Away in a Manager

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Melbourne Lanes

A view from a Melbourne cafe around Degraves Lane.

Joanne
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Complicite

Went along to see Disappearing Numbers by Theatre de Complicite. It was a moving production, beautiful set, production and acting.

I remembered back to seeing Complicite at the Young Vic in London

Joanne Kee
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Way out West

Way out West were at the SIMA gig last night. It was part of the Sound Travellers touring stuff I have been looking after.

Its a top band.

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Electronic dance music at the high art level

Ok, so this was Booka Shade, for me, definitely at the top of their game. The high art end of dance music and more.

What also fascinated me was the crowd, those roadies really chuck people back into the audience. Not to mention the knocking over of the keyboards etc.



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Glebe Fair

Well it was ridiculously crowded, more so than in other years I think.

There were lots of buskers in the street, but I have to admit that the buskers that are all talk and very little action, bore me to tears.

Joanne
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Places + spaces presents Crusty Suitcase in music @ the factory

This was a great gig, such a fun band.



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Historical Day

Breath a sigh of relief that America has moved forward and elected Obama.

Joanne
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Wangaratta

Back from Wangaratta Jazz Festival, a feast of music.

Some images from the Festival.

Joanne
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A busy Sunday

So many things to see and do. We ended up at Vaucluse House for Rustic Day.

What a fantastic location and grounds.

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Goran

bigger than Ben Hur, fun night.

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Tasmanian Devils

We finally launched the National Tasmanian Devil appeal today and it looks fantastic.

Check it out at www.tassiedevilappeal.org.au for your chance to feed, breed and release a devil. Help save them from extinction!

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testing ticketing for Crusty Suitcase

buy and sell tickets for your concert, festival, club and more

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Viva la Gong

A great little program for this year's Viva la Gong festival. Unfortunately we could only make it to a couple of events.

These were Prayer Bells by Ihos, part of the Sound Travellers grants. Very beautiful, it would have been fantastic to have had a more atmospheric venue, though yes the acoustic was good in the hall. However something of the mystical nature was lost in the community hall.

Then it was onto the Circus cabaret, where I got a chance to see the big top of Circus Monoxide. Enjoyed the performances, Elena's and the aerialists improvisational work were outstanding.

Joanne Kee
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www.soundtravellers.com.au

Art at the Heart Alice Springs

Attended a conference in Alice Springs for regional organisations called Art at the Heart. It was fascinating to see/hear the similiarities and differences between what is happening in the regions vs city.

This image is from the opening ceremony.


Joanne Kee
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places + spaces present Citizens of Earth

A fantastic night of music with Citizens of Earth, who are Sandy Evans, Ben Walsh, Bobby Singh, Sarangun Sringathar, Steve Elphick and Tony Gorman.

Such a great blend of music and incredible to think it was really their first performance on a proper stage.
Joanne Kee
www.placesandspaces.com.au
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Deep Blue

A new type of concept for a string based orchestra.



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Arran and Bibi in Gerroa

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From the sublime to the beginner

This week it was Jazz:Now where I saw the Marilyn Crispell solo set - she was great.

Then onto world music with Davood Tabrizi at Cafe Carnivale, can't say I was impressed with that world music meets Australian idol.

Followed by David Chesworth presented by the New Music Network. that performance makes me understand why live music is better than recordings. Very lush music, gives you time to escape, conjure images, see the artistry of musicians putting music together to make a whole.

Joanne Kee
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Translators

This week was theTranslators in my places and spaces series.

Music sounded great.



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My pick for venue of the week is Sedition!

Busy week out and about seeing performances.

The Continuum Sax program was beautiful. Fantastic mixtures of soundscapes, electric violin and of course saxes.

We saw Tom Hall in the smaller version of his work, ie no projection, the room probably being a little too small for this. Compelling and memorable music. Tom's performance was part of the Sound Travellers travel funding program I am running. We are so pleased that this has helped sound artists and musicians tour around Australia this year.

Have to give the thumbs up though to the Venue. Sedition, is a barber shop by day and a sometimes music venue, generously supplied by the owner who has been supporting alternate music for years. So much artwork and so much imagery crammed into the shop, which I am told with a bit of juggling can fit 25-30. Probably a bit like fitting 10 into a mini!

What other bring your own venue has bottle openers on the back of the Barber's chairs?

Peter Farrar playing the sax, with double bass accompaniment was the perfect imagery for this venue. Not to mention that the music being performed was good as well.


Joanne
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www.soundtravellers.com.au

Keating

So I finally managed to make it along to Keating. Image courtesy of Belvoir street images.

It was a great night of entertainment. I have to admit, that I was overseas during the Keating years, so always wondered about that time. My only recollection of the PM on my holiday visits home was a vaguely mafia'ish man in a well cut Italian suit.

Not to mention the Alexander Downer character, who would also go down a treat in the Rocky Horror Show.

I'd definitely recommend this show as a fun night out.

Joanne Kee
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Bits and pieces

A few different things this week. Exquisite Hour with Maina Geilgud, a birthday party for Bryce Courtenay and Oz Opera's Madam Butterfly.

Have to say that my highlight was the Madam Butterfly, however its always a little tense when I take along Arran. However, she behaved beautifully, though she did only rate it a 2 out of 10, with too much singing and she took too long to die being the comments.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Alister Spence Trio

Image from last week's gig.

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Alister Spence Trio and the Alcohotlicks

This week on the 6th August I am presenting Alister Spence Trio and the Alcohotlicks in music at the factory.

Alister Spence Trio

This is the sound of the hammer striking the nail right on the head, sweetly, every time’ Australian Financial Review

This trio brings together three of the most exciting, innovative and experienced musicians in original, contemporary Australian jazz music.

‘Soothing atmospherics, flying swing, free improvising and tranquil pools of lyricism all come and go, beautifully played … always
guaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds.’ SMH.

Joining them will be the wonderful moving image artist, Louise Curham.

When these three long time collaborators get together, a bewitching musical world unfolds, full of excitement, surprise and beauty.
The wealth of experience that the band has, both separately and together, allows the music to ebb and flow seemingly effortlessly, as they move through highly original compositions and free passages.

From shadowy insistent funk, to racing swing, or trance-like ambient echoes, this is contemporary jazz and improvised music of the highest order.

The trio’s last two CD’s Flux and Mercury both received ARIA nominations, and they are now beginning to attract attention overseas.
This performance at the factory comes on the eve of their first tour of Japan.

Also appearing - the Alcohotlicks! Check them out here

The AlcohotlicksArne Hanna Composer (The Honourable Wally Norman, New York Times Critic’s Pick 03’) ‘I am firmly of the opinion that the Alcohotlicks are the finest, most inventive musical group working within the jazz idiom in Sydney.’

John Shand wrote ‘…Flower, Hauptmann and Mannell may just be on to something rather wonderful.’ (Sydney Morning Herald)

aaron flower-guitar
ben hauptmann-guitar
evan mannell-drums

The Alcohotlicks are a Sydney based band formed in the later part of 2002. The instrumentation of the band is unique comprising of two electric guitars and drums. The first two years were spent writing and performing in the local Sydney Jazz scene. As a band The Alcohotlicks have over thirty compositions registerd with A.P.R.A. and have released two self produced live recordings. Performance highlights include: the Jazz:Now festival - Sydney Opera House, Stonington Jazz festival, and Wangarratta Festival of Jazz.

In 2007 Aaron Flower won the prestigious Wangaratta National Jazz award, with Ben Hauptmann a close second.

From late 2005 The Alcohotlicks began featuring artists in their live performances, which most recently included incorporating Cesar and Steve Marin, both leading exponents of traditional South American music. Other featured artists include:

ARIA and Mo. award winner James Muller ‘I believe Evan, Ben and Aaron have created music that is not only fresh and brilliant, but uniquely Australian.’

Art Orcehstra of Australia guitarist and composer Carl Dewhurst ‘(I) believe TheAlcohotlicks to be one of most original and captivating groups in Australia today.’

Melbourne based National Jazz Award winner Steve Magnusson ‘Their compositional approach, architecture and arrangements are unique to their sound.’

Doors @ 7pm, Performance begins at 8pm

Joanne

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Piano fund raiser

Well it was a good night out for the SIMA piano fundraiser night. Have to admit I didn't last the distance as my daughter was sick at home and I got a plaintive "mummy come home".

However I did manage to see Judy Bailey playing some delightful interpretations of some classics, Chris Abrahams, I am always amazed at the sound he can get out of a piano, Mark Isaacs and Matt mcMahon. We have some fabulous pianists in this town, great that SIMA has a new piano.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Classical Music Awards

This year was an interesting classical music awards, with jazz pianists having a very strong presence on the stage. Judy Bailey won the lifetime achievements and Mark Isaacs a recording award.

Joanne Kee
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Metalog - Liquid Architecture

In the spirit of the Liquid Architecture Festival, low moody lighting, intensity and absorption of the audience, listening for the sounds.

This performance was by Metalog, some leading artists in this media. It was part of the Sound Travellers touring program.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.soundtravellers.com.au

Mace Francis Orchestra

This week the Mace Francis Orchestra were in town for an appearance.

The big band sounded good, they are on a gruelling national tour, with Mace alluding to some of the "traditional" feel of touring by bus that they are experiencing.

Some great young players and composers in the band.

They are currently touring as part of my Sound Travellers initiative.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.soundtravellers.com.au

places+spaces present Elana Stone Band

The last gig I presented was the Elana Stone Band and I am wondering if it is going to be the only one where I will be able to say that I had crowd and singer surfing.

It was a pretty eclectic night of music. Elana has an amazing range and of course a fantastic band with Zoe Hauptmann, Evan Mannell and Aaron Flower.

Next gig in the series is Alcohotlicks and Alister Spence Trio on Wednesday 6th August.

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Film noir vignettes from the 20's

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a refreshingly different work by company 1927 called Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.

It was a pastiche of silent movies with piano accompaniment, except the movies weren't silent and there were wickedly timed and interspersed with dialogue, mime and gingerbread kill.

Definitely worth checking out, they are off to Melbourne.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Chaka Khan

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Days are rushing by

Already it is half way through the year.

We saw Edward Scissorhands this week, which I have to admit I was rather disappointed with, after being such a Swan Lake fan. The story line made Swan Lake look like good drama, and whilst I am a Swan Lake-a-holic even I can't say that there is much of a story line there!

Saw funk icon Chaka Khan at the Enmore theatre and have to say that call me lightweight, it was a much more satisfying concert than Ornette Coleman. Good use of her musicians, back up singers and she still has a killer voice.




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places + spaces presents Band of 5 Names and Adrian Klumpes

shame about the wet, wild night.

Music was beautiful.



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Swinging chandeliers in Western Sydney

The Casula Powerhouse has reopened with a rather good theatre space, where I saw Men of Steel. A fast moving puppet show based around cookie cutters and crazy mess. Good fun.

Also around the building is some quirky art such as the swinging chandeliers.



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APRA Nominations

Well jazz is definitely the poor cousin of the rest of the pack. At the recent naming of nominees not a single artist had a video, yet this was de rigeur for every other genre.

Does that mean that no-one has an interest in jazz videos?

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Jazz @ the Metro

A sneak peak at the gig. Metro makes a good jazz venue.





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Why does live music start so late?

We headed down to the Empire Hotel at Annandale to catch some live music. Why does it have to start so late.

After having a meal, a few drinks, the support band started.

Am I the only person who doesn't want to hang around to 10.30 before the band they want to see comes on?

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Comedy to speed music and beyond

This was a busy week with the Chaser at Enmore doing their thing. Rather like a student review, but of course with the Chaser polish. Good fun.

Then there was the round of venues from Marc Isaacs at the Sound Lounge to Mr Percival at the Gaelic Club.


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Carl Dewhurt and Matt Keegan

Carl and Matt playing together sounded fantastic. I just managed to catch the end of the set on film.


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Joanne
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Crusty Suitcase

The Metropolitan Hotel has a fantastic tradition of presenting some of the best musicians in town.




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What is music

Sound art music festival surprising how many people turned up even though it was low key marketing.

Great line up, long night.


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James Muller Trio

This is an image from the places + spaces presents James Muller gig. Great concert.

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Great Southern Oceans

This week was the opening of Great Southern Oceans at the Zoo. A beautiful new complex for seals, penguins and seals and penguins.

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Adelaide Festival City

It was a heat wave, so a brave, but foolhardy thing for these buskers to be out in the heat with their fair English skin.

However, that said they were great and if they ever come to Sydney I would love to see the show.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.placesandspaces.com.au

The Necks

The launch gig for places + spaces was a big success with a sold out crowd at the Factory for the first performance of the Necks.

Next up is Kristin Berardi Septet on Wednesday 2nd April. No sooner is one done than the work starts again for the next!


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Garden of Unearthly Delights

Down in Adelaide for the Performing arts market and visited the Garden of Unearthly delights for things like carousels, soundless discos and the like.

The good news is I have finally worked out which way round to shoot with my camera, so I shouldn't get sideways shots again!

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Garden of Unearthly Delights Adelaide

Yes its the one above.


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Standing room only

It was standing room only for a performance by Chris Abrahams of The Necks.

In a concert series over the next three Saturdays, at Damien Minton Galleries, featuring the Stuart piano and some knock out jazz pianists. This standing room only crowd weren't able to get into the gallery, but could still hear the intense, beautiful and compelling music played by Chris.

You can catch Chris again in a performance with The Necks in my Places + Spaces gigs - 5th March.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

The Wake

It was a beautiful summer afternoon for a wake. What a wonderful crowd turned up in respect of Jackie.

Such a sad occasion, there are many tributes around, such a loss.

Shame the police were so heavy, I could hardly imagine that crowd getting carried away.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Adrian Cunningham @ Birdland

What a great opportunity to be able to see some of the best musicians around in a concert at Birdland records.

It was a wild and woolly night, but worth the effort.

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OJC & MFW @ Jazzgroove

So self proclaimed Bogans with OJC and then hard rocking jazz, (can you have that category) with MFW.



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Holidays in the Snowy Mountains

Very relaxing holiday in the Snowys, but such a weird resort. We stayed at the Novotel Crackenback and we obviously booked the budget package where you have to pay if you run out of loo paper!

Lots of flies, broken fly screens, dead insects on the wall mmmm.

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Sydney Festival

So it has been a fun week starting with the Festival party and then off to see Black Watch, National Theatre of Scotland, which I thoroughly recommend as a fast and furious piece of theatre, as I prefer it.

Also caught the Age I am in, Kate Champion's new piece, which was also a great piece of theatre. Definitely worth catching, sadly it finished today, but you can always see it at the Adelaide Festival.
Joanne Kee
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Sydney Festival Launch

Well this week was the Sydney Festival launch.

We started off with the Children First Festival, which was rather hot in Martin Place. Then made our way to the Hyde Park kids concert. Some of the music was good and we loved the banana song, but my 7 year old didn't find it very kid friendly.

However the events later in the evening went off.

Party as usual was fun.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au