What you see

Virna Sanzone

2011-10-16T00:41:00.003+11:00

Virna last night at SIMA was sounding great.

Joanne Kee

www.ceressolutions.com.au

What is music? festival

2011-10-09T15:22:00.001+11:00

Held with Cockatoo Calling on Cockatoo island.

A day with many performances.

Video of Mel Herbert and Russell Phillips

Untitled from Joanne Kee on Vimeo.

www.cockatoocalling.com.au

Sydney Children's Festival

2011-10-01T22:29:00.004+10:00

Sydney Children's Festival is on for another week. We went today because it was the literary festival and we combined markets, some circus and a show.

Yet another hugely entertaining show by Erth for the whole family.

An introduction to indigenous animals, with stories that have been passed down in communities for hundreds of years.

I, Bunyip is an opportunity for the kids to meet characters both cute and scarey from Australia’s oldest stories.

Puppets that bring these creatures to life.

At Sydney Children's Festival @ Carriageworks
Until 8 October
For 5 years +

Also a very interesting talk by four authors, who have inspired our girls to write.

Fun photos from the Daily Telegraph.

Mango Balloon

2011-09-30T22:37:00.002+10:00

A busy week running from gig to gig, from Salvation Street Shout to Ilan Kidron and then to Mango Ballon, Mutiny and more.

Judging for the Sydney Fringe, so I am getting to see lots of music.

Plus my gigs are on at Cockatoo island this week, with the Song Company performing modart. www.cockatoocalling.com.au

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Namatjira

2011-09-23T22:33:00.002+10:00

A great play, worth catching, hopefully it will tour somewhere near you. It has one more night at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and I have heard on the grapevine will tour again next year. Big Hart has a great website with info http://www.namatjira.bighart.org/

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sandy Evans with Tony Gorman

2011-09-04T16:33:00.004+10:00

This was a treat. Also worth noting brass instruments sound good in this venue. Warehouse 15, Cockatoo Island

Peter Nelson was recording, so hopefully it can be replayed in some form.

New it would be special and it was.

thanks Tony and Sandy

Joanne
www.cockatoocalling.com.au

Tubular Bells for Two

2011-08-27T23:09:00.005+10:00

This was a fantastic festival, plus a great crowd, sold out on our final night.

Beautiful location, under the stars, perfect weather, relaxed vibe. Music sounded great, though it is interesting to note that nylon guitar streets don't respond well to tropical heat.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Culture Vulture

2011-08-14T16:12:00.002+10:00

Feel like a total culture vulture this week with outings to see Contemporary Dance, Side to One at Riverside, really interesting work then of Mice and Men at the Opera. I did enjoy this but must admit I am still scratching my head as to what the hell where they thinking when they did the video sequence? Added no value to the production. Interestingly my thoughts were shared by others. Then some jazz by Judy Bailey for SIMA.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Impermanent Quartet

2011-08-07T22:23:00.002+10:00

Video from Impermanent Quartet gig as part of the Cockatoo Calling project.

Impermanent Quartet take 5 from Joanne Kee on Vimeo.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Sandy Evans with Bobby Singh and Sarungan

2011-08-01T19:21:00.002+10:00

Sandy Evans with Bobby Singh and Sarungan - 4 from Joanne Kee on Vimeo.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

ACO and White Rabbit Gallery

2011-07-24T17:43:00.002+10:00

How fantastic to have the opportunity to hear the ACO in a very intimate performance for 100 people at the White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale.

Plus in the truly public minded spirit of White Rabbit the performance was free.

Wonderful musicians, stunning gallery, what an asset to Sydney.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sandy Evans with Bobby Singh and Sarungan

2011-07-16T23:32:00.004+10:00

Fabulous concert

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Cockatoo Calling

2011-07-10T19:41:00.003+10:00

Warehouse 15 on Cockatoo Island. We had the Splinters this week.

Video coming up soon

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Jason Moran and the Bandwagon

2011-06-20T20:21:00.002+10:00

Jason Moran at the Basement. End of a great season of internationals passing through Sydney.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Ron Carter in the rain

2011-06-11T20:52:00.002+10:00

Well I reckon it was a valiant effort for the 500 or so who braved the weather at the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival.

It started OK, but it was getting rather wet by the time we decided to call it a day.

The image is from when it was dry and before the umbrellas came out.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Creative sydney

2011-06-05T09:56:00.003+10:00

Have to admit that this year's creative Sydney, was really disappointing compared to last year when it was hosted at the MCA and I found some of the speakers really inspiring.

The sessions I have been to so far have been a little patchy, and whilst some ideas where interesting and the projects worthy, the speakers didn't do it for me. Could be my selection of speakers.

Perhaps also the venue doesn't work. The Playhouse at the Opera House when it is only 1/3 full, doesn't feel full to the brim with exciting people intersted in the creative world. Also the stage scenario probably makes one feel too distant, a little like a standard business presentation.

Sorry guys, it felt like a poor version of TedX, particularly with the format of having the speakers on one at a time, presenting, or it felt like pitching.

For me, it worked so much better last year at the MCA, there was a sense of being part of a creative community. Its a great concept, but I think the format and venue need to be managed in a more dynamic way.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Lots of jazz

2011-05-29T14:06:00.004+10:00

So lots of jazz over the next few weeks in Sydney.

This week was treated when we were at Aaron Goldberg trio (who were awesome in their own right) by a guest spot by Dee Dee Bridgewater at the SIMA gig in Sydney. It was recorded by ABC jazz, so you will be able to hear it in all its glory once that is broadcast.

Also caught another great performance with Quinsin Nachoff accompanied by Peter Knight, Marc Hannaford and Rajiv Jayaweera.

They are also on tour so you can catch them around Australia.

worth catching

2011-05-21T23:26:00.003+10:00

Caught the CD launch at Curiousworks for My Goodness McGuiness. You can hear it here
http://mygoodnessmcguiness.bandcamp.com/

Also worth catching is Smoke & Mirrors, I think at the end of a tour in New Zealand. But a great mixture of acrobats, magic and music starring Ioda.

Joanne Kee
Twitter

Tubular Bells for Two

2011-05-01T20:48:00.003+10:00

We just opened the Melbourne season at the Arts Centre. It has been fantastic so far with sell out on the first two nights and standing ovation.

The final performances are next Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and the show can only get better.

Its such a buzz of a show, definitely worth catching. Or if you are not in Melbourne visit our website and join our Melbourne list, so hopefully we can perform it in a place near you.

http://www.tubularbellsfortwo.com/

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

rehearsal

2011-04-24T21:12:00.004+10:00

A rough rehearsal before the Melbourne run at the Arts Centre in Victoria.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Been and gone

2011-04-22T23:22:00.002+10:00

Well lots has been happening in the past month, seen lots of shows of all performance genres.

Launched the Cockatoo Calling project last Sunday on Cockatoo Island with Hinterlandt and Llew Kiek.

It was great to get a chance to talk to artists and hear the acoustics in the warehouse.

Also Little Marionette provided the most fantastic coffee. Ed is still building websites, but reviews talking about how wonderful they are, are plentiful on the internet. Here is one of them (review)
Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Martenitsa Choir and Mara

2011-04-12T22:28:00.003+10:00

This was an uplifting experience. The 20^th Anniversary Concerts featured both Martenitsa and Mara!

They featured Bulgarian soloist Silvia Entcheva and the Mara! Ensemble. If you missed them they were recorded by ABC Radio National' for broadcast on Music Deli later in the year.

If you get a chance this will really be worth hearing.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Concrete Heartbeat

2011-04-03T22:20:00.002+10:00

Felt a little bit like a rap poety piece of inner city life.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

missing the bus to david jones

2011-03-27T22:17:00.004+11:00

Well it was a bleak little piece, well done, but a bit close to home for me at the moment with my aging parents.

Would have liked some sign of redemption, but I am thinking euthanasia is looking good if these are my alternateives.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Little gems

2011-03-19T22:07:00.003+11:00

For some reason I found it v. sweet, a little dark, worth seeing

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Refraction

2011-03-08T14:15:00.003+11:00

Finally managed to catch Anonymye at Refraction which I really enjoyed.

Emily runs such a great event

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gwilym Simcock and Martha Wainwright

2011-02-27T21:33:00.004+11:00

Beautiful solo piano by Gwilym.

Then a mad dash to catch Martha Wainwright, which to be honest I shouldn't have done. She did the music of Piaf, quite well, but nothing outstanding.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gnomeo & Juliet

2011-02-20T16:34:00.003+11:00

Feels like an excuse for recycling Elton John songs.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Dereb the Ambassador

2011-02-13T14:19:00.006+11:00

Well for the first time ever I saw people dancing at the Sound Lounge.

Yes, I have raved about them and they are one of my must see bands of the year.

Images from performance put on by SIMA.
Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Heat wave

2011-02-06T15:53:00.003+11:00

The hottest weak by a long shot in Sydney. A heatwave.

Image from Daily Telegraph http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/sydney-heatwave-sizzles-into-sixth-day/story-e6freuzr-1226000615104?from=public_rss

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Aron Ottignon, Carmen

2011-01-30T19:57:00.002+11:00

A great start to the New Year with a gig from Aron Ottignon, Jonathan Zwartz and Hamish Stuart at the Sound Lounge for SIMA.

All were on good form. Check out the review on my meetup site. http://www.meetup.com/joinus4jazz/events/15748466/

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Perfect location for a party

2011-01-23T22:45:00.001+11:00

View at Cockatoo Island

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Mona Foma

2011-01-16T21:20:00.003+11:00

Do you need to listen to organ music in a church, or are these the few places that have organs? So there is always a formal, omnipresent presence to organ music.

Sitting listening to Joseph Nolan playing organ in St Marys Cathedral, Hobart, feels like large country town, long sleeve cotton shirts, middle aged men in city clothes. Ladies in summer frocks.

Quiet in the cathedral but for the tapping of a keyboard and the occassional squall of a child, and of course the sound of the music rising and falling in waves.

Not much air in the church. one can imagine the heat in summer's gone by in a hot Hobart afternoon, with the congregation creating its own steam, human heat raising the temperature.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

heartbreak

2011-01-09T16:27:00.002+11:00

Our little discovery of the week was the Paris Cinemas at the Entertainment Quarter, where you can take in your wine and the seating and trays are similiar to the premier concept.

We saw Heartbreak, which we thoroughly enjoyed, though some parts were excruciating, so silly we couldn't bear to watch. We did have fun though, big girly movie and if you like Dirty Dancing its a hoot.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

New Years Eve, Sydney

2011-01-01T13:59:00.003+11:00

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

xmas at the house

2010-12-28T10:44:00.003+11:00

Opera Australia performance with Meow Meow at Christmas.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Hamish Stuart

2010-12-19T15:39:00.002+11:00

Caught the star studded lineup at Hamish Stuart's CD launch.

Pretty impressive.

Big room, lots of people out for the night, what a great job of getting a crowd along.

But oh, so typical, the CD's for sale were quite well hidden on the night.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

My Goodness McGuiness and Hinterlandt

2010-12-05T00:16:00.005+11:00

So awesome, we had such a great turn out despite rain and grey skies.

Final gig of the series of Cockatoo Calling.
Hinterlandt, audience, My Goodness McGuiness

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Vampires with Shannon Barnett at Cockatoo Calling

2010-11-28T20:27:00.003+11:00

This was such a great gig, despite the drums and everything else that wasn't pinned down being blown away.

Was watching the sail boats go over 180 degrees and then having to be rescued.

Fantastic crowd came along, had a really good time and the sound was good.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Scrapes at Cockatoo Island

2010-11-26T15:20:00.003+11:00

Images from last Saturday's gig.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Kristin Berardi and James Sherlock on Cockatoo Island

2010-11-21T14:37:00.004+11:00

Images from the show

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Java Quartet on Cockatoo Island

2010-11-14T16:14:00.004+11:00

Music from the gig on Cockatoo Island with guest Bobby Singh. A little wind interference here.

For those who came, unfortunately the drops of rain came and went and we had to call it a day because of timing and weather and the possible damage to the bass and tabla.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Cockatoo Calling

2010-11-12T15:58:00.002+11:00

This Saturday kicks off the first in a pilot series of free music concerts on cockatoo Island.

Very informal, but with the best musicians and a relaxed atmosphere, watch the sunset over the harbour and listen to some great sounds.

This week it is Java Quartet with Bobby Singah (Aria award winning) as special guest.

More info here

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Sydney Festival & ATYP launch

2010-11-11T19:17:00.002+11:00

Two launches this week, one for Sydney Festival at the Town Hall. Usual lineup of speeches, sponsors and VIPS.

Also went to ATYP launch which was fabulous. The young actors, acted, sung and did all the talking.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Shanghai

2010-10-30T18:13:00.005+11:00

Was a little sidetracked with my visit to Shanghai.

I have a separate blog with travel tips, I am obsessed with travel, This ain't no Tardis

Video below of Chinese opera being sung in the park.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Antripodean, Java Quartet

2010-10-18T00:27:00.005+11:00

Saw two great bands this week, totally different.

First one was Antripodean, Marc Hannaford's band, a journey into blurring the borders of sound art, classical, jazz and improvisation.

The second was Java Quartet with guest Bobby Singh. Again, awesome musicians, playing more of a groove with Indian beats, blazing sax and delicate piano.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Melbourne Aquarium - penguins

2010-10-11T23:05:00.002+11:00

Penguins nesting, with a sly pinching of another's rocks.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

TINA - this is not art

2010-10-04T16:15:00.006+11:00

Spent the weekend in Newcastle at This is Not Art, where I spoke at Sound Summit on one of the panels and at the Refraction talk.

We had particularly wanted to go to the Zine Fair and is it just me, or does anyone else think that this event could be better sign posted - or are you supposed to be in the know? This is the car park where the Zine Festival was held.

Yes I know it was in the program, but it seems the organisers wouldn't want anyone to stumble across this!

This is what it looked like inside, again, a find the zine fair exercise, once in the car park there was no sign as to whether it was upstairs or downstairs. Is this bad organisation, or maybe they don't want anyone there who isn't in the know?

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

William Barton at the World Hockey cup

2010-09-20T08:57:00.004+10:00

Rather surreal moment at World Hockey cup in Argentina.

Australia vs New Zealand, Australia won.

William Barton, what a trooper, played while hockey pucks where whacked in front of him.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sutra - Sidi Larbi

2010-09-19T11:17:00.005+10:00

Fabulous show, worth seeing if you can.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Refraction

2010-08-29T17:54:00.009+10:00

Caught a great concert on Friday, Refraction at the Bon Marche Studios.

Great performances by all the artists. Image to left is of Hinterlandt who did a multi instrumental track. Some great beats and hugely entertaining.

Image below is Reuben Ingall.

Also on the bill were Analog Division and in the clip below is 3ofmillions.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jazz Visions Festival

2010-08-22T20:41:00.006+10:00

The Vampires with Shannon Barnett during Jazzvisions Festival, Sydney.
You can hear them if you visit the Sound Travellers youtube site.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sghI29pKU7w

Mike Nock Project with George Garzone at the Jazzvisions Festival, Sydney

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Other Musical Genres

2010-08-11T18:10:00.008+10:00

Saw three performances in Brisbane in the weekend for the Other Musical Genres Festival, which Sound Travellers supported.

The first concert was Eddie Perfect with songs from the Middle, featuring the Brodsky Quartet and ANAM musicians, with musical arrangements from Iain Graindage.

Second up was the Brodsky Quartet and the final performance was Topology with Brodsky.

I felt like I had been taken on a real musical journey by the end of the three days.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Biennale 2010

2010-08-01T18:59:00.002+10:00

Biennale at Cockatoo Island, how fantastic that Sydney has this wonderful space available to the public.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

A night of gigs

2010-07-25T19:01:00.003+10:00

Spent a night racing from venue to venue to see New Weird night at Red Ratler and then on to SIMA for Misinterprotato and Topology (playing together).

What a contrast in venues and artists.
Ambrose Chapel, caught the end of his set, which was also the end of his national tour.

Managed to catch Anonymye at Red Ratler

and a set of Misinterprotato and Topology.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jazzgroove @ 505

2010-07-19T10:11:00.003+10:00

Caught Tango Salon this week at 505. Such a great band.

Had it down as a Meetup which is a group I am running to get people along to jazz events. Its been quite good so far, I have met some really interesting people. If you have an interest in finding out about jazz gigs, some people meet up with the group, some just hang out with their friends. Seems like a good concept - check it out.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Mike Majkowski, Lucien McGuiness at Impermanent

2010-07-11T18:54:00.007+10:00

Mike, a virtuoso on double bass, playing with Lucien who worked through a deconstruction of the trombone during the performance at Impermanent audio.

Impermanent is in fact that, a space that is movable depending on the whims of building plans.

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Hofesh Schecther - Political Mother

2010-07-04T11:11:00.002+10:00

Really enjoyed this performance. It has to be something a bit challenging to see a dance performance where you get a warning that you might want to wear earplugs. Youtube clip is another piece called Uprising.

The earplugs are definitely recommended as the music is intense. Also found it whimsical and other wordly.

Loved the use of lighting, the dark and twilight zones. The stillness of the tableau mixed with the energy of the dance.

Beautiful dancers, fresh style. Very glad I got to see the performance.

http://www.hofesh.co.uk/

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Melbourne

2010-06-27T19:27:00.004+10:00

We had a great weekend. Stayed at the Olsen Hotel, took the smart car for a run down to St Kilda.

Saw the Tim Burton exhibition which was great.

Were privileged to attend our friends Tim and Keith's civil ceremony.

Caught up with Tom and Martin and had a meal at Cafe & Cucina, which was rather a rushed affair considering we had three courses and they didn't even ask us if we wanted coffee before they presented us with the bill. Leaves a bad taste in ones mouth.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Twist at Curious Works

2010-06-20T14:21:00.003+10:00

Fabulous space in central.

We saw improvising musicians, a vocalist, some film, some drawings.

Pictures coming soon once I upload them.

such a welcoming, creative space. Will definitely be back

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tom O'Halloran Trio

2010-06-13T09:22:00.002+10:00

This was a fabulous gig.

The trio are so good. Have a listen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caSig4avDt8

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sirens, Heavy Metal Orchestra

2010-05-31T08:26:00.003+10:00

A bit of variety here with Heavy Metal Orchestra at Red Rattler, a great but very short performance with prepared piano, trumpet and electronic tools.

Followed with an all female band, Sirens at the Sound Lounge on the Friday night. That was quite inspiring to see so many women playing, they sounded good - makes a nice change to the male dominated jazz scene.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Colbourne reimprovisation party

2010-05-23T16:52:00.009+10:00

This was a great night at Colbourne Avenue, artists were Spike Mason's quartet first up.

then it was Jess Green and the Preloveds

Followed by Julian Curwin's Munkle

Sadly I didn't manage to photograph Bri Cowlishaw, but I can say she has an awesome voice.

Visit www.colbourneave.com.au for more info on weekly gigs.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Melbourne

2010-05-11T11:46:00.001+10:00

At the International Jazz festival in Melbourne where we caught the Claudia quintet and John Hollenbeck with the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra at Fed Square

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sandy Evans Trio

2010-05-02T18:44:00.008+10:00

Sandy Evans Trio during the Cool for school program @ SIMA

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tony Gorman's Happy Monday at Colbourne Avenue

2010-04-25T09:45:00.005+10:00

Tony Gorman with guest Bobby Singh and the Happy Monday club perform at Colbourne Avenue.

A great venue presenting live music on Thursday nights in Glebe.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

The Scrapes

2010-04-18T21:47:00.003+10:00

Great performance at very nice venue, The Cad Factory in Marrickville.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Fox Monkey Baa

2010-04-11T10:21:00.002+10:00

Saw new production from Monkey Baa, a music theatre piece called Fox.

Found it extremely frustrating as we found it very hard to understand the words, sung in operatic style.

However, Arran is now hooked on first nights, where you get free food and drinks - awesome!

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Easter Show Motox

2010-04-06T17:24:00.003+10:00

These guys were pretty amazing, was also quite taken with the fact that this video was taken on my mobile phone - Nokia N97 mini - not bad for a phone camera.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

VIDEO: Bliss and Joy

2010-03-29T22:05:00.001+11:00

Saw the new production of Bliss by Opera Australia. Still not quite convinced that an opera was the best choice for this book, but hey, always good to see a new Australian production.

VIDEO: Bliss and Joy

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Gethsemane

2010-03-29T21:56:00.002+11:00

I have to admit that it did bring to mind Lucy Guerin's work - Untrained, where professional dancers are juxtaposed against non-dancers. Martin moves beautifully.

Conceived and composed by Gerard Brophy, Gethsemane refers to the place where Christ faces the realization of his imminent death. Using the traditional Jeremiah lamentations, as well as contemporary accounts of life on the streets of Calcutta today, this major new work interweaves music, spoken word and ritualized movement. In the wake of the memorable Tenebrae and Visitatio productions, Gethsemane represents a new and timeless meditation on poverty, abandonment and compassion.

The Song Company with
Synergy Percussion
Martin del Amo, dancer/choreographer
Christina Leonard, saxophones
Bob Scott, sound design
Gerard Brophy, music

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Roil

2010-03-28T15:08:00.003+11:00

First tour off the block for Sound Travellers this year was Roil.

Fabulous music

Members are Chris Abrahams - piano, Mike Majkowski - bass and James Waples, drums

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Wynton Marsalis

2010-03-21T10:15:00.003+11:00

Well the gig at the Opera House didn't quite change my world, but it was nice to see Wynton perform.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jambaroo

2010-03-14T19:30:00.003+11:00

Not much in the way of high art this weekend, but went to Jambaroo and it is great fun. Definitely a good family outing.

Didn't manage to see any wildlife, at least native wildlife, I don't think you can include deer in that category.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Los Amigos Invisibles

2010-03-10T12:37:00.002+11:00

The Basement was totally pumping on a Tuesday night. This band from Venuezula was happening. Lots of hits as there were lots of people singing along in Spanish.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Canberra

2010-03-08T12:25:00.004+11:00

Highlight of what was supposed to be a birthday celebration weekend was the hotel and the room service. Thank you Hotel Realm for the room upgrade, much appreciated. We will be back.

Did catch the French exhibition at the National Gallery, good but oh so crowded.

On the way home, the definite low point was the 3 hour traffic jam, so boring. This kid got out and entertained himself by dancing on the roadside.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

mathina and mulan

2010-02-20T21:43:00.001+11:00

Great production by Bangarra at Riverside Theatre. It all works with the costumes, lighting, dancing, music - what a fantastic company.

By comparison, Mulan bought over by some regional Chinese company as part of the City of Sydney Chinese New Year celebrations and billed as an acrobat show was very disappointing. Some of the acrobats were tricky, but for some they had to try again and again. Plus loud blaring pre-recorded music and shiny outfits.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

That Face

2010-02-17T17:59:00.003+11:00

I went to the theatre thinking what is the point in contemporary society and by the end of the performance was totally riveted and thinking of the importance of theatre to challenge social conventions.

The script was challenging, raising many questions, the acting totally believable (which means great in a hard environment) and the loose ends food for thought.

If you get the chance this one is definitely worth catching. I wish theatre was always as engaging as this.

@ the Belvoir now.

Written by
Polly Stenham

Directed by
Lee Lewis

With
Emily Barclay, Krew Boylan, Kenji Fitzgerald, Marcus Graham, Laura Hopkinson & Susie Porter

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Diana Krall

2010-02-14T10:45:00.003+11:00

Great concert, v. impressed, don't really know what I was expecting.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Walsh Bay Jazz

2010-02-07T11:06:00.003+11:00

This weekend was the first Walsh Bay jazz festival.

Photo is from Mike Nock Trio at the Sydney Theatre Restaurant. Great atmosphere for a venue, but not really set up for listening seriously to music.

But hey, great to have new audiences, be a destination, could make a great regular venue.

Strangest trio setting I have ever seen, with the pianist back to the other musicians?

Joane
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Geoffrey gurrumul yunupingu

2010-02-02T19:25:00.003+11:00

Review by Arran Munro (9 years old)

I think that the song "was born blind" is a beautiful and moving song. Its about a man who was born blind and it was also about his parennt's being upset because they didn't know why he was blind.

I liked the music because it was really easy to understand what it must of felt like. In essence I think the most moving part was that we need to all stand together in solidarity.

www.ceressolutions.com.au

now now

2010-01-24T21:25:00.003+11:00

Alternate music festival in the Blue Mountains.

Lots of interactive music possibilities, this one was send in the change to the playing by text.

There was also volleyball courtesy of Jon Rose

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bran nu dae

2010-01-17T10:44:00.007+11:00

Definitely worth catching, it is fun and the fun is infectious.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jazzgroove Futures Festival

2010-01-16T10:55:00.005+11:00

Image of Shannon Barnett at Jazzgrooves Futures Festival
Shannon Barnett (trombone), Nashua Lee (guitar), Chris Hale (bass) Ben Hendry (drums)

First night went off with a bang, fantastic buzz, the best music. Definitely worth catching over the next two days if you can.

The lineup is awesome, fantastic job Jazzgroove. Visit their website for more info www.jazzgroove.com . It is also so reasonably priced, $15 for one off gigs and lots of free stuff featuring artists like Shannon.

It was great to be able to catch this stella Melbourne band. Some fine playing by all. The crowd wanted more, but sadly the lights had to come on. What a great way to complete such a successful first night.

Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Circus Oz

2010-01-02T11:18:00.009+11:00

Went off to Circus Oz last night. The good news is that this is a very comfortable big top and despite the very muggy weather yesterday was cool.

The show was fun. Its called Barely Contained. The main premise is based around an events coordinator, a formal banquet scene and a wedding. Tiffany is the archetypal Aussie gal, who keeps it all moving along.

One of the strengths of Circus Oz is the integration of the band, with the artist's work which becomes part of the show. At various stages the improvisation and performances intertwine. Featuring in an acrobatic skit is one of Australia's finest trombone players Shannon Barnett. She can play equally well either on her feet or suspended upside down from a rope.

Other scenes which captured my imagination were the hats and juggling and of course the trademark kangaroos.

For me, the circus performances don't have the precision of Chinese acrobats or the slickness of Cirque du Soleil. However this is offset by the larrikin, irreverent personalities of the performers.

It is Aussie in tone. Fun entertainment for the whole family. We took three generations and a good time was had by all.

Sydney, NSW-Barely Contained
to 26/1/10

Venue:
Under the Big Top
Tumbalong Park
Darling Harbour
Sydney, NSW

Ticketmaster
www.ticketmaster.com.au
Call: 1300 723 038

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

New Years Eve

2010-01-01T15:35:00.001+11:00

Sydney Fireworks 2010

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Avatar

2009-12-25T10:01:00.003+11:00

Yes we joined the throngs and enjoyed it. Couldn't believe when we got out that three hours had passed.

Just wish that the 3D hardware was as awesome in Australia as it is in Paris.

This is a funny comment on the trailer

and this is the real thing

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Christmas concert and christmas tree

2009-12-20T10:11:00.005+11:00

After a night at the Song Company Christmas concert we headed off to Martin Place to look at the Christmas Tree.

I felt like it was a blast from the past from my Song Company days, particularly when Nicky walked on stage!

The program was derived from animals and wasn't particularly a Christmas concert as such - not many carols. We were treated to renditions of slippery slimey slug, Winnie the Pooh and many other animal inspired songs.

It hit the mark for a light, family performance. However it was a tad twee for my own tastes. Of course, as one would expect it was sung beautifully by the Song Company.

Arran is the tiny spec at the bottom of the tree.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sandy Evans

2009-12-12T20:46:00.005+11:00

The inspirational Sandy Evans performing at the Sound Lounge on thursday night.

www.placesandspaces.com.au

Ceres background

2009-12-11T20:07:00.000+11:00

Just playing around with software for sharing information.

Ceres Solutions - Ceres background

eight oclock sharp

2009-12-05T16:52:00.004+11:00

Fabulous venue in Glebe, known as Eight O'Clock sharp or Cafe Church.

You can relax on the lounges, bring your own wine, or have a cup of tea or coffee there. You can even bring along your take away.

Music is the best and intimate and engaging. Like having the most fantastic musicians doing their thing in your own lounge room.
Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Taikoz, Topology & Karak

2009-11-29T10:33:00.005+11:00

Fantastic performance on Friday night with Taikoz, Topology and Karak.

Each of the ensembles performed their own material. With the additional bonus of a haunting solo shakuhachi by grand master Riley Lee.

Together they performed a new work by composer David Pye which was a great collaborative piece, teasing, whimsical and methodical.

Inspired by David's experience at an Indian temple, it had all the elements of a holy feast visualised through the music.

Apparently it was recorded by the ABC, so worth keeping an eye out for that concert. It also took place in Brisbane, which is where the recording took place.

This was one of the last of the year for the places + spaces series.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bangarra

2009-11-22T19:44:00.002+11:00

Went to Canberra to catch the retrospective for Bangarra, Fire.

What a great performance and such an impressive body of work.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Burning Daylight

2009-11-14T19:02:00.003+11:00

This week went to the opening of Burning Daylight by Marragekku.

An extravaganza of dance theatre in a collaboration between artists from Sydney to Broome.

Was particularly pleased to see this as I was walking at Stalker when the work premiered.

It was great to see it in its full glory.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

a great little social media counter

2009-11-08T08:43:00.005+11:00

Hi bit of a gadget'y thing from Gary's social media blog, which I have put on my website, because unfortunately I can't load it directly here.

Its a great little aggregator of website facts and figures and what amounts of time people are spending on social media. http://bit.ly/1MwSho

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Wangaratta Festival of Jazz

2009-11-05T11:01:00.003+11:00

Managed to miss blogging about Wangaratta, which was because the three network doesn't work in either Oxley (understandable) or Wangaratta (really poor show there)

On the plus side, of course there was great music, new venue is nice and air conditioned. Volunteers were very helpful and thanks so much for their help with the Jazz Australia subscriber drive. Its fun to wander around and bump into people.

My highlight was Andrew Robson's Tallis music in the church. Sublime. Also really enjoyed watching Linda Oh playing with Charles Tolliver.

The heat was oppressive, there was no free water I could find and there were queues and over the top security who threatened to have me evicted from the new performing arts centre (overkill I think)

Not to mention the more I think about it the police were also rather vigilant as well. though thanks to them I did win some money on the Melbourne Cup - with Crimescenes and Shocking!

Image is of the Vampires, a great young Sydney band.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sydney festival launch for 2010

2009-11-05T10:58:00.004+11:00

Sydney does love a party.

Loved the programming, which has real heart

Image from closing act, Iota, I reckon the cabaret in the Speigeltent will be a hot ticket for this year.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Card Making

2009-10-24T21:17:00.002+11:00

Spent the morning at a card making course at Amazing Paper.

We now have the cards lined up on the sideboard and it is amazing how good they look. It was also quite simple.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Avenue Q

2009-10-11T16:02:00.006+11:00

Really enjoyed this show and I have to say that Trekkie Monster and the Bad Idea Bears were my favourite characters.

If you have ever watched Sesame Street, this show if full of funny adult references, and has some poignant and definitely wind up moments.

Its only on in Sydney for another week http://avenueqthemusical.com.au and then it tours around Australia. But I reckon its definitely worth seeing.

Info on the show from the website. I know this blurb sounds like I am being paid, but I am not and was surprised that the people I mentioned the show to, knew hardly anything about it.

"I've been waiting and waiting and waiting for AVENUE Q to finally get to Australia," said creator, Robert Lopez. "Not just because I've never been and I've always wanted to die in a Great White shark attack, but because I've always suspected that Aussies would really love AVENUE Q!"

AVENUE Q, written by Jeff Whitty, with music by Robert Lopez and lyrics by Jeff Marx, first debuted in 2002 with an off-Broadway run. The show went on to beat favourite WICKED to win three of the top Tony Awards in 2004: Best Musical, Best Original Score of a Musical and Best Book of a Musical.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Hugh Masakela

2009-10-10T17:54:00.003+11:00

Saw this concert at the Opera House.

I think I was in a different reality to some other people at the concert. Music was fine, what you would expect from an internationally renowned artist.

Indeed the Hemispheres series at the Opera House is fantastic, showcasing some truly amazing artists.

However, for me, this concert didn't do it for me. I actually found it a bit annoying that Masekala chastised the audience for being stuff shirts in ties and not getting down, then proceeded to spend the next 20 minutes doing his mine shaft number about death - not exactly stuff to get you dancing in the aisles.

I guess it doesn't really matter when the audience is eating out of your hand because you are a legend.

And what was the dialogue about being born in Nottinghamshire, the bad fake English accent and the story about then being washed down the river to South Africa? On what level was that entertaining or amusing? I so didn't get it.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au