The power of the ocean
Northern beaches-based psych/reggae-rock band Ocean Alley have unveiled their third single Muddy Water following a solid year of extensive touring throughout the country; it is lifted from their forthcoming sophomore EP In Purple. Drawing on a different range of influences, Muddy Water carries down-tempo reggae-roots grooves likened to Blue King Brown melded with the space-tinged surf-rock vibes of The Growlers. Over the past twelve months, the band has completed four national tours that have included a slew of sold-out shows – most notably an all-ages matinee performance at the Metro Lair, which sold out six weeks prior to the show date. The band added an impromptu 18+ show that evening that also sold to capacity.
Not losing sight of their hard work ethic and approach to touring, Ocean Alley have recently announced a national EP tour that includes nine dates across the east coast throughout September and October. Following on from the EP tour the band will perform at boutique festival Lost Paradise alongside Jamie xx, Angus & Julia Stone, The Jungle Giants and Four Tet, which takes place over New Years Eve on the NSW central coast.
They play The Hotel Great Northern on Saturday.
Tommy disco and YAC
Last month the Byron Youth Activities Centre was transformed into the Electric Garden to host their first monthly silent disco, featuring Tommy Franklin! This Friday the YAC will host its second silent disco, an all-ages event, mainly aimed at young people of high school and uni ages, but everyone is welcome. These events are drug- and alcohol-free and fully supervised, with a $10 entry fee that also includes free food and headphone hire.
Featured this time is DJ Ramae, along with, of course, Tommy Franklin. There will be a guest performance from local beatboxer Bladez FX, who has to be heard to be believed. His performance last month was mesmeric! To celebrate the second silent disco, the first 10 people to line up at the door at 6pm will get free entry and there are two $50 vouchers from Mr Vintage to give away during the night in a couple of Tommy-style dance-offs! The Batbus have also generously sponsored these monthly events with a FREE bus for young people from the north of the shire; just call them on
6685 8771 to book.
Speaking up for kids
We Speak for the Children is a kids’ concert to be held in Brunswick Heads on Sunday to raise awareness of the new border-protection act.
This new act is where healthcare professionals working in detention centres will be mandatorily prosecuted for reporting of abuse.
Featuring Miss Renee Simone, Heartworn Highway, Jenni Cargill-Strong, Captain Horrible, DJ Crucial and the Youth Guerilla Busking Corps featuring Ilona Harker (plus more to be announced). From 11am to 3pm there will be music, raffles, stalls, face painting, and games on the beautiful foreshore of Brunswick Heads.
Horace & Lee
Catch Horace Bevan when he is joined by the vibrant and velvety harmonies of Lee Haslau.
Until 12 years ago Lee didn’t even know singing was her thing, but one Sunday listening to a jazz and swing band play at Margaret River her passion was awakened. Lee moved here two years ago and a chance meeting with local muso Horace Bevan has burgeoned into a duo that combines his acoustic skills of guitar and Lee’s vibrant melodic tones. They play Club Lennox on Sunday from 4pm.
More Reasons to Live
Polka Dot Productions is very excited to present a wonderful evening of Americana/singer/songwriter performers. Headlining this triple bill is the NT’s honey-voiced, multiple-award-winning Dave Garnham & The Reasons To Live.
Performing solo will be Jessie Vintila (The Lucky Wonders, Raise the Roof Gospel Choirs), described by The Age as ‘a true singer’, in her first local show since The Luckies’ sold-out album launch in 2013. Opening the night, on his first Australian tour, is Leo Rondeau from Austin, Texas. His family lineage includes members of the Turtle Mountain Band of the Chippewa Indian Tribe, from North Dakota, where he was born. David Garnham & The Reasons to Live craft country-tinged ballads about booze and women, fuelled by isolation and self-loathing. Twisted love, the human condition and gin feature prominently in songs laden with candour and heartbreak. Garnham made Australian songwriting history by winning the hugely prestigious International Songwriting Competition (Americana Category) for the single Love Inside A Jar, taken from the band’s debut album of the same name. Club Mullum (Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club). Friday 25 September, 7.30pm. Tickets at the door $25.
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