Hobart Funk Collective
I play underwater hockey on Wednesday nights and the night before the Hobart Show public holiday is the highlight of the year. A night to really let down our hair after a match without having to worry about work the following day. Me and a few of my team mates, The Blonde and Underwater Veteran, went to see the Hobart Funk Collective at The Homesteads 4th birthday bash. It was very groovy. The lead singer wore a great red dress and tights which really set the funky party mood. You can never have too much horn. and they had trumpet, trombone, 2 types of sax, drum, bass, rhythm guitar and keyboard. It was shaping up to be a good night. It felt like the whole night existed in the moment when the alcohol kicks in and you are partying and laughing but not yet ridiculous or annoying. It took a little while to find that moment but I searched and, as suspected, it was hiding in my fourth drink. Ah there it is, I knew you couldn't get away. Bahahahaha.
Underwater Veteran did a calculation on how much I have drunk this year based on the number of live acts I have seen and how much but cost. This was not kind even if I think his calculations were a little on the conservative side.
Chupacabra is a Cambrian Latin dance band. I've never been to Cuba but when I closed my eyes then I was transported to a little bar in Havana. This band is full of young folk leading the good life with talent to burn. Underwater Veteran said there is so much going on on stage that sometimes it was necessary to close your eyes to save your sanity.
This is a band full of joy - life's too short not to dance!!!
Underwater Veteran did a calculation on how much I have drunk this year based on the number of live acts I have seen and how much but cost. This was not kind even if I think his calculations were a little on the conservative side.
Chris Wilson
On Thursday night The Blonde and I went to see Chris Wilson at The Republic. He is a blues singer and harp player. When he told us all that he figured that "Life's too short to not dance", I knew that we were on a winner.
Along with with guitarist Shannon Bourne he started with "Route 66". Good start, Chris. They played to an enthralled audience throughout the night including songs such as "Wide Brown Land", Summertime", "I Used To Be a Cowboy" and "I Be Your Baby Tonight". At times The room was so silent that you could hear a kiss on the cheek from across the room.
His harmonica playing was extraordinary and made you feel as if you were the only one in the room. It is amazing how simple music can really speak to you and touch you like nothing or noone else can. This is both frightening and soothing all at once. The musician seems to know your secrets and see the real you that you are not ready to share but, comfortingly, you realise that you are not alone in the world. This was that sort of gig.
Along with with guitarist Shannon Bourne he started with "Route 66". Good start, Chris. They played to an enthralled audience throughout the night including songs such as "Wide Brown Land", Summertime", "I Used To Be a Cowboy" and "I Be Your Baby Tonight". At times The room was so silent that you could hear a kiss on the cheek from across the room.
His harmonica playing was extraordinary and made you feel as if you were the only one in the room. It is amazing how simple music can really speak to you and touch you like nothing or noone else can. This is both frightening and soothing all at once. The musician seems to know your secrets and see the real you that you are not ready to share but, comfortingly, you realise that you are not alone in the world. This was that sort of gig.
Chupacabra
On Friday The Blonde, Underwater Veteran and I went to The Winston to see Chupacabra. This night I found the "I can't stop talking shite" bug in my drinks but I'm sure that I was lots of fun. I suspect, however, that my companions were happy when the music got underway and speaking turned to listening.Chupacabra is a Cambrian Latin dance band. I've never been to Cuba but when I closed my eyes then I was transported to a little bar in Havana. This band is full of young folk leading the good life with talent to burn. Underwater Veteran said there is so much going on on stage that sometimes it was necessary to close your eyes to save your sanity.
This is a band full of joy - life's too short not to dance!!!
Presidential Suite
On Sunday afternoon The Blonde and I went to Cascade Gardens to check out some jazz. Live music in the beautifully manicured gardens of a brewery on a perfect spring day, could it get any better.
A groovy fellow on sax/flute/clarinet, keyboards by the amazingly talented Randall Muir, and lovely blonde songstress, Kaye Payne. Kaye was hilarious and the interplay between the band members was great, they seemed to be great friends playing just for me and my friend. The trees were impossibly green and the sky impossibly blue. To top it off the food was great. I recommend the sausage and beans.
The set included "The way you look tonight", "Sway", and Patsy Kline's "I Go Out Walking After Midnight". It seemed that Kaye and band could turn their hand to most any song in any key.
During a particularly bluesy number a small Japanese boy of about two with huge eyes came forward and was mesmerised by the playing and singing. I could tell that he badly wanted to express his delight in the music by dancing but he did quite know how to make his body comply. Surely, the next generation of arts patronage.
A fabulous weekend of Funk, Blues, Latin and Jazz. I even managed to fit in a little Poetry and Piano on Saturday afternoon. The party just rolls on and life is one new and fabulous experience after another. It makes me excited for whatever the future holds.
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