Bello Winter Music
Bellingen | 11–14 July
2019 is shaping up to be one of the best years yet for Bello Winter Music. With another world-class lineup, organisers are taking it up a notch for the fifth year of the Mid North Coast event held in the beautiful Bellingen.
For a festival of discovery it can be tricky to decide which acts to circle first in that coveted festival program, but who better to give the lowdown on the ‘who’s who’ and the ‘not to be missed’ than festival director himself, Glenn Wright.
‘The obvious don’t-miss acts are Tammi Savoy and the Chris Casello Combo from the US; the incredible Nadia Reid of NZ; Australian music darling Laura Jean; and the legendary Hat Fitz and Cara,’ said Wright.
‘Other acts on the must-see list include returning favourites Bullhorn (aka FUN), Vaudeville Smash (who could forget their Sunday evening gig at the golf last time!), Senegambian Jazz Band (do. not. miss), and Gold Member (if you want to party, this is the one).
‘Bello Winter Music is really about finding the hidden gems, and there are many. Here are the ones I’ll be sure not to miss: The Maes because they are simply one of the best original music acts Australia has produced in the last 10 years; Lloyd Spiegel as he is sure to be the next one upholding the guitar/blues tradition; Emily Wurramara as she is just amazing, and The Montgomery Brothers to see what all the fuss is about.
‘Claire Anne Taylor and Greg Sheehan are always ones to watch at Bello Winter Music and fun outdoor activities include the Sunday morning New Orleans-style Street Parade, the notorious Magic Bus, the Saturday/Sunday Marketplace in Maam Gaduying Park (across from the Memorial Hall), and the roving street performers.’
Bello Winter Music | Bellingen | 11–14 July | bellowintermusic.com
Yeshe Fundraiser
KulchaJam Byron Bay | Sunday 23 June | 3–10pm
Much-loved musician Yeshe is dealing with some significant health issues, so to help him get by at a time where he can’t work his friends are getting together to launch a gofundme campaign and a star-studded event on Sunday 23 June. Featuring MC Jonathan Atherton, the funny fucker who set up a comedy club in Kuala Lumpur, a place where I don’t think you are allowed to say funny fucker! Featuring Bobby Alu, Cye Wood, Palm Wine Ambassadors, Peter Hunt, Shai Shriki, Hottentots, and more. Lots of prizes, and healthy, hearty food! Runs 3–10pm at KulchaJam.
Byron Bay Sound System
Byron YAC | Saturday | 3–10pm | $10
Following the tradition of sound-system culture originally coming from Jamaica and England, Totem Sound System is proud to unite with Byron reggae warriors like B-CHO, Uplift Sound, Likkle Twan, and Rasta in the East among others to bring the first edition of Byron Bay Sound System gathering. Held at The Byron Youth Activity Centre (behind the library) in the heart of Byron Bay on Saturday, the aim of this musical gathering is to spread conscious and uplifting reggae and dub musical experience to the Byron Bay massive. The heavy drum and bass frequencies of reggae and dub are an undeniably liberating penetration of music into the deepest of our insides. From roots reggae to jungle music, this is going to be the first in a series of sound-system gatherings to come this year.
There will be art stalls, food, and hot drinks available at the event. This is an alcohol- and drug-free outdoor event from 3pm till 10pm. Saturday. It’s a $10 entry fee.
The Hombres
Byron Golf Club | Saturday 22 June | 6–9pm | $5/10
The Hombres is the brainchild of four of Byron Bay’s best-known and most successful musicians. Singer Kurt Rettenmaier has been performing locally and nationally with his namesake outfit Kurtis for close to ten years, during which time he has received critical acclaim and widespread radio airplay. Currently he is touring as the singer for JJJ favourites Flight Facilities. With a reputation for electric live performances, Kurtis brings to The Hombres an exciting and polished performance. On guitar is Pat Davern, best known for his work as lead guitarist in legendary Oz rockers Grinspoon. Pat has recently returned to the Byron region, and has taken the opportunity to play some different music with some old friends.
On drums is Johnny, all the way from Ireland and now living here in The Bay. Johnny has played all over Europe and brings a real character to the band. Putting the bottom end in The Hombres is bass player Mike ‘Chilli’ Mills. Mike is a locally born musician recently returned from musical duties with Alex Lloyd and brings a solid foundation to The Hombres, with his driving, rock-solid playing. The Hombres have a set of entertaining, upbeat classics and hits from the last 40 years delivered with their own flavour by four exceptional musicians.
The best thing for a night of fun, dancing, and entertainment… and they’re at the Byron Golf Club on Saturday 22 June from 6 till 9pm to raise money for Sean’s Boots. 6–9pm. $10 adults, $5 for kids. Tix at suffolkparkfc.com
Lucie Thorne (solo)
Dusty Attic, Lismore | Thursday | 8pm | $20
Acclaimed Melbourne songstress Lucie Thorne is playing Dusty Attic in Lismore on Thursday to give people a taste of her brilliant forthcoming art/pop album Kitty & Frank.
Lauded for writing ‘some of the most simple and beautiful songs you will hear’ (The Age), Lucie Thorne has earned her place as one of Australia’s most striking contemporary songsmiths. With twelve releases to her name and a prodigious touring schedule in Australia and internationally, Lucie Thorne continues to carve out an extraordinary creative career.
Thorne’s new album Kitty & Frank will be released internationally on 26 August 2019. It traces the wild, true stories of young frontier woman Kitty Walsh and her lover, the charismatic bandit and bushranger Frank Gardiner. In the 1860s, gold fever came to Wheogo NSW and, like Deadwood, it didn’t end well. Painting landscapes with dream-soaked synths, irresistible beats, poetry, and pathos, with Kitty & Frank Thorne has woven an astonishing arc of vignettes to create an album that is at once timeless and utterly modern.
At the Dusty Attic in Lismore on Thursday at 8pm. Tix $20 at dustyatticmusiclounge.com
Dean Doyle with Sophistication presents Save the Last Dance for me, Dinner and Show.
Ballina RSL | Saturday 15 June | 7.30pm | $45.90
Sophistication is a local band specialising in the music of the 30s through till now, and features the talents of Dean Doyle (vocals, trumpet, and trombone), Narelle Harris (piano, vocals) and Paul Belsham (drums).
For the Save The Last Dance For Me Show the band is joined by the fabulous Paul Agar and the haunting sound of his steel guitar. Paul runs a recording studio in Yamba and performs around the region; he recently won a Dolphin Award for his steel-guitar playing.
The show is based around the hits of iconic artists of the 50s and 60s. Artists include: Elvis, Fats Domino, Paul Anka, Connie Francis, Doris Day, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, Jay and the Americans, The Platters, and of course The Drifters. Also featuring a special Hawaiian set with songs from Blue Hawaii, and the fabulous Jamaican Harry Belafonte’s instrumental hits (a big part of popular music in the 60s) are also a feature with hits from The Shadows, Tijuana Brass, and the eerie steel -guitar hit by Santo and Johnny, Sleepwalk.
A night of fantastic soloists with a slick, experienced band – a night not to missed.
Come and join us at the Canal Road RSL Bowling Club Saturday. 7.30pm. Tix are $45.90 at ballinarsl.com.au
