Tag Archives: Dance

ODYSSEY – BYRON MARK SEPTET: A World Music Performance Flamenco Night at the Palais Royale Grand Ballroom, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

*SOLD OUT* For a range of other wonderful live music events at various Blue Mountains venues visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au
We advise booking quickly to avoid disappointment!


Fusion Boutique and Equinox present
ODYSSEY – Byron Mark Septet
A Night of World Music Performance & Flamenco Dance
Live in Concert at the Palais Royale Grand Ballroom

Sat 1st April 2023
6:00pm – Doors open to the Grand Ballroom
7:00pm-7:40pm Set 1
Intermission
8:15pm-8:55pm Set 2

Venue: PALAIS ROYALE 230 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780, Blue Mountains

An aurally and visually stunning event in the beautiful Palais Royale Grand Ballroom
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Join us for a Spanish inspired evening where musician and composer Byron Mark and an ensemble of musicians perform Byron’s latest album ‘ODYSSEY’ which is scored for piano, string quartet, tabla, cajon and percussion. It explores Flamenco and Indian rhythms, along with Classical and Jazz harmonies, and so much more!

Byron Mark is a professional percussionist, pianist and composer, who has established himself as an in-demand funk, flamenco, jazz, and pop performer both in Australia and internationally. Beginning with study in classical piano from a young age, Byron continued on to learn drums, percussion and saxophone, and has pursued specialist training on cajon in Spain and djembe in West Africa. “I love sounds and I love rhythm. Combining these, I love to create music. From a young age, I would tickle the ivories or tap out beats on anything I could find, and years later, nothing much has changed – in fact I probably do those things a whole lot more now! What has changed though is my musical awareness and knowledge, which continues to grow everyday on the lifelong journey of music.” – Byron Mark

After many tours and performances with flamenco ensembles around Australia, Byron has developed a strong passion for flamenco rhythms. He is using this knowledge to craft unique compositions inspired by flamenco palos, yet coloured with Latin and Jazz rhythms/harmonies, whilst staying true to his classical piano roots. With this, the ‘Byron Mark Septet’ was formed – and is a powerful live ensemble, with members from all around the world.

‘ODYSSEY’ explores the sonic possibilities when combining keys with a traditional string quartet, percussion, and flamenco dance.
Byron will be performing on keyboard and cajon as part of the septet, along with a stellar ensemble including a string quartet, and cajon and tabla players.

Guest flamenco dancer Lauren Majarres will perform on an elevated dance floor stage in featured pieces throughout the concert.
It is mesmerising to watch the connection between the dancer’s footwork and the rhythms and melodies from the ensemble.

Byron’s debut album ‘AMALGAMATION’ in 2016 earned him top 5 in Australia for instrumental composition at the Australian Independent Music Awards. His current projects include percussionist and pianist for various flamenco ensembles in Sydney, including Paco Lara, ‘Arrebato Ensemble’ and Flamenkisimo. Byron also plays keyboards in the Frank Zappa show ‘Petulant Frenzy’, and keyboard/percussion in rhythm and movement ensemble ‘Jamestown Collective’. He is also well known for his unique ‘percussion station’ performance setup when playing in pop duo/trio formats – playing keyboards and percussion simultaneously.

“The performers exuberance was infectious” – ClassikON
“Byron’s piano tinkles, trills and rollicks along; mellifluous, even while exploring jazz & flamenco motifs.” – Syke off Stage

Odyssey Showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5VyAdZgzLE

www.byronmark.com
www.facebook.com/byronmarksydney
www.instagram.com/byronmarkmusic

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Equinox – Autumn Celebration of the Senses
This event is made possible by $2.6 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government. With the grant Blue Mountains Tourism, as the leading tourism authority in the region, will administer and manage the Blue Mountains Visitor Economy Revitalisation Project, a two-year destination management program that will reinstate the Blue Mountains as a key tourist destination in NSW and Australia.
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VENUE: PALAIS ROYALE GRAND BALLROOM 230 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 Blue Mountains
To discuss details of the PALAIS ROYALE BOUTIQUE HOTEL or to make an accommodation booking:
Email:
Phone: (02) 4784 6300
www.palaisroyale.com.au

The Palais Royale 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.

All events will strictly follow COVID safe procedures, as outlined by NSW Health.

Please read the ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS before purchasing:
Fusion Boutique & Palais Royale are registered COVID-SAFE businesses.
The health of our staff, performers and guests are of the highest priority. Thank you for your understanding while we navigate these current times.
• It is crucial that if you are experiencing any COVID like symptoms (flu-like symptoms, fevers, sore-throats etc) that you please do not attend.
• Please maintain physical distancing measures of 1.5m where possible.
• Hand washing and sanitising facilities will be available throughout the venue.
• There will be no entry to the Grand Ballroom for guests prior to the stated doors open time, however drinks and food can be purchased via the outside lobby bar from 5pm.
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The Palais Royale Lobby Bar will be open from 5pm for guests to purchase items from a special light Spanish inspired Tapas Menu and a range of beverages (beer, wine, cider, spirits, soft drinks and hot drinks) and glasses of Sangria.

PALAIS ROYALE TAPAS MENU (Available from 5pm – 8:15pm 1/4/23)

Olives and Mollete Veg $10
Champignons Al Ajillo (Garlic mushrooms) Veg, GF, DF $12
Patatas Bravas (Fried Potato) Veg, GF, $12
Croquettes, Salsa Brava, Aioli (potato & beef croquettes) $12
Gambas a la Parrilla (grilled prawns) GF, DF $16
Chorizo al Vino Tinto (wine braised chorizo) GF $16

Sangria Glass $14


The Tapas Menu light meal options will be available for purchase on the evening from 5pm from the Lobby Bar and from 6pm from the Ballroom.
Please note that food orders will open at 5pm and cease at 8:15pm.
There is also an option for guests to pre-order a cheese share plate to be available for pick up on the evening. Please note that cheese plates will not be available for purchase on the night. i.e. are only available via pre-order. Pre-order share cheese plates will close 9am on the day of the event. Share Cheese Plates $30 each, to pre-order visit:
https://events.humanitix.com/prsharecheeseplate

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Doors Open to the Grand Ballroom 6pm (no guest access prior)
Set 1: 7:00-7:40pm
35min intermission
Set 2: 8:15-8:55pm

Byron will also be available for a meet and greet and merchandise sales following the performance. We ask that guests keep noise to a minimum on conclusion of the event. The Palais Royale Grand Ballroom pop up bar will close at 8:15pm however the lobby bar will continue trading until 9:30pm should guests wish to enjoy any further drinks on conclusion of the performance and utilise the lobby bar and lounge areas

Room configuration will be seated in theatre style rows and seating will be general admission in 2 sections.
Discount pre-sale online tickets will close 5pm on the day of the event.
A Reserve $55 pre-sale + BF / $65 door
B Reserve $50 pre-sale + BF / $60 door
Ticket Link: https://events.humanitix.com/fbodyssey

Tickets at the Grand Ballroom Door are full price and require cash payment (after doors open at 6pm and only unless not sold out prior).
Discount show online pre-bookings will close 5pm on the day of the event.

Guests can still book with confidence knowing that, while tickets are normally non-refundable, if a show needs to be cancelled for any reason then all tickets will of course be refunded. If a show needs to be rescheduled then tickets will be valid for the new dates. In the instance of guest illness tickets can be transferred on request.

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

CONTACT DETAILS OF EVENT ORGANISER: Charity Mirow
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au

‘Rhythm Hunters’ RHYTHM UNDERGROUND 2019 at Jenolan Caves, SAT 23rd November 2019

‘Rhythm Hunters’
RHYTHM UNDERGROUND 2019 at Jenolan Caves

Sat 23rd Nov 2019 from 8pm (Doors 6pm)
Venue: Jenolan Caves (Grand Arch)
4655 Jenolan Caves Rd, Jenolan NSW 2790.

RHYTHM HUNTERS
+ special guests
NICKY BOMBA (Melbourne Ska Orchestra/John Butler Trio)
SI MULLUMBY (Wild Marmalade)

After a break – RHYTHM UNDERGROUND is back for 2019!
Don’t miss this amazing unique experience world rhythmic dance party event!

Rhythm Hunters are back in their biggest show of the past years, with the return of Rhythm Underground at The Jenolan Caves. With a brand new album ready to be released – this is the biggest and best album launch party we could imagine.

Rhythm Hunters have held 7 concerts in the arch and the event has seen 4000+ people to witness Frenetic Shamanic Dance, Japanese Shakuhachi Flute Master Riley Lee, thunderous Japanese drums, traditional music from Indonesia, electronic beats, drum and didge with Wild Marmalade and of course the enigmatic percussion master Nicky Bomba. It‘s like an organic dance party in the largest underground caves systems in the world.

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 sound scapes 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/1566486473481908

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

First round early bird tickets $40 on sale Friday 26th April – Sunday 30th June (Midnight)
Second round early bird tickets $55 on sale Monday 1st July – Friday 22nd November (9pm)
Door tickets $65
Kids under 12 FREE! (must be booked online ahead of time)
Tickets on sale now:
www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/rhythm-underground/112239

ACCOMMODATION
Camping is available with The Rhythm Hunters. Come camp with The Hunters at ‘Brae Lossie farm stay’, just 12km down the road from the Caves. $20 per night, per person (available Friday and Saturday night), on a beautiful property, with a chai tent/chill out space, Friday night entertainment, and a nice after gig chilled vibes running on Saturday night. Stay tuned for more details about great entertainment and activities on Friday night/ Saturday.

Situated on top of the Great Dividing Range, flanking the natural wonders of Jenolan Caves and Kanangra Walls. Set on 200 private rural acres overlooking our own private mountain spring fed lake. Perfect for those fresh water swims.

All booking for camping and the after party chill out must be booked online in advance. Only those with camping tickets will be allowed onto the property.

Caves House also offers accommodation on site at The Jenolan Caves in hotel, motel, cottage or backpacker lodge. For all bookings please check online here: http://www.jenolancaves.org.au/accommodation/

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.

RHYTHM HUNTERS & Special Guests at Blackheath Community Hall, FRI 12th April 2019

RHYTHM HUNTERS – Salam Dunia tour
+ Special Guests Maizy Coombes & Samba Trombada
at Blackheath Community Centre, Phillips Hall

Fri 12th April 2019 from 6:30pm
Corner Gardiner Crescent and Great Western Highway, Blackheath, Blue Mountains

Hunters-Hi-Res-Lands-250

Rhythm Hunters are excited to be bringing their infectious dance grooves back to the Blue Mountains for a special show at beautiful Blackheath.

RHYTHM HUNTERS
A dynamite force in world roots music, adored for their frenetic drum choreographies and infectious dance grooves, Rhythm Hunters bring cutting edge physical percussion, western horns, Asian flute, deep grooves and electro beats, making them one of Australia’s most exciting festival acts.

Rhythm Hunters is an assault on the senses and cannot be translated to an audio only experience. This is true for their visually captivating and signature all female Islamic percussive dance finale, renowned for leaving audiences screaming for more.

Drawing from the cultures of northern Australasia, to the traditional folk songs of Indonesia, and the electro beats of cyber culture, Rhythm Hunters is a unique musical and visual act that easily slides into many genres including world, folk, groove, electronic and cultural genres.

Rhythm Hunters have played alongside acts such as Nahko and Medicine for the People, Tash Sultana, Evermore, Blue King Brown, The Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Hot Potato Band and more. Festival slots include The Woodford Folk Festival, Peats Ridge, The Dreaming, The National Folk Festival, National Multicultural Festival, Winter Magic, Psyfari, Moomba, Jungle Love Festival, Subsonic, Mullumbimby Music Festival, Island Vibes, Illawarra Folk Festival, Cygnet Folk Festival, Dragon Dreaming, The International Reggae Festival (Malaysia), Granite Town and more.

Following a 14 month break, Rhythm Hunters returned to the stage for the 2019/19 Woodford Folk Festival to adoring fans and full crowds. In 2019 Rhythm Hunters look forward to releasing their highly anticipated new studio album; recorded by Robin Mai and produced by Nicky Bomba, as well as touring extensively around Australia and Indonesia throughout the year.

“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)

“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

+ Special guest Maizy Coombes

Maizy Coombes is an endearing Violinist and Singer/songwriter with a contemporary folk sound beneath wholesome lyricism.
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.
www.facebook.com/maizyj
VIDEO “Train Tracks” : https://youtu.be/3t0JCV-FxaE

+ Special guests Samba Trombada

Samba Trombada is a group based in the Blue Mountains, NSW. Formerly known as King Parrot Samba, Samba Trombada was established in 2007 by Javier Rodriguez.
The group specialises in carnival drumming, samba, which is played in Rio de Janiero across many neighbourhoods and towns.
Samba Trombada embraces the percussive aspect of Brazilian community drumming, collaborating with like minded Brazilian dancers and performers across Sydney.

Samba Trombada will get the dance floor warmed up before Rhythm Hunters take to the stage. So bring your dancing shoes (or kick your shoes off!) and let loose!

www.facebook.com/sambatrombada
www.sambatrombada.com

There will be bar facilities available for the purchase of beverages, and food and hot drinks will be available from the Bliss Beat Curry stand.
Delicious Authentic Vegetarian, Gluten, Dairy & Nut Free CATERING:
www.facebook.com/blissbeatcurry

RHYTHM HUNTERS + Special Guests
Friday 12th April 2019
Blackheath Community Centre, Phillips Hall
Corner Gardiner Crescent and Great Western Highway, Blackheath, Blue Mountains.
Doors Open 6:30pm

All ages, family friendly event.
Kids under 12 are FREE and must be reserved online.
Tickets $20 pre sale / $25 door (unless sold out)

Tickets on sale here: http://bit.ly/HuntersMountainsTix

Facebook Event: www.facebook.com/events/2204605423200491

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

MEDIA CONTACT
Charity Mirow E:

LOLO LOVINA in Concert for at The Metropole Guesthouse Upstairs for ‘Metro Social’ Katoomba Blue Mountains, FRI 9th February 2018

Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with
LOLO LOVINA
live in Concert at the 1930’s Metropole Guesthouse.

Friday 9th February 2018, 6:30pm. Doors Open 5:30pm.

We are very pleased to welcome back Lolo Lovina ahead of their performance by invitation at one of the biggest festivals in the world – SXSW in Austin, Texas.

Lolo Lovina (‘Red Beer’) are an intoxicating, cosmopolitan virtuosic brew infused with Unza, Swing and Balkan Gypsy beats. The only ethnic Romani band in Australia, fronted by Hungarian Romani-Gypsy singer Sarah Bedak.

Lolo Lovina’s music reflects the cosmopolitan identity of an artist, who grew up with three native tongues and cultures. The charming and passionate performance of the charismatic singer makes each of her concerts an unique experience. Featuring Serbian Rroma drummer and guitarist Nenad Radic, Stuart Vandegraaff on Sax, clarinet & Ney, David Carr on guitar and banjo & Nathan Gatt on double bass.

Lolo Lovina have played at the Opera House, Guca Festival Serbia, in New Caledonia, in Europe and to full houses wherever they go.
Their album Rroma Sapien received a 4 Star review in the London based World Music magazine Song Lines (June 2016) with Rroma Sapien and RromAntics both being featured on ABC Radio Nationals program, ‘The Daily Planet’.

“(Lolo Lovina)…have created an album that swings from traditional to groundbreaking Rroma music, all imbued with a tremendous sense of fun” – Lucky Oceans, The Daily Planet ABC Radio National

‘Excellent new, vibrant album (RromAntics!) from world-touring,  Sydney-based Rrom music band…’ –  Lucky Oceans, The Daily Planet, ABC Radio National

“You have to listen to these people, this is the future of music” – Brian Eno, Luminous Festival, Sydney Opera House

“With musicians from Ukrainian/Romanian, Hungarian and Brazillian backgrounds, this music is authentic to its roots and played with vigour and precision.” – Bradfield Dumpleton

“Musically and culturally Planet/MGM consider the group to be in the forefront of contemporary world music coming out of Australia. Their live performances are exciting, varied and professional with consummate performance skills from all members.” – Graeme Regan, MGM the Planet Company

“…Traditional Gypsy tunes alternate with Lolo originals here, and the  arrangements are solid,    tight, classy and brassy…” – 4  STAR review of  Rroma Sapien by Seth Jordan in Songlines Magazine, London    UK. June 2016   

www.lololovina.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 also be made through the rear. If entering from the front the bar/restaurant is on the right.

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.

Drinks and light meals will be available from the Metro Retro bar once doors open.

Doors Open 5:30pm. Show Starts 6:30pm.
General Admission.
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/62000

Or $25 on the Door from 5:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

This is an intimate seating space and tickets are exclusively limited

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

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:

GYPSY MASQUERADE BALL with LOLO LOVINA at The Metropole Guesthouse in the Bar / Restaurant, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, SAT 27th May 2017

Fusion Boutique Presents ‘Metro Social’ with LOLO LOVINA at the Metropole Guesthouse.

Lolo Lovina’s 10th Birthday Celebration Party Masquerade Ball held in the 1930’s Metro Retro Bar / Restaurant.

Saturday 27th May 2017, 6pm. Doors Open 5pm.

Lolo Lovina (‘Red Beer’) are an intoxicating, cosmopolitan virtuosic brew infused with Unza, Swing and Balkan Gypsy beats. The only ethnic Romani band in Australia, fronted by Hungarian Romani-Gypsy singer Sarah Bedak.

Lolo Lovina’s music reflects the cosmopolitan identity of an artist, who grew up with three native tongues and cultures. The charming and passionate performance of the charismatic singer makes each of her concerts an unique experience. Featuring Serbian Rroma drummer and guitarist Nenad Radic, Stuart Vandegraaff on Sax, clarinet & Ney, David Carr on guitar and banjo & Nathan Gatt on double bass.

Lolo Lovina have played at the Opera House, Guca Festival Serbia, in New Caledonia, in Europe and to full houses wherever they go. Their album Rroma Sapien received a 4 Star review in the London based World Music magazine Song Lines (June 2016) and was played in full on National Australian radio.

‘RrOMaNTICS’ Lolo Lovina’s 3rd album features Lolo Lovina originals, traditional Rroma (Gypsy)  tunes as well as signature ‘Lolo-fied’ covers. ‘RrOMaNTICS’ sees influences of Argentinian tango, Oz rock and deep Romanian Rroma. Expect soulful, fun, fresh, a little bit naughty and totally RrOMaNTIC! 

Highlights:
Rroma Sapien featured on The Daily Planet, ABC Radio National March 2015
Sydney Opera House 40 Anniversary Concert, 2013
Live En Aout Festival, New Caledonia 2014
Australian tour with the New York Gypsy All Stars, 2013
Guca Trumpet Festival, Serbia 2011
Brian Eno’s Luminous Festival; The Opera House; 2009
Spiegeltent 2009

“(Lolo Lovina)…have created an album that swings from traditional to groundbreaking Rroma music, all imbued with a tremendous sense of fun” – Lucky Oceans, The Daily Planet ABC Radio National

“You have to listen to these people, this is the future of music” – Brian Eno, Luminous Festival, Sydney Opera House

“With musicians from Ukrainian/Romanian, Hungarian and Brazillian backgrounds, this music is authentic to its roots and played with vigour and precision.” – Bradfield Dumpleton

“Musically and culturally Planet/MGM consider the group to be in the forefront of contemporary world music coming out of Australia. Their live performances are exciting, varied and professional with consummate performance skills from all members.” – Graeme Regan, MGM the Planet Company

www.lololovina.wordpress.com
www.lolothegypsycaravanstage.com

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Come and join us for an intimate and entertaining Gypsy Ball.

Dressing in theme is encouraged!

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VENUE:
METRO SOCIAL in the Bar / Restaurant of the Metropole Guesthouse 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 also be made through the rear. If entering from the front the bar/restaurant is on the right.

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.

Drinks and light meals will be available from the Metro Retro bar once doors open.

Doors Open 5pm. Show Starts 6pm.
General Admission.
Communal Tables, Theatre Style Seating to the sides and some Standing Room.

Tickets $25 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 $26.50 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/PCII

Or $30 on the Door from 5pm Saturday 27th May 2017 (Unless Sold Out)

This is an intimate seating space and tickets are exclusively limited

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

RHYTHM HUNTERS & SONORI at Katoomba Community Centre, SAT 13th May 2017

RHYTHM HUNTERS
+ Special Guests SONORI
at Katoomba Community Centre

Sat 13th May 2017 from 7pm
81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

Rhythm Hunters are excited to be bringing their infectious dance grooves back to the Blue Mountains for another special show in Katoomba at the community hall.
Supporting on the night is local electro-acoustic four piece Sonori.

RHYTHM HUNTERS
A dynamite force in world roots music, adored for their frenetic drum choreographies and infectious dance grooves, Rhythm Hunters bring cutting edge physical percussion, western horns, Asian flute, deep grooves and electro beats, making them one of Australia’s most exciting and in demand festival acts.
Rhythm Hunters have played alongside acts such as Nahko and Medicine for the People, Evermore, Blue King Brown and The Melbourne Ska Orchestra. Festival slots include The Woodford Folk Festival, Peats Ridge, The Dreaming, The National Folk Festival, National Multicultural Festival, Winter Magic, Psyfari, Moomba, Jungle Love Festival, Subsonic, Mullumbimby Music Festival, Island Vibes, Illawarra and Cygnet Folk Festivals.

“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)

“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 otherworld. I was clearly unprepared for the power of this act.” ~ Steve Gadd – Director Cygnet Folk Festival
www.therhythmhunters.com
www.facebook.com/TheRhythmHunters

SONORI
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 soaring and shadowy vocals, thick layers of sound, and pulsing beats, 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 May‪.‬ 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
www.instagram.com/sonorimusic
www.twitter.com/sonorimusic

There will be bar facilities available for the purchase of beverages and food and hot drinks available from the Bliss Beat Curry stand.
Delicious Authentic Vegetarian, Gluten, Dairy & Nut Free CATERING:
www.facebook.com/blissbeatcurry

www.facebook.com/events/489141941254729

RHYTHM HUNTERS + SONORI
Saturday 13th May
Katoomba Community Centre, Civic Place
81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Doors 7pm
Presale discount tickets $20
Door tickets $30 (Unless Sold Out)

Tickets on sale now: http://tix.yt/rhythm-hunters-katoomba

* NOTE: This event is all ages. Kids under 13 are FREE, and must be reserved online.
Sorry, strictly no refunds or exchanges.

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

MEDIA CONTACT
Charity Mirow E:

THE PIGS at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, SAT 4th Feb 2017

The Pigs Spring / Summer Tour at Hotel Gearin

Sat 4th Feb 2017
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

As seen on Spicks and Specks and Australia’s Got Talent! The Pigs are comin’ back to the Mountains. With some Mount’n music!

Unashamed bluegrass sinners, The Pigs have been spreading their supercharged hillbilly pop around Australia and the world for over 12 years. Their ability to turn hit pop songs into downright foot-stompers is legendary and their kooky original anthems like ‘Macho Moisturiser’ and ‘Hey Christina’ are sung from Berlin to Bendigo.

Following three celebrated albums, international tours, Golden Guitar nominations and a trip to the dentist, 2015 saw the release of their iconic Aussie album, ‘The Pigs Home Brew’ and the crazy national tour that ensued, including major festivals, regional theatres and TV appearances – even singing “Ita” to Ita Buttrose (she loved their shiny teeth)!

T-Bone, Stretch, Cousin Shamus, Cousin Montz and Cousin Bert will perform crowd-favourite tunes from 12 Years on the road. With double bass, acoustic guitars, mandolin, stand up drums, banjo and big bluegrass vocal harmonies, The Pigs’ barefoot-genre-bending-energy appeals to just about anybody with a pulse!

The band is known for its dynamic and entertaining live performances guaranteed to get your feet stomping and your faces smiling.

They will be playing a huge two full length sets from 9pm.

www.thepigs.com.au
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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 $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/44917

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

Or $25 on the Door from 8:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

LOLO LOVINA ‘RrOMaNTICS’ Album Launch at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, SAT 10th Dec 2016

Lolo Lovina ‘RrOMaNTICS’ Album Launch
+ Special Guests: Belle Jar

Sat 10th Dec 2016
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

Fresh from their European CD tour, Lolo Lovina launch their new album in the Blue Mountains.
We had the distinct pleasure of bringing this fabulous act to the Blue Mountains last time and now have the honour of hosting them again a little over two and a half years later!
Presenting again 2 fantastic acts in one night –
Tango, Swing, Jazz, Multicultural Gypsy Rhythms with a touch of Balkan & French Flavouring!

Lolo Lovina (‘Red Beer’) are an intoxicating, cosmopolitan virtuosic brew infused with Unza, Swing and Balkan Gypsy beats. The only ethnic Romani band in Australia, fronted by Hungarian Romani-Gypsy singer Sarah Bedak.

Lolo Lovina’s music reflects the cosmopolitan identity of an artist, who grew up with three native tongues and cultures. The charming and passionate performance of the charismatic singer makes each of her concerts an unique experience. Featuring Serbian Rroma drummer and guitarist Nenad Radic, Stuart Vandegraaff on Sax, clarinet & Ney, David Carr on guitar and banjo & Nathan Gatt on double bass.

Lolo Lovina have played at the Opera House, Guca Festival Serbia, in New Caledonia, in Europe and to full houses wherever they go. Their album Rroma Sapien received a 4 Star review in the London based World Music magazine Song Lines (June 2016) and was played in full on National Australian radio.

‘RrOMaNTICS’ Lolo Lovina’s 3rd album features Lolo Lovina originals, traditional Rroma (Gypsy)  tunes as well as signature ‘Lolo-fied’ covers. ‘RrOMaNTICS’ sees influences of Argentinian tango, Oz rock and deep Romanian Rroma. Expect soulful, fun, fresh, a little bit naughty and totally RrOMaNTIC! 

Highlights:
Rroma Sapien featured on The Daily Planet, ABC Radio National March 2015
Sydney Opera House 40 Anniversary Concert, 2013
Live En Aout Festival, New Caledonia 2014
Australian tour with the New York Gypsy All Stars, 2013
Guca Trumpet Festival, Serbia 2011
Brian Eno’s Luminous Festival; The Opera House; 2009
Spiegeltent 2009

“(Lolo Lovina)…have created an album that swings from traditional to groundbreaking Rroma music, all imbued with a tremendous sense of fun” – Lucky Oceans, The Daily Planet ABC Radio National

“You have to listen to these people, this is the future of music” – Brian Eno, Luminous Festival, Sydney Opera House

“With musicians from Ukrainian/Romanian, Hungarian and Brazillian backgrounds, this music is authentic to its roots and played with vigour and precision.” – Bradfield Dumpleton

“Musically and culturally Planet/MGM consider the group to be in the forefront of contemporary world music coming out of Australia. Their live performances are exciting, varied and professional with consummate performance skills from all members.” – Graeme Regan, MGM the Planet Company

www.lololovina.wordpress.com
www.lolothegypsycaravanstage.com

LoloLovinaWeb250

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Ignited in the catacombs of Paris, Belle Jar brings you the madness and mayhem of infectious rhythms and manic fables.
They play an original blend of Gypsy, Klezmer, Swing and Pop styles, with English and French lyrics. They tell stories of anti-heroes trying to break out of the ordinary that will get you up and dancing.
Belle Jar‘s infectious energy has spread from festival to festival over the last few years. Their genuine interaction with people and their passion for what they do is evident. These guys will fire up your old country longings as wild boom-chak boom-chak rhythm meets bent melody.

www.bellejar.com.au

BelleJarShotOldWeb250

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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. Belle Jar Start 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.

Or online $16.50 (Including booking fees): www.stickytickets.com.au/40665

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

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

CONTACT DETAILS:

THE GREEN MOHAIR SUITS + THE HAYWOOD BILLY GOATS (USA) at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Sat 26th Nov 2016

The Green Mohair Suits Album Launch Tour
+ The Haywood Billy Goats (USA)

Sat 26th Nov 2016
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

The Green Mohair Suits are about much more than delivering new takes on old sounds. Their inspired musicianship has seen them compile a collection of quality original tunes – a solid mix of heartbreak and hangover, humour and humility – that are crying out to entertain a broader audience. Occupying a broad musical landscape between influences like Beck, Fleet Foxes, Hank Williams, Tom Waits, Portishead & Gram Parsons, band member Campeau labels their music “Garage-grass”, adding fans should “expect sad songs and waltzes.” He forgets to add that they should also prepare themselves for a harmonious blur of booze-soaked good times, mixed with schooner-loads of emotion and energy. “See us because we’re super hot and our harmonies are like having an orgasm on a mountain top,” Campeau declares. “The vibe onstage is always great – we focus much more on having a good time than being perfectionists.”

We are very pleased to present the Green Mohair Suits for their latest Album Launch.

‘This album gets into your head the way a green mohair suit would get all over your couch’ – Tristian Lutze

“Green Mohair Suits make music for pleasure. Our Pleasure. If you don’t find yourself smiling, tapping or joining in on one of those harmonies, you’re leading a very sad life” – Bernard Zuel

“Their strength lies in their uber-tight harmonies that blend in virtuosic layers, equal parts Fleet Foxes and CSN. Like local alumni Little Bastard they’ve captured the vibe and mood of their live performances while granting their songs their moment in the studio spotlight. ‘Wooden Duck ‘ is a rewarding blend of bluegrass and both modern and traditional folk music.” – Chris Familton

www.greenmohairsuits.com
www.facebook.com/GreenMohairSuits

GreenMohairSuitsWeb250

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We are also extremely pleased to present Chatham County, NC based old time dance band The Haywood Billy Goats who are touring Australia for a lot of the summer festivals including the Dorrigo Folk Festival.

The Haywood Billy Goats have become one of the most respected string bands in the North Carolina old time music scene.
Their tight, hard-driving sound and repertoire of traditional NC dance music has earned the band top finishes in a number of reputable string band contests throughout the region as well as numerous ribbons for twin fiddling.
Members of the group have won blue ribbons at prestigious contests such as the Mt. Airy, Union Grove, and Fiddler’s Grove Festivals as well as a first place finish at the 2015 Australian National Bluegrass Mandolin Championship. In addition to being in demand as a square-dance band across North Carolina, the Haywood Billy Goats have played for dance contests at various festivals throughout the region and have performed with legendary NC dance ensemble, the Green Grass Cloggers.
Holding great appreciation for older-generation musicians in the traditional music community, the Billy Goats have spent considerable time playing with and learning from many respected old time musicians from the Round Peak and Piedmont regions of North Carolina. Members of the Billy Goats have also performed with Sierra Hull, Ricky Skaggs, Jim Lauderdale, Chris Henry and the Hardcore Grass, and Mandolin Orange.

www.facebook.com/HaywoodBillyGoats

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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.

Or online $16.50 (Including booking fees): www.stickytickets.com.au/41355

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

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

CONTACT DETAILS:

Rhythm Hunters ‘ONE RHYTHM’ 2016 at Katoomba Community Centre, SAT 19th November 2016

Rhythm Hunters
ONE RHYTHM at Katoomba / Leura Community Centre

Sat 19th Nov 2016 from 7pm
81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

RHYTHM HUNTERS + special guests:
Si Mullumby (Wild Marmalade)
+ Snail

As you may be aware, Rhythm Underground in Jenolan Caves has been cancelled for 2016, whilst some environmental studies are undertaken. The Hunters look forward to returning to Jenolan Caves in 2017. One Rhythm will take place on Friday 18th November in Bondi Junction, and Saturday 19th November in Katoomba.

Rhythm Hunters are excited to be bringing their infectious dance grooves back to the Mountains for a special show in Katoomba at the community hall.
Supporting Rhythm Hunters, and also joining them on stage as a special guest will be Si Mullumby of Wild Marmalade fame. Also supporting on the night is local folk trio Snail.

Rhythm Hunters
A dynamite force in world roots music, adored for their frenetic drum choreographies and infectious dance grooves, Rhythm Hunters bring cutting edge physical percussion, western horns, Asian flute, deep grooves and electro beats, making them one of Australia’s most exciting and in demand festival acts.
Rhythm Hunters have played alongside acts such as Nahko and Medicine for the People, Evermore, Blue King Brown and The Melbourne Ska Orchestra. Festival slots include The Woodford Folk Festival, Peats Ridge, The Dreaming, The National Folk Festival, National Multicultural Festival, Winter Magic, Psyfari, Moomba, Jungle Love Festival, Subsonic, Mullumbimby Music Festival, Island Vibes, Illawarra and Cygnet Folk Festivals.

“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)

“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 otherworld. I was clearly unprepared for the power of this act.” ~ Steve Gadd – Director Cygnet Folk Festival
www.therhythmhunters.com
www.facebook.com/TheRhythmHunters

SI MULLUMBY (Wild Marmalade)
Leading contemporary didgeridoo player Si Mullumby has pushed the boundaries of what can be done with Australia’s iconic instrument. As a solo act, Si reveals his hidden multi-instrumental self. Combining flamenco guitar, spanish cajon and drums, he creates a world music framework to support his unique didgeridoo sound. Musically influenced from 20 years of travelling throughout the globe, Si delivers a unique experience born from choosing to walk the road less travelled.

“An astonishing solo player” ~ Guy Caron – Creative director of Cirque du Soleil
www.wildmarmalade.com
www.facebook.com/wildmarmalade

Snail.
Snail is a trio of three pals. Holding their dear collection of special stringed instruments in their hands, this band weave influences of RnB, hip hop, soul and a little bit of jazz, creating their own quirky and contemporary sound.

Over the last year, the freshly formed group have been playing shows in and around Sydney and the Blue Mountains at events such as Art Party, Folkswagon and The Blue Mountains Folk Festival.
www.facebook.com/snailbandy

www.facebook.com/events/1572637679414314

RHYTHM HUNTERS + SI MULLUMBY + SNAIL
Saturday 19th November
Katoomba Community Centre, Civic Place
81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Doors 7pm
Presale tickets $20
Door tickets $30

* NOTE: This event is all ages. Kids under 13 are FREE, and must be reserved.
Sorry, strictly no refunds or exchanges.

Tickets on sale 9am Wednesday 12th Oct:
www.stickytickets.com.au/44280

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

MEDIA CONTACT
Charity Mirow E:

THE COMPANY + 10 STRING SYMPHONY (USA) at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Sat 29th Oct 2016

The Company Album Launch Tour
+ 10 String Symphony (USA)

Sat 29th Oct 2016
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

thecompanydsc_6125web250

The Company are embarking on an Australian tour to release their third studio album ‘Six and Five’ and are returning to Katoomba, following their Blue Mountains Music Festival performance in 2015.
We are very excited to announce that they will also be joined by Nashville progressive acoustic Folk duo 10 String Symphony.

Boasting two Australian Bluegrass champions on guitar, fiddle and banjo, The Company have a passion for high-energy original and traditional acoustic music and have solidified themselves as one of the best bluegrass outfits in Australia. The playing and singing is crisp, melodic and soulful. In concert you witness the band’s virtuosity but also a wry humour and engaging camaraderie. Highly regarded for their originality, they’ve appeared at major music festivals around Australia (Port Fairy, Woodford, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Queensland Music Festival, National Folk Festival, Mountain Grass Festival etc) and the UK (Hebridean Celtic Music Festival, Belladrum Music Festival) and have been featured on local ABC radio and ABC Radio National.

Members include Mick Patrick (Vocals/Mandolin/fiddle) National Folk Festival “Declan Affley” Award winner who grew up in a family band playing bush dances in North Queensland; Jamie Clark (Guitar/Vocals) CMAA Bluegrass Flatpicking Champion in 2011 and described as “a cracking guitarist” by Rolling Stone Magazine; now Nashville based George Jackson (Fiddle/Banjo/Vocals) a 7th generation fiddler and 2012 Golden Fiddle Award for “Best Fiddler”; and Norwegian born Markus Karlsen (Double Bass/Vocals) a highly sought after session bassist in Australia.

“A masterclass in bluegrass” – Sean Sennett, The Australian

“The quartet is at the pinnacle of the Australian acoustic country scene.” – David Costello, Courier Mail

“Fantastic! … This band is raising the bar for acoustic musicians in Australia” – 3-time Golden Guitar winner, Hamish Davidson of the Davidson Brothers

www.thecompanybluegrass.com
www.facebook.com/thecompanybluegrass

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Nashville duo 10 String Symphony began as a partnership of mutual admiration­­ and a much needed creative release valve for Rachel Baiman and Christian Sedelmyer, two 5 ­string fiddle players and veteran sidemen of Nashville’s music scene. Rachel, a former Illinois state fiddle champion in the old time tradition, needed an outlet for the new sort of songs she was writing, while Christian, originally a classically trained violinist, now a current touring member of the Jerry Douglas Band, was looking to get in touch the impetuous spirit of the rock bands he played in before his arrival in Nashville. With the love of the 5­ string fiddle and its musical possibilities as its focal point, the band’s mission statement was as clear as it was expansive:
Two fiddles. Two Voices. Epic music.

And yet, ‘Weight of the world,’ the band’s latest batch of recordings to be released on 23rd Oct, is not at all the record one might expect from a duo of seasoned Nashville fiddlers. This is not a record of showboating­­ no mere polished showcasing of technical virtuosity. Rather, at its core, ‘Weight of the world’ is raw and intimate­­ a nuanced and patient record with designs to move rather than merely impress its listeners. Rachel and Christian’s musical prowess and chemistry is certainly on display for those in the know, but listening deeply reveals that these flourishes are always in service of reaching the listener emotionally­­ the spiritual earnestness of song­craft which keeps us perennially returning to the roots of American music.

ALL THINGS MUSIC has described the band’s’ sound as a “new take on old ideas,” a concept and tension that the duo continues to explore throughout “Weight of the World.” This is showcased on songs like “Someone to be Good For,” where a timeless fiddle melody is underscored by Rachel’s acutely personal and timely take on the search for romantic fulfilment in the midst of brokenness. Or in the searching harmonies and exploratory fiddle runs of a song like “I’m Not Lonesome”­­ While the title may hearken back to the tradition, Christian’s haunting melodies and searching cadences bespeak of an artist that has spent as much time with Wagner and Pet Sounds era Beach Boys as he has with the Seeger brothers.

And perhaps this is what makes ‘Weight of the World’ such a brave record: Its the soundtrack of a process­­ a picture of a band striving to maintain the purity of purpose of the American old­time tradition, while simultaneously stretching its limitations with unique arrangements, unflinchingly personal lyrics, and a bravely progressive melodic palette.

‘Weight of the World’ is a snapshot of an impetuous band in mid­stride­­ old­souls who are passionately determined to speak to our contemporary moment. From the sounds of it, this is just the beginning. ­- James Wilson (Sons of BIll)

“They do things with fiddles you wouldn’t expect” NPR All Songs Considered “The Newest and Most Promising Voices in Americana”

“…a dynamic musical stew that covers a wide spectrum of acoustic-based roots music, hitting on old-time, folk and bluegrass, all delivered with a dash of rock and roll spunk.” – American Songwriter Magazine

“When each song ended, the two pressed tight into their microhphones, savoring the last strains of the harmony – and even the bartenders seemed to be leaning forward breathlessly, awaiting someone to clap first. Their self titled recording aptly demonstrates the power of a spare, tightly-connected acoustic performance that is given room to evolve – for bluegrass fans, the lightning fast harmonic runs on dueling fiddle is worth the price of admission alone. But it’s the off-road experiments, especially from Christian’s biting bow strokes that will make future audiences take note.” – The Bluegrass Situation

“…Stirring together Old-Time flavors with the broader range of influences brought by an omnivorous musical appetite” – The Nashville Scene

“Really, really beautiful.” – Ricky Ross, BBC Scotland

“An unassumingly intriguing record…something out of the ordinary” – Steve Hunt, fRoots Magazine (UK)

www.10stringsymphony.com
www.facebook.com/10StringSymphony

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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 $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/40698

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

Or $25 on the Door from 8:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

SOLD OUT – TIJUANA CARTEL + Special Guests Sonori & Leotrix at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Fri 28th Oct 2016

TIJUANA CARTEL
+ Special Guests Sonori & Leotrix (DJ set)

Fri 28th Oct 2016
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780

Tijuana Cartel serve up a tasty mix of world music and club beats. These Gold-Coast based tour addicts are renowned for their live shows and tight production.

As the corner stone of Australia’s ‘east meets west’ electronic scene, Tijuana Cartel have a knack for blending layers of rich, intricate atmospheric soundscapes with laid back rhythms and luscious vocals to form an electronic beats tapestry that will cut through to your very soul.

Simply, there isn’t another band doing what they do. Having spent the last decade mixing in influences that haven’t been fused in the past, their penchant is for Middle Eastern scales, beats that get a floor moving and a general Psychedelic approach in song structure and ethos.
Not married to one genre or another, they happily change direction in search of new flavours and inspiration, whenever the moment takes them there.

www.tijuanacartel.com
www.facebook.com/thetijuanacartel

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Sonori-2016web250

+ Special Guests Sonori

Sonori is an electro-acoustic four piece consisting of vocals, cello, guitar, keyboards, drum machines and electronics.
Rich with thick layers of sound and pulsing beats, they have been described as “Cinematic orchestral experimental journey music. Post rock you can dance to”.
Inspiration comes from the likes of Hans Zimmer, Philip Glass, Sigur Ros, Nathan Fake, Hardfloor and Laurent Garnier.

Lulu Levins-Skehill – Vocals, Bass
Andre Matkovic – Guitar, Keys, Bass, Voice, Trumpet
Tim Mahony – Cello
Jasper Russell – Drum machines, Electronics, Lights

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

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LeotrixPicWeb250

+ Opening with a DJ set by Leotrix

DJ Leotrix is a 17 year old electronic musician and DJ from the Lower Blue Mountains in Winmalee. His style comes from different tastes of electronic dance music including Dubstep, Trap, Bass House and Future Bass.

www.facebook.com/thelionisawaketonight

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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. Leotirx DJ Set from 8:30pm.

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 $23.50 (Including booking fees): http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=66149

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

Or $25 on the Door from 8:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

WE LOST THE SEA 2016 Australian Tour at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Sat 4th June 2016

WE LOST THE SEA 2016 Australian Tour at Hotel Gearin
+ Special Guests
Dumbsaint
Sonori

Sat 4th June 2016
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

After a hugely successful debut Blue Mountains performance in 2015 we are very pleased to welcome back We Lost The Sea to perform at the Hotel Gearin for their 2016 Australian tour.
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We Lost The Sea are embarking on their first-ever headlined Australian tour.
Performing across Australia for the past 8 years, supporting the likes of This Will Destroy You (US), Rosetta (US), Mono (JPN) and The Red Paintings, We Lost The Sea have elevated their live shows to new heights, so it is only fair to give the people what they want.

Honed in the once thrumming confines of Sydney’s live music venues, We Lost The Sea came together in 2007, to create a new collection of noise that gathers relentless crushing guitars together with post-rock atmospherics and melody.

Their debut release Crimea and 2012’s critically acclaimed sophomore album The Quietest Place on Earth established We Lost The Sea as a force to be reckoned with; making end of year lists both locally and internationally while also being given the title of “best Australian performance of the year” by Lochlan Watt of Triple J’s The Racket in 2013.

We Lost At Sea’s most recent and third full length album, Departure Songs, released in 2015 was written during a time of rare and uneasy rest, devoid of the constant adrenaline of performing live and the heartbreaking loss of their lead singer and best friend, Chris Torpy. This time offered a new space for We Lost The Sea to reflect on all these previous experiences and cradle them, while cultivating a new album in an unfamiliar environment – the most experimental and emotional, by far. Inspired by failed, yet epic journeys and events, each track in Departure Songs has it’s own story and is a soundtrack to that story. The group’s sense of rediscovery as a creative whole is tangible throughout.

We Lost The Sea teach us that you don’t have to be afraid of the past to move bravely into the future and with this, announce their first ever headlined Australian tour.

“This is a band that knows the art of subtlety; a band that, even in the most raucous moments of their music, remain cautious and attentive to the sounds they’re respectively creating” – The Music

“We Lost the Sea’s standout feature is the sheer momentum behind each of their songs, each totally sweeping me away” – The AU Review

“The compositions are thoughtful, the performances faultless” – This Is Not A Scene

www.welostthesea.com
www.facebook.com/welostthesea
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+ Special Guests

Heavy prog mates, Dumbsaint from Sydney will be joining the line up along with local electronic-cello-post guys Sonori.

Dumbsaint
https://dumbsaint.bandcamp.com

Sonori
https://www.facebook.com/sonorimusic

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Doors Open 8:30pm.
1st Support Starts 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets DISCOUNT $15 pre-sale 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 $16.50 (Including booking fees):
www.stickytickets.com.au/36166

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

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

CONTACT DETAILS:
For more information visit: www.fusionboutique.com.au

THE EAST POINTERS (Canada) + THE MAE TRIO (Melbourne) at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Fri 8th April 2016

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!

www.eastpointers.ca
www.facebook.com/EastPointersMusic
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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

“spine-tingling harmonies” – The Scotsman

www.themaetrio.com
www.facebook.com/themaetrio
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Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

Doors Open 8:30pm
1st Act: The Mae Trio 9pm
2nd Act: The East Pointers 10:15pm

General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets DISCOUNT $15 pre-sale available from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)
Or from the Hotel front bar.

Or online $16.50 (Including booking fees):
www.stickytickets.com.au/33532

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

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

CONTACT DETAILS:

PETER ROWAN Bluegrass Band featuring Chris Henry (USA) – 2016 Australian Tour at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, Sat 2nd April 2016

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

Website: www.peter-rowan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PeterRowanMusic

Videos that give some idea of the variety of his material (all are his original songs except for the Merlefest 2015 video):
Peter Rowan, with Chris Henry on mandolin: Keepin’ It Between The Lines (The Old School):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GWBrePNRGs
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band: Land of The Navajo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UC5F8O3slg
Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band Merlefest 2015: Righteous Pathway & Goodbye Old Pal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0gFsmWVHL0
Peter Rowan, with Chris Henry on mandolin: Midnight Moonlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnIhIlRJtco
Peter Rowan: Doc Watson Morning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS_8JutSUOQ
Peter Rowan: The Free Mexican Airforce, with introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dlFMKmE7pg
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Special Guests Mike, Tinker & Ged

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”.

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Doors Open 8:30pm. Support Starts 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets $25 DISCOUNT pre-sale available from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)
Or the Hotel front bar.

Or DISCOUNT Early Bird pre-sale online $26.50 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/JZRP

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

CONTACT DETAILS:

ONE UP, TWO DOWN EP Launch at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Fri 29th Jan 2016

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

www.oneuptwodown.com
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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.

www.catgutband.com
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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

www.facebook.com/theploughband
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Doors Open 8pm. First support Starts 8:30pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets DISCOUNT $15 pre-sale available NOW from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)

Or online $16.50 (Including booking fees):
www.stickytickets.com.au/32679

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

CONTACT DETAILS:

New Years Eve with CLAUDE HAY and More at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba, Blue Mountains, THUR 31st Dec 2015

New Years Eve with CLAUDE HAY and More at Hotel Gearin

Thur 31st Dec 2015
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

Something exceptionally cool to experience this New Years Eve in the Blue Mountains!
Come join us for a huge night of quality original live Blues/Roots/Rock/Hillbilly Disco music with Claude Hay and friends to welcome in the New Year.
Then finish the night off with the super chilled beats and tunes from Papa Richie’s ‘Echo Point Sound System’

Hailing from the Blue Mountains near Sydney, award winning Australian solo artist Claude Hay blends slide guitar, bass and drums to create music that invokes the best of stomping traditional blues, hard rock and booty-shaking funk, all delivered with chops to burn and a vocal range to match. Claude is perhaps the world’s ultimate Do-It-Yourself musician – forging his live sound on the back of looping technology which allows him to create a band vibe without the band. This approach has seen this fiercely independent artist build an audience for his music globally with the release of three award-winning home-made albums.

Taking DIY a step further than most, Claude has built all his own equipment: there’s ‘Betty’, his double-necked guitar which he made out of a kitchen bench top; there’s ‘Stella’, his new ‘Cigar Box’ guitar which started its life as a six dollar baking tin. He’s also built his own dome house and studio from the ground up, and pimped out his tour van with a shower and bar (a great move when you consider how much time he spends on the road).

Claude Hay took out the Best Male Vocalist category at the 2013 Australia Blues Music Chain Awards adding to the swag of awards he received for his second album, 2010’s ‘Deep Fried Satisfied’. In the same week, Claude Hay’s song ‘Stone Face’ successfully made the semi-finals in the Blues category at the International Songwriters Competition, which is judged by industry heavy weights such as Bruce Iglauer (CEO, Alligator Records), Tom Waits, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi and other internationally recognised producers and label A&R executives.

Claude Hay, long established as pretty much the world’s best ‘One Man Band’
We are delighted that Claude is available to do a Mountains home show this year. Come on out to experience one of The Mountains’ favourite musical sons joined by some other highly enjoyable Mountains talent.

www.claudehay.com.au

Blue Love Revue and their amped up, fuzz guitar, cigar throated howling songs about booze and madness will make you wish you had bourbon in your hand. And if you do, then it’s likely you’ll be howling right along with them.

The sound created from Andrew Rignold’s handmade, cigar-box guitar is raw but rich enough to drive a low dirty blues riff, Joe Breen’s vocals are as healing as the cut up hands of a carpenter, scratched up along some winding back road. Holding this madness together is Brad Kimber’s impeccable thumping drumming. If the Blue Mountains had a swamp where folk could brew moonshine and twang their geetars then that would be where these guys are from.

www.facebook.com/blueloverevue
https://soundcloud.com/blue-love-revue

Opening up the night will be Ben Connor.
Raised in the kingdoms of Dylan, Waits and Cohen, Ben has slowly developed his own unique style. And after a gigging hiatus that saw him traipsing the globe as a freelance travel writer, he has a fresh swag of melody-blessed ruminations on Zen, mythology and travel to share.

www.benconnormusic.com

Finishing up the evening and ushering you in to an uber cool 2016 will be Papa Richie with the super chilled reggae & soul beats and tunes that are “Echo Point Sound System”

www.facebook.com/pages/Echo-Point-Sound-System/1515380095377597

Doors Open 8:00pm.
Supports Start 8:30pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

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

Or online $21.50 (Including booking fees): www.trybooking.com/ITIN

Or $25 on the Door from 8:00pm (Unless Sold Out. This is a limited capacity venue)

CONTACT DETAILS:

THE MORRISONS Single Launch at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Sat 5th Dec 2015

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

www.facebook.com/TheMorrisonsAustralia
www.themorrisonsband.com

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.

www.facebook.com/LimeAndSteel

Doors Open 8:30pm. Support Starts 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets DISCOUNT $10 pre-sale available NOW from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)

Or online $11.50 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/JEKX

Or $15 on the Door from 8:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

‘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.

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:

CHRIS HENRY & THE HARDCORE GRASS at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Sat 31st Oct 2015

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

“Bluegrass visionary” – Bluegrass Today

https://youtu.be/ZktzUbpFyiw
https://youtu.be/7gfQ5Mbt4gM

www.christopherhenry.net
www.facebook.com/hardcoregrass

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)

Or online $21.50 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/ICSG

Or $25 on the Door from 8:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

WE LOST THE SEA + SOLKYRI + SONORI at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Fri 23rd Oct 2015

We Lost The Sea + Solkyri + Sonori

Fri 23rd Oct 2015
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba, Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

A huge night of Post Rock awesomeness is coming to the Blue Mountains!

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We Lost The Sea are a cinematic instrumental band from Sydney, incorporating elements that hold up to the likes of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Cult Of Luna, Mogwai and Sigur Ros.

The band formed in 2007 and released their first album ‘Crimea’ in 2010, and their second album ‘The Quietest Place on Earth’ in 2012.

Their third LP ‘Departure Songs’ was released in July 2015 and launched to a sold out crowd at Sydney’s Factory Floor. This record is a slight shift away from their old dynamic, not so unintentional as maturing in sound, and the most personally experimental and emotional so far. Departure Songs is inspired by failed, yet epic and honourable journeys or events throughout history where people have done extraordinary things for the greater good of those around them, and the progress of the human race itself. Each song has it’s own story and is a soundtrack to that story.

“We Lost The Sea were the absolute highlights of the night. A statement so bold wouldn’t generally come so early in a review, usually electing to lull the reader into some sort of suspense before finally reasoning that the support act ultimately trumped the headliner. Too bad. This band was really exciting.” – TheMusic.com.au

“Take what you will from We Lost The Sea’s latest release, it’s an eye opener of sorts for fans wanting a continuation of music. For those just learning about this wonderful band, it’s accessible, enjoyable and has a lasting value to outweigh all others. ‘Departure Songs’ is sure to be featured in my End Of Year “Best Of 2015″ feature.” – The Sonic Sensory

“In terms of technicality and songwriting, this album is an undisputed winner. The usage of three guitars has been perfect to the core, yet the bass and drums were never underused. These mind blowing artists have devoted three years of their time to create something that is so variant from their usual style and yet it has induced a tsunami of emotions oozing out of every pore of my soul.” – Post-Rock Essentials

www.welostthesea.com
www.facebook.com/welostthesea

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Solkyri are a post rock band from Sydney. Combining subtle ambient textures, crushing distortions and pulsating walls of sound, this band forms a beautiful yet haunting brand of captivating instrumental rock music.

Since releasing their debut EP in 2011, Solkyri have established themselves as one of Australia’s best new instrumental bands. With airplay on Triple J and community radio, the band have toured with the heavyweights of the experimental scene including sleepmakeswaves, Laura, Tangled Thoughts of Leaving and Meniscus, as well as headlining their own club shows along the east coast.

’Are You My Brother?’ is the band’s debut album and it was released through Bird’s Robe Records on May 7, 2013. This album makes use of a plethora of instruments and tone colours to paint a vivid picture that encompasses a myriad of colour and mood and displays the band’s intention to experiment musically outside of the world of post-rock, whilst still paying homage to all that is beautiful about the genre.

After touring Europe in early 2015, the band launched their latest record ‘SAD BOYS CLUB’ in Australia, to critical acclaim.

“Crescendos, chaos, cascading melodies, precision playing and some wonderfully timed handclaps. Nice Work” – **** Richard Kingsmill, Triple J

“The eight-minute-long ‘I felt Unsafe, I Felt At Home’ is a wonderful example of a building instrumental narrative – these guys are masters of their craft.” – **** The Music

“Solkyri have finally broken into full flight with this wonderfully absorbing, moody and moving album” – Arctic Drones

www.solkyri.com
www.facebook.com/solkyri

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What do you get when you cross a classically trained cello player, a post-rock guru, and an electronic junkie? Sonori – the new audio outfit of three unlikely Blue Mountains composers.
Using cello, guitar, keyboards and classic analogue drum machines like the 303, 808 and 909, their vision is to create layered sonic journeys. Their inspiration comes from the likes of Hans Zimmer, Philip Glass, Sigur Ros, Nathan Fake, Hardfloor and Laurent Garnier.

In a short period of time the band have generated a buzz in the local community, following a successful debut gig at the Katoomba Roller Derby and a set at the 2015 Winter Magic Festival, on the Baroque Room’s ‘Elektronica Stage’. The band followed this up by dressing as aliens and playing for the sweaty, pulsating masses at Katoomba’s Station Bar for the ‘Locomotion’ event.
They are currently working on their debut EP.

“Showing off a sound unlike any around, Sonori’s psychedelic mix of experimental electronic, cello and rock has found the band appearing at some high profile upper-Mountains events of late. They were a highlight of the Winter Magic’s Baroque line-up, as well as swelling the atmosphere during a recent Roller Derby bout” – The Haze magazine

“Just an incredible sound. Wicked electronic beats effortlessly blending old and new. This is Cinematic orchestral experimental journey music. Post rock you can dance to…” – Emma Rowan-Kelly Photography

“Old school machines and layers of awesome. What a soundscape to behold. Loved it guys!” – Peter Francis

“Awesome set Sonori! Thanks for being a part of the 22nd Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival. The electronic/psychedelic/layered soundscapes were the perfect vibe for the room. Brilliant combination of looping and effects on cello with old school drum machines, guitar, keys and even trumpet to create a unique sound that really connected with the audience.” – Charity Mirow, Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival

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

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Doors Open 8:30pm.
Sonori Start 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets $10 pre-sale available from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Tues-Sat. Cash Only)

Or online $11.50 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/IUFF

Or $10 on the Door from 8:30pm (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

ASH GRUNWALD National “NOW” Album Tour at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Sat 10th Oct 2015

ASH GRUNWALD
National “NOW” Album Launch Tour
+ Special Guests Victor Cripes

Sat 10th Oct 2015
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

We have hardly been able to contain ourselves over this news… We are bringing Ash Grunwald back to the Blue Mountains!

Remember the super time we had in August 2012? Well we now have the pleasure of presenting this awesome musician again at one of the Blue Mountain’s first hotels – Established in 1881, the Art Deco Hotel Gearin.
Now under new management, a new Bistro menu and with refurbishments undertaken along with the large hardwood dance floor –  this is the ultimate place be able to experience Ash Grunwald’s performance.
Those that have had the pleasure of enjoying a previous Fusion Boutique event at the hotel since we started working with the venue in January know that a full experience is guaranteed – high quality entertainment, atmospheric space and friendly service.

We are so excited – One Blue Mountains Show Only.
You won’t want to miss your chance to enjoy this event!

One of the most talked about live shows to recently grace the stages of Bluesfest Byron Bay, Winnepeg and Vancouver Folk Festivals, and Blues on Broadbeach.
Ash Grunwald has announced his 28 date national “NOW” album tour kicking off in September through to November.

“Second Guess”, the latest single from his forthcoming album “NOW” encompasses the essence of what made Australia and the rest of the world originally fall in love with Ash Grunwald and his music. With an overflow of groove from the opening riff, paired with tight percussion and a unique moog synth bass line, “Second Guess” hits you off guard with an attack of the aural senses, It’s all Ash, it’s all-new and it is NOW!
Produced by Nick Didia (Pearl Jam/Springsteen/Rage Against the Machine) from studio 301 in Ash’s home town of Byron Bay, NOW is set to stand as a sonic landmark in Ash Grunwald’s career as a respected Australian roots musician. Grunwald delves into a more experimental and modern approach explaining his intention was to create a “modern psychedelic, sci-fi, swamp rock, blues album, IF THERE IS SUCH A THING. HA!”

Blistering, explosive and unique live sets on the festival circuit throughout Australia, Japan, Canada, America, Europe and the UK, have had critics and fans raving about Ash Grunwald’s unique blend of roots, blues, beats and a whole lotta groove for more than a decade. Ash has been nominated five times for Australia’s ARIA Awards, and has won a swag of awards including MBAS Blues Performer of the Year 2003 and the AIR Best Independent Blues and Roots Album, and in 2009, taking out a prestigious APRA song writing award for Blues & Roots Song of the Year.

Ash Grunwald is undoubtedly one of the most riveting and talented performers on the Australian musical landscape.” – Andrew Nock musicfeeds.com.au

“The fat, urgent rhythms drive Grunwald’s smoking, bluesy riffs like an unlicensed teenager in a stolen car.” – JMAG

“Grunwald’s playing is impressive and he rarely lets a good groove go to waste”  – Herald Sun

“Ash Grunwald is one of the best.”  – Australian Guitar Magazine​

“…funky, heavy, rootsy soul beats, and that’s not even mentioning Ash Grunwald’s rustic soul voice.”  – Sunday Telegraph

www.ashgrunwald.com
www.facebook.com/AshGrunwald

We are extremely excited to announce that special guest ‘Victor Cripes‘ will be joining us for Ash’s Katoomba show.
Many of you would have had the pleasure of catching Victor Cripes in action at the annual Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival, livening things up with their unique blend of antique groove and dirty blues.

As is the case with any good book, it’s the pictures you form in your mind that create the real story. Victor Cripes’ unique economy of style shows you the world, but the journey is your own. A book made into film is often less interesting; and in the same way a song which is over produced denies a person of their own imagination. Cripes puts raw simplicity and vibrant song crafting to use to create a transporting stream of sound which, when teamed with deeply emotive lyrics portrays a partnership of Australian easy groove, American thump and English story telling.

www.victorcripesmusic.com

Doors Open 8:30pm.
Support Starts 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets $25 pre-sale available from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Cash Only)

Or online through Oztix (Including booking fees): http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=55080
Or Phone Oztix (Including booking fees): 1300 762 545

Or $30 on the Door from 8:30pm Saturday 10th Oct 2015 (Unless Sold Out)

CONTACT DETAILS:

THE CROOKED FIDDLE BAND + DVA (Czech Republic) + Vanessa Caspersz & Gaia Scarf at Hotel Gearin, Katoomba Blue Mountains, Fri 1st May 2015

Nomadic Fish and Fusion Boutique Present:
THE CROOKED FIDDLE BAND
+ DVA (Czech Republic)
+ Special Guests – Vanessa Caspersz & Gaia Scarf (Blue Mountains)

Fri 1st May 2015
HOTEL GEARIN
Venue: HOTEL GEARIN
273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba
Blue Mountains NSW 2780.

One Show Only – Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this unique musical experience!

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

DVA (Hradec Králové / Pardubice / Czech Republic) create alt-pop-songs / kitchen beat box / tango / cabaret / cirkus / radionoise!

Operating in their own microcosm, DVA have stood out with an idiosyncratic sonic lexicon – “pop for non-existing radios” or “folklore of non-existing nations”, as they say. The duo – it takes two “dva” in Czech, to tango – Bára Kratochvílová and Jan Kratochvíl, have carved out a niche with their rich musical landscape. Established in 2006, the Czech project have toured the world, playing at esteemed festivals including SXSW, Eurosonic, Fusion or OFF, charming their growing global fan base with smart sophisticated pop. In 2012, DVA toured the US twice and played more than 80 concerts in 10 countries. DVA’s soundtrack for the computer game Botanicula scooped the main prize at Independent Games Festival awards in San Francisco last year, and was also nominated for the UK Sound & Music Awards.

DVA’s much-acclaimed debut album Fonók was released in 2008 which was followed by Hu in 2010, and an eponymous soundtrack for the aforementioned video game in 2013 with a new record Nipomo. Their lyrics, written in an imaginary language, remain abstruse, yet universally comprehensible, while the music is similarly peculiarly universal – an aural collage of “pop, kitchen beatbox, tango, cabaret, circus, radio noise”, bearing their unmistakable stamp – quirky, but accessible. Championed by critics – from the BBC to national and specialist music press and beyond – and fans alike, DVA are one of the most successful Czech bands to emerge in the last decade. Aside from music, they are also active in theatre whose features they have transferred into the music as well. It is not surprising then that the project’s seeds were sewn during the recording of the science fiction radio play by I. Asimov – Victory Unintentional. DVA are a living and breathing aural organism, its own thing.

www.2dva.cz
www.facebook.com/hudba2

Blue Mountains locals Vanessa Caspersz and Gaia Scarf will be opening up the evening with their own endearing and quirky blend of Jazz / Folk / Hip Hop / Beatbox.

“I like to pretend that I am a dj but only have my mouth and a ukulele” Vanessa Caspersz.
She holds an orchestra of drums, vocals and trumpet in her mouth, a ukulele in her hands and a loop pedal at her feet

Vanessa Caspersz is an up-and-coming artist from the Blue Mountains, home of Australian hip hop sensations Hermitude, Urthboy and Thundamentals. Starting off performing acoustically, Vanessa branched out into developing her beat boxing skills when she moved to London in 2011. She worked closely with well-established beat boxing artists Reeps One and Shlomo, and joined the London Contemporary Voices choir, incorporating vocal percussion into their performances and touring at festivals across the country. Beyond her tight beat boxing skills, Vanessa has a hauntingly striking voice and plays a mean ukulele that captivates her audience and brings her beats to life. She competed in both the UK and Australian beat box championships, and is currently performing and collaborating with various artists.

www.facebook.com/vanessacaspersz
www.youtube.com/user/vanessacaspersz

 

Doors Open 8:30pm.
Support Starts 9pm.
General Admission. Room configuration is a mix of cabaret seating and standing/dancing.

Tickets $15 pre-sale available NOW from:
KATOOMBA MUSIC, 140 Katoomba St, Katoomba, NSW 2780 (Cash Only)

Online $16.50 (Including booking fees):
www.trybooking.com/HDTG

$20 on the Door from 8:30pm Friday 1st May 2015 (Unless Sold Out)