xmas at the house

Opera Australia performance with Meow Meow at Christmas.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Hamish Stuart

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

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

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

Images from last Saturday's gig.


Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Kristin Berardi and James Sherlock on Cockatoo Island

Images from the show

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Java Quartet on Cockatoo Island

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

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

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

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

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

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



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

TINA - this is not art

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

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

Fabulous show, worth seeing if you can.



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Refraction

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

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

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

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






www.ceressolutions.com.au

A night of gigs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sandy Evans Trio during the Cool for school program @ SIMA





Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Tony Gorman's Happy Monday at Colbourne Avenue

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

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



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Fox Monkey Baa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Walsh Bay Jazz

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

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

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

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



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jazzgroove Futures Festival

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

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

Sydney Fireworks 2010



Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au