7 Time International Bluegrass Music Association Bass Player of the Year, Missy Raines, heads up this all-acoustic ensemble. The territory the trio covers is broad and the compass is set by Raines, planted right in the centre of the stage directing with her bass every bit as much as she’s playing it. “Raines launches her well-tended craft off the bluegrass dock into the waters of jazz and folk, holding onto the anchor of bluegrass while pushing steadily at the boundaries of the music that engulfs her.” – Country Standard Time.
In 1998 Raines became the first woman to win IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year award and she went on to win the title more than any other bass player in the history of the organisation. She has proven herself without doubt, as an iconic bluegrass instrumentalist.
“The countless miles Raines has travelled are a gorgeous, weathered patina on her songwriting as well as the careful, intentional arrangements — and rearrangements — of these songs.” — The Bluegrass Situation
“Her latest release, Royal Traveller, not only confirms her renowned instrumental status but also announces another first, as she debuts as a songwriter, 11 tracks that both reflect and reach beyond her bluegrass roots, to touch upon indie folk, jam grass and jazz-inspired material. ” — Folk Radio UK
“It isn’t often that a song will rope me into playing it on repeat. The title track of this album [Royal Traveller] though is one of those songs.” — Americana Highways
Whoa Mule brings you old time country ballads, original songs, and driving triple fiddle dance tunes. Inspired by the rapid weather changes of the Blue Mountains and the bustle of Sydney streets, these musicians deliver a performance characterised by both space and energy. With rich experience earned in bands such as Catgut and Golden Whistler, Whoa Mule puts a kick into old time music.
VENUE: HOTEL BLUE ‘LIVE AT THE ATTIC’ Upstairs,
88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
Blue Mountains
The main entrance and reception are accessible via Merriwa St.
The upstairs performance space is in the function room on the top floor.
Access can be made up the stairs at the back of the lounge area.
Drinks and meals will be available for purchase from the bar downstairs.
*Please note that there is no bar on the level of the performance room.
Hotel Blue is an all ages venue however minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must remain supervised and do require a standard ticket for entry. Please also keep in mind that the performance space is a seated listening room.
Doors Open upstairs 5pm. Show Starts 6pm.
General Admission. Theatre Style Seating.
Tickets DISCOUNT $30 pre-sale available from Hotel Blue reception (during reception open hours) 88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780. (Cash Only)
Or $35 cash on the Door from 5pm (Unless Sold Out)
This is an intimate capacity venue and tickets are strictly limited! CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au
Fusion Boutique Presents
THE MAES (with MONIQUE CLARE) Live in Concert at Pigeon Lane @ ONE88.
Saturday 6th July 2019, 7:30pm. Doors Open 6:30pm.
*** This show is now SOLD OUT! For a fabulous range of other Blue Mountain events visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au We advise booking early to avoid disappointment! ***
Fusion Boutique is very pleased to announce that due to popular demand a 2nd and final show is now being held at Gallery ONE88’s fabulous little exclusive speak easy venue ‘Pigeon Lane’.
This will be a very special intimate acoustic performance.
Multi-award-winning Melbourne contemporary folk outfit, The Maes (formerly The Mae Trio) is the brainchild of sisters Maggie (banjo, guitar and vocals) and Elsie Rigby (fiddle, mandolin and vocals). Born into the arms of the Folk music community, both sisters were side of stage at their first folk festival when they were four weeks old and have been absorbing and exploring folk music since that time.
The Maes’ latest, self-titled record released in April 2019 is a return to the sisters’ folk music roots. Gentle, intimate and conversational, the album is an unadorned showcase of Maggie and Elsie’s superb songwriting as well as honest, relaxed and stunning vocal and instrumental performances.
The album was born on a two-month tour of Europe and North America in 2018 shortly after the band changed its name from The Mae Trio to The Maes after the departure of founding member Anita Hillman. The sisters started the tour with a recording session in Canada, intending to make a four track EP. Fired up by the changes in the band, inspired and bursting with new music they kept looking for new recording opportunities as the tour progressed. By the end of the tour they had two tracks from Nova Scotia, Canada, two songs from the Isle of Mull in Scotland, two songs from different studios in Ireland and four songs recorded in their hometown of Melbourne.
The album features production from top roots music producers from around the world including, Daniel Ledwell (Oh Pep!, Jenn Grant, Good Lovelies), John Fitzgerald (Christy Moore, Crooked Still, Lisa Hannigan) and Brendon Love (Teskey Brothers). The album also features cello and harmony vocals by award-winning Brisbane musician, Monique Clare who regularly tours with The Maes and will be performing at this show.
Their latest release follows on from their sophomore album, Take Care Take Cover, which was recorded in Nashville by Grammy nominated producer/engineer Erick Jaskowiak (The Waifs, Crooked Still, Darrell Scott) and featuring some of that music town’s finest roots musicians. The record won them the Age, Music Victoria Folk/Roots Album of the Year in 2017 as well as rave reviews in Australia and overseas.
Since 2014, The Maes have been full time touring in Australia and overseas, winning over audiences with their striking songwriting, intricate instrumental arrangements and stunning vocal harmonies. The band’s touring history includes a list of some of the worlds largest and most prestigious music festivals such as, the Woodford and Port Fairy Folk Festivals in Australia, The Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals in Canada, Cambridge Folk and Celtic Connections festivals in the UK and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in the USA.
“simply superb sophomore album.” – The Australian *****
“…underscores the ever growing potential these girls have to capture a truly international stage.’ – Folk Radio UK
“The Mae Trio songs are powerful, the vocal harmonies soar, and their own instrumental prowess is impressive” – Penguin Eggs
“quite simply breathtaking” – Rhythms Magazine
“Located at a crossroads where Australian, English and American folk traditions meet, The Mae Trio are in the midst of creating something unique and very much their own” – Songlines
VENUE: PIGEON LANE @ ONE88 (Lower level of Gallery One88 which is at 188 Katoomba St)
Access to the performance space is via the graffiti Art Street walk of Beverly Place, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
Pigeon Lane @ ONE88 is an intimate venue tucked away in the lower ground floor of art gallery ONE88 Fine Arts in the heart of Katoomba. The venue harks back to prohibition style speak easys where you could enjoy Jazz and Blues along with the atmosphere that the venues brought with it.
Pigeon Lane is an all ages venue however minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must remain supervised and do require a standard ticket for entry. Please also keep in mind that the performance space is a listening room.
Hot beverages including coffee, chai, hot chocolate and tea as well as treats such as cakes and soup are available for purchase from the upstairs Art Gallery before and after the show.
Please note that this is an alcohol free event.
Or $30 CASH on the Beverly Place Door from 6:30pm (Unless Sold Out)
This is an exclusive intimate capacity venue and tickets are strictly limited! CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au
Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with
THE MAES (with MONIQUE CLARE)
+ Special Guest MAIZY COOMBES Live in Concert at the 1930’s Metropole Guesthouse.
Friday 5th July 2019, 6pm. Doors Open 5pm.
*** This show is now SOLD OUT! However Fusion Boutique is very pleased to announce that due to popular demand a 2nd and final show is now being held at Gallery ONE88’s fabulous little exclusive speak easy venue ‘Pigeon Lane’. Direct ticket link: www.stickytickets.com.au/89397
For a fabulous range of other Blue Mountain events visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au We advise booking early to avoid disappointment! ***
Multi-award-winning Melbourne contemporary folk outfit, The Maes (formerly The Mae Trio) is the brainchild of sisters Maggie (banjo, guitar and vocals) and Elsie Rigby (fiddle, mandolin and vocals). Born into the arms of the Folk music community, both sisters were side of stage at their first folk festival when they were four weeks old and have been absorbing and exploring folk music since that time.
The Maes’ latest, self-titled record set for release in April 2019 is a return to the sisters’ folk music roots. Gentle, intimate and conversational, the album is an unadorned showcase of Maggie and Elsie’s superb songwriting as well as honest, relaxed and stunning vocal and instrumental performances.
The album was born on a two-month tour of Europe and North America in 2018 shortly after the band changed its name from The Mae Trio to The Maes after the departure of founding member Anita Hillman. The sisters started the tour with a recording session in Canada, intending to make a four track EP. Fired up by the changes in the band, inspired and bursting with new music they kept looking for new recording opportunities as the tour progressed. By the end of the tour they had two tracks from Nova Scotia, Canada, two songs from the Isle of Mull in Scotland, two songs from different studios in Ireland and four songs recorded in their hometown of Melbourne.
The album features production from top roots music producers from around the world including, Daniel Ledwell (Oh Pep!, Jenn Grant, Good Lovelies), John Fitzgerald (Christy Moore, Crooked Still, Lisa Hannigan) and Brendon Love (Teskey Brothers). The album also features cello and harmony vocals by award-winning Brisbane musician, Monique Clare who regularly tours with The Maes and will be performing at this show.
Their latest release follows on from their sophomore album, Take Care Take Cover, which was recorded in Nashville by Grammy nominated producer/engineer Erick Jaskowiak (The Waifs, Crooked Still, Darrell Scott) and featuring some of that music town’s finest roots musicians. The record won them the Age, Music Victoria Folk/Roots Album of the Year in 2017 as well as rave reviews in Australia and overseas.
Since 2014, The Maes have been full time touring in Australia and overseas, winning over audiences with their striking songwriting, intricate instrumental arrangements and stunning vocal harmonies. The band’s touring history includes a list of some of the worlds largest and most prestigious music festivals such as, the Woodford and Port Fairy Folk Festivals in Australia, The Edmonton and Vancouver Folk Festivals in Canada, Cambridge Folk and Celtic Connections festivals in the UK and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in the USA.
“simply superb sophomore album.” – The Australian *****
“…underscores the ever growing potential these girls have to capture a truly international stage.’ – Folk Radio UK
“The Mae Trio songs are powerful, the vocal harmonies soar, and their own instrumental prowess is impressive” – Penguin Eggs
“quite simply breathtaking” – Rhythms Magazine
“Located at a crossroads where Australian, English and American folk traditions meet, The Mae Trio are in the midst of creating something unique and very much their own” – Songlines
Blue Mountain’s based Maizy Coombes, is an endearing Violinist/Songwriter with a contemporary folk sound beneath wholesome lyricism. Her approach to life is equal parts adorable, resourceful and sneaky, all of which is reflected brightly in her music. Using a loop pedal to support herself, this unique sound scape has the ability to bring out tears as you apply make-up or brush your teeth, yet still leave you feeling contemplative and joyous.
We first encountered Maizy’s gorgeous fiddle playing in “Lime and Steel”.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see her subtle and solo.
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.
The upstairs performance space in the lounge is on the first floor. Access can be made up the stairs if entering from the front or via the lift at the back of the hotel through the atrium.
The Metropole is an all ages venue however minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must remain supervised and do require a standard ticket for entry. Please also keep in mind that the performance space is a listening room.
Drinks and light meals will be available from the Metro Retro pop up bar upstairs once doors open.
The downstairs restaurant bar will be open 1 hour prior to the upstairs performance space for pre-show drinks and early food orders.
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)
This is an intimate capacity venue and tickets are strictly limited! CONTACT DETAILS: Charity Mirow 0409 042 869
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au
Fusion Boutique Presents THE DAVIDSON BROTHERS (VIC) in an intimate acoustic concert at the iconic Paragon.
Sat 19th August 2017 Strictly limited tickets!
The Davidson Brothers are considered two of Australia’s most highly driven and well respected bluegrass musicians. Hamish and Lachie were raised in the rural Victorian town of Yinnar and began performing and recording in 1998. Since then, they’ve toured the United States, Europe, appeared on the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and toured their band extensively across Australia.
Mostly self-taught, multi-Instrumentalists, both Hamish (fiddle, banjo, guitar, dobro, vocals) and Lachlan (mandolin, fiddle, guitar, vocals) became in-demand session musicians before they finished high school and as competitive teenagers they both went on to win National Bluegrass Championship titles.
Together, the Davidson Brothers have had top 10 Country Radio Singles, reached the ARIA Country Albums Chart and established the Australian Bluegrass Scholarship in 2011 to enhance a young culture and encourage acoustic musicians.
After eighteen consecutive years performing the Tamworth Country Music Festival, three Golden Guitar Awards later, Hamish and Lachie returned with their eighth studio release in April 2017, ‘All You Need Is Music’, which was recorded in Nashville and features 12 new original Bluegrass & Country tracks.
Recently, the boys were inducted by the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame into Tamworth’s prestigious Hands Of Fame monument and in 2016 they teamed up with legendary rocker Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows to collaborate in the studio and on stage, opening sold out shows in both Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The brothers have a uniquely Australian light hearted outlook on life which they use to showcase their musical ability to all unsuspecting audiences. Well known for their contemporary acoustic style the Davidson Brothers are destined to have a long-standing career on the Australian music scene.
The Davidson Brothers last performed in the Blue Mountains for the 2017 Blue Mountains Music Festival. Join them in a four piece format as they perform acoustically in this iconic space.
“All music should be this much fun.” – The Age
“The Davidson Brothers are talented fellas and awesome guys. I love what they do and I’ve really enjoyed the privilege of working with them. This album is a great one.” – Dan Sultan
“Two young blokes with all the energy and drive of their generation and an innate ability to transpose that energy to a younger audience.” – Capital News Magazine
VENUE: THE PARAGON CAFE back Banquet Hall / Cocktail Lounge
65 Katoomba St, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
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.
The Paragon is a family friendly venue! *Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and supervised.
Children do require a ticket for entry.
Back Room Doors Open at 7:30pm. Show Starts 8pm.
General Admission. Theatre style seating. Full bar available and the Paragon restaurant will also be open for dinner. Dinner bookings with the Paragon are advised as there are limited tables available.
Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with
THE MORRISONS (Album Launch)
+ Special Guests LIME & STEEL
live in Concert at the 1930’s Metropole Guesthouse.
Saturday 18th Feb 2017, 6:30pm. Doors Open 5:30pm.
Winners of the 2014 folk/acoustic song of the year at the Australian Song Writers Association Awards, The Morrisons fuse Australian stories and sounds with the spirit and intensity of old time American bluegrass, country and folk. With high, lonesome singing, fast picking and original songs inspired by folklore, family and their lives as young Australians, they are a modern day string band like no other.
Featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, washboard, harmonica, and 4 part harmonies, they deliver a live show full of raw energy and emotion. They have performed at major festivals around the country including The National Folk Festival, Out On The Weekend, Secret Garden, and supported highly acclaimed international artists Lindi Ortega (CAN) and Lake Street Dive (US). In 2014/15 they co-presented a bi-monthly night of country music in Sydney with Lost Highway (Universal Music’s country label), where they hosted artists like Shane Nicholson, Catherine Britt and Emma Swift. Their show, ‘Man of constant sorrow’: A tribute to the music of Oh Brother Where Art Thou, has sold out three years in a row, with a cast featuring Ngaiire, All Our Exes Live In Texas, Luke Escombe, Brian Campeau & Tommy Dean. They have appeared regularly on ABC and FBI radio and recently performed Paul Kelly’s two highly acclaimed bluegrass albums Smoke and Foggy Highway at Sydney’s iconic venue the Basement (March 2015).
Their debut single ‘Wild Eleanor’ (ASA folk/acoustic song of 2014) was released in October 2015, with a full-length album to follow in 2016.
“The Morrisons play big band folk, like a mash up of both Inside Llewyn Davies and Oh Brother Where Art Thou’s T-Bone Burnett” – Concrete Playground
“Gathered centre-stage around a single microphone, performing a consummate set of bluegrass music. Solos were aplenty and all band members showed their ability to shine in the spotlight before pulling their instrument back into the cohesive and brisk pluck and strum of their collective sound” – The Music
“An incredible bluegrass/country/folk 7 piece” – AU Review
“The Morrisons prove that Sydney bands can pick with the best of the them” – Timber & Steel
Lime and Steel’s roots-down banjo fiddle grooves, dust kicking hoe-downs and original folk noir convict murder ballads brush on just enough paint to catch the darker side of the Australian soul: All cut with equal parts charm and cheap wine.
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.
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)
And KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)
Or $25 on the Door from 5:30pm Saturday 18th Feb 2017 (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
Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with FOURWINDS (Ireland) live in Concert at the 1930’s Metropole Guesthouse.
Saturday 21st Jan 2017, 6:30pm. Doors Open 5:30pm.
“FourWinds deliver their tunes and songs with sublime musicianship and conviction, you can only love this band’s music” – Paddy Keenan
Deeply rooted in the tradition, FourWinds produce an exciting landscape of tunes and lyrics that present Irish traditional music in a modern and creative context.
Their influences include Begley and Cooney, The Bothy Band, Planxty, Brady and Irvine, Moving Hearts, Pink Floyd and even Elvis. This energetic quartet delivers a truly unique musical experience.
The band has been awarded the prestigious Danny Kyle Award, presented by the Celtic Connections festival board in recognition of outstanding emerging talent in Celtic music. FourWinds has also been chosen as one of three finalists in the Rising Stars Competition, held by The Gathering in Killarney, Ireland.
The band has performed as FourWinds since 2013 however Daoiri, Tom, Caroline and Robbie have toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada and America in both solo and group contexts (The Daoiri Farrell Band, Solid Clarity and Tom Delany and Caroline Keane duo) for many years, having shared stages with such renowned musicians as Paddy Keenan, The Chieftains, Tommy O’Sullivan, De Temps Antan, FullSet, Muireann NicAmhlaoibh, Karen Tweed and many more.
All four members have received awards at national level, Daoiri and Robbie having claimed the coveted All Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Daoiri’s debut solo album ‘The First Turn’ received critical acclaim in 2010, while Tom and Caroline’s debut ‘Framework’ was featured in Tradconnect’s top selling list. The members also feature frequently on many mainstream Irish television channels, including RTÉ, TV3 and the Gaelic language television channel TG4.
FourWinds have just released their debut album, “FourWinds” and are looking forward to a long spring / summer of performances around Ireland, Canada, Europe, including Brittany, France, The U.K and Australia.
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.
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 $25 on the Door from 5:30pm Saturday 21st Jan 2017 (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
Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with THE WHITETOP MOUNTAINEERS (USA) live in Concert at the 1930’s Metropole Guesthouse.
Saturday 7th Jan 2017, 6:30pm. Doors Open 5:30pm.
The Whitetop Mountaineers is made up of the duo, Martha Spencer and Jackson Cunningham. They both live in Whitetop in the highest mountains in Virginia.
Their shows feature old time country duet singing, up-tempo old time fiddle, clawhammer banjo, bluegrass mandolin and guitar instrumentals as well as high energy Appalachian dancing.
Along with performing as a duet act, they also are members of the Whitetop Mountain Band, which is one of the most popular old time bands in Southwest Virginia.
The band has won many competitions and awards in band, vocals, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, duet singing, and dance throughout the years in Fiddler’s Conventions throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and other southern states.
Jackson and Martha have played concerts, festivals, workshops, and dances throughout the United States, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, including such venues as: Merlefest, Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC, National Folk Festival in Richmond, Grahamfest USA, San Francisco Bluegrass and Old Time Festival, Folklore Society of Greater Washington, Cornish Bluegrass Festival in England, Tamworth Country Music Festival in NSW, Australia, Open House Festival in Belfast Ireland, and Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, Australia, The National Folk Festival in Canberra, Australia, The National Folk Festival in Butte Montana, The Port Fairy Folk Festival in Port Fairy, Australia, The Apollo Bay Music Festival in Apollo Bay, Australia, along with many other festivals and venues.
They have been a regular feature at several Australian festivals over the past few years and gain popularity and friendships with every visit.
They return from the USA to tour Australia in 2017 and to perform at the annual Woodford Folk Festival.
This will be their first Blue Mountains performance since their appearance at the 2015 Blue Mountains Music Festival.
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.
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 $25 on the Door from 5:30pm Saturday 7th Jan 2017 (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
Sat 15th Oct 2016
HOTEL GEARIN Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
The Rumjacks take to the road to showcase material from their third studio album, Sleepin Rough, released worldwide through FOUR || FOUR records.
Following a 90-date tour of Europe and UK, the band are pumped to bring their blistering live set home to Australia, playing new album tracks alongside fan favourites. The Sleepin’ Rough Tour is the band’s most ambitious Australian tour to date – 35 dates taking in every nook and cranny of the country, from Darwin to Launceston, East Coast to West Coast!
They are one of this country’s most successful live exports, becoming festival regulars throughout the UK and Europe and playing massive events such as Woodstock Poland, Punk Rock Holiday, Exit Festival, Lowlands, Rockmaraton and Mighty Sounds.
Bursting from the blue-stone streets of Sydney town in 2008, when frontman Frankie McLaughlin met bassist Johnny McKelvey, the band hasn’t stopped running since. A couple of EPs – Hung, Drawn & Portered and Sound As A Pound in 2009 – cemented early promise, debut LP Gangs Of New Holland the following year, building upon that. The Rumjacks had something, rough and raw, visceral and real.
“Its like growing up with a tear in your eye and a storm brewing in your heart,” muses McLaughlin on the musical heritage of the group. “We were raised on the Scottish and Irish music in our parents’ record collection, before colliding head-on with punk/rock as we grew older and thought we knew everything.”
Sober & Godless, their second full-length album was released in 2015, and saw the band really hit their collective straps. The touring stepped up and The Rumjacks have since shared stages with the likes of The Dropkick Murphys, Gogol Bordello, The UK Subs and The Aggrolites, amongst others.
Further, their various film clips have amassed a gargantuan 18 million YouTube views, 13 million of those for their phenomenally successful ‘An Irish Pub Song’. During a successful tour of Europe last year (40 shows in 52 days), they headlined the Montelago Celtic Festival in Italy (playing to 15,000 people); played the Jarocin Festival in Poland; slayed ‘em at clubs in Berlin, London, Prague and parts of Austria and the Netherlands, finishing it all up at the Boomtown Fair in Winchester, England.
The Rumjacks brand new studio album Sleepin’ Rough is to be released early August. The quintet’s third long-player, picks up where 2015’s Sober & Godless left off. Booming from the get-go with ‘Patron Saint Of Thieves’, a thundering punk aesthetic intertwined through the group’s Irish and Scottish musical heritage, this album is full throttle, all spit and bile, raucous and real.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking The Rumjacks are just an angry bunch of punks. Far from it – their music, while hard and fast for the most part, carries with it an element of fun and frivolity, harking back to their Old Country roots, places where music is an integral part of community gathering, sound tracking the times with an almost savage joy.
As frontman Frankie McLaughlin has said, they’re not trying to reinvent anything, they’re just trying to produce the best songs they can in order to make a connection with the people listening. And that’s what Sleepin’ Rough is too – a clutch of real songs written and performed by real people, for other real people. Stories of life, love and loss, set to a throbbing beat. Sleepin’ Rough sees The Rumjacks in career best form.
“Eight years in now, and The Rumjacks are a force. Their live shows have become legendary, their records lauded, their ethos and commitment second to none. They’ve put in the hard yards, and they’re not done yet – this will be their year, the year of The Rumjacks.” – Samuel J. Fell, Rhythms / Rolling Stone
Frankie McLaughlin: Vocals, tin whistle.
Johnny McKelvey: Bass, vocals
Anthony Matters: Drums, vocals
Gabriel Whitbourne: Guitars, vocals
Adam Kenny: Mandolin, banjo, bouzouki, bodhran, acoustic guitar, vocals
Trio Picture Perfect have been hard at work the last few years. 2013 saw the release of the band’s debut single ‘Faceless Man’, which gained considerable praise and attention from community radio stations across the country. 2014 saw the release of the band’s first EP “Well Alright!” – featuring the single ‘I Know You Better’, which was picked up for rotation by Triple J Unearthed radio and Triple M. After touring extensively in 2014, the band burst into 2015 with the single ‘Stranger Than Fiction’ – gaining it’s radio debut on Triple M’s Homegrown show.
After a short break to recharge and work on new material, Picture Perfect are back in action for 2016 with the release of their new single “One Desire” (out October 10th). In a time when the industry is saturated with songs of lust and indulgence, but have a loose grip on reality and even promote infidelity – “One Desire” boasts the allure of monogamy. Mostly recorded live in the studio, “One Desire” flaunts the trio’s tight performance and treads new ground musically. The songs mid-tempo, groove-orientated feel accompanied with slinky guitar licks and laid back vocals, contrasts the band’s previous, more straight-forward rock tracks, but keeps the conviction and edge of the band’s sound.
With a live show described by TheMusic.com.au as “pure energy” and a steady collection of diverse singles – it’s no wonder why Picture Perfect are making an unmistakable mark on the scene.
The Marquis are an alternative 3 piece band based in the Blue Mountains. Combining the likes of The Beatles, the Jam and Oasis, the punk aesthetic does not outshine the complex emotions and song writing quality on display.
The Marquis’ sound is a playful yet melancholy whirlwind of autumn sadness and gritty determination sure to appeal to any emotion on any day.
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
*Please note that Hotel Gearin shows are over 18’s only.
Doors Open 8:30pm.
Show Starts 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.
Tickets DISCOUNT Early Bird pre-sale $15 available from KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only) or the Hotel Gearin front Bar during open hours.
THE EAST POINTERS (Canada)
+ THE MAE TRIO (Melbourne)
Fri 8th April 2016 Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780
Ontario guitarist Jake Charron and 7th generation Prince Edward Island musicians Tim (fiddle) and Koady Chaisson (banjo) make traditional music seem ridiculously hip.
An adrenalised, roof-rattling, performance monster, the trio’s excellent new release Secret Victory, penned mostly in Australia in early 2015, features the beautiful songs, free-wheeling, feisty instrumental jigs, stomps and reels and heart-breaking harmonies that have made them torchbearers for a new wave in traditional music.
Even before releasing Secret Victory, The East Pointers knew they were onto something, having accepted the 2015 Music P.E.I. New Artist of the Year, and Roots Traditional Recording of the Year awards. They were also nominated for Traditional Instrumental Recording of the Year at the 2015 East Coast Music Awards.
For a band barely together 18 months, they are in demand live, returning to the UK and Australia in late 2015 for a run of festival dates including Woodford Folk Festival, Cygnet, Illawarra, Cobargo, Nannup, Port Fairy and the National and then back again in early 2016 after extensive touring in Canada.
Timber and Steel included ‘Secret Victory’ in their Top 25 Albums of 2015!
Multi-award-winning, Melbourne-based contemporary folk trio, The Mae Trio perform insightful original songs with superb 3 part vocal harmonies.
It has been a magical two years since The Mae Trio released their award-winning debut album Housewarming and hit international stages from Celtic Connections (Glasgow) to Cambridge Folk Festival and Americana Festival (Nashville), not to mention national Australian tours where they won the hearts of critics and fans alike. Winners of the Maton Class Act Award and the National Film & Sound Archive Award for Folk Recording of the Year, The Mae Trio is renowned for their sophisticated instrumentation and stellar three-part harmonies. Their latest EP ‘September’ features an array of originals and new interpretations of some of the songs that have helped shape the band’s musical lives so far.
Join Anita Hillman (cello, bass and vocals), Maggie Rigby (banjo, ukulele, guitar, marimba and vocals) and Elsie Rigby (violin, ukulele and vocals) for an evening of contemporary folk that will leave you breathless.
It is a rare treat to experience such unique instrumentation and spine-tingling harmonies, and The Mae Trio promises bucket loads of both.
“a delightful Australian girl group whom it is hard to fault…theirs is an innocent, clear-skinned sound that’s long on banjo, fiddle and ukulele” – Metro (Glasgow)
“The Mae Trio has made a meteoric mark on the national acoustic music scene” – Rhythms
“they belied their apparent youth with some fine songs and dry wit” – Americana UK
“The Mae Trio were easily the break-out act at Folk Alliance” – The Bluegrass Situation
“A favourite on the Aussie folk scene… definitely a trio to keep an eye and an ear (or two) out for” – Songlines UK
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band featuring Chris Henry (USA)
2016 Australian Tour
+ Special Guests Mike, Tinker & Ged
Sat 2nd April 2016 Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
Legendary US Bluegrass singer-songwriter and Grammy award winner, Peter Rowan, “the voice of Bluegrass”, returns to Australia with his Bluegrass Band, featuring Chris Henry on mandolin, Patrick Sauber on banjo, and Paul Knight on double bass.
Chris Henry is one of the most highly regarded young musicians on the American Bluegrass scene today, “the premier Monroe-style mandolinist of his generation”, while Patrick Sauber has recorded or performed with many artists, including Doc Watson, Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, John Fogerty, Richard Greene and Laurie Lewis, and was the banjo-player in the movie, ‘A Mighty Wind’. Paul Knight has been playing with Peter Rowan in various configurations for about 20 years. His driving acoustic bass has been part of recordings and live performances with the likes of Jim Lauderdale and Laurie Lewis, as well as being integral to the sound of the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band.
Peter Rowan is a true legend of American Bluegrass, with a history dating from 1964 and his role as lead-singer/guitarist with the father of Bluegrass, the late Bill Monroe and his Bluegrass Boys. Rowan then went on to form the revolutionary Folk/Rock band, Seatrain, which recorded two albums in the UK, produced by Beatles producer, George Martin. He left Seatrain to team up with David Grisman, Richard Greene, Bill Keith, & Clarence White (from The Byrds) in bluegrass supergroup, Muleskinner. He and Grisman moved on to form Old & In The Way with Jerry Garcia and Vassar Clements. Since then Rowan has released numerous albums of mostly original songs, is a Grammy Award winner and six-time Grammy nominee, and has performed and recorded with the likes of Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, Gillian Welch, Tim O’Brien, Bela Fleck, Tony Rice, Del McCoury, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Flaco Jimenez, and Peter Tosh.
Today at the age of 73, he is still touring constantly, writing new songs, making new recordings, including the highly-acclaimed 2013 release on Compass Records, ‘The Old School’, featuring 10 new original songs, and two more recent albums, “Dharma Blues” and “Peter Rowan’s Twang An’ Groove Vol 1”.
Rowan has demonstrated himself to be an artist of unusual depth and imagination, experimenting with other influences, while never losing track of the deep roots and musical purity that are integral to his presence. He is a singer and songwriter without equal, a multi-instrumentalist and accomplished guitarist. His beautiful singing is of the classic “high-lonesome”, borrowed by Monroe from the Appalachian ballad singers, and which became the defining style of all bluegrass vocalists. The spirit of Bill Monroe lives on in the old and new music he and his band will bring to Australian audiences on this tour.
“Rowan is one of the greatest and most important of all the bluegrass players. He understands what he calls “the joy” of bluegrass and acoustic music, and, with wonderful artlessness, he insists that he is coming to Australia to do nothing more than “be a singer of songs and a player of tunes”. His admirers know he will be much, much more than that.” – Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald
Mike, Tinker & Ged are an eclectic band of misfits with diverse backgrounds in rock, Irish, bluegrass, old timey and everything in between. Comprising of virtuoso fiddler (Slim Dusty’s favourite), sultry singer and all-round musical genius Mike Kerin, Blue Mountains dweller Tinker Duffy, who plays fiery accordion and sings with husky vocals, and Ged Corben who holds the band together with his powerhouse rhythm guitar and delicate slide and mandolin work.
Winner of no less than 6 Golden Guitars, Mike Kerin leads this lineup of long time collaborators & stalwarts of the Oz Folk & Bluegrass scene. Apart from producing, arranging, recording & playing on many fine albums, Mike played for 10 years with 80‘s Country fave’s The Flying Emus, for more than 20 years with Slim Dusty in his Travelling Country Band, and currently tours with Anne Kirkpatrick & numerous national & international acts. Mike was the featured artist on the recently released ABC Fiddle Album “The Devil’s Instrument”. He has also played as a featured artist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, touring Australia & Slovenia.
Tinker Duffy is no stranger to the NSW Folk scene. Hailing originally from Armidale, she has dazzled audiences with her fiery accordion playing from Newtown to Gulgong, & Yeppoon to Port Fairy over the last 20 years. She has had a lifelong involvement in the traditional music, song and dance of Ireland as well as in bush bands, dance bands, choirs and sessions.
Mike & Tinker are joined by co-hort Ged Corben on guitar, mandolin & resonator. Ged has at one time or another played with the original Cruel Sea, is lead guitarist with The Lime Spiders & moonlights with Rebecca Hancock & The Prison Wives, amongst others.
All three were members of the now defunct Wheelers & Dealers, winners of numerous National Folk Awards, who toured NSW, VIC and QLD extensively over the last 15 years.
The band play an eclectic up tempo mix of Celtic & American Folk, with a touch of Western Swing & Roots thrown in. They feature material from Mike & Tinker’s latest album “For Good Measure”, & Mike’s solo album “ The Dining Room Sessions”.
One Up, Two Down Blue Mountains EP Launch
+ Special Guests:
Catgut + The Plough
Fri 29th Jan 2016 Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
One Up, Two Down return to Australia fresh from a busy year that’s seen them embark on their first tour in America and join forces with Chris Henry for tours across the USA and Australia.
They will be releasing their brand new EP ‘A Day On The Quay’ to the Blue Mountains audience, a recording that captures their live performance energy and follows up on their 2014 self titled release.
One Up, Two Down hail from three countries joined by the Pacific Ocean. Fiddler George Jackson and guitarist Daniel Watkins, from New Zealand and Australia respectively, are back to back winners of the Australian Bluegrass Scholarship (’12, ’13) and veteran touring musicians in the Australian bluegrass scene. Together with North Carolinian, Yale School of Music trained (MM ’13) double bassist Andrew Small, they bring together raw old-time groove, bluegrass dexterity, and folk storytelling.
“The self-titled EP from George Jackson, Andrew Small and Daniel Watkins is a piece of pure folk gold. It’s a shame that Small lives in the states as the opportunities to see One Up, Two Down are limited, but if you do get a chance to see them grab it with both hands. On the surface this is a bluegrass release but these guys are so well versed in the folk traditions that you can feel celtic, blues and country influences creeping in to make a wonderful, folky mess.” – Timber and Steel
Catgut can usually be found in leafy parks and cosy bars around Sydney’s inner west, picking away at dance-inducing old time tunes, singing in three-part harmony and venturing into improvisatory spacegrass. Members build on their respective histories as part of subversive bluegrass outfit The Lurkers and stalwarts of Sydney’s bluegrass scene, the Owens Family Band.
Armed with a repertoire of original songs, country ballads, old-time standards and twin-fiddle tunes, Miriam Jones (fiddle), Nick Street (guitar) and Kieran Owens (banjo) will play ’til the cows come home. Inspired by the reimagining of old tunes and the telling of new stories, Catgut will move you to dance, think, laugh or cry.
The Plough are an Old Time String Band that play high-energy Appalachian style Old Time, Gospel and Bluegrass music.
Their debut CD, ‘Reap What You Sow’, has been described as “harking back to those authentic field recordings of the 1940’s” (Judith Jones, Bluegrass Bulletin).
As well as playing at many festivals in Australia, such as The National Folk Festival, Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival, Yass Turning Wave, they have also featured on Tamworth’s Country Music Festival ‘Toyota Festival FM 106.1.
The Plough have also this year toured to Sweden to play at Torsåker Bluegrass Festival and Ireland to play at Athy Bluegrass Festival.
Blue Mountains based, The Plough originates out of the Sydney Old Time and Bluegrass society and are passionate about keeping the old music alive and relevant.
“Recreating “olde timey string” sounds, this four piece boasts talents in mandolin, fiddle, banjo and acoustic guitar. Their sound is authentic and when listening, I felt like it was in a sepia film from the American Deep South” – Regi Su, www.getshotmagazine.com
The Morrisons (Single Launch)
Special Guests Lime & Steel
Sat 5th Dec 2015 Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
Winners of the 2014 folk/acoustic song of the year at the Australian Song Writers Association Awards, The Morrisons fuse Australian stories and sounds with the spirit and intensity of old time American bluegrass, country and folk. With high, lonesome singing, fast picking and original songs inspired by folklore, family and their lives as young Australians, they are a modern day string band like no other.
Featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, washboard, harmonica, and 4 part harmonies, they deliver a live show full of raw energy and emotion. They have performed at major festivals around the country including The National Folk Festival, Out On The Weekend, Secret Garden, and supported highly acclaimed international artists Lindi Ortega (CAN) and Lake Street Dive (US). In 2014/15 they co-presented a bi-monthly night of country music in Sydney with Lost Highway (Universal Music’s country label), where they hosted artists like Shane Nicholson, Catherine Britt and Emma Swift. Their show, ‘Man of constant sorrow’: A tribute to the music of Oh Brother Where Art Thou, has sold out three years in a row, with a cast featuring Ngaiire, All Our Exes Live In Texas, Luke Escombe, Brian Campeau & Tommy Dean. They have appeared regularly on ABC and FBI radio and recently performed Paul Kelly’s two highly acclaimed bluegrass albums Smoke and Foggy Highway at Sydney’s iconic venue the Basement (March 2015).
Their debut single ‘Wild Eleanor’ (ASA folk/acoustic song of 2014) is due for official release in October 2015, with a full-length album to follow in 2016.
The Morrisons play big band folk, like a mash up of both Inside Llewyn Davies and Oh Brother Where Art Thou’s T-Bone Burnett” – Concrete Playground
“Gathered centre-stage around a single microphone, performing a consummate set of bluegrass music. Solos were aplenty and all band members showed their ability to shine in the spotlight before pulling their instrument back into the cohesive and brisk pluck and strum of their collective sound” – The Music
“An incredible bluegrass/country/folk 7 piece” – AU Review
“The Morrisons prove that Sydney bands can pick with the best of the them” – Timber & Steel
Lime and Steel’s roots-down banjo fiddle grooves, dust kicking hoe-downs and original folk noir convict murder ballads brush on just enough paint to catch the darker side of the Australian soul: All cut with equal parts charm and cheap wine.
Chris Henry & The Hardcore Grass (USA)
Special Guests The Prannies
Sat 31st Oct 2015 Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.
Chris Henry & The Hardcore Grass is a must-see band for all lovers of roots-based and bluegrass music!
Chris Henry grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, USA, the son of veteran bluegrass musicians, Red and Murphy Henry. He moved to Nashville about ten years ago, and has been making quite a name for himself as one of the most highly regarded and sought-after young musicians on the American bluegrass scene. He received an International Bluegrass Music Association nomination for Song of the Year in 2011 for writing “Walking West to Memphis.” He was in Shawn Camp’s band, and in the last few years he has been playing with his own band, The Hardcore Grass, and with the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band.
Chris comes from a traditional bluegrass background and blends his appreciation for the classic sound with his own creativity to stretch out into wide open spaces that have audiences riveted to hear and see what happens next.
He impressed Australian audiences when he toured here early 2014 as a member of the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Trio. As a result of that tour, he was invited back to Australia to headline the Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival later that year.
Chris Henry & The Hardcore Grass was so well-received at the festivals that he played last year, that he has now been invited back as a headline act at the Dorrigo and MountainGrass bluegrass festivals, and the Healesville Music Festival.
This year he is touring with a new 5-piece version of his band.
“Chris Henry is the premier Monroe-style mandolinist of his generation” – International Bluegrass Music Association
“A bright young star in the bluegrass world.” – Peter Rowan
The Prannies are an eclectic band of misfits with diverse backgrounds in rock, Irish, bluegrass, old timey and everything in between. Comprising of virtuoso fiddler (Slim Dusty’s favourite), sultry singer and all-round musical genius Mike Kerin, Blue Mountains dweller Tinker Duffy, who plays fiery accordion and sings with husky vocals, and Ged Corben who holds the band together with his powerhouse rhythm guitar and delicate slide and mandolin work.
Winner of no less than 6 Golden Guitars, Mike Kerin leads this lineup of long time collaborators & stalwarts of the Oz Folk & Bluegrass scene. Apart from producing, arranging, recording & playing on many fine albums, Mike played for 10 years with 80‘s Country fave’s The Flying Emus, for more than 20 years with Slim Dusty in his Travelling Country Band, and currently tours with Anne Kirkpatrick & numerous national & international acts. Mike was the featured artist on the recently released ABC Fiddle Album “The Devil’s Instrument”. He has also played as a featured artist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, touring Australia & Slovenia.
Tinker Duffy is no stranger to the NSW Folk scene. Hailing originally from Armidale, she has dazzled audiences with her fiery accordion playing from Newtown to Gulgong, & Yeppoon to Port Fairy over the last 20 years. She has had a lifelong involvement in the traditional music, song and dance of Ireland as well as in bush bands, dance bands, choirs and sessions.
Mike & Tinker are joined by co-hort Ged Corben on guitar, mandolin & resonator. Ged has at one time or another played with the original Cruel Sea, is lead guitarist with The Lime Spiders & moonlights with Rebecca Hancock & The Prison Wives, amongst others.
All three were members of the now defunct Wheelers & Dealers, winners of numerous National Folk Awards, who toured NSW, VIC and QLD extensively over the last 15 years.
The band play an eclectic up tempo mix of Celtic & American Folk, with a touch of Western Swing & Roots thrown in. They feature material from Mike & Tinker’s latest album “For Good Measure”, & Mike’s solo album “ The Dining Room Sessions”.
Doors Open 8:30pm. Support Starts 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.
Tickets $20 pre-sale available NOW from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)
Hotel Blue, Upstairs “Live At The Attic” Katoomba, Blue Mountains
Friday 11th September 2015, 6:30pm. Doors Open 6pm.
Multi-award-winning, Melbourne-based contemporary folk trio. Performing insightful original songs with superb 3 part vocal harmonies.
It has been a magical two years since The Mae Trio released their award-winning debut album Housewarming and hit international stages from Celtic Connections (Glasgow) to Cambridge Folk Festival and Americana Festival (Nashville), not to mention national Australian tours where they won the hearts of critics and fans alike. Winners of the Maton Class Act Award and the National Film & Sound Archive Award for Folk Recording of the Year, The Mae Trio is renowned for their sophisticated instrumentation and stellar three-part harmonies. The trio return to launch the September EP featuring an array of originals and new interpretations of some of the songs that have helped shape the band’s musical lives so far.
Join Anita Hillman (cello, bass and vocals), Maggie Rigby (banjo, ukuleles, guitar, marimba and vocals) and Elsie Rigby (violin, ukulele and vocals) for an evening of contemporary folk that will leave you breathless.
It is a rare treat to experience such unique instrumentation and spine-tingling harmonies, and The Mae Trio promises bucket loads of both.
“a delightful Australian girl group whom it is hard to fault…theirs is an innocent, clear-skinned sound that’s long on banjo, fiddle and ukulele” – Metro (Glasgow)
“The Mae Trio has made a meteoric mark on the national acoustic music scene” – Rhythms
“they belied their apparent youth with some fine songs and dry wit” – Americana UK
“The Mae Trio were easily the break-out act at Folk Alliance” – The Bluegrass Situation
“A favourite on the Aussie folk scene… definitely a trio to keep an eye and an ear (or two) out for” – Songlines UK
Special guest for the evening will be local artist Francesca Sidoti.
Raised on folk, country and blues (a mix designed to handicap her in the playground), Francesca has a live act that gets talked about.
Playing accordion-addicted retro pop, her debut album ‘Bright City Light Fool’ was released in August 2010, and has since had two songs shortlisted in the ASA Songwriting Awards and #3 ranking on the folk and pop charts of AMRAP.
“a dulcet voice and whimsical lyrics”, Rave Magazine, Brisbane. “smiles and laughter” Drum Media, Sydney.
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/IPOR
Or $15 on the Door from 6pm Fri 11th September 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
Combining the many musical loves of the band members, their performance is rich in Folk, Celtic, Blues, Jazz and Classical influences which can be heard in their arrangements and their original material.
With diverse instrumentation and great harmonies, their music is uplifting, dynamic, personal, colourful, powerful, exciting and invites you into their world.
MusicOz award winning songwriter Rosie McDonald has a strong rhythmic drive on acoustic guitar, bouzouki and percussion and a rich alto voice to lead us into the stories from the folk and blues traditions as well as providing harmonic interplay with Ann’s vocals. Multi – talented songstressAnn Palumbois a jazz influenced soprano who has been immersed variously in the tango, indie and classical scenes as performer – guitar, mandolin and double bass – and composer with tales to tell but with her roots and stories firmly in folk music.
Classically trained and with a passion for Bach and Handel,Paul Laszlohas played with the SSO, MSO, OABO, and the Australian Festival Orchestra among others but has with a jazz/improv bent and a leaning towards traditional American mountain music. Paul’s rich baritone voice, banjo and virtuosic bass playing brings great depth and soul to RAPT.
Among the highlights of their time together so far, are performances in 2013 including Europe – Geneva, Paris and London, Snowy Mountains Fest, Turning Wave Fest, Mudfest International Film Fest, Dungog and Northern Beach’s festivals, The Basement in Sydney and the Clarendon in Katoomba. Other highlights have included Camelot and the Basement in 2012, the 2011 Human Rights Awards and various other concerts and festivals including the Cygnet festival in 2014 with their other ensemble project “When Mother Comes To Visit”
November 2014 saw the release of their long awaited recording, which has been received very warmly with ABC airplay to boot.
“RAPT have a repertoire of brilliant tunes and are an enlivening performance trio, crafting a night of magic, which results in an audience that pleads more, more, more” – Shack Management
“RAPT lifted the acoustic roof of The Shack last time they performed here”
“It was brilliant… the audience at the Old Courthouse Glebe was mesmerised… by the performance.” – Dr E. David Mcintosh.AM
Arrive 6:30pm for a glass of Mulled Wine 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 Cocktail Lounge is theatre style. Formal seating for the meal portion.
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.
NEW Winter Special Event 3 Course Gourmet 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.
