Music at the House

We wandered down to music at the House, @ Government House. A great concept, but the wind was so bitterly cold. The Indian summer had come to an end.

However we did manage to hear Unkle Ho and Bridezilla, do some artwork and visit the House, before we became too cold to function and had to head off.

Such a beautiful landscape, vista and house.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Government funding of music

Whilst sitting at the Musica Viva performance, it got me thinking? The ensemble was fine, nothing to blow your socks off, but competent enough. Although I am sure there are Australian ensemble's who could also have done the repertoire justice.

However, I noticed that in the repertoire, only one piece was by an Australian composer. This genre of classical music and others as performed by the Symphony Orchestras and Opera Companies don't do very much to promote Australian composers. There is often a token, one piece by an Australian, but rarely more. The domain of presenting new works seems to lie with relatively newer and more adventurous ensembles, who receive crumbs of funding if any at all.

Which led me to my next thought. Why is public money funding the touring of international classical musicians around Australia when Australian artists find it so hard to tour in their own country? Let alone why are we paying for their travel to Australia, when so many local artists struggle to gain recognition overseas because of the high cost of entry into the international market ie airfares.

Yes, I can understand that the highest quality world performance can be a revelation, and strongly support opportunities to see the best in the world. However, is this Government funded cultural acceptance and support of the cultural cringe whereby we have to import musicians for a whole annual program? I can't think of any other genre that gets public money to bring in overseas artists to this extent.

Then there is also the issue of why isn't there even a support band, or ensemble, similar to the scenario found in most other musical genres. So that at least if an Australian artist isn't featured, they do have a performance opportunity and potential to be seen and grow their own audiences?

Anyway, I don't particularly want to "beat up" on an organisation, but am just curious as to why a funding body such as the Australia Council, who strongly proclaims their support of new Australian works, spends most of their funding on Companies (in the musical genre) who don't appear to be doing this. Perhaps I am missing something?

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Daruma Japanese Restaurant - cheap eats

Daruma
Level 1, (Prince Centre)
8 Quay Street
Haymarket NSW Sydney

T: 92812889

We just went for Bento boxes and as far as value for money is concerned I am totally sold on this one.

We paid $25.80 for two people for the Sushi Bento box at $12 and the Sashimi/udon box at $10 plus we had one drink. This also included all you could eat Miso soup and rice.

The sushi and sashimi were fresh. The boxes were varied, mine had seaweed, Arrans had fried tofu.

Ambience is lots of space and light.

You help youself to the Miso soup.

As far as I am concerned a total winner, even more so when you look at the price.

For some strange reason this is quay street, I have no idea when it was ever near a quay, it is closer to Paddy's Market, the back of the ABC building and UTS.

More cheap eats can be found at Cheap Eats Food Trek

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Kanye mashup with Obama

Funny mashup with Kanye and Obama



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Pete Martin Trio

Saw the Peter Martin Trio from the US on Tuesday night at SIMA.
Line up was Peter Martin (piano) Reginal Veal (bass) Terreon Gully (drums)

Image is of Reginal Veal.

What really struck me about the trio was the rapport of the musicians and the joy in their playing. Which translated into a joy for me to watch.

Of course, it goes without saying (even though I am saying it) that the musicianship was fantastic.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

What you eat

Cute little site about fast food outlets which gives a fat rating on food, so you can find out how many calories you are going to consume before you buy!

http://www.fatburgr.com/

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Big Sound

A good week at Big Sound, a week of speeches, watching bands, catching up with people.

I have to say I found it an Oasis of calm to go into the shopfront at the Judith Wright to see one of the nights put on by Lawrence English. A lot of the other music during the week seemed to feature heavy, loud bass lines.

Also saw Megan Washington's rock band, Washington at the Globe Theatre. It was interesting to see the change in style from jazz diva to rock chic. For me the music wasn't as interesting, but hey, I guess there is more money in rock and roll.

Also managed to catch Bertie Blackman's band at the Alhambra. I reckon that was the cream of the venues to perform at. Bertie has great charisma, can imagine the band will do really well.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

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