Mr Percival (aka Darren Percival runner up on The Voice Australia Series 1) brings his unique brand of solo looping to Camelot for one show only featuring songs from his albums “Microphones”, “Falling Around The Sun” and “Out Of The Loop”.
Mr. Percival has been creating spontaneous choirs with his solo shows at some of the biggest music festivals in Australia since 2003 and has earned a reputation as an artist of pure imagination and skill.
This is a rare chance to experience the uplifting, invigorating and passionate performance of this creative artist up close and personal where everyone can join in and be connected with this entertaining and dynamic performer.
Mr Percival’s show will help keep you healthy… it exercises your heart.
Fans of life-drawing (with live-music) will be delighted to know that…
Sometimes in Django Bar, sometimes in Camelot…it will always be the place to be on THURSDAYS in Sydney! And..only $10 admission!!
So bring your easels, sketch pads etc for a night of music and art, pizzas and cider, in an inspiring and eclectic atmosphere!
Happy Hour in Django bar between 6 and 7pm…
Model and musician doing 2×45 minute sessions between 8 and 10pm – and only $10 admission!
With a rhythm section born in West Africa, this brilliant 8 piece band has an intoxicating upbeat sound, bringing the influences of reggae, funk and rap to West African grooves. Led by the ever charismatic, Sibo Bangoura from Guinea, the group has enormous energy, giving tradition a modern twist that never fails to fill the dancefloor. Winner of the Kultour touring grant to tour Australia-wide in 2013, funded by Playing Australia & Arts NSW, KEYIM BA brings together several of Australia’s best West African musicians, taking audiences on an exciting musical journey into West Africa, with powerful drumming accompanied by West African melodies on the Kora (West African harp) and guitar. The group was formed in early 2009 inspired by the release of Sibo Bangoura’s CD entitled Keyim Ba (4 stars, Limelight).
Laura & Susie are a sister duo from Sydney whose songs are influenced strongly by the Celtic and Americana folk music from their childhood. Laura’s complex and story-tale piano compositions range from the epic to the light-hearted, influenced by artists like Joanna Newsom, Regina Spektor and Tori Amos. Her songs are complemented by the spellbinding simplicity of Susie’s gentle folk melodies on guitar, inspired by great songstresses such as Joni Mitchell, Kate Rusby and Kate Bush. Accordion, piano, violin and guitar create the backdrop for beautiful harmonies that weave together flavours of jazz, roots, Appalachian folk and more eclectic styles. “I love these songs. Beautifully constructed, original, intriguing, beguiling, & disarmingly honest ( – not to mention infectious! I just can’t get “Little Song” out of my brain.” – Nigel Westlake, multi-award winning composer (Babe, Miss Potter, Missa Solis, co-writer of Compassion with multi-ARIA award nominated artist Lior) Together they comprise one third of Balkan/jazz ensemble Chaika, and separately have a varied musical history: Laura has sung with and composed for ARIA award winning Mara! & the Martenitsa Choir, sung with the London Bulgarian Choir, performed with The Rhythm Hunters to 15-20,000 capacity crowds on the Woodford Festival NYE Amphitheatre stage, contributed her solo vocals to animated short The Rose of Turaida, and worked on nearly 50 films with credits including Moulin Rouge, Babe, and Australia. Susie has performed in all the major music venues in Sydney including the Opera House, Sydney Town Hall and Angel Place Recital Hall as well as frequenting the Sydney jazz and independent music stages, has sung as a soloist with early music ensembles The Parsons Affayre, The Marais Project and The Renaissance Players, and plays violin and sings in acclaimed tango quintet Tángalo and with Dave Calandra and the Min Min Lights. Catch Laura & Susie with their 5 piece band fresh from touring their debut album “Meremba” up and down the East Coast. www.lauraandsusie.com
“Baby et Lulu return to Camelot for what is sure to be another sell out show of gorgeous French music, full of joie de vivre, seductive harmony, and that Baby et Lulu je ne sais quoi!”
Fado in Australia is a group of Portuguese Fado musicians based in Sydney, NSW. The band was formed approximately 15 years ago thanks to the passion of Portuguese immigrants who incredibly missed their native musical roots and who decided to bring it back to the Australian Portuguese community. Several years later Fado in Australia has seen the arrival of emerging young Portuguese artists and has exposed Fado to multi-cultural audiences. Fado in Australia performs traditional Fado styles ranging from the first artists to the latest ones and intends to take you through a journey of discovery of the most typical Lisbon neighborhoods, homes to Fado. Fado, a national treasure in the eyes of the Portuguese and an official Cultural Heritage according to the UNESCO, is a unique Iberian musical melting pot, blending elements from Moorish, African, and Brazilian Fado is by nature a sad and mournful music. The loose translation of the word is “destiny” or “fate”, and its lyrics focus on melancholy and events regarding loss and longing. The origins of Fado are uncertain. It may have its roots in the songs of troubadours, the homesickness of seafarers or the Lundum songs sung by the black slaves from Brazil. It began with popular rhythms and lyrics, in Porto and Lisbon, and as the country developed so Fado gradually evolved into something more complex. Today it is considered an important form of world music.
Jack Derwin and Stephanie Jansen’s first music collaboration began in early 2013 when Jack began mixing tracks for his new album Covered all in Blue. A chance meeting had Jack listening to Stephanie’s music, and vice versa. Jack soon realised the potential that their voices could have together. Before too long, Stephanie was recording backing vocals to a few of Jack’s songs, one being the title track Covered all in Blue which received a Chain nomination in 2013 for best blues song of the year. The album itself also received nominations for best blues album of the year, along with best blues male vocalist for Jack’s song “Still the same”. The album reached No 2 on the Australian Blues and Roots Charts and still remains in the charts to date. In June 2013 Stephanie Jansen performed live with Jack Derwin & The Covered all in Blues band at the Camelot Lounge to a packed room. Since then, Jack has performed regularly in and around Sydney, as well as touring New Zealand early 2014, and performing at the Kiama Jazz and Blues festival. Stephanie also plays regular solo gigs in and out of Sydney, and earlier this year completed a 3 month gig contract on a south pacific cruise ship. Jack has now released a new album for 2014, Rocking on a Calm Sea with Stephanie Jansen once again adding vocals to a couple of the tracks, one being a John Martyn classic, I don’t want to know. This album too has hit the Australian Blues and Roots charts at No 5 for the month of February. Jack Derwin with special guest Stephanie Jansen, will perform a show at the Django bar on April 27 which will include some individual songs by each artist as well as seeing them team up and perform songs from each of Jack’s recent albums. The night will be up close and personal with Jack and Stephanie in acoustic/electric mode; Jack with his trusty collection of guitars including his National resonator, haunting blues harps and bluesy resonating vocals; Stephanie with her acoustic guitar and silky, golden vocals; both artists giving the audience songs with a meaning, a tale, or an excuse to sing or clap along. Blue Pie Records describes Jack’s songs eloquently: Rocking on a Calm Sea: ‘’Derwin’s style is evocative as he merges elements of blues, jazz and folk music. Derwin’s deep voice resonates throughout the album whilst a contrasting female vocal line employs a call and response technique which pervades the album. The foundation of his music is built upon rich blues guitar, as he combines subtle tones of the trumpet and blues harp to create his unique sound. It is this attention to detail that makes Derwin’s music interesting and easy to listen to. This is another great album from Derwin which showcases his musical versatility within the contemporary Blues genre’’.
James Valentine’s Travelling Radio Show comes to Camelot. James has been presenting afternoon radio on 702 ABC Sydney since the last century. He’s been an active musician since mid last century. The Travelling Radio Show brings the two together. His Quartet will perform some hard grooving jazz arrangements of great contemporary tunes and then James will do much loved segments from his radio show live in the room. You will get to Rant, present a problem for the Form Guide, talk about your partner on This Is What I Live With – it’s great radio and it’s even better live. The James Valentine Quartet is James on saxophone, Gary Daley on keyboards, Peter Kohlhoff on bass and Nic Cecire on drums. They’ve recorded three albums for ABC Music, all specialising in instrumental arrangements of much loved tunes – including an entire album dedicated to Australian Rock Classics, the Power and the Passion. The Quartet has a weekly Sydney residency and is a regular feature at music festivals and events around the country. James has been broadcasting on 702 for the last fifteen years. He also writes regularly for the Australian and the Northshore Times. He is the writer and narrator of Come Dine With Me Australian on Foxtel. During the 1980s he was an integral part of the Australian rock music scene, performing with Jo Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, Steve Cummings, Hoodoo Gurus and even Pseudo Echo and Kids in the Kitchen. He eventually joined the Models, remnants of which became Absent Friends, survivors of which became Wendy Matthew’s recording and touring band.
Burra. Gympie. Sale. Parachilna. Wangaratta. You name a town in Australia, chances are Harry Hookey has played it, probably in the last month. Busking on the streets of Cuba and Paris with his brothers, travelling the country supporting the likes Busby Marou and Kasey Chambers, a regular artists on The Foggy Mountain Jam bill, this is a man who lives and breathes the troubadour tradition.“That’s sort of the aim of the game,” he smiles. “Most weeks I’ll have four or five gigs and just keep it happening. I’ve slept in my car a lot over the last couple of years. That’s my main address. And Australia’s a great country for it too: you meet a lot of cool people.”That’s been the lot of this Gippsland-born boy who gave up the country for the city, and life as a would-be lawyer for life as a roaming musician.“I listen to a bit of country music, but I’m mainly from a folky background. I’m a big fan of the early Dylan records, a bit of Woody Guthrie, early Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, all that sort of stuff. That’s what I grew up listening to and then branched out into rock, and then found country a bit later with Hank Williams. I think my music’s a reflection of all those tastes, all mixed together,” he says, “somewhere between James Taylor and Nirvana.”May 1 at Django Bar is the launch for Harry’s debut album ‘Misdiagnosed’ out on April 24th. Don’t miss the performance of a true modern day troubadour and his band.
Victor Valdes is back again for a REAL Mexican party, replete with an authentic Mariachi band! In his own right, VICTOR VALDES (harp, vocals) is a truly extraordinary performer, but this is a rare opportunity to experience him in full regalia with his big band Mariachi group, as they play all the Mexican favourites! Trumpets, violins, the works – this will be a tequila-fuelled night to remember! Victor Valdes’ powerful, compelling voice, magical harp and passion for storytelling will take you on a unique sonorous journey through Mexico and Latin America. Come and join him at Camelot for a Mexican Party, as he performs with his Real Mexico Mariachi Band! A walking encyclopedia of Latin music past and present, Victor has redefined the harp as a solo and lead instrument in a multitude of musical contexts. He’s played with everyone from Angus & Julia Stone and Los Lobos to Jimmy Barnes, and appeared on folk, world music, rock and blues festival stages Australia-wide.
Owen Campbell “Remember to Breathe” Single Launch TourOwen Campbell has had very little time to catch his breath of late, he’s spent the past year taking his hard-driving slide guitar and gutsy, soul-filled voice around the world on the back of his latest album ‘The Pilgrim’.2014 is shaping up to be no different as Campbell gears up to release a new single ‘Remember to Breathe’ and heads out on a lap of the country this April.“One of the world’s most talented slide guitar players” – (Argus News Ireland)
Equus. There is new excitement in Australia’s burgeoning world music patch! The buzz is all about the new band EQUUS, which is the Latin root of the word ‘equine’. A gathering of 5 musicians of very diverse musical and cultural backgrounds, Equus’ debut album Dakshin Khun (Southern Man) focuses on the traditional music of Mongolia, sung by world renowned Mongolian throat singer Bukhu, fused with Middle Eastern strings and wind and a dynamic rhythm section, with a strong component of improvisation to making each performance a new experience, the result is often hard to define, but always spectacular and unique. Joined by well known Blue Mountains musicians Andy Busutill (sax, middle eastern winds), John Robinson (oud, Turkish Baglama) and Peter Kennard (Percussion), as well as Double bass extraordinaire Bertie McMahon. This music is about meetings, of people and traditions, and of musics. EQUUS is a bold, imaginative music project that succeeds in the formation of an entirely new sound.These are the traditional songs of Mongolia played as you have never heard them before. Described as “one of the most evocative albums I have heard …This is pure musical pleasure, exciting, fun and challenging, all at once.” Music Forum magazine.
“Kavisha sings with the voice of a heartbroken angel” – Victoria Laurie The Australian
The Jews Brothers Band Back in Sydney! Featuring Neill Duncan on the one-handed tenor sax!
This legendary five-piece always hits the stage in an explosion of energy and keeps up the pace throughout. They created a sensation when they first appeared on the Australasian scene and they’re back in Australia on a rare visit to mark their 20th anniversary, thrilled to be playing at Camelot Lounge.
Taking traditional klezmer tunes as their starting point, The Jews Brothers Band turned the genre on its head, developing highly original, idiosyncratic arrangements of these same standards while writing a slew of their own quirky, delightful and innovative originals . Songs like “My Yiddish Swing”, “Mordechai, What a Guy”, “In a Roumanian Village Square” “Hobos” and “She’s My Girl”(“She-she-she-she-she-she is my baby”) quickly became audience favourites.
The line-up includes two New Yorkers, an Australian and two Kiwis. They have played the world over, from the Faroe Islands to Southern Spain to Chicago to London, have featured at the “mother” WOMAD in Reading and at the famed North Sea Jazz Festival. And they’ve twice been a stand-out at the “National” in Canberra.
The gig at Camelot will feature Hershal Herscher on accordion, Linn Lorkin on lead vocals and melodica, Nigel Gavin on mandolin, Michael Lira (ex Monsieur Camembert and leader of Sydney’s avant-garde Darth Vegas) on double bass and Neill Duncan, the one-armed bandit, on percussion and on his new one-handed tenor sax, specially made for him in the Netherlands. Expect multi-instrumental harmonies, jazz improv, three-, four- and five-part vocals, theatrical “schtick” und plenty of musical mayhem. www.jewsbrothers.com
“..this idiosyncratic band with its enormous drive, infectious beat and brilliant musicianship …”- Australian Jewish News, Sydney
” … stratospheric levels of talent and borderline insanity … like a hilarious, swirling gypsy soundtrack to an as-yet-unmade Muppet Mafia movie …” - The Argos, Brighton, UK
” …messy, loose as a goose, over the top and simply wonderful! Jewish grunge on a roll.” - Real Groove , NZ
“..an impromptu collision of Sholom Secunda, Spike Jones and Django Reinhard, their frenetic energy and irreverent attitude is a party from start to finish …” - Kfar Arts, Chicago
” … mitreissend, phantasievoll and witzig …” ( “compelling, witty, fantastical”) - Nuremberg Nachrichten. Germany
Mamapalooza is back! This exciting festival celebrates mothers in the visual and performing arts and for its 5th annual show we have a fabulous lineup of mum musicians.
Rebecca Moore - a highly accomplished, award winning singer songwriter who was recently described by the Queanbeyan Times as “the artistic love child of folk singer Joni Mitchell and stadium rocker Robert Plant.” Her career highlights include: Finalist of 3 categories – Australian Independent Music Awards 2013. Nominated World/Folk Award Top 5 Musicoz Awards 2012 and much more. She has appeared at numerous festivals including: Peat’s Ridge and the Illawarra Folk Festival NSW. She has toured the UK three times performing shows in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and the Isle of Skye (Scotland). Her album will be available for sale, which spans a decade of touring and songwriting.
Lisa Schouw (from Girl Overboard) – an ARIA nominated singer, dancer, choreographer and mother of 1, has a voice like ‘dark chocolate’ (John Shand reviewer). “Schouw is stunning” – a description given by Michael Smith – Drum Media, for her performance of singer Nina Simone in The Other Woman. Lisa finds her work as an artist and mothering inextricably linked and her music has at times been a release from the intense experience of motherhood. Lisa will be performing from ‘Singing Over the Bones’ her sell-out one woman show originally performed at the Stables Theatre. It explores a journey of modern motherhood.
Zelda Smyth is often compared to Patti Smith or a female Bob Dylan, even Janis Joplin or Marianne Faithfull because of her low weathered and sultry voice. Her songs are a mix of Blues, Soul and Country. A self-taught guitarist and mother of two grown up daughters, she recently toured New York and London. Her introduction to Mamapalooza was at the Motherhood Museum in New York City where she played to a televised audience. Zelda regularly plays with John Maddox in a duo, the Z’J’s at the Coopers Hotel.
Mindy Sotiri - a prolific song-writer who will be releasing her new album this year.“When I first heard the sublime Mindy Sotiri sing about baby monitor static at an inner-city pub, I burst into tears and smudged all my eyeliner. … new maternal existence making an appearance at an actual live music gig. NO-ONE sings about this stuff. And they SHOULD. Mindy is not just an outrageously talented musician – she’s bringing women’s intense private worlds into the public.” - Emma Tom
Freya & Bek
Freya & Bek performed at the last Mamapalooza, to great acclaim. Freya Lindblom is a music therapist and singer/songwriter who performed for many years with much loved group, Elf, who were renowned for their acapella songs & ethereal, weaving harmonies. Freya’s original songs explore relationships, love & social conscience. Bek Wermut is a registered Music Therapist, multi-instrumentalist, percussionist, drum circle facilitator, & new mum.
Max & Dale Duo
Max Whelan and Dale Newman used to play in bands around Sydney and sleep in on the weekends but now they both have beautiful sons and a love of early morning lego (really!) Occasionally, they say, a friend asks them to dust off their guitars to sing at a birthday party or a wedding and they drink copious amounts of tea at Dale’s house by the sea and between chats try and remember the chords to a few songs! You’ll enjoy their original acoustic pop songs!
Plus, Ana Key, Ruby Star and Louise Charman James whose original songs incorporate humour, pathos & irony will have you in stitches. So steal a moment and come out to a fabulous night of entertainment!
PHOTO from left top: Rebecca Moore, Faith and Ruby Star, Zelda Smyth, Mindy Sotiri.
Be quick coz Camembert at Camelot always sells out!!
May 10 is a rare opportunity to catch Australian blues legend Dom Turner, founding member and key songwriter of the blues group The Backsliders, performing with Dom Turner and Supro.
Dom Turner and Supro are a mixture of three-parts blues, two parts surf-rock, a heavy spoonful of dub laced with a splash of Tabasco-spiced New Orleans funk, all blended with a helping of Tex-Mex jalapenos, salt, reverb and voices from the dead. Traditionally served with your choice of ice-cold beer.
Dom Turner and Supro have rocked audiences at numerous festivals including East Coast Blues Festival, the Australian Blues Festival and the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz.
Joining Dom in live mode are legendary drummer Rosscoe “Stinger” Clark (The Foreday Riders, Lynwood Slim), the amazing Dave “Hitman” Harding on bass (Lynnwood Slim, Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges) and sensational keyboardist Johnny G (Johnny G and the E Types, Ed Kuepper, Leonardo’s Bride).
Check them out: http://domturner.com.au/dom-turner-and-supro/
As a special treat Johnny G & The E Types will deliver a mind-blowing instrumental performance showcasing the Memphis soul classics of Booker T & The M.G.’s, the Jamaican reggae hits of The Upsetters and the funk gems of The Meters.
Johnny G & The E Types are legendary keyboardist Johnny G on Hammond and Piano (Ed Kuepper, Leonardo’s Bride), Nick Meredith (Cotton Keyes & Morris, Tim Finn, Matt Finish) on guitar, drums from Antero Ceschin (Continental Blues Party, The Mighty Reapers), Dave “Hitman” Harding (Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, Red Rivers, The Foreday Riders) on bass.
Check them out: http://johnnygandtheetypes.com
This is a rare, not to be missed double bill show for all lovers of Blues, Tex-Mex, Soul, Funk, Surf Rock and Dub-Reggae.
Uzunstein Chamber Orchestra with guest singer Jasna Kalinov who sings like the moon sings to the night.
Get set to immerse yourself into the rich sounds of Eastern European music!!
Under the directorship of the renowned Giga Jeleskovic, the Uzunstein Chamber Orchestra fuses the classical with a haunting Slavic melody and sensual Balkan rhythms – all of which are original compositions penned and performed by Giga and his orchestra.
The orchestra consists of a string quintet ensemble of cello, two violins, mandolin and guitar. Giga has an impressive 30 year career as a composer and performer in Australia and overseas including the opening ceremony for the 2000 Australian Olympics, Stonesleeper for the Sydney Festival 2004 and finalist in the 2005 Austrian Prize for World Music with Jazzwa.
Mark Ginsburg has been a committed advocate of building musical bridges between his native South Africa and his newer home, Australia. His efforts have seen him seen perform frequently at South African Jazz Festivals as well as having taken Australian musicians there on tour. His deep understanding of the South African musical landscape can be heard in many of his musical projects. The band will take us on a fascinating musical journey, featuring the music of Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masakela, Bheki Mseleku and more…
Mark Ginsburg – Saxophones Simon Ferenci – Flugel Horn & Trumpet Judy Campbell – Voice Ryan Grogan – Piano Brendan Clark Jnr – Bass Dave Goodman – Drums
A Salute to the Trailblazing women of 50′s America
Presented by Narelle Evans and her band.
If Elvis caused a scandal in 1955 – imagine what it was like for women who wanted to ROCK!!!
“Narelle Evans had superb strength, a richness of tone not often encountered but once heard can never be forgotten” - Carolyn McDowall, The Culture Concept Circle (critic).
Fun, and a shared passion for Rockabilly and 1950′s Rock’n’roll has recently seen the birth of ‘The Rockabilly Women’ show. When Narelle Evans decided to put on a Rockabilly show, the daunting task of what songs to choose lay before her. It soon became clear most of the rockabilly/rock’n’roll tunes we love are performed by men. “I wanted to put on a show in the spirit of Imelda May using the music of 1950′s female rock’n’rollers but I couldn’t find any 50′s rock’n’roll sung by women” said Narelle, “until I scratched beneath the surface and dug a little deeper”.
What she unearthed was a treasure trove of women who were recorded by Sun records in the 1950′s. Dozens of women were recorded but were never promoted like the men and have largely been forgotten. However, they have left behind some fantastic music. What a discovery. Why weren’t they promoted? Because women singing rock’n’roll were considered outrageous and vulgar.
“These women unknowingly became pioneers of rock’n’roll music. All they wanted to do was rock! They laid the foundations for the cultural and sexual revolutions of the 1960′s. Here was a story we never hear about. It’s an important story. We had our show”
Four women (including Wanda Jackson) who defied convention and rocked in this era were chosen. The show is built around their fascinating stories set against the backdrop of 1950′s mid west America. “Once the songs were chosen, we had a script written and brought in director Robert Jarman to bring the show to life.”
Come and hear the gems these women recorded played live by some fine Sydney music luminaries:
Narelle Evans Vocals: (The Jive Bombers, Bridie King)
Jack Evans Guitar/Vocals: (Steve Prestwich (Cold Chisel) Band, The Kites)
Chris Perry Bass/Vocals/Musical director: (The Moods, The Jive Bombers)
Antero Ceschin Drums: (The Mighty Reapers)
Fri 16 May – CUMBIAMUFFIN
Cumbiamuffin back at Camelot Lounge its wall of is unstoppable Cumbia sound with a twist.Put together by Colombian and Australian musicians, the project has the common vision of introducing the purest sounds of traditional Cumbia to the Australian audiences, playing the classics that made this genre the most popular rhythm in Latin America during the 80’s, and that now is taking over the world.
Since its inception in December 2010, Cumbiamuffin has sold out many well known Sydney venues – including Club 505;The Metro; Paddington Eastside Arts and Club Marconi. Cumbiamuffin has also stretched its considerable musical talents to share stages with Sidestepper (Colombia), Mucho Mambo (AUS), and Watussi (AUS) amongst others.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see the latest big movement in Sydney’s international music scene. We guarantee you will be dancing from note one.
Tix $25+bf, 7.30pm Doors/9.00pm Show
Table bookings for groups of 8 or more only – email us for table reservations AFTER you have prebooked…
Delicious food (including pizza!) available.
Fully licensed – NO BYO Please book carefully – as no refunds, credits or exchanges on tix!
All ages welcome (but under 18′s must be accompanied by an adult)
Sat 17 May – Balkan/Gypsy/World party with MARSALA!
Tix are $25 + bf, 7.30pm Doors/9.00pm Show
Table bookings for groups of 8 or more only – email us for table reservations AFTER you have prebooked…
Delicious food (including pizza!) available.
Fully licensed – NO BYO Please book carefully – as no refunds, credits or exchanges on tix!
All ages welcome (but under 18′s must be accompanied by an adult)
Rembetika comes to Camelot Lounge in this thrilling recreation of the Athens’ hash dens and cafes which flourished between 1920 and 1955. The music of the urban Greek underground, moody and reflective one minute, jubilant the next, springs to life under the artistic direction of George Doukas and his ensemble. Come on a journey through story, song and imagery, learn to dance Rembetika style and immerse yourself in an authentic Greek cultural experience. This is a landmark event for music lovers everywhere and will transport you to 1920′s Piraeus where you can live the sights and sounds defined by an era of displacement and struggle. This unique performance includes dancers, musicians, big screen photography and a storyline told through the themes of the songs – (English narration).
This evening begins with a trio made up of three musicians who live in the same house and by listening to each other practice decided to make music together.Featuring Damian Wright Flamenco guitarist extraordinaire, Sarah J Hyland a soulful and emotive Singer and Bobby Singh.They explore and celebrate all the possibilities of there various musical backgrounds and their individual journeys as musicians and friends.
Following this we shall have a great opportunity to hear the sitar playing of our very own Sarangan Sriranganathan accompanied on Tabla by Bobby Singh.
Maestro Sarangan Sriranganathan is appreciated as an international phenomenon both in the field of fusion music and Indian classical music. Trained in Hindustan Music (Sitar) and Carnatic Music (Vocal and Veena), Sarangan’s mesmerizing voice and original compositions have seen him win many illustrious awards and perform internationally at prestigious festivals
Christa Hughes has decided to celebrate turning a year older by singing her heart out and putting on a little soirée at her favourite Sydney venue. The night will kick off with living, or as he likes to put it, dying legend Dick Hughes who along with Christa will perform a set of their favourite songs. Expect ballads of beer, reefers and pigs trotters. This will then be followed by Christa and guitarist extraordinaire Ben Fink who will perform their songs of lust, murder and revenge. There will also be a couple of surprises provided by other members of the Hughes mob and dear, yet thoroughly entertaining, friends. It’s her party and she’ll holler if she wants to! “They summon up that original spirit many have forgotten about, the force that made this music so edgy and radical when it first came out” – The Age “The Hughes family have given us a type beauty” – Barry Humphries
They’ll have you groovin’ to the “old school” funk and soul music of Tower of Power, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, James Brown and Blood, Sweat and Tears. BumpCity have been performing since the band’s conception as “What is Hip” in the 1980′s. 2005 saw the very successful release of their first CD “On Top Down Under”. BumpCity opened for “Fiji” America’s highest selling Polynesian funk and hip hop artist on his inaugural Australian tour and have appeared on Australia’s Channel 9 “Mornings with Kerri-Anne”. BumpCity also opened for and shared the stage with Motown’s legendary stars The Supremes during their only Australian public performance. In past performances BumpCity have been joined by special guests Tom Politzer from Tower of Power, New Zealand’s legendary Soul band Adijah’s Betty-Anne and “Captain Fonk” Ryan Monga, Sydney’s Jeni Love, Bernie Segedin and Evelyn Duprai. BumpCity’s performance is a must see, so book early!
Jim Conway’s Big Wheel boasts an all-star line up of musicians who share a passion for Blues, Jump and Swing. It features the talents of Jim Conway (harmonica/backup vocals), Don Hopkins (keyboards/vocals), Jess Green (guitar/vocals), Stan Valacos (double bass), Andy Byrnes (drums/percussion) and Justin Fermino (Sax/backup vocals). Each member of Big Wheel brings their own musical tastes to the band, creating an eclectic, quirky mix that works surprisingly well, with Don Hopkins’ New Orleans style boogie, Justin’s R&B Sax, and Jess Green’s strong Jazz and African rhythms complementing the diversity of styles at the command of renowned harp player, Jim Conway. This stylistic fusion is evident in the original repertoire that draws on 30’s swing and boogie, 40’s and 50’s rhythm and blues, Jazz, African, Latin and New Orleans Boogie. It’s little wonder that their inaugural CD, Little Story received an ARIA nomination for Best Blues Album in 2004.The band runs like a well-oiled machine, delighting and uniting audiences and critics alike. ABC radio’s Doug Spence observed that ‘everyone co-operates, not competes. Each is a master of what NOT to play….the Big Wheelers are wonderfully relaxed, yet highly alert.’ In these decades of economic rationalism, a six-piece band is a rare treat, particularly with four contributing to the vocals; the harmonies are a delight! Since its inception, Jim Conway’s Big Wheel has performed regularly at festivals around Australia including the Port Fairy, Bellingen, Wangaratta, Brunswick, Blue Mountains, Illawarra, Narooma (Great Southern), Kiama and Balmain Acoustica music festivals. In 2013, the band released their long awaited third CD, Just So, described by Jim as the finest recording of his career.
David Bridie has hit the road again and is coming to Camelot Lounge with performances that mix up the old and new – songs from his 2013 release WAKE as well as some gems from his extensive back catalogue in film and music.To mark the tour Bridie has released a new music video for single Shortest Day of The Year. The Shortest Day of The Year was shot in LA by director Catriona McKenzie of Satellite Boy (starring David Gulpilil, and for which David did the music score). The LA based editor Sara Mineo of Game of Thrones fame leant her magic touch in the editing suite, and the clip stars Haskell Vaughn Anderson III, side kick to Jean-Claude Van Damme in his 1989 film Kickboxer. With a veritable who’s who of the film world getting involved in the music videos for WAKE it seems Julianne Moore will not be the only new high profile fan to jump on the Bridie bandwagon.This is the third clip in a series of filmic music video’s produced for WAKE, which included the award winning video for Delegate (winner of the Nevada International Film Festival award for best music video and nominated for an Australian Screen Editors Guild Award) which saw underbelly actor Ian McKenzie trigger the self-emollition of a business man turned dreamer. The Clip for Shortest Day of The Year ponders the last day of a life, the day you die, the sweet in the bitter, memories from the gamut of a life’s experience.
It’s a sporting life and we’ll be putting hi-octane action into your week as these two Transcontinental heavy weights battle it out for supremacy in the finals of the Musique World Cup. The ultimate winner is you, our beloved audience, who get to experience an incredible night of primal Haitian Voodoo-Pop and explosive East/West Rock’n’Roll!Rufino and the Coconuts will offer up primal grooves, rocksteady good times and voodoo conjuring to shake your skeleton too. Mikelangelo, backed by his Zagreb Allstars, will lay down a beat that is part Cramps, part Elvis, part Balkan surf stomp.
All you have to do is shake it!
The dress code is island chic and cold war cool.
Anyone who was lucky enough to be in the capacity crowd at Rufino and Mikelangelo’s PARADISE ISLAND event in March, will know that the Musique World Cup finals will be an unmissable night of fantastic music and stellar performance from two of the members of internationally acclaimed kings of Kabaret Noir – Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen.
With over ten musicians on stage, a wall of percussion, wild dance moves and sartorial splendour, this will be a grand final of epic proportions!
SONS OF SUN -THE SAM PHILLIPS STORY is a rock and roll play about Sun Records, Memphis, and the artists that started their careers there.
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Sat 31 May – BAKOOMBA
Senegalese artist Fode Mane leads “Bakoomba” - a dynamic 9 piece band that delivers an infectious, hip-swinging blend of Afrobeats, Reggae, Funk, Jazz and Percussion. Fode is an incredible teacher and performer of West African dance and drumming who has taken his passion and skills around the world over the last twenty years. Now this passion for music has evolved into “Bakoomba” a fresh Afro fusion group that take the roots of Africa and add a spicy selection of popular music genres that add a universal flavour. This amazing circle of musicians serve up a vibrant and energetic show that will leave everyone wanting more……faces smiling, bodies jumping, feet dancing and hearts rejoicing. Don’t miss the uplifting music of Bakoomba!
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Sun 1 Jun @ Django Bar – BEAUTIFULLY MAD
Beautifully Mad are performing at the Django Bar June 1st before touring to Canada with a pared back lineup including Hamish Stuart on Drums and Peter Badenoch.
A breathtaking ride that recalls the beauty of James Taylor, some honey from Melody Gardot, a lyrical spice of Cohen washed down with some Waits-like humour.
A musical flame that licks at the heels of Folk and Jazz.
Expect goose-bumps from the hauntingly beautiful to the wild Hendrix spiked guitar and dirty New Orleans exhilaration of a band possessed. Tony has a reputation for setting fire to a 12 string with his solos, while Nina melts hearts with her rich, mellifluous voice and nylon string guitar.
“Tony King is one of the country’s finest guitarists” – Jonathon Biggins
“Highly original, evocative and moreish. In performance they are engaging, incredibly versatile and inventive, an altogether class act” – Bob Connolly & Sophie B Raymond (Mrs Carey’s Concert)
Tony has also toured extensively as lead guitarist for Andrew Strong, the incredible singer from the Commitments. They also co-wrote an album together in Ireland called Gypsy’s Kiss.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity.
“Beautifully Mad” were simply stunning. Excellent guitars and fabulous voices combined with lyrics that can only have come from people who have really lived, loved, lost & laughed through life. Their songs cut straight to the heart as they transported us. Thoroughly delightful entertainment!” -Bill Arnett, Folkus Room Canberra
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Thu 5 Jun – THE IDEA OF NORTH
So who are The Idea of North?
In short, they’re a quartet of musicians, serious about their music without taking themselves too seriously.
Their instrumentation: voice (soprano), voice (alto), voice (tenor) and voice (bass), with a little bit of vocal percussion thrown in. They have a beautifully distinct sound and style, but they cross many musical genres: jazz, folk, gospel, pop, classical, comedy – exactly what you see and hear at a concert is difficult to describe.
With ten albums in the catalogue, a significant local and international fan base, and increasingly regular local and international work, it would seem that despite the difficulty, people are getting better at describing The Idea of North to their friends. You may have heard and enjoyed the CDs (some of them award-winning), but the best stuff actually happens live and can’t be recorded onto plastic, no matter how shiny it is.
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Fri 6 Jun – STEVE POLTZ
To suggest that Steve Poltz isn’t normal is about as safe a statement as one could make. You would basically require the powers of the Hubble space telescope to locate Steve Poltz from any region of normalcy. For music fans on both sides of the equator, this is a very good thing. Born among the hearty seafaring folk of Canada’s Halifax, Nova Scotia, Poltz has lived most of his life in Southern California, where the sun treated his rocky Canadian DNA like clothes in a dryer. Naturally a spectrum of cultural and emotional tensions arose and he eventually sought refuge in the art of songwriting, where he tapped into an unforgettable and often horrifying depth of unhinged genius. Among the music cognoscenti, Steve Poltz is regarded as one of the most talented and prolific songwriters of our time. His songs have been among the longest running ever on the Billboard Top 100 and they regularly appear in movie soundtracks, television shows, and even the odd commercial. His touring schedule is ferocious, ping ponging between continents with enough frequency to earn him manic followings in scores of different accents and languages. Any musician who has traveled as extensively as Poltz will have their share of colorful road stories, but Poltz’s adventures read like a bucket list. Starting out auspiciously, Poltz recalls meeting Elvis Presley at a small airport and beaming proudly as The King hugged his sister for an inordinately long time. Growing up in Palm Springs, California, he trick-or-treated at Liberace’s house and was Bob Hope’s favorite altar boy. In an alcohol-soaked haze, he infamously accosted David Cassidy, who had summoned him to Las Vegas to write a hit song for the aging Tiger Beat cover boy. His rich and colorful legacy is the stuff of legend, but it is his distinctive style of songwriting that has caused the world to offer up its stages, clubs, and alleys. Poltz’ sound is entirely unique- from his inhuman fingerstyle techniques to the inimitable melodies that roll from his guitar like cool waterfalls, you know a Poltz song as soon as you hear it. To see Steve to perform live is one of the most entertaining shows a human could ever see. Frenzied, aggressive, hilarious, and heartbreakingly sincere, his live performances have become bona fide events, with sub-cultures popping up all over the globe to entice him to come and tour. As relentless as he is in concert, he is also the guy who famously co-wrote the timeless ballad ‘You Were Meant For Me’ with platinum-selling songwriter Jewel. Of course, because we’re talking about Steve Poltz, it should surprise no one to learn that the song was written on a lazy Mexican beach, where Poltz and Jewel were soon snapped up and sequestered by Mexican Federales and required to witness and eventually assist in a large marijuana bust on the beach. Don’t believe it? See for yourself in the pictures on his web site. His albums reflect the depth and expanse of his influences throughout the years (One Left Shoe, Chinese Vacation, Traveling and Unraveling). He has also released a children’s album (The Barn), a performance DVD (Tales From The Tavern) and a collection of other recordings that defy categorization, such as Answering Machine a 56-track collection of 45 second songs culled from his answering machines outgoing messages. Neil Young has ranked it as a favorite album. His live shows have captivated audiences far and wide with a mix of singing, storytelling, shredding, and the occasional spoken word rants which have been known to incite riots. He can take an audience from laughter to tears and back again in the space of the same song. Steve Poltz transcends the word talented. He is unforgettable in all the right ways. www.poltz.com
A gutsy and powerful night of very cool music – drawn from the New York and Detroit hot houses that produced the ground-breaking sounds that changed the nature of popular music forever. Camelot celebrates the very best of Lou Reed, Velvet Underground and Iggy Pop… Join Jeff Duff, Damien Lovelock and a killer band featuring members of Celibate Rifles & Icehouse for a truly rocking Friday night.
Variously described as Garage Cabaret, Gypsy Punk, and Gangster Jazz, Waiting for Guinness has been playing the Sydney pub/club scene for years. They may be one of the best dressed too. The band features up to seven pieces including banjo, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, accordion, guitaron (Mexican bass), flute, guitars and drums.
In the tradition of artists such as Tom Waits, Calexico and The Pogues, Waiting for Guinness take their nourishment from ‘old music’ and hot-wire the styles of Berlin Cabaret, Mariachi, Vaudeville, Spaghetti Western and Swing-Jazz into their own surreal vision.
In concert, Waiting for Guinness’ spontaneous and anarchic performances are truly engaging. The theatrical element is as strong as ever, harking back to their busking origins. A fan once said “WFG make old music sound new somehow,” and they may have a point. The band are not traditionalists trying to re-create the past, but write contemporary and original music influenced by the styles they love.
You may have heard Penny’s hit single, “Lap It Up” on JJJ way back in 1994. Penny was one-half of the songwriting core of Club Hoy and went on to forge a career of her own after Club Hoy’s untimely demise. She toured extensively as a headliner and as a support to such luminaries as Margaret Urlich, Things of Stone and Wood, Kate Ceberano, Sophie B Hawkins and Wendy Matthews. In 1994, her debut single, “Lap It Up” made it into the JJJ Hottest 100 at a respectable no. 58. Most recently you may have seen her on stage with her sister, comedian Kitty Flanagan. But now after 10 years away from music proper, Penny has been easing back into live shows around the city.Not Good With Horses are a rollicking country-blues band with a rockabilly edge and a cruisey sweet-voiced girl up front. If you like girl singers and you like your pop acoustic with a little bit of a rootsy bite, come along to this fantastic double bill on Sunday 15th June. You won’t be disappointed.
“In a world where music is diluted by money and plasticine, give thanks that Jeff Lang is out there… He paints pictures in sound.” Beat Magazine
Australian-based musician Jeff Lang has earned worldwide acclaim as a virtuosic guitarist, a dynamic songwriter and a startlingly unique live performer. With a back catalogue of 14 studio albums, Jeff has been featured at major festivals, pubs, clubs, arts centres and venues internationally for the past decade. Blending rock, roots, folk, blues, ballads, instrumentals, improvisation and a devastatingly high level of musicality, Jeff Lang is a singularly unique performer in our world.
Presented by The Music, this show will be launching Jeff Lang’s newest record, “I Live In My Head A Lot These Days” , which will be released in Australia via ABC/Universal on May 16th 2014.
Throughout his career, Jeff has been showered with achievements and awards – the most outstanding would be his seven ARIA award nominations, as well as his three wins in 2002, 2010 and 2012.
His last album, “Carried In Mind” (ABC/UNIVERSAL) won the 2012 Aria award for “Best Blues & Roots”, was awarded “Album of The Year” by Australia’s roots music bible, Rhythms and won the ‘National Folk Recording Award’ presented by Australia’s National Film and Sound Archives. Always one to experiment with genres and instrumentation, Jeff’s world music project Djan Djan won the 2010 ARIA for “Best World Release”.
With his music released in China, Europe, USA and Japan, Jeff has toured the globe for years playing the world’s major festivals, clubs, venues and major performing arts centres. He’s repeatedly graced the many stages of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Japan, China, India, Reunion Island and many countries in Europe.
Over the years, Lang has built up a devoted, almost cult-like following with his live performances. Working without a set list and allowing the unique energy of each night to shape the songs, Lang’s live shows have become much talked about, always taking the audience along for the ride, has seen word of mouth bloom into a successful career.
It’s been widely acknowledged that Jeff Lang is an extraordinarily individual musician. What enhances his unique nature is his steadfast adherence to a prolific and diverse musical palette and output. A songwriter, a collaborator, a guitar virtuoso and a stunning lyricist, Jeff Lang crafts songs as novellas – rich with depth and vision, yet with an open breathe for individual interpretation.
And the media says…
“Jeff Lang is one of those people who has music dripping from his fingers.”
Courier Mail, Australia
“He explores sonorities as eclectic as they are stunning…Lang’s only reference point is himself, a unique singer-songwriter-guitarist who follows his own path.” Le Soleil, Quebec
“Jeff Lang is, in my humble opinion, a national treasure, a truly gifted songwriter and an outstanding guitarist. He has been inspiration to countless Australian and internationally renowned roots artists and surely has a place in history as one of this generation’s finest.
He has really touched me and musically, I had a kind of revelation…”
John Butler, John Butler Trio
“We’re treated to moody atmospheric textures, ripping electric lap-steel riffs, delicate acoustic picking, trippy backwards leads, oddball percussion, throbbing tremolo, and unconventional lyrics – all of which Lang blends like some crazed sonic alchemist. “
Andy Ellis, Guitar Player Magazine, USA
Duos are common enough in the musical world, but sibling duos are a rare thing. Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are that rare thing. There is no rivalry, only the bonds of family and a love of music. Touring extensively throughout Australia and overseas, the Grigoryan Brothers have astounded audiences worldwide with their guitar virtuosity. Together, the duo has released five albums, all of which have been nominated for ARIA awards. In a very rare casual and pared-back show, Slava and Leonard will perform a program of Australian and South American pieces complimented by their own compositions which have become a much-loved part of the Grigoryan Brothers’ repertoire.
Dave graney has been described as a “cryptic rock voyager”. In other truth he is a storyteller, songwriter and singer with few peers in the Australian music scene. A former king of pop. Also self proclaimed “king of the dudes”. A formidable guitarist. A master songwriter. A reckless performer. A broadcaster.
Dave Graney is setting out on a tour which is called IN CONCERT. No matter if it’s a concert hall, a cafe or a bookshop, it’ll be a CONCERT performance.
FEARFUL WIGGINGS is the 2014 album billed as a Dave Graney solo set. Clare Moore is all over the album and will be playing keys, percussion and singing. Stu Thomas will also be playing on baritone guitar, vocals and bass. Dave Graney will be playing guitar and singing. Longtime guitarist Stuart Perera will join the band on selected dates.
Dave Graney will be performing songs from FEARFUL WIGGINGS as well as songs stretching back to his and Clare Moore’s first band, the Moodists and also weird scenes cooked up with the Coral Snakes and the mistLY. Everything is gonna be on the table and whatever it is, wherever it is, it’ll be IN CONCERT!
http://www.thedavegraneyshow.com
http://soundcloud.com/dave-graney-lym
Janis Siegel is a nine-time Grammy winner and a seventeen-time Grammy nominee. Janis Siegel has over a dozen solo albums and has amassed a large international fan base to consistently high critical praise. With The Manhattan Transfer, Janis’ sang lead on some of the Transfer’s biggest hits, such as “Operator,” “Chanson D’Amour,” “Twilight Zone,” “Birdland,” “Ray’s Rockhouse,” “Sassy,” “Spice of Life,” “Mystery,” and “The Boy from N.Y.C.”. She also gained a reputation as a vocal arranger by writing five of the charts for the group’s acclaimed masterwork, Vocalese, seven charts for the group’s Grammy-winning album Brazil, and won a Grammy herself in 1980 for her arrangement of “Birdland.”
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Sun 28 Sep @ Django Bar - THE BAKER SUITE and LISA RICHARDS
The Baker Suite
“Art-folk-pop, french-cafe and cabaret romantica . . . storytelling, built around a warm combination of acoustic guitar and parisian-esque accordion.”
The Baker Suite has opened for Elton John, Kate Ceberano, Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter, Vika and Linda Bull, Francoiz Breut (Fr) and Mary Gauthier (USA).
‘Minor masterpieces that blend folk, country, blues and jazz speckled with global allusions sit beside quirky pop songs suggestive of Paul Simon’ – The Australian
‘Like a Hemingway novel…full of romance and stories that contain truth, beauty and intrigue in equal measure’ – Kate Ceberano
Baker Suite Festival appearances include WOMADelaide (AU 2014),
Bohemia Jazz Festival (CZ, 2012), Okayama Cultural Festival (JP, 2010), Nelson Arts Festival (NZ, 2010), International Guitar Festival (AU, 2009), Adelaide Festival of Arts (AU), Adelaide Cabaret Festival (AU), Lorch Am Rhein Cultural Festival (DE), and The Australian National Folk Festival.
The Baker Suite has opened for Elton John, Kate Ceberano, Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter, Vika and Linda Bull, Francoiz Breut (Fr) and Mary Gauthier (USA).
Lisa Richards
Folk Nouveau chanteuse writing songs that explore the inner and outer world through a melting pot mix of sounds that include folk, jazz, country and blues.
Lisa recently moved home to Australia after a very extended stint in the USA. Appearances in the USA include Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, Kerrville Food and Wine Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, Merlefest, SXSW, College Music Festival (CMJ). Her songs have appeared on CD’s alongside Adele, Nina Simone and Corinne Bailey Rae as well as being heard in film and television. She has shared the stage with a number of artists including Michelle Shocked, Paul Kelly, Chris Whitley and Toni Childs.
**** (4 stars)…..a tour de force of unflinching and honest writing. A strikingly original and beautiful album.” David Costello Brisbane Courier Mail
‘Breathtakingly beautiful, the album is a joy to listen to, and Richards a pleasure to journey with.’ - Hannah Teape Davis tone-deaf.com.au
Lisa Richards http://www.lisarichardsmusic.com
The Baker Suite http://www.thebakersuite.com
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____________________________________________________________ And…if you’re looking for a party destination…why yes! What a fabulous idea! Camelot Lounge does indeed book private functions (weddings, birthdays, barmitzvahs, book launches etc!) Just email info@qirkz.com and we can have a chat! Or…are you celebrating your birthday at one of our shows??? At Camelot Lounge, the Birthday girl/boy (assuming they are 18+) gets a complementary bottle of wine!!! 
