Tim and Scott on a Weeknight

In my quest to become a Patron of the Arts, I thought that I would try something new; a weeknight arts excursion.  I went to the Republic to see Tim Roze and Scott Targett.  I had seen them at Lake Pedder and I loved their harmonies and their enjoyment of performing was infectious.

At the Republic, the weeknight crowd was mostly the after dinner set who thinned out pretty quickly as patrons went home to prepare for the following day's work.  The few people remaining were mostly not there for the entertainment but rather to enjoy each other's company and to have a drink or two.  There was the fellow with dreads and crocs who was more interested in his paper.  Blokes at the bar who had had a drink or two more than they needed yelling obscenities and trash talking each other. Yet the entertainers kept on giving their best efforts to entertain.  How do artists do it?

Maybe it's for the bloke at bar drunkenly singing the refrain or the girl at the back of the room enthralled by the music. Is is for the new friendships forged through shared experience or shared refrain at the very least?  Or for the lone dancing man after his tenth pint?  

For Tim and Scott I think that it is the sharing of a joy for music and stories.  It's hope that someone is moved, changed or someone's pain is eased or shared.  How better to achieve this than through Pink Floyd.  Great artists singing a great song can fill an empty room and this was the case with their version of "Comfortably Numb".

They also tried some new material which is always entertaining.  Trying something they have never tried before.  Its like watching Olympic ice skating.  Success is beautiful and wondrous but you are perched on the edge of your seat, worried that the skater will fall but secretly hoping that it will happen as it makes great entertainment.  Tim & Scott's ambitious first attempt of 'I am the Walrus' was exceedingly joyful and did not result in a metaphorical wet arse for anyone.  These guys are great and very professional and fun.



The Downside of Arts Patronage
The only down side of the evening was the drunken men in the bar.  They were the type that think that it is ok to harass you just because you are a woman on your own.  A friendly hello and how are you enjoying the night is great but the invasion of personal space or the unwillingness to accept that someone would rather listen to the music than dance with you just because alcohol has taken away your inhibitions is not ok.  It was not great that weeknight at the Republic so I went home before the final set.  The behaviour was mostly pretty low key and not terribly threatening  but I was thankful that I am not a young, attractive girl as it would have been 10 times worse.  This should not be a consideration when trying to enjoy a evening of music.  Luckily, I have been around a bit and know how to look after myself but men like these and entertainment venues need to lift their game.

Belle Miners on a Summer Day in Hobart

Summer in Hobart is a fickle beast.  One day temperatures over 30 degrees accompanied by bushfire warnings.  The next day snow.  On a chilly and rainy Sunday in Hobart, whilst the rest of the country was suffering under an unprecedented heatwave, I went to the Republic Bar to see what live music was being offered.  There was an open fire burning and the venue had a cosy feel against the showery, sunny, cloudy, cold, rainbowy afternoon.

The Belle Miners (Felicia Harding, Jaime Jacket and Marina Marina) are out of British Colombia, Canada.  Right from the get go it was clear that I was in for a great afternoon of musical entertainment with the Belle Miners.  The three women told their stories through song with extraordinary harmonies that go right to your heart and bring out an emotional response.

They played a mix of originals and covers that was perfect for a quiet afternoon drinking Cherry Pear Cider. The covers were great and singing along was encouraged. Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia" and the obligatory Old Crow Medicine Show's "Wagon Wheel" were perfect for a little crowd involvement.

My favourite of their originals was "Strange World".  This type of storytelling through song serves to remind that whilst we are all different we are also basically the same.  In that, we are never really alone and as this song says 'No-one gets out alive'.  I found this strangely comforting or maybe it was just the cider.

End of the Earth

Last weekend I attended the End of the Earth Music Festival at Lake Pedder. with His Grumpiness, The Blonde and her two kids - Kid Drummer and The Pink Thing.

Whilst there were a number of fantastic acts set to play over the course of the weekend, the star of the show was the setting.  Brooding windswept peaks rose above the dark lake with its quartz sand beaches.  On the first night there was an atmospheric but unrelenting drizzle with an occasional sharp breeze to keep you on your toes.  The singers' breath could be seen in the crisp wilderness air. The audience was mixed audience with festival goers of all ages from birth to seventy.

I kicked off the festival with a tasty roast lamb and gravy roll washed down with a Double Head Brewing Pilsner.  The pilsner was tasty but a bit hoppy for my tastes.  I like my lagers plain.  

The musical acts showcased in the festival mostly had a blues influence which suited me just fine.  I have listed all the acts below with a short comment but there were some definite highlights.

Tim, the organiser, moved around the festival in his powder blue sport coat, skinny jeans and brown winklepicker boots with elasticated sides like a proud dad admiring the achievements of his kids but making sure that they stick to the straight and narrow.

After the first couple of acts, next up a band called Skate Wounds was due to play.  Three young blokes with beanies, trucker caps and skate shoes entered stage with a six pack of cascade draught to play a 45 minute set. His Grumpiness looked dubious, "These young reprobates look slightly dangerous and out for a good time."  Neither of us were sure that this was going to be our cup of tea. They started of with a couple of punk numbers which were pretty decent but that had me with a cover of Darren Hanlon's 'Punk's Not Dead'.  They were pretty nice boys too, they spent quite a bit of time after their set talking to Kid Drummer about music.

The highlight of the evening, though, was Ben Salter's haunting 'It's Docherty'.  This song is from the 'Vandiemonian Lags' project which features songs about Tasmania Convicts.  This particular song is about Thomas Dougherty who, once made a free man, moved to Port Davey to become a piner.  It was remarkable to hear this song out in the wilds of the South-West National Park with the sun setting and a heavy drizzle coming in off the lake.  Very moving.  You could almost feel the Thomas Dougherty himself came in with the mist topay us a visit.  It was easy to imagine what it must have been like for those poor unfortunate souls and made me proud of my Tasmanian heritage.

It's Doherty and I'm Free - Founders & Survivors 

At the end of a fabulous evening of song, like all hardy festival goers, I went back to my self-contained digs to watch a movie on SBS in front of the heater.  Stuff this camping business!

The next morning eggs and bacon and possibly the best cup of tea I have ever enjoyed were consumed on the front deck of the Pedder Wilderness Lodge whilst listening to MT Blues and Annia Baron.  A great way to start the day if ever there was one.  His Grumpiness exclaimed,  "It's not irritating, most things in life are irritating."  High praise indeed.

Whilst we were relaxing in the brisk lakeside air and watching children getting their face painted, His Grumpiness revealed to me that in his younger (read drinking) days he once "fell in" with some facepainters.  Who does that - just "fall in" with some facepainters.  Apparently, even after 18 years, there are still many things that I do not know about my bloke.

After lunch I determined that a nice Rosé from Derwent Estate was to be the drink of choice.  The Blonde was more than happy to share it with me.  Due to no glass allowed on the festival grounds we poured the bottle into two massive cups and got down to consuming the lovely liquid.  The Blonde was heard to say that the drinks were "big and appropriate".  I'm not sure if she was comparing them to the festival or to us - either way they went down a treat.  The weather warmed up slightly in the afternoon and so did the acts.  

The afternoon's highlight was Tim (erstwhile organiser) and Scott with their great set of covers.  At about 4:30pm the alcohol activated my internal dance switch just in time for Tim and Scott’s cover of the Beach Boys 'Good Vibrations'. Looking around I wasn't alone, alcohol had flipped the dance switch in a number of people.

As the evening drew in and the air grew chilly I switched to my very favourite beer Cascade Draught. It may not be adventurous or terribly glamorous but I love it.  I can drink that stuff all night long - and have done so on many occasions.  His Grumpiness was feeling the cold a little but seemed to be enjoying himself.

The last act for the evening was Guthrie.  They were nearly as fabulous as Jed Appleton's hair and Jethro Pickett's seventies style wool lined checked jacket and cowboy boots.  It was a great way to finish the festival and I wished that I was able to stay another day.  I can't wait for next year.

The Music
Billy Whitton and Swingin’ Hep Cats With Jamie Taylor

Great as always.

Pete Cornelius

Bluesy Guitar – a more modern version of Billy Whitton.

Skate Wounds
These guys were great.  I would definitely go and see them again.

Ben Salter
Always fabulous,  Doherty was a revelation in this particular setting.  Can't wait to hear his new album.

The Mornings
Six piece band.  Should have been good but the instruments were out of tune and the sound mix was wrong.  Not good enough to keep me out in the cold.

MT Blues.

Blues duo. Not my cup of tea but decent.

Annia Baron. 

Angelic voice.  Slow smooth covers and originals.  Otis Redding, Chris Izaak, Nirvana.  Would have like to have heard an up tempo number or two just to mix it up.

Alan Gogoll

Great guitarist.  This bloke is worth seeing again

Stu Harcourt, guitar and didgeridoo.

Joyful performance.  You could really feel that he was having a great time and he took you on that journey with him.

Michael and Karly.
A lot of fun.  Great version of Red Red Wine.

Tim and Scott.
Guitar and keyboard duo.  Tim can really sing and the harmonies were brilliant. Really got the crowd going with some covers from The Beatles, David Bowie. Crowded house.  He was joined by Jethro Pickett which added to the fun.

Seth Henderson. 

Decent singer and guitarist.

Lazer Baby.

I was really looking forward to this as Jamie Taylor is such a magnificent singer but their set list did not showcase her voice.  They played a bluesy version of a Destiny's Child song and I loved the tenor sax.

EWAH and the Vision of Paradise
One of their member was wearing the most fabulous western shirt.  The have a fantastic looking woman lead singer who exudes charisma.  They were modern day Fleetwood Mac sound with an updated eighties vibe.  Good but didn't quite grab me.  They are releasing their album later in the month.  I might go along and check out what they are like in a pub setting.

Jethro Pickett.
Great folk.  Reminded me that the Arts have a strange way for giving you hope and to not give up on humanity.  Beautiful rich voice.  Great jacket and boots.

Jed Appleton
Described by His Grumpiness as Leo Sayer's love child.  Really got the crowd rocking and was the recipient of a genuine encore request. Can't wait to see him again.

Guthrie
Guitar and drums duo.  Self confessed blues turned garage rock band from Launceston.  Loved these guys and will look for an opportunity to see them again.


The Booze
From Cascade's website
A Tasmanian favourite, Cascade Draught is a high malt, full-bodied lager with th crisp, fresh character of locally grown 'Pride of Ringwood' hops.  Crystal malt adds a touch of sweetness to th bright top notes of this easy-drinking, traditional beer.  Earthy hop characters complement hints of caramel and freshly baked bread in a classic Tasmanian draught lager.

From Derwent Estate website
Derwent Estate is a family owned and operated wine business situated just 20 minutes North of Hobart - the largest city in Tasmania.  Located at 42 degrees south latitude this is genuine cool climate viticulture.  Tasmania is rapidly gaining a reputation as Australia's premier Pinot Noir, Riesling and sparkling wine producing area.

From Double Head Brewing Facebook page
Double Head Brewing produce small-batch, meticulously crafted beer.  World class flavour is our benchmark.

The Love Interest

Every good story includes a Love Interest for the hero.  Paris and Helen, Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Lancelot and Guinevere, King Edward and Mrs Simpson, Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, Rick & Ilsa, Trump and Melania, wait, what.....

The Love Interest speaks to the hero's inner journey and pushes them throughout their evolution.  The Love Interest will motivate (provoke, challenge, inspire, push) the hero and force the hero to earn the reader's respect and appreciation by the end of the story. We learn to respect and appreciate the hero  by seeing through the eyes of the Love Interest.  The Love Interest should represent what the hero hopes to be worthy of by journey's end.  They are the hero's inspiration and aspiration.

My Love Interest, hereafter known as "His Grumpiness" is a grumpy coffee slurper who won't see fifty again.  He's whip smart, funny (maybe a little on the acerbic side), insightful, trusting and fiercely loyal; it is a bonus that he also has a nice posterior asset. People say that you have to work hard to make a relationship work, for us, that isn't true, it is always easy.  Not to say that we don't have tense moments but it is usually because I am a lazy toad who won't do my share of the house work or that he is unnecessarily grumpy about something trivial like housework.

I picked up His Grumpiness up in a bar (Tatts - for those of you familiar with the Hobart pub scene in the nineties) after a seeing my very favourite band, Weddings Parties Anything. I learnt a great lesson that day; if you put yourself out there, you just never know how your life might be changed; you too can find a sleazy old man in a bar.

A Girl and her Guitar

On a sunny Saturday afternoon in Hobart I went to see Bridget Pross at the Republic Hotel.  I'd seen her play before and have one of her albums.  She's an amazing singer with a sparkling voice.  Sitting in the beer garden with the sun shining, cockatoos flying overhead, sipping on a Gillespie's Ginger Beer,  life couldn't have been any better. 

Gillespie's Ginger Beer is a tasty little number but not to gingery for those who a new to the drink.  I personally like my ginger beer with a little more oomph but this is perfect for a summer's afternoon.

Bridget sang a great collection of songs Bryan Adams, Jenny Morris, Cheap Trick but she had me with not one but two Dolly Parton tunes 'Jolene' and 'I will always love you'.  Her originals are also pretty good.  Just from watching her play guitar and sing for the Saturday arvo audience she seemed to me to be a good sort who would make a great drinking buddy.  

The second set featured Jewel's 'You were made for me'.  Co-incidentally this fabulous song was written by Steve Poltz.  For those of you following my self-indulgent trip closely, he was the bugger that inspired me to take this journey of Arts Patronage in the first place.

Bridget is the first act of the year that made me cry through fabulous storytelling - although I was about three pints in by this stage.  Fortunately, Bridget also provided the audience with hangover avoidance advice - vodka with soda and fresh lime.  Soda is just water anyway and the lime is full of health anti-hangover goodies.  All-in-all a great way to spend and afternoon.

Friday night I returned to Street Eats @ Franko in Franklin Square.  This place has atmosphere and I will be making it a regular Friday night jaunt.  This week I went with company.  He had the empanadas and mini sourdough donuts whilst I had spring rolls from Tik's Thai and Poltergeist Unfiltered Gin with homemade orange soda.  All great quality.  The gin was quite a intense one but went beautifully with the orange.

Mumbo Jumbo were playing.  A pretty decent blues band but not good enough to make me jump up and dance and want to stay all night.

This week's drinks

From Shene Distillery Website

Poltergeist - Unfiltered retains the full spectrum of all the flavours and aromas that we coax from our botanicals, and will please gin lovers looking for a powerful, mouth-watering nose and a taste that is big bold and beautiful.  For those who indulge in this more intense incarnation, be warned - it may ghost over ice.

Gillespies Alcoholic Ginger Beer

Our ginger beers are traditionally brewed in the bottle, using a recipe handed down from four generations and originating in Durham Northern England - the home of ginger beer!  Gillespie's Ginger Beer is free from preservatives and additives and made from premium ingredients:  natural filtered rainwater, organic fresh ginger, Tahitian lime, lemon, native Tasmanian pepper berry leaf and sugar.

Barflys at the Brunswick

When I was young, the Brunswick Hotel was the type of bar that mum warned me never to go in.  It was dark and dingy and there was always a couple of wizened alcohol soaked barflys propping up the bar.  There would be one bloke who was know as  Boggs or Sparra or Froggy or Ferret or some other such name, though noone quite knew where this name came from or even what his actual name was. He had his own stool at the end of the bar from whence he would moan about how young folk today have it so easy and how terrible it was that they  they sit on the one drink all afternoon whilst in the meantime he would put away innumerable 6 ounce beers or cans of Cascade Blue. 

Recently, though, the Brunswick has been upgraded and become a more modern affair, a favourite of the after work crowd but still maintaining its down to earth character through sandstone walls and a heavy stream of backpackers making their way to their lodgings upstairs.  The Blonde and I thought that we would have a quiet Australia Day Eve bevvy and catch a few tunes.  Jon Warwarek was due to play and we thought that he might be worth checking out.

The Blonde and I were reminiscing about some of the old Hobart pub, Hope and Anchor, the Crest, Red Lion, and of course The Doghouse and musing how these type of bars don't really seem to exist anymore.  I wondered aloud about where the old barflys go to drink these day.  The Blonde pointed out that we may now be the old codgers in the divey bar that you parents warn you about.  Probably best not to think too much about it.  Fortunately, Jon Warwarek started his first set and our minds were set to other things.



If you start your set with Otis Redding's Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, things are looking pretty good.  Jon also did a great version of Paul Kelly's Dumb Things. Dark and bluesy as the composer intended.  The Blonde's favourite was an Oasis song of which I was not familiar.  In response to my lack of recognition, and much to my amusement, The Blonde nonchalantly stated "It was a B side." These 5 little words served to remind me how old we are, I doubt whether too many other of the bright young things in the bar even knew what a B side was.  Maybe we really are a couple of old barflys.

Bonamy Cider is on tap at the Brunswick so I thought that I would give it a try. It is clear and fresh but really just your standard cider. It's nothing special, nothing terrible. It lacks the appley depth and character of a real top quality cider but quite refreshing on a hot day.  I guess that it is hard to match up to my favourite, Willie Smith cider.

From Bonamy's website

Bonamy's was developed by winemaker Simon Henderson, using a blend incorporating local and seasonal fruit.  The use of whole pressed Tasmanian Apples and white wine yeast results in a mild, dry bite on the palate which rounds out the fullness and provide a beautiful balanced cider.

Hope & JJ Cale

On the eve of the Trump inauguration I sat in Franklin Square in Hobart on a drizzly but warmish Friday evening.  It had been a long week of work and an afternoon of soul sapping meetings.  I was eating satay from the Thai Street Cafe food van and drinking Charles Oates Apple Spirit distilled from Willie Smith's cider listening to duo Halfway to Forth.  That day in Melbourne five people were killed by some lunatic in a car hellbent on destruction and it seemed easier to give up hope that we could ever live in a world full of joy.   But tonight listening to the rootsy "Halfway to Forth" and consuming good food and drink, a man smiled at me as he walked past and a little girl danced on the stairs.   When people got up to dance to a song which featured a kazoo solo I knew that there were places where the hope for something new, something simple, something wonderful still thrived. There's nothing like a little JJ Cale to bring you back.

If you get the opportunity to hear Halfway to Forth then make the effort.  I bought their CD and it is fantastic.  I recommend to anyone who likes simple bluesy folk music that you go to their website and purchase it.

From Halfway to Forth website

Halfway to Forth are brother Dan & Kyle Lizotte.  Their music is honest and rootsy, with folk, country and blues shades.  These boys attend both schools, Old and New, and stick to writing what they know.  You'll hear more than a little foot stompin', banjo pluckin' and bottle neck slidin'.

 

I drank the Charles Oates Apple Spirit in a cocktail with freshly pressed new season granny smith and bitter toffee.  It was marvellous.  The apple juice was pressed while I waited and the cocktail was perfect for the occasion.

From Charles Oates Distillery Facebook page

Charles Oates was a contradiction, a convict turned respected business man and upstanding member of the community.  Perhaps most of all he is best remember for his pioneering nature and it is in ode to this we have made a Tasmanian version of the amazing French beverage of Calvados

Distilling Willie Smith's cider with our Tasmanian built Charentais alembic still that is still used today to produce Calvados in Normandy.  The sill was first developed in the early 16th Century in the Cognac region of France.

This weekend just gone I also had the opportunity to consume a Pagan Cherry Cider.  It was rather nice, somewhat like a beefed up blackcurrant juice.  Highly recommended.  It was great with my scotch fillet with pepper sauce.

From Pagan Cider website

Uniquely Tasmanian, our Cerise is a purely Pagan innovation: a bewitching blend of rich dark cherry juice (from plump cherries grown in the orchard beside the cellar door) and dry apple cider.

A lush blend of 40% cherry juice and 60% dry apple cider, with a spicy perfumed nose and claret/burgundy hues.  The palate hums with dark cherries and plums with rich Christmas fruit cake notes.