9 NOVEMBER 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
PETER NORTHCOTE’S ‘THAT ‘70S / ‘80S ROCK SHOW SOCIAL DANCE’
featuring Virginia Lillye & Guy Delandro
“Wow! Last night I saw the best guitarist in Australia, Peter Northcote. Peter possesses the ability to take an audience to another level of musical experience. Just like anything great you must do before you die, you must see Peter Northcote in concert!”
- Pat Maloney CEO MUSICOZ
“Fuses are lit by the explosive Virginia Lillye.”
- Glenn A Baker, Rock Historian
Peter Northcote is a legendary Australian Rock Guitarist. If you’re one of the few who haven’t heard OF him, you’ve certainly heard him!
Pete started doing session work in 1985 and he’s still the busiest session musician in Australia. Turn on the TV and he plays in many of the commercials you see and hear. Pick your favourite show and there’s a good chance he’s playing guitar on or has written the music for the soundtrack.
Peter has played or recorded with everyone from Daryl Braithwaite Doc Neeson and Dragon, to Grace Knight, Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, Jenny Morris, Jimmy Barnes, Julie Anthony, Marcia Hines, Margaret Urlich, Marc Hunter, Neil Murray, Paul Kelly, Shannon Noll, Sharon O'Neill, Simon Philips and Yothu Yindi (to name a few!). He’s performed and toured with international acts including Elton John, Cher, Shania Twain, Billy Joel, The Monkees, Rod Stewart, Bo Diddley and Tom Jones.
His solo albums have won critical acclaim from Virtuoso Guitarist Steve Vai (David Lee Roth, Frank Zappa, Whitesnake) and Peter has subsequently opened for Steve at The Enmore Theatre. He also counts guitar great Jeff Beck among his close friends and admirers.
He’s played every major venue in Australia (and most of the smaller ones too). He just loves playing! He also happens to be a wonderful humanitarian, dedicating his time as an ambassador to great causes like the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) and Animals Asia.
Lead Vocalist in ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' is the pocket rocket powerhouse Virginia Lillye. Virginia is an accomplished singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer, who fronts her own eponymous Heavy Rock band LILLYE. Just this year she was invited to appear on stage with Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley at The Enmore Theatre and blew the KISS Legends away with her version of ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You’. (Check the video!)
Virginia’s talents have been used in commercials for Mercedes, VW, Nokia, Telstra, IBM and Accor to name a few. She’s also blown away audiences appearing in musicals such as Cats, Grease, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Life and Fame!
Virginia has thrilled crowds across Australia and throughout Asia and Europe (think the Domain in Sydney, The Queens Concert in London and The Dome in Berlin for starters). She always leaves audiences in raptures… as she did when she appeared on The Voice singing AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’.
Guy Delandro is another great vocalist featured in ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE'. Guy has written and performed with such artists as INXS and Richard Clapton. He relocated to LA in the early ‘90s before returning to Oz to release his album ‘Pool of Reflections’ – acknowledged globally as the first interactive CD ever released.
While these days mainly writing for and producing emerging artists, Guy still loves to get up on stage with good mate Peter and provide memorably outlandish performances for unsuspecting audiences.
Peter Northcote’s ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' is a show like none other. We sold out when the show appeared at EL this time last year, so please, book your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Check out Peter Northcote online at: https://www.facebook.com/peternorthcote
12 OCTOBER 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
STEVE EDMONDS BAND
‘Hendrix & Other Heroes’
“The Steve Edmonds Band is a Rock Music experience not to be missed - a memorable night of musical indulgence for Classic Rock, guitar, dance and good time enthusiasts! ”
- Newcastle Live
“Cheers from the audience erupted as Steve Edmonds walked on stage and straight into an engaging solo. The Hendrix expert then brilliantly played the most popular song from Jimi’s library, All Along the Watchtower. ”
- Carleigh Ingram, Gig Review
Purple Haze: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix – The Concourse, Sydney 11/08/2018
Steve Edmonds is acknowledged as among the most acclaimed and prominent six stringers in this country and something of a ‘Hendrix specialist’. He’s the Musical Director for the Australian edition of the internationally acclaimed ‘EXPERIENCE HENDRIX’ concerts presented by Empire Touring. These feature Australia’s premier guitar talent (along with Steve, think Peter Northcote, Jak Housden, Chris Kamzelas, etc.) and have been approved by Jimi’s own family.
Steve’s working and recording credits include playing with Jimmy Barnes, Matt Finish, Billy Thorpe, Australian Idol and Renee Geyer to name but a few. He was also asked to join Australian Rock Royalty in the Acclaimed ‘Long Live Bon’ nationwide tour that featured Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo), Mark Evans (AC/DC), Mark Gable (Choirboys), John Swan (Swanee) and others.
The ‘Hendrix & Other Heroes’ show that Steve’s bringing to Eastern Lounge is a two-part Blues Rock experience - a tour de force through Jimi’s most popular songs plus an additional celebration of Blues Rock Guitar, progressively re-working the Classics with dynamic arrangements that separate the Steve Edmonds Band from the pack.
In Part One, the band pays tribute to the most famous live performances Hendrix gave, from Woodstock to Monterey Pop. You’ll hear legendary hits like Voodoo Chile, Foxy Lady, Purple Haze, Little Wing and All Along the Watchtower.
Part Two is a dedication to the great Rock songs of the ‘70s, including those by Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, The Doors, Thin Lizzy, Cream, ZZ Top and many more.
The Steve Edmonds Band always delivers fantastic live sets of killer music displaying Steve’s guitar, vocal and arrangement skills. His Hendrix interpretations are legendary and you’ll also love the hit list of other Rock Guitar Anthems. This is a respect-filled tribute to some of the greatest bands, guitarists and songs of an entire generation.
Check out Steve Edmonds Band online at: https://www.steveedmondsband.com/
14 SEPTEMBER 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
SOUL ROOTS REVIVAL BAND featuring Michael David & Lana Rita Sayah
“Saxophonist Jason Bruer’s handpicked eight-piece band
is a stella line-up paying homage to
the best and brightest soul and roots artists.”
- Tanya Rae
“The goose bump-inducing voice of Michael David (X-Factor, The Voice, Ian Moss, Uncle Jed) pierced the heart
of the audience at Lazybones.”
- Gig Review, Lazybones Lounge, December 2017
“When Lana sings, it's like Amy Winehouse rose from the dead and threw a party with Ngaiire and some other bad ass bitches and they all drank red wine and ate dark chocolate.”
- Review of Lana’s independent single, ‘Addicts’
The Soul Roots Revival Band is a project put together by internationally renowned sax player, Jason Bruer, specifically to showcase the talent of two young singers he believes to be among Australia’s finest.
Though he’ll no doubt be embarrassed to read this, it’s impossible to highlight the quality of this band without reference to its leader and his vast experience. So just quickly, Jason has played with and arranged for a veritable Who’s Who of the music business including Eric Clapton, Sting, Mick Hucknell, Mica Paris, BB King, Stevie Winwood, Madness, Paul Weller and Van Morrison to name but a few.
He’s played as a muso. for hire with Aussie bands including the Models, the Dynamic Hepnotics, Eurogliders and Swannee and he’s supported Joe Cocker, Santana, Joan Armatrading and KC and the Sunshine Band on national tours. Suffice to say he’s acknowledged far and wide as one of the best.
Other members of this red hot band have played with or supported Robbie Williams, John Farnham, Olivia Newton John, Jimmy and Mahalia Barnes, Doug Parkinson, Tim Minchin, Percy Sledge, Jessica Mauboy, Brian May & Roger Taylor (Queen), 1927, Grace Night, Human Nature, Margaret Ulrich, Jenny Morris, Mental as Anything, Guy Sebastian, The Beautiful Girls and Mia Dyson. They’ve got cred.!
But it’s the singers Jason is truly excited about. He considers Michael David (The Voice, X-Factor, Ian Moss, Uncle Jed) and Lana Rita Sayah (The Voice, Ricki Lee, Jess Mauboy, Christine Anu) to be two of Australia’s hottest young singers.
Michael is a distinctive and engaging performer with unique tone and a powerful vocal ability that effortlessly commands attention. He opened for internationally acclaimed Soul musician Eric Benét on his 2011 Australian tour and was also the opening act on the international stage at Soulfest Sydney 2014.
Michael has also worked in the studio alongside bands and artists like RÜFÜS, Luna Grand and most recently, Cold Chisel's famed, Ian Moss. He was selected for Team Seal when he appeared on ‘The Voice Australia’ in 2012 and then doubled up by impressing Chris Isaak on Australian X-Factor to the point the famous artist invited Michael to perform with him on his UK ‘Home Visits’ Tour.
Lana has been described as “Sydney’s most exciting new voice” by veteran music professional, Sam McNally. Her sultry voice draws you in before unapologetically twisting your palette with a hint of the unexpected. When the band played Lazybones Lounge late last year, reviewer Tanya Rae wrote: “The vivacious, high-spirited, larger-than-life soul songstress Lana Rita Sayah (Ricki Lee, Jess Mauboy, Christine Anu) propelled the audience onto the dance floor.”
More than one reviewer has compared her with Amy Winehouse… and she also draws comparisons with Meg Mac, who Lana counts among her influences along with BANKS, Nick Murphy and Nao.
Lana performed on The Voice with none other than Australia's very own princess of pop Kylie Minogue. In Lana’s own words: “The performance I did with Kylie on The Voice Live shows was one of the craziest things I've experienced in my life - it was all glitter, confetti, dancers, screaming fans. I had to pinch myself knowing that I was standing on stage with Australia's Princess of Pop.”
So that will give you some indication as to the quality that the Soul Roots Revival Band brings to Eastern Lounge. It’s going to be some party!
Check out the band online at: http://jasonbruer.com/soul-roots-revival-band/
NAT & JULES
“Amazing that at their age they’re singing Soul
… and singing it SO well!”
- Gerri Halliwell
Teaming up as 8 year olds, Natalie and Julia first came to public attention winning northern beaches talent quest ‘Star Search’ at the beginning of 2012. In 2013, they reached the semi-finals on Channel 9’s Australia’s Got Talent. They were just 10 years old.
Since then, they’ve gone on to perform successfully in eisteddfods, other talent shows, at venues such as the outside stage at The Newport and various public events including on the main stage at the iconic Pub2Pub Charity Fun Run’s Finish Festival in August. Both girls share a passion for stage performance and have been cast individually in a number of amateur and professional theatre productions including, Opera Australia’s productions of Turandot and The King and I and the recent Sydney season of The Sound of Music.
Locals in Manly may have seen them busking on The Corso where their spectacular harmonies instantly attract a crowd (and a guitar case full of generous tips).
Although accomplished singers in their own right, the magic happens when they come together with a vocal blend well beyond their years. They share a love of contemporary music and perform covers from a diverse range of artists including Adele, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Amy Winehouse and the Beatles. And now they’ve started writing their own originals too… there is no holding these girls back. They’re seriously superstars in the making.
See them first at Eastern Lounge… then tell the world!
Check out Nat & Jules online at: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieandJulia/
10 AUGUST 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
MILENA BARRETT & WOLF MAIL
“One of Australia’s most talented Blues & Soul vocalists…
an outstanding talent like no other.”
- Glenn A Baker
“Milena’s voice is loaded with pure, genuine and spontaneous
passion. It will transport you to a cherished place,
where only true lovers go.”
- Steve Arthur, LA Weekly
“Wolf Mail’s music is pure Chicago Blues, whether courtesy of
Elmore James and John Lee Hooker or the conduit for
British ‘Bluesers’ like Peter Green.”
- Michael Smith, TheMusic.com.au
Milena Barret & Wolf Mail is a match made in Music Heaven, combining the perfect balance of Roots, Soul & Blues.
Bluesman Wolf Mail is a true road warrior. Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in France and California, Wolf has been touring since he was 14 years old. He’s forged a reputation as one of the hardest working and most respected contemporary roots artists of his generation. He has performed around 3,000 shows all over the world, is loved in North America and Russia and revered in Japan, has had Top 10 Billboard hits, released seven original albums and supported artists such as Johnny Winter, Jimmy Vaughan and Jimmy Johnson.
Player Magazine Japan once selected Mail as its artist of the month among others like Robert Cray and Brian Setzer to have been so recognised. In 2012, MusicOz Australia gave Wolf Mail its International Performer of the Year Award.
For lovers of authentic Blues and Soul, the sonic shockwave that is Milena Barrett is like a rip in the space-time continuum. She’s been described as “…the wild child of Etta James and Steve Marriot" and her voice has been favourably compared to those of Aretha Franklin and the late great Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse. Neal Vaughan once said: “Milena’s voice reaches out and caresses your heart and makes it feel safe and unconditionally loved.”
Together Milena and Wolf create a not-to-be-missed Blues-Rock-Soul musical experience, which harks back to the music of old with a slick contemporary twist, creating the ultimate rhythm and blues night. With a six-piece band, they'll perform original material as well as songs made famous by the likes of Eta James, Aretha Franklin, The Faces, Free, Hendrix and more.
Read more at: https://www.wolf-mail.com/milena-barrett and https://www.milenabarrett.com/
SUGAR BOWL HOKUM
“Possibly the freshest take on the Blues I’ve heard in a long time.”
- Organiser, the Australian Blues Festival, Goulburn
Sugar Bowl Hokum goes way back to the dawn of recorded music to create their vibe. Driven by their love of obscure songs from the 1920’s and 30’s, the band has scoured the crackly grooves of old 78’s to find the best forgotten blues gems of that era.
The music of some very feisty trail blazers such as Merline Johnson, Barrel House Annie, Rosetta Howard and Ma Rainey makes up a large part of their repertoire. While always capturing the essence of these songs and this time, Sugar Bowl Hokum doesn’t slavishly stick to one style. The band incorporates the many sounds of Blues into their set, whether the classic blues of Bessie Smith, the R&B of Ruth Brown, the Ragtime of Blind Blake and Blind Boy Fuller, the Hokum of Bo Carter, or the gritty songwriting of Memphis Minnie.
The virtuosic trumpet of Tanya Maree weaves a call and response tapestry with the vocals of Lynsey Mackay and Nikki Steinfeld, each of whom brings her own special charm and flavour to the songs. The finger-licking picking of Michael Meissner’s guitar is ably supported by a rhythm section that swings like a monkey in the jungle - PK on double bass and Tim O’Driscoll on drums.
The resulting sound is a fun, entertaining upbeat take on the Blues. In keeping with the era Sugar Bowl Hokum released their debut recording, ‘Sugar Sings the Blues’ on 10” vinyl. The band’s new album, ‘Sugar Swings’, was released just this year. Bring your dancing shoes.
Check out Sugar Bowl Hokum online at: https://www.facebook.com/sugarbowlhokum/
13 JULY 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
KOOL VIBRATION
"When Kool Vibration added their mix of Island Vibes to our
Collaborate night at Lazybones Lounge, the whole room
started to shake that thang! The party started and
the vibe was irresistible"
- Calvin Welch, iHearMusic.com
Kool Vibration is a band made up of mixed nationalities, all coming together to create music that gets people up, grooving and having a good time. Band Leader ‘Jamino’ and co-singer Elsa are from Mauritius. Drummer Joey and guitarist Vernon are from the Philippines. Keyboard player Jack is from Taiwan, while Bass player Andy comes all the way from the Shire!
Originally formed in Sydney’s Inner West, Kool Vibration combines a mix of roots, reggae, soca and all-round island vibes. The addition of Mauritian sega and seggae transports listeners to a different space, where life is carefree, relaxed and parties seem to never end.
Audiences can’t help but catch the band’s contagious ‘riddims’, as they get down and boogie or simply sit back and relax, forgetting about the daily grind.
Though with Inner West roots, Kool Vibration has earned a big Fan Base on the northern beaches after regular appearances at Moonshine Bar – the Hotel Steyne, The Manly Fig and headlining the annual ‘Taste of Manly’ Festival in 2017 and again this year to a rapturous reception on both occasions
Along with the rum-based cocktails, the band also went down a treat in early June at The Lobo Plantation in Clarence Street - a cocktail bar based around the decadent lifestyle of Julio Lobo, Cuba's last sugar baron. Kool Vibration fitted in perfectly with the spirit of the night.
All members of the band are full-time musicians, playing in numerous outfits and teaching their individual instruments. Frontman Jamino also performs with Group Lafaya - an all-Mauritian band that showcases the music of their Indian Ocean island nation. After hearing of the success of V Tribe when they played our humble venue, Kool Vibration is thrilled to be making their debut at Eastern Lounge in July.
Read more about Kool Vibration at: https://www.facebook.com/koolvibration/
ASTRAL PLANE
“After three epic heats and a mighty performance in the Final,
Astral Plane is the worthy winner of this year’s
Northern Composure Band Comp.”
- Dan Brown, Northern Beaches Council & Competition organiser
Following in the footsteps of Black Iguana – a Northern Composure Band Comp. winner that so impressed us with their performance at Eastern Lounge back in March – Astral Plane is this year’s Judge’s Choice winner of the largest and longest-running youth band competition north of the Harbour Bridge.
Comprising Year 12 students from Mater Maria College (Warriewood), St. Augustine’s (Brookvale) and the Freshwater Campus of the Northern Beaches Secondary College, Astral Plane came together in early 2017 to play a variety of fresh tunes, blending Alternative, Indie, Soul and Jazz into their signature sensual sound.
The band plays a mix of originals and covers, all brought into focus by lead singer Anna Walding’s stunning voice, mature beyond her years, (as evidenced when the band covers Amy Winehouse). The band has already been noticed by members of the music industry who count. As a result they’ve been invited to support ‘name’ artists including Psych/Reggae outfit Ocean Alley, Australian Music Prize nominees The Delta Riggs and Melbourne rockers Kingswood.
In philosophical circles, the Astral Plane is supposedly a level of Heaven – a place populated by angels, spirits or other immaterial beings, that the human soul crosses on the way to being born and again, after death. The term was popular among members of the Hippie sub-culture in the 1960s/’70s.
However, as a band name, its origins are far simpler. Band members Harry and Sam were riding a bus to an inner-city gig one day when the word ‘Astral’ appeared on one shop window and ‘Plane’ on that of an adjacent shop. They combined the two, aware of the history of the phrase, but also realising the name would be open to interpretation, thus giving it its own personality… and the band liked that idea.
We like to think that Astral Plane will transport the Eastern Lounge audience to a level of Heaven… and what better day to do so, than on Friday the 13th!
Check out Astral Plane at: https://www.facebook.com/astralpband/
15 JUNE 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
STORMCELLAR
“I love these guys!””
- Mal Eastick, Australian Guitar Legend
“I met you at a gas station in Indiana with a bunch of my bike riding brothers. You handed out CDs and I was kinda sceptical, but took one anyway. You guys ‘f*#+&n’ rock! I can’t get your music out of my head.”
- ‘Jackyl’ … Rider of Undisclosed Affiliation
Jackyl’s reaction (above) to hearing Stormcellar is not unusual. Though irritating the ‘Genre Gatekeepers’ of almost all the major styles by refusing to stay in any one category and as a result, having been pursued with torches and pitchforks by Country folk, Blues folk, Folk folk, Jazz folk, Pop folk (and other folk who join the mobs, just because it looks like fun), those who love the band, LOVE the band. In fact, they’ve received critical acclaim in Australia, New Zealand, the US, France, Canada and the UK.
In 10 years, Stormcellar has played over 500 shows, completed four U.S. Tours and released nine albums, three of which have hit No. 1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Charts.
At any one of those shows, audiences may have seen Cellists, American Soul and Gospel Artists from the 60’s, Mongolian Throat Singers, Champion Australian Fiddle Players, Puppets, Multimedia displays, Light Shows, UV Face Painters, Flamenco Dancers and Singers, Magicians and any of over 60 different local supporting and co-billed bands.
The band has scoured countrysides from the mid-west of rural Australia, to the Mid-West and East Coast of the United States in search of the shared myth that connects Celtic, Folk, Roots, Blues, Country and Rock. They’re probably the first Australian band ever to have written original songs recorded for and by authentic Delta Bluesmen.
After a decade playing lounge rooms, back porches, paddocks, dive bars, pubs, clubs, Biker rallies, VFW halls, RSLs, ‘Bowlos’, Festivals and even the occasional Arena, Stormcellar is undoubtedly one of the most prolific, constantly working, original writing acts in Australia. They’ve performed everywhere from Wollongong to Nashville and recorded everywhere from top US studios to the porch of a farmhouse in Cumnock, NSW, the dome of Skywatch Observatory in the ‘Dark Skies’ area of Coonabarabran, in the streets of Sydney, on Sydney Harbour and Coogee Beach… and on about every medium except wax cylinder!
Stormcellar has never shied away from following its own path… and now that path has led them back to Roseville, the suburb that provided the platform for their genesis. Let’s welcome them back with open arms. (Please leave your pitchforks at home.)
Read more about Stormcellar at: https://www.stormcellar.com.au/
LUKE ESCOMBE & KIMONO DRAGON
“Luke Escombe is funny and brave, a showman and an artist, a brilliantly engaging lyricist, expert tunesmith, fine guitarist and exceptional singer. Seldom is such sophistication wrapped in a coating of such overt fun. Hear him.”
- John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
“Burn the name Luke Escombe on your brain. World-class musician… World-class comedian… World-class show. Brilliant!”
- Talkfringe, Adelaide
Luke Escombe has of course played many times at Eastern Lounge and also MC’d the long-lamented Mr K’s Cabaret to roaring approval. His latest show, written for the upcoming capital cities’ Fringe Festival circuit, is called ‘Disrespectability’. In it, Luke explores a vibrant, surreal and relentlessly hilarious landscape peopled by vampires, pimps and other secret beasts of the middle-class male psyche.
Luke is an award-winning songwriter, internationally acclaimed health advocate and respectable Northern Beaches father. He doesn’t believe in priests, has no concept of discretion and can’t afford a therapist. Instead, every few years the silly and puerile thoughts that make him snicker into his pillow at night, gang up on him and form into songs, which he really shouldn’t play to anyone. And yet he’s back at Eastern Lounge to do just that.
Be warned: you’ll be singing these songs in your head for weeks afterwards!
In the past, he has drawn comparisons to Nick Cave, Tim Minchin and Flight of the Conchords. He’s played everywhere from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the Edinburgh Fringe and received rave reviews for every performance.
Last year Luke won an international award for his health advocacy, which has seen him earn standing ovations on four continents. He is the creator of beloved Australian kids band The Vegetable Plot and an in-demand inspirational speaker at events across the country, not to mention (although we are) the proud owner of ‘Sydney’s Sexiest Man Voice’, a title he won in a radio competition on Mix 106.5 FM.
For his latest adventure into ‘adult’ musical comedy, Luke is joined onstage by versatile backing band Kimono Dragon, featuring Nick Hoorweg on Bass and Jess Ciampa on Percussion. Luke Escombe is indisputably one of the best kept secrets in the Australian music industry… except here at Eastern Lounge. See him again while you can!
Check out Luke Escombe online at: https://www.lukeescombe.com/
11 MAY 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
BLACK BIRD HUM
“Black Bird Hum just knows how to party!”
- The Music.com.au
“One of the absolute highlights of Australian Music Week”
- the AU Review
“Simply a tremendous local band”
- Chris Taylor, the Chaser
If you missed the absolute party that was our show on April 13, we have a band with a similar vibe appearing in May, that will more than make up for your loss.
Relentless ‘tourers’, Black Bird Hum have spent the last four years travelling up and down the Australian East Coast, constantly writing new material in the back of their van. They’ve supported massive international acts including Arrested Development and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic (USA), The Original Wailers (Jamaica), Black Slate (UK) and Six60 (NZ).
They’ve also shared stages with some of Australia’s best, including the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Kingfisha, King Tide and The Strides. Their reputation for an impressively energetic live show continues to grow after festival performances at Caloundra, the Nimbin Mardi Grass and back‐to‐back Peats Ridge Festivals. They’ve also played ‘big city’ venues including Sydney’s The Enmore Theatre as well as The Metro.
The band plays a blend of Dub, Ska, HornStep, Roots, Reggae and Folk, all wound together with captivating hooks, solid grooves and striking harmonies. The result is a type of ‘Big Band Reggae’ that throws everything at you, from horns to percussion to tripped‐out synths and delay‐drenched keys.
A dual finalist at the MusicOz Awards (Blues & Roots as well as Acoustic Singer/Songwriter categories) Black Bird Hum also nabbed a gong at the Australian Independent Music Video Awards.
Black Bird Hum is also a band with a message. In a world full of poverty, pollution and intolerance, this band takes a stand, believing Life provides a natural high if you allow it to, leaving no room for negativity, hatred, bigotry or greed.
Their original songs tell us that we shouldn't let politicians dictate the way we're supposed to live… that it's better to look on the bright side of life. And I can guarantee they’ll bring a brighter side of life to Eastern Lounge on Friday May 11.
Read more about Black Bird Hum at: https://www.blackbirdhum.com/
IRLAN JONEY & THE CARCARA
“Irlan and his band really pull in the crowd here in
‘Dee Why de Janeiro’.”
- The Manager, JahBar
Remarkably, Irlan Joney is an entirely self-taught guitarist. As he starts to weave his magic, playing ‘Little Wing’, you’d think his name must be ‘Jimi’, not Joney. In another minute he’s become a Brazilian Chuck Berry and then Bob Marley! His band is named after a bird of prey, but perhaps they should have chosen a Chameleon.
Irlan Joney & The Carcará is a Power Trio bringing a little bit of Rio to Roseville this May. The band plays a unique blend of Blues, Baião and Reggae. Baião is a Brazilian rhythm that originated with the native people of Brazil’s North-East, but now incorporates elements of Mestizo, African and even European music.
Locals may have seen Irlan busking solo in Chatswood at the main Westfield entry on the concourse. He’s also regularly seen on The Corso in Manly, on The Strand at Dee Why, at Bondi Beach and in the CBD. If you’ve seen him, you’ll recognise him… he looks more like a Mexican Bandito from a ‘60s Spaghetti Western than the brilliant guitarist he is. And certainly, the beaming smile that emanates from beneath his tousled black hair and beard could easily pry the last peso from your pocket.
His compadres are Bass player, Caio Cesar from northeast Brazil, the same region in which Irlan grew up in Aracaju - home of ‘Baião/Forro’ music. Drummer Gabriel Guerra is from São Paulo. Both have a strong reggae background but now love playing their new band’s fusion of Blues, Baião and Reggae.
The bird from which the band took its name is a bold, opportunistic raptor, related to the falcon and found throughout South America. It’s used as the logo for Brazil’s Special Forces Paratroopers... and I can promise you that Irlan Joney & The Carcará is a special force itself.
Check out Irlan Joney & The Carcará here: https://www.facebook.com/irlanjoney/
13 APRIL 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
V TRIBE
"A highly energetic and enthusiastic band that just
makes you smile."
- Organisers, The Gum Ball Festival
"V Tribe is non-stop Polynesian dance music at its best."
- Proprietor, The River Canyon Restaurant, Parramatta
Filled with energy and a real love for 'Tongan backyard tunes' (as they put it), smooth Reggae & Roots outfit V Tribe has been influenced by the band members’ Polynesian heritage, together with all the great Reggae, Roots, Ska, Dub and Dancehall Masters from Bob Marley onwards.
Performing together since 2005, V Tribe has been trimmed from its original 11-piece line-up of brothers and cousins to a tighter six-piece, full of rhythm, percussion and horns. It still contains four of the Vaivao brothers and two close family friends, considered ‘brothers’ by the others.
The family-based group has come a long way since inception. They’ve supported Julian Marley (son of Bob) at Sydney’s ‘Stir It Up’ Festival… opened for Maxi Priest on his big ‘Easy To Love’ Australian tour… and played The Enmore theatre with Kiwi roots rockers Katchafire (nominated for Best International Band at the British Reggae Music Awards).
The band has also shared stages with Guy Sebastian, Grammy-nominee JBoog, Fiji and Stan Walker.
Though with plenty of wonderful original material in their repertoire, V Tribe also performs covers of songs by heroes such as Bob Marley, Blackstreet and Bruno Mars.
Regardless of origins, you can bet V Tribe will be cooking up some sweet Reggae vibes… and we’re going to party, Island style! So wear your loudest shirt or skirt and we’ll dress the room and provide the coolest cocktails to match the upbeat mood sure to pervade the room.
Don't miss out when ‘The Tribe’ comes to Eastern Lounge, pouring their love and good vibes into Roseville like none other has. If you want to dance, and you want to dance with a smile on your face, come party with V Tribe.
Read more about VTribe at: https://www.facebook.com/VTribeMusic/
LINES OF FLIGHT
“From the first note, Lines of Flight owned the room
and treated us to a delicious musical narrative."
- Calvin Welch, iHear Music @ Lazybones
Since ‘Lines of Flight’ last played Eastern Lounge in 2016, supporting Gypsy Jazzmen Arabesk, (coincidentally ALSO on a Friday the 13th), the band’s fortunes have continued to rise… (lucky for some)!
They’ve since performed alongside the likes of multi-award winning Canadian Folk duo Madison Violet, as well as Folk Alliance Artist of the Year, Monique Clare, Victorian Festival regular Nigel Wearne and all the way from Mauritius, Kool Vibration (who we’ll see here at Eastern Lounge in July). They’ve played at venues across Sydney from Lazybones Lounge in Marrickville to Fairlight Folk, The Music Lounge and Kave Bar on the north side, as well as Festivals from Cessnock to Collaroy.
And they’ve had Chart success too… Lines of Flight has the distinction of having held the No. 1 spot on Reverbnation’s Sydney Folk Chart for no less than 10 months straight! As a result, the Reverbnation team selected two of the band’s songs for curation and their track ‘Oceans Calling’ is featured on a Reverbnation promotional playlist of ‘Top Emerging Folk Artists’ released just this month.
The band’s name describes the creative potential of not just breaking away from the norm but shooting in an unexpected and refreshing direction. This is the approach taken by Brent Keogh (vocals, guitar, mandolin and oud) and Katie Anderson (b/v, flute, Irish whistle, percussion) to their music. The line-up now also includes regular appearances by outstanding guest Tabla player Shaun Premnath who will again be joining Lines of Flight at Eastern Lounge.
With their unique and earthy fusion of Folk, World, Classical, Celtic and Pop influences, Lines of Flight is all class, yet retains a sense of fun within every performance. The band unearths hidden gems among the world’s acoustic sounds, taking us on a sonic journey that is at once familiar, yet completely unpredictable.
Check out Lines of Flight online at: https://www.linesofflight.info/
THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP
Photo courtesy of Walter van Heuckelom
“Lachy Doley is the greatest living keyboard player
in the world today.”
- Glenn Hughes, Deep Purple & Black Sabbath
“Lachy Doley just makes you feel good,
the way he plays that Clavinet.”
- William Earl ‘Bootsy’ Collins, James Brown & Parliament-Funkadelic,
Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The guys quoted above know a thing or two about music. They rate Lachy Doley so highly, he was invited to play on the new version of ‘Highway Star’ with Glenn Hughes, Steve Vai and Chad Smith.
Dubbed ‘the Hendrix of the Hammond’, Lachy also plays the incredibly rare Hohner D6 Whammy Clavinet. Most people do a double take when they realise the sound they’re hearing isn’t an electric guitar, but rather a 70-stringed keyboard with a huge Whammy Bar sticking out of its guts.
Undoubtedly Australia’s most celebrated Blues, Soul and Rock organ player, Lachy pumps, pampers and pounds the most unbelievable sounds from his keyboard, sounds that are intense, ferocious and sometimes transcendent. But he isn’t just a great musician. A reviewer at a recent show at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel in Adelaide perhaps described it best when he said: “Lachy Doley is no stranger to showmanship. For a Bluesman, his hair flaps about as much as the avid metal-head and his stage antics are reminiscent of an electrified Jerry Lee Lewis.”
Lachy’s ‘Group’ is a power Trio also comprising Joel Burton on Bass and Jackie Barnes (son of Jimmy) on Drums. The Lachy Doley Group has played over 250 shows and festivals all around the world, from New Orleans and California in the U.S., to Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain in Europe and of course major festivals throughout Australia.
The Lachy Doley Group is a super energetic Soul / Blues force like none other. I’ve been trying to get them to Eastern Lounge for years and at last, Lachy and the boys will be making their debut appearance on Friday March 9. Don’t miss this one. It will be HUGE!
Read more about The Lachy Doley Group online at: http://www.lachydoley.com/
BLACK IGUANA
“Winning both the Northside’s major band competitions in the same year has the phrase ‘Giant-Killers’ written all over it."
- Rod Bennett, The Manly Daily
Formed by brothers Will and Piers Hobkirk, teenage Funk Rock outfit Black Iguana started as a busking duo on Manly Corso. Since the addition of bassist, Kye Milne, the band has taken Sydney’s northside by storm.
In 2017, Black Iguana won both the Shoreshocked and Northern Composure band comps. – an unprecedented achievement that quickly saw them share stages with more established artists like Mihka Chee, Lime Cordiale, Old Cities and The Lazy Eyes. Now they can add supporting Lachy Doley to their CV!
A highly creative young Sydney three-piece, Black Iguana has been recording and performing original music since early 2016. The band creates a unique blend of punchy Funk Rock and pop influences mixed with post-punk vibes. Though all three band members are still teenagers, Black Iguana has already played festival and large public stages, including an appearance at the famous Manly Jazz Festival.
Now it’s on to Eastern Lounge… then the World!
Check out Black Iguana online at: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackIguana/
THE KATE LUSH BAND
“Kate Lush is heart and soul on a stick. For me, it was love at first listen.”
- Pat Maloney CEO MUSICOZ
There’s an infectious joy that comes out of Kate Lush’s music. Her heart and soul are in every song and in every performance. Kate has the power to uplift, the sensitivity to comfort and the gravity to pull emotions from deep within. She crosses singer / songwriter borders with her harder rock edge.
Kate’s voice is capable of incredible power and yet, unimaginable tenderness. There is so much personality behind her songs that they get to you like a great book you just can’t put down.
When you add the quality of her original material, the occasional classic covers she belts out (Ray Charles’s ‘Tired of My Tears’, Joe Cocker’s ‘Space Captain’ or Chaka Khan’s ‘Tell Me Something Good’ come to mind) and the swinging R&B band that pumps out thick grooves behind her, you’ll understand why so many fans and industry reviewers consider Kate a ‘must see’.
She’s won more awards than you can poke the proverbial stick at, most recently receiving:
- An Hon. Mention in the 2017 U.S. International Blues Blast Magazine Awards
- The 2016 Australian Blues Chain Award for Best New Talent
- The 2016 Songwriters Association of Washington (US) Award for ‘Best International Act’
- Best Female Artist - US IAMA (Independent Acoustic Music Awards)
- The Australian Songwriters Rudy Brandsma Award for Excellence in Songwriting
- Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards (US)
She also charted back-to-back No. 1 albums (2016 AND 2017) on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart and her 2017 album, ‘Let It Fly’ reached No. 11 on the US Blues & Roots Music Report alongside the likes of Norah Jones, Tedeschi Trucks, Taj Mahal and Robert Cray.
Kate tours regularly, both here in Australia and overseas. Locally she’s a Festival regular at events including the Thredbo Blues Festival, Sydney Blues Festival, Girrakool Blues Festival, Winter Blues Festival (The Entrance), Mitchell Creek Blues Festival, the Australian Music Week Festival and Patonga’s ‘Blues Across the Bay’ Festival.
This is Kate’s 3rd appearance at Eastern Lounge, her second at our annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza. Don’t miss her.
Read more about Kate Lush online at: http://katelush.com/
LIZA OHLBACK
“A stunning Singer / Songwriter with a powerful voice and songs that run the gauntlet of emotions, all sung with a wicked sense of humour."
- Graham Henries, 96.3 FM
"There are no ‘fillers’ on Liza Ohlback’s records. Every track is
worth waiting for, full of Mojo and Soul."
- Graham Henries, 96.3 FM
Blessed with a powerful voice and huge range, Liza Ohlback is now recognised as one of Australia’s very best Female Blues/Jazz artists. She’s played all the major festivals from Byron Bay’s Bluesfest to the Thredbo Blues Festival, Blues on Broadbeach, Sydney Blues Festival and Manly Jazz. She’s also played renowned Sydney venues such as The Basement, Lizottes, Camelot Lounge and more (as well as our own Eastern Lounge on three previous occasions). Liza actually closed our 2016 program at Eastern Lounge playing the role of Janis Joplin in the Chris Keeble ‘Rockumentary’, ‘PEARL’.
Her two original albums to date have been received with unbridled enthusiasm by punters, industry peers and radio programmers alike. Her first, ‘Trouble Goin’ Down’, took the Blues world by storm. That was followed in November 2015 by the release of ‘Give You Hell’, featuring guest appearances by Rick Melick (Joe Bonamassa Band), Continental Robert Susz (Dynamic Hepnotics, Mighty Reapers) and members of multi-award winning Melbourne band Blue Eyes Cry. The album reached No. 2 on the Australian Blues Chart and stayed on the Charts for over 10 months.
Liza is a Triple Chain Awards Winner (Best Female Vocalist, Best New Talent and Producer of the Year) and a 2016 Finalist for ‘Blues Artist of the Year’. She has a wicked sense of humour and her stage presence has been known to border on the burlesque side of New Orleans. Her original songs are filled with tales of love, lust and despair, all told with verve and honesty.
During the last three years, Liza toured Australia as the lead in theatre ‘Rockumentary’, Pearl – The Janis Joplin Story, receiving stunning reviews. She also appears in The First Ladies of Soul production and this year performed in two shows at the Sydney Opera House celebrating the music of Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Liza will be recording a new original album in January 2018 and will be premiering several new tunes from the new record at Eastern Lounge. We’ll also be treated to songs from her two previous award winning albums – ‘Give You Hell’ and ‘Trouble Goin Down’ – as well as her unique take on some Blues, Jazz, Funk and Soul classics.
Joining her on the night will be Matt Ross (Guitar/Vox) - a new force on the Australian Blues/Gospel scene; Mick Malouf (Bass/Vox) who has appeared at Eastern Lounge with Glenn Cardier, Genevieve Chadwick and in PEARL – The Janis Joplin Story; and Liza’s husband, Greg Ohlback (Drums/Vox), who toured Australia with Julian Lennon and is also part of the PEARL show.
Check out Liza Ohlback online at: http://www.lizaohlback.com/index.html
PETER NORTHCOTE’S
‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE'
“Wow! Last night I saw the best guitarist in Australia, Peter Northcote, at the Basement. Peter possesses the ability to take an audience to another level of musical experience. Just like anything great you must do before you die, you also must see Peter Northcote in concert!”
- Pat Maloney CEO MUSICOZ
“Fuses are lit by the explosive Virginia Lillye.”
- Glenn A Baker, Rock Historian
Peter Northcote is a legendary Australian Rock Guitarist. Even if you haven’t heard OF him, you’ve certainly heard him!
Pete started doing session work in 1985 and he’s still the busiest session musician in Australia. Turn on the TV and he plays in most of the commercials you see and hear. Pick your favourite show and there’s a good chance he’s playing guitar on or has written the music for the soundtrack.
Peter has recorded with everyone from Daryl Braithwaite Doc Neeson and Dragon, to Grace Knight, Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, Jenny Morris, Jimmy Barnes, Julie Anthony, Marcia Hines, Margaret Urlich, Marc Hunter, Neil Murray, Paul Kelly, Shannon Noll, Sharon O'Neill, Simon Philips and Yothu Yindi (to name a few!) He’s performed and toured with international acts including Elton John, Cher, Shania Twain, Billy Joel, The Monkees, Rod Stewart, Bo Diddley and Tom Jones.
His 1st solo album ‘Conditions Apply’ won critical acclaim from Virtuoso Guitarist Steve Vai (David Lee Roth, Frank Zappa, Whitesnake) and Peter has subsequently opened for Steve at The Enmore Theatre. He also counts guitar great Jeff Beck among his close friends and admirers.
He’s played every major venue in Australia (and most of the smaller ones too). He just loves playing! He also happens to be a great humanitarian, dedicating his time as an ambassador to great causes like the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) and Animals Asia.
Greg Agar
Appearing with Peter in ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' is a host of stars – notably Producer/Singer/Songwriter and Keys player Greg Agar. Greg averages some 300 gigs a year, including corporate shows as Musical Director for INXS lead man, Ciaran Gribbin. He’s won multiple ARIA awards for albums he’s produced, recorded, and played on and has worked on The Voice Australia.
Virginia Lillye
Another of the four great vocalists appearing in ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' is pocket rocket powerhouse Virginia Lillye. An accomplished singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer, Virginia’s talents have been used in commercials for Mercedes, VW, Nokia, Telstra, IBM and Accor to name a few. She’s also blown audiences away appearing in musicals such as Cats, Grease, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Life and Fame!
Virginia has thrilled crowds across Australia and throughout Asia and Europe (think the Domain in Sydney, The Queens Concert in London and The Dome in Berlin for starters). Whether performing solo, with bands such as Peter’s or in her eponymous Heavy Rock band, LILLYE, Virginia leaves audiences in raptures… as she did when she appeared on The Voice singing AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’.
Danny Marx Young
On fire at every performance he gives, Danny Marx Young has a unique and powerful voice. The great Billy Thorpe himself once gave Danny a glowing review, saying that for him, Danny has a singing style that stands out from all other singers.
Danny has worked with legendary producer Harry (EASYBEATS) Vanda, renowned for his work writing and producing hits for a number of groups and solo singers including John Paul Young (Danny’s Dad), The Angels and AC/DC. Danny has performed with Dave Gleeson (Screaming Jets), as well as members of Air Supply, Noiseworks, Southern Sons, Icehouse and The Dissociatives. He’s also performed in front of superstars like Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), James Hetfield (Metallica) and Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine).
Guy Delandro
Guy has written and performed with such artists as INXS and Richard Clapton. He relocated to LA in the early ‘90s before returning to Oz to release his album ‘Pool of Reflections’ – acknowledged globally as the first interactive CD ever released.
While these days mainly writing for and producing emerging artists, Guy still loves to get up on stage with good mate Peter Northcote and provide memorably outlandish performances for unsuspecting audiences.
Peter Northcote’s ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' will be a show like none other and a wonderfully memorable way to close out 2017 at Eastern Lounge. Don’t miss it!
Read more about Peter Northcote online at: http://www.peternorthcote.com/
