Street of Dreams is the new show devised by ex-Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band front man, Mic Conway.
Stripped back, irreverent and shameless, Conway delivers unusual and idiosyncratic tunes in his infamously tongue-in-cheek style. Featuring some Captain Matchbox favourites such as My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes and a fiery version of Masochism Tango, as well as a swag of Conway originals including Jug Band Man (which was featured on Spicks and Specks).
Jaws drop, toes tap and sides split as this neo-vaudevillean struts his stuff.
This is Conway the crooner – inspired by Al Bowlly, The Ink Spots, Fats Waller and the Hoosier Hotshots. From the moody and dark Street of Dreams to the illusions of life and showbiz in Paper Moon; from the sculptural and pun-filled construction of a spare-parts lover in The Dummy Song, to blaming a building for the loss of love in Winchester Cathedral – these are songs with strange, dreamlike images.
Some classic tin pan melodies, some bizarre originals, Street of Dreams is surreal vaudeville with a sense of humour. Croon to melt your ears. The duo has already graced the stages of Melbourne’s Comedy Festival and the Melbourne Cabaret Festival, as well as a swag of other events from Darwin Festival to Cobargo.
Born into a family of vaudeville theatre and opera, in the 1970s, together with his brother Jim Conway, Mic founded the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band. To their surprise it became a cult phenomenon, recording seven records, two of which achieved gold status. Mic also joined the legendary Pram Factory Theatre in Melbourne, creating Soapbox Circus, where he was ringmaster, musician, juggler and acrobat. In 1978 Soapbox became the now world-famous Circus Oz, of which Mic was a founding member.
Mic Conway has toured across Australia, Britain, USA, New Zealand and Asia delighting audiences of all ages. He has written and recorded many albums and worked across the board in theatre, music, cabaret, television and film. His current outfit, Mic Conway’s National Junk Band is successfully touring and recording the most unique music and entertainment that defies categorisation.
ARIA award-winning Mic Conway – singer, musician, songwriter, fire eater, magician, tap dancer, actor, juggler and multi-instrumentalist – announces two very special shows.
Saturday September 21.
‘SPRUKE’ – Brisbane’s Ukulele Festival
Southbank Institute of Technology, South Brisbane
Kids’ show Rubbish! – noon. Evening Concert with Mick Diggles from 7.30pm.
Sunday September 22 – 2.30–4.30pm.
Mic Conway with Mick Diggles – Street of Dreams
with special guest Nearly Normal Norman.
Uki Hall – 1462 Kyogle Rd, Uki, NSW 2484
$20 / $15 conc / $10 for children under 12 years.
