Honky Tonk Highway

Beachhead benefit . . .

2007-05-31T17:31:00.000+10:00

This should have been put up ages ago. Better late than never! There will be wall-to-wall musos at this so get there early if you want to beat the 200-head limit!

Belated Happy Birthday Townes . . .

2007-03-08T11:45:00.000+11:00

. . . who would have had his 63rd birthday yesterday if'n fate'n other things hadn't blocked his troubled path on New Year's Day ten years ago.

Initially, I had a lot of difficulty listening to Townes Van Zandt singing his own songs. After persevering for a couple of years, something clicked within ME and he's now become one of my most cherished and played singer/songwriters.

A biography, To Live's to Fly - The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt, has recently been released and, by all accounts, it's a damn good read. If you feel like chasing an out and out enigma around the spiked musical sphere he lived in, this could be for you. Here's a brief review:

To Live's to Fly
The Ballad of the Late, Great Townes Van Zandt
by John Kruth

The first-ever biography of the elusive and influential musician
whose tragic life became the stuff of legend. Includes 40 rare photographs. To Live’s to Fly is the bracing, fully authorized biography of singer-songwriter-guitarist Townes Van Zandt (1944–1997), who wrote such classic songs as If I Needed You and Waitin’ ’round to Die

Born to a wealthy oil family in Ft. Worth, hounded by alcoholism and unshakable depression, Van Zandt pursued an often nomadic existence on the fringes of society. Along the way, he composed a striking body of work simultaneously heartbreaking in its beauty and terrifying in its willingness to go to the darkest of places. His songs were covered by such artists as Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard (who scored a No. l hit duetting on Van Zandt’s signature tune Pancho and Lefty), Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Doc Watson, Nanci Griffith, the Cowboy Junkies, Tindersticks, and Mudhoney.

John Kruth has interviewed nearly everyone who was close to Townes Van Zandt, including his best friend, songwriter Guy Clark; musical colleagues like Steve Earle, John Prine, Rodney Crowell, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Jerry Jeff Walker; as well as his ex-wives and children. What emerges is the portrait of a tremendously intelligent and charismatic man with a warm sense of humor and a generous nature...and an unstoppable inclination toward self-destruction. Van Zandt lived life on his own terms - and died of a heart attack on New Year’s Day, the same day his idol, Hank Williams, died forty-four years earlier.

To Live’s to Fly is the compelling story of a generation of truly outlaw country artists, one that captures all the humor, hijinks, poetry, and heartbreak of this most revered of songwriters.

“A fervent tribute to a true legend of American songwriting. John Kruth has tracked the back
story of Townes Van Zandt like a manic bloodhound without spoiling the mystery of the man.”
-- Sam Shepard

“...[a] detail- laden yet very readable book that well might revive Van Zandt’s memory.” --Booklist

About the Author:

John Kruth is a songwriter and musician with eight albums to his credit. He is the author of Bright Moments: The Life and Legacy of Rashaan Roland Kirk. He lives in New York City.

Some upcoming gigs . . .

2007-03-06T19:58:00.000+11:00

It's been a while but here's another likely looking night out at the Erskineville Bowlos Club:
. . . and here's Rob Luckey and the Lucky Bastards' gigs for the rest of March:

Thu 8 Mar 2007 8:30 P
Royal Hotel, Leichhardt Sydney

Thu 15 Mar 2007 8:30 P
Royal Hotel, Leichhardt Sydney

Thu 22 Mar 2007 8:30 P
Royal Hotel, Leichhardt Sydney

Sat 24 Mar 2007 9:00 P
Bald Faced Stag, Leichhardt Sydney

Sun 25 Mar 2007 5:30 P
Riverview Hotel, Balmain sydney

Thu 29 Mar 2007 8:30 P
Royal Hotel, Leichhardt Sydney

Hunter & Suzy Owens

Here's the contents of a mail out from Hunter & Suzy:

Howdy Music Lovers...

Well, we are finally getting the music up and going this year...just like Jake and Elwood Blues we are "getting the band back together again" (thanks for the allusion, Brian!) and will be doing a string of monthly gigs beginning this weekend. So sharpen your pencils, get out those diaries and please take note!

Friday 9th March at The Windsor Function and Entertainment Centre (on the corner of Macquarie and Dight Sts, Windsor). We are headlining and will be supported by Tall Timbre. The doors open at 7:30pm and the show kicks off at 8:30pm. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 for a table of 10 (contact 4577 9399 for info). We know it is a long way to go and expensive for you inner city dwellers, but we are told the venue is a lovely refurbished old building with a great dance floor...it is something a bit different for us anyway, and the sound will be done by a dedicated sound person on a big system, so it will be punchier than usual...if you make it, great, otherwise you can catch us the following night...

Saturday 10th March at the Gladstone Hotel, 572 Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill, 9pm-midnight. This is now a non-smoking venue with a decent dance floor, all of which suits us just fine! Hope you can make it.

We will be playing both gigs with what we call our "A-team" lineup: Doug Bligh on drums, Jake Lardot on electric guitar, Tomi Graso on pedal steel and, of course, us truly.

We look forward to seeing you at either one or both of these gigs (we know that some of you are truly suckers for punishment!). And one more thing...we have some copies of a new-look, limited release edition of our "Honkytonk Angels" CD...if yours has been lost, stolen, given away, or is just plain worn out, this is your opportunity to get another one of those live recordings, currently very rare. And yeah, yeah, yeah, we know that a new CD is long overdue...we have the songs but not the time...your patience will be rewarded.

Peace and Love to All,
Hunter & Suzy

PS Our blog: http://hunterandsuzy.blogspot.com/

H&S Band info on Gladstone Hotel website: http://www.gladstonehotel.com.au/gladbands/hunter_suzy_owens.html

A reminder that Limpin Jimmy & the Swingin' Kitten's gig guide (out now!) can be accessed either here or via the link at the right of this page.

Dale Watson . . .

2007-03-02T17:49:00.000+11:00

. . . is back in town . . .

. . . and playing the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle tonight and tomorrow night (Friday & Saturday). There's a cover charge but this guy is well worth it and remains one of country music's finest troubadours of our times. Don't miss!

I'm sick of death . . .

2007-02-28T12:23:00.000+11:00

Yet another death in our music lives. Thorpie went out with a big bang - same as he played his rock music - no doubt just the way he would've liked. Will remember him mostly for all the schmaltzy ballads he sang before he found a new voice and loud, loud music. Never caught him live despite all the opportunities. Never really clicked with all his music but, like many things from the 60s and 70s, he and his music had a huge effect on our society and, sometimes, our personal behaviour (a sorta coming out of Australian music). Rock on Billy Boy!

Billy with the Aztecs (top) and the sorts of crowds he was playing to at Sunbury (bottom) in the early 70s.

Gig Guide:

Limpin Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten's Gig Guide and Newsletter can be access via the link of that name to the right of your screen under Country Music.

Sad times . . .

2007-02-20T23:48:00.000+11:00

I can't remember exactly when I first met Steve but it would have to have been at a Sydney music gig. Could've been at The Layabouts, could've been at the Thursday late-night jazz sessions at the Bald Faced Stag Hotel in Leichhardt or it could have been at one of the many jazz or blues gigs in and around Sydney or the Inner West in the 80s. Wherever, it was most certainly at a music venue of some sort. Steve was a rock-solid supporter of Sydney's music scene (especially the Inner West), even to the extent of bank-rolling at least one prominent 80s Sydney band to record what would become a cult hit.

A master of his crafts - carpentry and fitting out of sound and editing studios in the music, television and movie fields, Steve was equally adept at house restorations and was forever in demand in whatever field he chose to follow at the time.

After many years living in Sydney, Steve moved back to Melbourne about five years ago. He had just completed a computer graphic design course when he was tragically diagnosed with a brain tumour. An operation and many months of after-treatments later, Steve never fully regained his full health and eventually succumbed to the lingering effects of the disease on Thursday February 15 2007.

A person who had only good things to say about others and an admirable propensity to help anyone who was down and out, Steve was a jovial bloke who enjoyed his music to the full - as well as a night around a pool or snooker table. Steve was a great and loyal mate for many years.

Travel gently, my friend, and may the music forever be with you.

2007-02-11T23:32:00.000+11:00

It's with deep sadness and a heavy heart I post of the tragic death of one of the true gentlemen of the Australian music industry.

Les Scott passed away after falling ill at his Sydney home on Sunday February 11 2007.

Les was one of the most under-rated musicians in the country music scene and he was sought after by his peers as a guitarist, bass player, back-up vocalist, music producer, sound manager and anything else his serene nature could come up with to help the people he worked, played and lived amongst.

Les was an integral part of country music bands such as Mary Heard's Midwest Obsession and the Murray Hillbillies, among many others. He was also forever willing to fill in and help new and struggling artists find their feet.

Edit: When I realised this was being linked over at the Tamworth Rage Page tribute, I thought I should add some more of my insights into Les the person. Trouble is, Les was such a private person (and unbelievably modest) it's almost impossible to for me to add anything beyond mere speculation and a gut-feeling for his persona. I'm proud to say my private feelings and insights to Les (the person) have all been mirrored by Mary Heard, Leslie Avril, Jason-Lee and Greg Williams on the Rage Page tribute.

These were some of the people who knew and worked closely with him and they have all remarked at the generous warmth and unquestioning friendship Les projected to all who knew him. He was also able to convey a sense of confidence and well-being without opening too many doors on his deepest and most private thoughts.

To have known and admired Les as a true gentleman and an above-average musician is good enough for me.

He will be sadly missed.

"Seen a shooting star tonight
And I thought of you."

- Bob Dylan

UPDATE Tuesday February 13

Les Scott Memorial Jam

An open invitation to all who knew and loved him to come along and share memories in story and song.

Cooks River Motor Boat Club from 3pm Sunday 25th February

At this stage funeral arrangements are unknown. We will let you know when information becomes available.

Please pass this information on to anyone who may be interested.

Update Thursday 14th - 6.00pm

The funeral arrangements (thanks to Helen Shields):

Dear All,

The details for Les' Funeral are:

Monday 19th February,10.15am

Macquarie Gardens

Cnr Delhi Rd and Plassey Roads

North Ryde

(the entrance is opposite the Channel 10 Studios - see map - it's slightly left of the centre circle)

Please check the Sydney Morning Herald for details.

A small photographic tribute to Les playing with the Murray Hillbillies and various guests

(Photo courtesy Mary Heard)

(Photo courtesy Brian Robson)

There's also a wonderful and daily-expanding Les Scott Tribute over at the Tamworth Rage Page

The Funeral Service:

A large crowd of family, friends and fellow musicians gathered at the Macquarie Gardens for Les' funeral service on Monday morning. Appropriately, there were many familiar faces from the local and national country music scene. His workmates also gathered in strength to pay their respects. The below images are from a wonderful memorial programme of the service made up by David and Jack with help from Marie. We thank them for their thoughtfulness in providing this memento of our beloved Les. Unfortunately there were just not enough for every attendee (such was the crowd) so, hopefully, my sloppy scanning and small images (Blogger's fault!) will go some way in showing how the service was presented. If anyone would like full-scale scans at higher resolutions, please send an email address to rayzon@iinet.net.au

Most of the mourning party then moved across to the Ryde RSL Club where a few beverages of choice helped to lighten what was an intensely sad morning. Stories and yarns were flowing hard and fast and it was surprising to find just how little we knew about the unassuming character who played in so many bands and who was party to many a fine jam and witness to some shenanigans which will be better relayed by one of Les' oldest friends from Port Moresby and Townsville, Neville. I do hope Neville follows up with his promised composition of favourite Les times in his very young days when guitars had just begun to play an important part of Les' life. More later.

PS: The above is a very telling picture of the man most of us didn't know.

The Memorial Jam:

An overcast Sydney Sunday afternoon certainly didn't deter a couple of hundred of Les' family, friends and fellow musicians from turning out for what became more than just a memorial jam at the Cook's River Motor Boat Club. First, mention must be made of the organisers of the afternoon, Gary Brown, Mary Heard, Mary-Anne Burton, Dave Hibberd and Dave's fiancee. There may have been many others but the above appeared to be the up-front crew. And let's not forget the sound man and the staff of the CRMBC. It was an almost perfect memorial/wake to a beloved musician mate - relaxed, friendly, sincere and more. Thank you all!

Unfortunately, I missed the first set by Mary Heard, Mary -Anne Burton and Gary Brown, whose grief must have been doubled by the fact that Sunday should have been the debut of their new group, Quite Contrary, which would have included Les as guitarist and musical mentor. I believe it may have also been the launch of their first CD which Les appeared on and also produced (along with Gary Brown), although the CD may have been rushed along so that Les' many friends could go away with a CD on which his musical and vocal talents were clearly evident.

There had also been a couple of oral tributes to Les from some old pals from his Port Moresby and Townsville days. My disappointment was soon relieved when Rob Luckey and his Lucky Bastards stepped on the gas with some stirring honky tonk songs. Contentment turned to delight when the marvellous Ms Leslie Avril joined the band on stage for a couple of numbers, including a heartfelt I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You duet with Rob. It was feared Leslie wouldn't be able to be at the jam after she returned to Melbourne late last week after spending several days in Sydney following Les' funeral. But, like the true trouper she really and emphatically is, she flew back into Sydney on the weekend in time to share the stage and friendships triggered by the loss of her soulmate, Les.

The crowd included a who's who of Sydney's country music scene and it would be silly for me to think I could remember everyone who either appeared on stage or on the floor enjoying the jam but, apart from those mentioned above, some who made the stage were a new band on the block, Size Does Matter(?), Bryen Willems' band and crew, including Nicki Gillis. Buddy from the Cartwrights, Phil Coulson, Kitty Adams, Big Bob and Murray Hill. There were cameo appearances from many others along the way, all with a story to tell of Les and his passion for music. Some of Les' fellow musicians made up the backing bands for the afternoon and included Jeff Mercer, Phil Coulson, Phil Cole on guitars; Bronny Stephens and "Smithy" on bass; Nick Summers on steel, Doug Bligh and Phil Skelton on drums and many, many more whose contributions were fully appreciated, even if this ol' brain can't remember their names two days later!!

I do remember watching in surprise as a former partner of Les sang a country song - most of us didn't know about that side of Les' life, such was the modesty of the man and his desire to keep separate his completely disparate lifestyles. For instance, it seems the majority of Les' workmates in the public service had no idea he was such a loved and talented musician. They knew he headed off to Tamworth every year but didn't realise his total commitment to and involvement in his many bands and projects. And many of us music bods always thought Les made a living as a full-time muso - go figure!!

The highlight of the day came almost at the end of the evening when Mary Heard, Mary Anne Burton and Gary Brown took to the stage and started a most mournful rendition of the Stanley Brothers' Angel of Death. If the song itself wasn't enough to bring a tear to the eyes of everyone in the room, the surprise inclusion of Les singing a taped verse certainly did - a most eerie feeling indeed! It was, on reflection, a fitting way to start Les' memory on its long and lonesome journey with everybody feeling his strong spiritual presence but knowing this was the final spiritual act. The last song I heard was, appropriately, A Closer Walk With Thee from Bryen Willems and his band (which was another band Les played an integral part in).

I think I can say on behalf of all the non-musician friends of Les Scott his musical mates put on a memorial jam that will linger forever in all our minds. All who took part should be proud they put together such a fitting salute to a good mate as his spirit ventured into another life. Congratulations to you all!

This was an event which maybe should have been videoed - or at least taped such was the extent of the turnout of musicians which may not happen in Sydney again. Unfortunately it wasn't and this contributor also forgot to take spare batteries for his camera and has not ONE photograph for the archives. I believe both Wendy Broome and Brian Robson (Edit: Fourteen of Brian's pics are now viewable here. Brian apologises for there being so few. His camera decided to have a hissy-fit and threw most of his shots out of focus) took a heap of photos so I guess they'll all appear over at the Tamworth Rage Page Les Scott Tribute sooner or later. (Helen, if you're listening, I'd love to publish that photo you took at the end of the night if you could email it over. R.).

In conclusion, a witty comment from Mary Anne Burton at the end of the evening (a quote spread, I believe, by the inimitable Helen Shields) ". . . the the irony of the whole shebang was all of us trying to be happy and celebrate Les' life by singing a whole lot of sad country songs!"

Too true. But perfect for the occasion.

Keep on pickin' Les.

Limpin' Jimmy & the Swingin' Kitten's Gig Guide and Newsletter can be accessed via the music link on the right of this page.

Tinfoil hats . . . and Macintosh computers

2007-02-07T22:53:00.000+11:00

Ever wondered what a tinfoil hat actually does?

Macintoshes . . . mmmmm!

. . . I love my Mac computers.

Period.

I've even started collecting some.

I thought I was possibly a little crazy until I saw what this guy has done with his basement. I know it's Ikea furniture but I'm sure the Macs would look fine in any environment, although I must admit to salivating a little over the minimalist concept. Check out the whole set of pics using Flickr's slideshow. And a whole bar made out of Classic IIs!! I think I have about 15-20 Macs but nothing like the selection shown here.

Gig guide from February 6 . . .

2007-02-06T22:48:00.000+11:00

It's that time of the week again and Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten are right on time with their wonderful service to us lovers of country, swing, rockabilly, et al, music. May their dancin' shoes always shine! One of the gigs which took my eye is the Thursday night (tomorrow, Feb 7) "Tamworth Recovery Party" featuring Jason-Lee, Kel-Anne Brandt, Tall Timbre (pictured above) and surprise guests at the Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, 20- 26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park - 8pm - Free entry. Over to the experts:

Edit Thursday 11.30pm: The newsletter has been added to the bottom of the guide. Note that the promised website is now up and running with roadworks continuing to iron out the kinks, etc. This may be the last cut and paste and from now on a regular link to the website .

The Gig Guide:

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's (and beyond) Gig Guide :-

Just a reminder that our Rockabilly Dance Workshops are on the following dates this month:

Beginner - Sunday 11th February - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 6pm

Beginner Refresher - Sunday 25th February - (please see date and details below) from 1pm to 2:30pm

Intermediate - Sunday 25th February - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 5pm

WEDNESDAY 7th February

JAZZ CLUB featuring the Janos Horvath Trio (playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and many others with a special Guest Artist each week plus a Jam Session) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 7:30pm - Free entry

Melinda Schneider - (Country) - Seymour Centre, Sound Lounge, Cleveland St (cnr of City Rd), Chippendale - 8:30pm - $25 entry - Bookings Ph 9351 7940

Swing Lounge - (Swing/Jazz Radio Show) - 89.7FM Eastside Radio presented by Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten - 7:30pm to 9:00pm

THURSDAY 8th February

Sydney Sound Big Band - (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar (back of the Marriott Hotel), Macquarie Place, (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.45pm to 9:45pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 8:30pm - Free entry

"Tamworth Recovery Party" featuring Jason-Lee, Kel-Anne Brandt, Tall Timbre and surprise guests (Country) - Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, 20- 26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park - 8pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 9th February

Capitols - (Swing/Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St, Brighton-le-Sands - 8pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Riverstone RSL, 18 Market St, Riverstone - 8pm - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8pm - Free entry

Paul Sun (Jazz Vocalist) with Brad Madigan (guitar) - Jazushi Restaurant, 145 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills - www.jazushi.com.au - bookings recommended 9699 8977 - 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Lily Dior - (Jazz) - Arthouse Hotel, Dome Bar, 275 Pitt St, Sydney - 7:30pm - Free entry

Yeehaa Boys - (Country) - Blacktown RSL, Second Ave, Blacktown - 8:30pm - Free entry

Travis Collins & Wiskeytrain - (Country) - Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, 20- 26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park - 8pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 10th February

Wes Pudsey and The Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) with DJ Grizzly Adams - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

TV Classics of the '50's & '60's - (Nostalgia Event) - Rose Seidler House, 71 Clissold Rd, Wahroonga - Gates open at 7pm - Booking essential - Ph 8239 2266. Mention Limpin' Jimmy & The Swingin' Kitten when you book to gain a discounted entry price of $20.

The Absinth Club - (Burlesque) *****SOLD OUT**** featuring acts such as Man's Ruin Burlesque; The Town Bikes; Lola the Vamp; Belladonnas De Lux; Hi Ball Burlesque; Gypsy Wood; Coco de Mer and many more - The Gaelic Club, Devonshire St, Surry Hills

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Prickles - (Country) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt - 9:30pm - Free entry

Six Ft Hick (Wild Hardcore Rock); Jacknives; Hoo Haas - Excelsior Hotel, 64 Foveaux St, Surry Hills - 8pm - $10 entry

Take it or Leave it - (Ska, Reggae, Punk - DJ's) - Sly Fox Hotel, 199 Enmore Rd, Enmore - Free entry

SUNDAY 11th February

SUNDAY 11th February is our next Beginners Rockabilly Dance Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 11th February with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 11th February
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 9th February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Bondi Icebergs, 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach - 4pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Gearin Hotel, 273 Great Western Hwy Katoomba - 5pm to 9pm - Free entry

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Beaches Hotel, 272 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul - 1pm to 5pm - Free entry

Chuck's Wagon - (Alt. Country) - Lansdowne Hotel, 2 - 6 City Rd, Broadway - 5pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

WEDNESDAY 14th February - Valentines Day

John Morrison's Swing City - (Swing) - Statement Lounge, State Theatre (Basement), 49 Market St, Sydney

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Swing Lounge - (Swing/Jazz Radio Show) - 89.7FM Eastside Radio presented by Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten - 7:30pm to 9:00pm

THURSDAY 15th February

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar (back of the Marriott Hotel), Macquarie Place, (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.45pm to 9:45pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 16th February

Roc-A-Tac - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Casino Rumblers (Psychobilly); Brigitte Handley and the Dark Shadows; Skul Hazzards (Bris); Jack Nasty Face - Annandale Hotel, Corner Parramatta Rd and Nelson St, Annandale - 8pm

"The Nat King Cole Story" featuring Scottish Jazz Singer James Flynn - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont - 8:30pm to 11:30pm - Free entry

James Morrison and Emma Pask - (Jazz) - The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay - 9:30pm - $25 entry plus booking fee (Ph 9251 2797)

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Murray Hillbillies - (Country) - Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Ave, Tempe - 8pm to 11pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 17th February

Wes Pudsey & The Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) with DJ Grizzly Adams - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Johnny G & The E-Types - (Memphis Soul Review) - Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown - Enquiries 9557 7992

Nervous Wreckers (Psychobilly); Motorhank (Punk-Rock-Country-Roll); Coupe De Ville (50's Garage rock); Mother Truckers (Rockabilly/Swamp); Rusty Weld (Blues/Country)- Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:00pm - $12 entry

Swing @ The Roxbury - (Swing Dance) - The Roxbury Hotel, 182 St Johns Rd, Glebe, 8pm - $6 entry

Larry Swayed and the Bloo Shooz - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 7.30pm - 11.30pm - Free entry

"The Nat King Cole Story" featuring Scottish Jazz Singer James Flynn - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Campbelltown RSL - 8pm

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt - 9:30pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 18th February

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies - (Jump Blues) - Towradgi Beach Hotel, 170 Pioneer Rd, Towradgi - 1pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

Wolftones - (Jump Blues)- Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 7:30pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Cronulla RSL, 1:30pm to 4:30pm - Free entry

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Harrigans Irish Pub, Broke Rd, Pokolbin - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Kent Hotel, 59 - 61 Beaumont St Hamilton - 8:30pm to 11:30pm - Free entry

"The Nat King Cole Story" featuring Scottish Jazz Singer James Flynn - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Cronulla RSL Memorial Club, 38 Gerrala St, Cronulla - 1.30-4.30pm - Free entry

Prickles - (Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6:00pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Avenue, Tempe - 4pm - Free entry

WEDNESDAY 21st February

JAZZ CLUB featuring the Janos Horvath Trio (playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and many others with a special Guest Artist each week plus a Jam Session) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 7:30pm - Free entry

Swing Lounge - (Swing/Jazz Radio Show) - 89.7FM Eastside Radio presented by Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten - 7:30pm to 9:00pm

THURSDAY 22nd February

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar (back of the Marriott Hotel), Macquarie Place, (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.45pm to 9:45pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 8:30pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Parramatta RSL, Macquarie St Parramatta - 7pm to 11pm - Free entry

Sydney Sound Big Band - (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

Vince Jones - (Jazz) - The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay - 9:30pm - $25 entry plus booking fee (Ph 9251 2797)

Dreamgirl & the Motorist; Brigitte Handley and the Dark Shadows; Shipwrecked - Sandringham Hotel, 387 King St, Newtown - 8pm - $8 entry

FRIDAY 23rd February

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8:30pm - Free entry

"Jazz to Soul" featuring Steve Clisby (USA) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - St Marys Band Club, 411 Great Western Highway, St Marys - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont - 8:00pm - Free entry

Cartwrights - (Country) - Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Ave, Tempe - 8pm to 11pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 24th February

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Halekulani Bowling Club, 50 Natuna Ave, Budgewoi - 7:30pm to 11:30pm - Free entry

Juke Box Jive - (Rock 'n' Roll) - with DJ Grizzly Adams - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

"Jazz to Soul" featuring Steve Clisby (USA) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Roadhouse Rockers - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 25th February

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

"Jazz to Soul" featuring Steve Clisby (USA) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Riverview Hotel, 29 Birchgrove Rd, Balmain - 5:30pm - Free entry

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of February by yours truly Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let us take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie by Email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or to 0410 668 995.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The Newsletter:

Hey there Guys'n'Gals,

OK folks, it has been promised and it's been a while coming (as anyone who built a website would testify), but Margie and I now have our own Website at www.limpinjimmyandtheswinginkitten.com.au . Some sections are under construction and should be completed shortly but you can now access Margie's Gig Guide and my Newsletter which will be uploaded each week. This will make it much easier for many of you who have trouble with servers which block SPAM Emails. Just save our link as a favourite and when the boss isn't looking, log on and find out what is happening. The Gig Guide and Newsletter are usually complete by Wednesday and Thursday of each week and we will still send you an Email with the link when they have been uploaded.

We would like to acknowledge Sue Cadzow of Red Pepper Graphics www.redpep.com.au for her work and patience designing the site and also to Nathan Mills of Ignite Design http://www.ignitedesign.com.au for his brilliant original concept for our business logo.

Wanda Jackson - Queen of Rock

Now Rockabilly is a minority music and dance style and accordingly, we don't always get a decent line up from overseas. I guess there are bigger markets elsewhere! We did however have The Lee Rocker Band here for Narooma last year and they absolutely blew the crowd away. Slim Jim Phantom came with Darryl Higham. Only in the last couple of weeks has the touring plans for a major American Country Rock artist, Dale Watson http://www.dalewatson.com/news.htm come to light. Now we have received word that a truly great Rockabilly icon in the shape of Wanda Jackson http://www.wandajackson.com/main.html is heading this way to star at the Wintersun Festival.

Once hailed as the "Queen of Rock", Wanda Jackson was one of the few women of early Rockabilly. Along with stars like Lorrie Collins (with brother Larry of the Collins Kids), Brenda Lee, Janis Martin, Rose Maddox, Barbara Pittman, Charline Arthur and Skeeter Davis to name a few, they struggled for recognition in an era dominated by men, succeeding through raw guts, determination and a love of the music they played. They laid the foundation for so many women who came after them, realising if they could achieve success, so could others. Two who spring to mind are Belinda from The Satellites and Brigitte Handley from her Red Hot and Blue Rockabilly days. To suggest they are copying early styles is totally wrong. What happens to any female voice when they try to belt out Rockabilly numbers with the power and raw feeling expected from an audience, is just like in the early days, when the vocals come across similar in tone. Even the early Rockabilly gals could have been said to have similar sounding vocals. As one website puts it, " Before Elvis was King, they were the Queens, turning heads with the raucous sound of Rockabilly. While Donna Reed was baking, these gals were shaking! - rough and ready rebels in a world that was not quite ready for them, blazing a trail that's still on fire." WOW! I wish that line had been mine.

Anyway, the upshot is that Wanda Jackson will be in Australia for the Wintersun festival http://www.wintersun.org.au and if you are going, I suggest you pre-book for any of her shows. There is a suggestion that she may tour while she is here but nothing yet has been announced. According to her current gig schedule, she has nothing booked for the two weeks after Wintersun. Folks, here is a chance to pay homage to a true living legend of the music we love. I remember the feeling Margie and I had when we saw Ruth Brown perform live at Viva Las Vegas. It was an emotional experience we will never forget. Although she had aged, the power and emotion we knew from her albums was still there in her heart and voice. People in the audience had tears in their eyes when she broke down on stage to the tumultuous applause which she said was totally unexpected as she thought no one would even remember who she was.

Nothing I have said above takes away in any way from our own local Rockabilly bands and artists who could take the stage with any visiting world artists. We have too many to name.

'REV IT UP!'

BARFLY PROMOTIONS bounce back after a well earned break with their first offering for 2007. Billed as a high octane night of rockabilly, rock 'n roll, country, country punk, swamp blues and more, this is sure to be a great night of roots music in all it's diversity at THE EMPIRE HOTEL, Corner Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale on Saturday February 17, 2007 8.00 p.m till late - $12 admission

Featuring:-

The Nervous Wreckers
Far from making you a nervous wreck The Nervous Wreckers will move you to action. Bred into a heritage that includes The Louisville Sluggers and The Psyclones, The Nervous Wreckers pay as much due to Hank the originator as they do to Reverend Horton Heat the accelerator.

Motorhank
Jumped up, turned up, punk-rock-country-roll. Hank Williams and Johnny Cash meet The Ramones and Social Distortion. If you like truckin songs about the
road and nasty strip joints - think Motorhank.

Coupe de Ville
A rare appearance by Sydney's longest serving 50's influenced garage rock band.

Mother Truckers
Trucking down Highway 1 directly towards the swamp with Wanda Jackson & Tom Waits in the cabin. Raw Rockabilly, Saucy Swamp, Stomp and more.

Rusty Weld
Bruised blues, country cruise and some rock in your shoes. Fronted by Kinnon Holt ex Mother Hubbard, Tongues and touring guitarist with Alex Lloyd.

Flatfoot Shakers

We mentioned a couple of weeks ago that The Flatfoot Shakers were heading to NSW and had a couple of gigs locked in with another one planned. As you can see below, the third gig is at The Empire Hotel with Satellite V. Whilst the first two will be well supported great dancing gigs, the Sunday gig is sure to be a killer. We know from an Email from the band that they really wanted to do a pub gig in front of the hardcore Rockabilly fans, so get along for your dance on the Friday or Saturday then head for The Empire on the Sunday night and hear The Flatfoot Shakers cut loose with support from local stalwarts, Satellite V.

Fri 9th Mar - Belmont Sailing Club, Central Coast NSW.
Sat 10th Mar - Ashfield RSL, Sydney NSW
Sun 11th Mar - "with Satellite V", Empire Hotel, Sydney.

THE ABSINTH CLUB
"[In Paris] the noon hour is a little fête, when people try to forget that they are working for their living. Master and man go off their different ways... All thoughts of business are put aside for a good hour and a half, or two hours even ... from 11 to 1 or noon. They do not go immediately to eating. They sit outside upon the sidewalk, even in the winter time, look at passers-by and sip their drink. The drink is absinthe. They drink it very slowly; by slow degrees they feel their poor, tired backbones strengthen and their brains grow clearer, and they feel a touch of happiness. It is so pleasant to sit looking at the street and all the pretty ladies passing by. At great cafes, upon frequented boulevards the price is only 10 cents. In the quarters of the working men, you may have absinthe for three cents."

Just as the Parisians had their devotion to their preferred drink to help them lose sense of reality, obviously the devotees of Burlesque in Sydney have indicated their preference for an escape from reality by buying up all the tickets for The Absinth Club on Saturday 10th February. Yes folks! That's right. The show is completely SOLD OUT. In case you waited too long making up your mind, we are pleased to tell you that Sugartime, the Absinth organisers, have had so many enquiries that they have decided to have another show on Monday 12th February at The Gaelic Club so don't delay, get your tickets now at www.sugartime.com.au or www.moshtix.com.au - tickets from Moshtix $38.50 plus booking fee.

If you missed out on tickets for Absinth on Saturday night, why not opt for the following great show :-

Rose Seidler House

A very special Rose Seidler House Event

TV classics of the 1950s & '60s

For some it will be a blast from the past, for others it will be a fascinating and, at times, humorous look into the early years of Australian television. Bring a picnic basket, friends and family, and join us for a starry night in the leafy grounds of Rose Seidler House. Projected amidst amazing bushland with the house in the background will be rare footage of early Australian TV classics and film clips including The Mavis Bramston Show, Rita and Wally and never before seen film noir style pilot Al Munch starring a young and handsome Bud Tingwall, along with a great collection of 1950s and '60s advertisements. Organised with the support of the National Film and Sound Archive and introduced by Grace Gibson Productions veteran Reg James. House tours will run at 7pm and during the interval, and a special candy bar will operate for the event.

Rose Seidler House | Saturday 10 February | Gates open 7pm, screening begins 8pm | Members $20 General $29 Family $49 | Includes house tours, screening and free popcorn. Suitable for all ages! Booking essential on 02 8239 2266.

The event coordinator for Rose Seidler House has very kindly offered our readers the members rate of $20 if you mention Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten when you ring to book. Don't delay booking! This is already shaping up to be a popular event which might become annual if there is enough interest.

KUSTOM KULTURE WEEKEND 2007

Don't forget folks :-

Kustom Kulture Weekend - Adelaide

"It's Rock'n'Roll Mayhem!!"
Get set once again for Adelaide’s rockin’est roots music and Kulture
event at this year's Adelaide Fringe Festival
March 16th, 17th, & 18th

For more info call Steve on 0419 169 350 or check out the website www.kustomkulturesa.com

"Viva Las Vegas 10" - Rockabilly Weekender - 5th April to 8th April, 2007

If you are heading for Vegas, maybe for the first time, please note that VLV kicks off with a superb unofficial pre VLV gig on Wednesday 4th April at one of the original Vegas hotels formerly known as The Thunderbird which is loaded with 50's kitsch. Rockabillies from all over the world head along with local Greasers and Rockers in their Rods and Cruisers will make this another memorable opening for VLV 10. Dress up or dress down. Anything goes. Hey! This is Vegas. In my head I'm already there.

WILD WILD WILD #8
Pre-VLV Show!

Santos
(Wild 50s R'n'R)

Dustin Chance & the Allnighters
(Rockin Savages)

Jack Rabbit Slim
(Wild Rockabilly from the UK)

Rusty & the Dragstrip Trio
(Killer Rockabilly from Australia)

Slim Slip & the Sliders
(Europe's Hottest New Rockabilly Act)

Will & the Hi-Rollers
(Las Vegas Newest Act)

DJs Host Reb (UK/USA), Bill Smoker (UK), Caveman Leo (San Diego) Little Carl (UK), Fancy Dan (San Francisco)

THERE WILL BE NO ADVANCE TIX SOLD,
SO GET THERE EARLY (LAST YEAR SOLD OUT)!

Show Starts 8:30pm

The Aruba Hotel
(Formerly known as The Thunderbird)
1215 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89104

Keith Urban

One for the devoted Country fans. As I was doing a pick-up today at a printers in Sydney, I saw a poster (yet to be distributed) promoting Keith Urban on his "Love, Pain & The Whole crazy World Tour 2007". The tour dates are as follows :-

Brisbane 11th May
Sydney 15th May
Melbourne 18th May
Adelaide 20th May
Perth 22nd May

Tickets appear to be available through Ticketek.

The Swing Lounge

Well radio fans, Margie and I kicked off our first Swing Lounge on 89.7FM Eastside Radio for 2007 with an eclectic mix of music, showcasing some of the varied musical influences on Swing, plus some great Swing tracks played by Margie.

Next Wednesday 14th February, being Valentines Day, we invite you to have a candlelight dinner with us when The Swing Lounge will focus on "Love Songs Across the Decades" from 7.30pm till 9pm.

If you want a special dedication read out, Email us by return or ring Margie on 0410 668 995. You can ring in to the station on the night on 9331 3000 when we will try to accomodate your special request.

Rob Luckey - (Country) -

Fans of Rob Luckey will be pleased to know that the band now has a weekly residency every Thursday night at the Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 8:30pm - Free entry. Sorry guys but we can't use the full band name because of stupid "Profanity Filters".

John Morrison's Swing City Club - Valentines Day Opening

John Morrison's Swing City Club will kick off at the Statement Lounge in the basement of The State Theatre on Wednesday 14th February. The cover charge is $20. Doors open at 7pm.

As usual, here are the dates for our upcoming Rockabilly Dance workshops which are still going very well. One learner recently commented that it was just like a gym workout but much more fun.

SUNDAY 11th February is our next Beginners Rockabilly Dance Workshop

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 11th February with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 11th February
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 9th February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten.

Dale's still pissed off . . .

2007-02-05T22:02:00.000+11:00

A bit more on Dale Watson who's due in Australia in late February/March. Dale's still puts it up the country music industry which, according to him, dirties the "country" label with commercial, Nashville-style country. Here's a link to a bit where he talks to Chet Flippo

Dead Setters . . .

2007-02-02T14:12:00.000+11:00

Below is Slim Buckle's (Mark Lucas) latest e-letter. I've heard rumours the Dead Setters were getting some really good crowds and playing some very good tunes at Tamworth (what have I been saying for years!!). Sad to hear Glenn (Skarrat) is departing the band. He's been a major linch-pin in Mark's (and all the asssociated bands over the years) work for as long as I can remember and his marvelous mandolin and guitar riffs will be greatly missed. Good luck to whatever you do in the future, Glenn, and thanks for all the tasty fish!!

Blog summary: Because I've added quite a few new items this week, it might pay to remind people a good long scroll down will find things like Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten's Gig Guide and Newsletter, the Cartwrights' gig guide, Audrey Auld-Mezera's newsletter and the Greencards' announcement of their upcoming album, Viridian. Edit: And the February gigs for Rob Luckey and the Lucky Bastards are directly under the Dead Setters.

And, talking of Tamworth, here's a link to all the pics of various gigs during the 2007 festival.

Now, over to Slim:

Greetings all

And a Happy New Year to those we haven’t reached in person.

2007 has got off to a cracking start in the Dead Setters' camp with a very successful string of dates at Maguire’s during the Tamworth Fest as well as various other appearances around the town. As a largely non-touring act we really look forward to these festival events as they give the band a chance to really get our teeth into the material and stretch a little. Sadly these were Glenn’s last dates with the Dead Setters, at least for the foreseeable future, as he is moving on to embrace new challenges. After working with him for nearly 14 years from the early Parwills days and through 4 albums, he will leave a sizeable gap and will be a hard act to follow, however we are pleased to say that we are making progress with this and have Bruce Reid (guitar/lap steel- The Catholics) with us at the next Stag date.

We are well into pre-production for the new album and have paired 25 songs down to 16 at last count- looking forward to getting the project in the can by mid-year. Watch this space. We are also looking at having a live recording available shortly.

In other news Mark has been selected as a finalist in the 2006 International Songwriting Competition, in the er…Americana category (the same award that our good mate Karl Broadie took out the previous year… you see there was a Scotsman & an Englishman and they both migrated to Australia to become Americana artists…all we need now are the Irish & Welsh contingent!). Many of you will know that Mark tends to be a little cynical about these things (given the highly subjective nature of judging and so on), but Australian country music being obsessed with talent quests and awards and with the lovely Bec Urquhart, who looks after our publicity etc, being wiser in these things, persuading him to be in it to win it- he gave it a go and here we are- actually he’s pretty chuffed so there you go.
You can vote in the ‘Peoples Voice’ category at http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/pvwelcome2006.htm
The song is “For Everything Else I Got You” (from the White man Soul cd), which he wrote for his lovely wife Suzy, so that’s pretty cool too (& he didn’t really write to get out of strife either- truth).

Current confirmed dates are:

Royal Hotel, Leichhardt Sun Feb 25th 5 -5.45pm (Mark solo)
Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Leichhardt Sat Mar 3rd 9.30 to 1.30am
Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Leichhardt Sat Apr 7th 9.30 to 1.30am
Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Leichhardt Sat May 12th 9.30 to 1.30am
Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Leichhardt Sat June 23rd 9.30 to 1.30am

See you ‘round the traps.
Your pal
Slim

The Bastards:

Thu 1 Feb 2007 Royal Hotel, Leichhardt - 8 pm
Thu 8 Feb 2007 Royal Hotel, Leichhardt - 8 pm
Sun 11 Feb 2007 Bondi Icebergs, Bondi - 4 pm
Thu 15 Feb 2007 Royal Hotel, Leichhardt - 8 pm
Sun 18 Feb 2007 Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Tempe 4 pm
Thu 22 Feb 2007 Royal Hotel, Leichhardt - 8 pm
Sun 25 Feb 2007 Riverview Hotel, Balmain - 6 pm

2007-02-01T10:05:00.000+11:00

Here's the latest gig guide and newsletter from Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten. You may notice in tyhe newsletter they're almost ready to launch their website which will make this cut and paste task unnecessary in the coming future (I'll still provide a link). Also, don't forget the Cartwrights' gig guide and Audrey Auld-Mezera's new album details are now buried under the weight of this guide and newsletter. Just keep on scrollin':

The Gig Guide:

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's (and beyond) Gig Guide :-

Just a reminder that our Rockabilly Dance Workshops are on the following dates this month:

Beginner - Sunday 11th February - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 6pm

Beginner Refresher - Sunday 25th February - (please see date and details below) from 1pm to 2:30pm

Intermediate - Sunday 25th February - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 5pm

WEDNESDAY 31st January

JAZZ CLUB featuring the Janos Horvath Trio (playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and many others with a special Guest Artist each week plus a Jam Session) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 7:30pm - Free entry

THURSDAY 1st February

C.W. Stoneking - (Blues) - The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay - PH 9251 2797

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar (back of the Marriott Hotel), Macquarie Place, (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.45pm to 9:45pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 2nd February

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Retro Rockets - (Rockabilly) - Mayfield Ex-Services Club 58 Hanbury St, Mayfield - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Shawnuff Swing Band - (Swing) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt - 9:00pm to late - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Five Dock RSL, 66 Great North Rd, Five Dock - 8pm - Free entry

Melinda Schneider with the Flood - (Country) - Rooty Hill RSL, Sherbrooke St (cnr Railway St), Rooty Hill- 8pm - $20 or $25 entry.

SATURDAY 3rd February

Elana Stone - (Jazz) - Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown - Enquiries 9557 7992

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Blacktown Workers Club, Campbell St, Blacktown - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8pm - Free entry

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies - (Jump Blues) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Guildford Leagues Club, 55 Tamplin Rd, Guildford - 8pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 4th February

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Prospect Hotel, Great Western Hwy Prospect - 1pm - Free entry

Cartwrights - (Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King Street, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Lidcombe Catholic Club, 24 John St, Lidcombe - 4pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Mt Druitt Workers Club, 247 Woodstock Ave, Dharruk - 3:30pm to 7:30pm - Free entry

WEDNESDAY 7th February

JAZZ CLUB featuring the Janos Horvath Trio (playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and many others with a special Guest Artist each week plus a Jam Session) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 7:30pm - Free entry

THURSDAY 8th February

Sydney Sound Big Band - (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar (back of the Marriott Hotel), Macquarie Place, (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.45pm to 9:45pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 9th February

Capitols - (Swing/Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St, Brighton-le-Sands - 8pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Riverstone RSL, 18 Market St, Riverstone - 8pm - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Paul Sun (Jazz Vocalist) with Brad Madigan (guitar) - Jazushi Restaurant, 145 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills - www.jazushi.com.au - bookings recommended 9699 8977 - 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 10th February

Wes Pudsey and The Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) with DJ Grizzly Adams - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

TV Classics of the '50's & '60's - (Nostalgia Event) - Rose Seidler House, 71 Clissold Rd, Wahroonga - Gates open at 7pm - Booking essential - Ph 8239 2266. Mention Limpin' Jimmy & The Swingin' Kitten when you book to gain a discounted entry price of $20.

The Absinth Club - (Burlesque) featuring acts such as Man's Ruin Burlesque; The Town Bikes; Lola the Vamp; Belladonnas De Lux; Hi Ball Burlesque; Gypsy Wood; Coco de Mer and many more - The Gaelic Club, Devonshire St, Surry Hills - Tickets www.moshtix.com.au or http://www.sugartime.com.au/

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Take it or Leave it - (Ska, Reggae, Punk - DJ's) - Sly Fox Hotel, 199 Enmore Rd, Enmore - Free entry

SUNDAY 11th February

SUNDAY 11th February is our next Beginners Rockabilly Dance Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 11th February with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 11th February
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 9th February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, 97 Spring Street, Bondi Junction - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Avenue, Tempe - 4pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

WEDNESDAY 14th February

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

THURSDAY 15th February

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar (back of the Marriott Hotel), Macquarie Place, (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.45pm to 9:45pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 16th February

Roc-A-Tac - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Casino Rumblers (Psychobilly) plus Special Guests - Annandale Hotel, Corner Parramatta Rd and Nelson St, Annandale - 8pm

"The Nat King Cole Story" featuring Scottish Jazz Singer James Flynn - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 17th February

Wes Pudsey & The Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) with DJ Grizzly Adams - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Johnny G & The E-Types - (Memphis Soul Review) - Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown - Enquiries 9557 7992

Nervous Wreckers (Psychobilly); Chuck's Wagon (Alt.Country); Mother Truckers; Coupe De Ville - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm

Swing @ The Roxbury - (Swing Dance) - The Roxbury Hotel, 182 St Johns Rd, Glebe, 8pm - $6 entry

Larry Swayed and the Bloo Shooz - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 7.30pm - 11.30pm - Free entry

"The Nat King Cole Story" featuring Scottish Jazz Singer James Flynn - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

SUNDAY 18th February

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies - (Jump Blues) - Towradgi Beach Hotel, 170 Pioneer Rd, Towradgi - 1pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

"The Nat King Cole Story" featuring Scottish Jazz Singer James Flynn - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay - Bookings essential Ph 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Cronulla RSL Memorial Club, 38 Gerrala St, Cronulla - 1.30-4.30pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 25th February

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of February by yours truly Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let us take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie by Email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or to 0410 668 995.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The Newsletter:

Hey there Guys'n'Gals,
A big welcome to our new readers. In a couple of weeks, our new website should be up on the Net, so you can go there at any time to check out Margie's weekly Gig Guide or my Newsletter. The proofs of the site pages look great and we hope you enjoy using this facility. We live the life we love and we love the life we live! Thanks to all our friends for being just that. Great friends.

Dale Watson

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned an item which we had received from our friend Lori lee Cash in Brisbane regarding an impending visit by a major American Country Rock artist, Dale Watson http://www.dalewatson.com/news.htm . At that time, I did a search on the Net and could find nothing other than a date in Melbourne. The Kitten'n'me were driving back from a friend's party the other day and as we passed The Bridge Hotel on Victoria Road, Rozelle, Margie suddenly said, "Weren't you looking for dates for Dale Watson". And yes, there it was! Dale Watson is actually playing at The Bridge Hotel. His website now has the dates as follows :-

Monday 26th February - Cherry Bar Melbourne - Sold Out
Tuesday 27th February - Prince of Wales Hotel - Melbourne

Thursday 1st March - Deus ex Machina - Sold Out
Friday 2nd March - Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
Saturday 3rd March - Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
Sunday 4th March - Northern Star Hotel, Hamilton (Newcastle)

The Bridge Hotel management have advised that they don't plan to have prebooked tickets for their two dates as they have a 400 capacity venue and reckon they can take the crowd which rolls up. I reckon with two "Sold Out" shows already, that his reputation precedes him and an early arrival for any of his gigs would be a good idea.

Tug in the Park

Just a quick reminder folks that Tug in the Park at beautiful Stanwell Park, south of Sydney is on this coming Sunday 4th February. This event has one of the finest turnouts of Classics and Hot Rods in a relaxed picnic setting. The day culminates with a Tug of War competition between car clubs. If you want more information, contact Chris Jenkins on 02 9773 9808 but you really should check out the following site for this and other car and motorcycle events - http://www.pinky.com.au/Pinkyworkcalendar.htm.

"Viva Las Vegas 10" - Rockabilly Weekender - 5th April to 8th April, 2007

For those of you not on Tom Ingram's newsletter list, just in is the update :-

"Every day I get asked if VLV is sold out. No it is not yet but already 3/4 of the available tickets have been sold which is way earlier than in previous years. Therefore don't delay. Please go to https://vivalasvegas.net/intranet/z_booking.php and book soon."

I guess the message is, if you are even thinking about VLV, book now or you will be disappointed. The last two VLV's have been sold out well before the event.

John Morrison's Swing City Club

Well folks, it's finally been confirmed by none other than "The Cat in The Hat", John Morrison himself! Whilst listening to an interview with John and Peter Cole from the Swing City Band on 99.3FM Radio 2NSB this afternoon, John confirmed that John Morrison's Swing City Club will kick off at the Statement Lounge in the basement of The State Theatre on Wednesday 14th February.

Peter said that he had been long looking for a venue with an atmosphere like Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London and he feels like he has finally found it. The venue will feature the Swing City Band of course, but he said with the amazing talent flowing out of the Sydney Conservatorium, the club will also showcase new blood on the Sydney Jazz scene and no doubt special guests. There are no details as yet, but they are trying to keep the venue affordable both in cover charge and drink prices to encourage music lovers to come out and be entertained. It was mentioned that the venue was suitable for dancing.

It is planned to run the club on Wednesday and Friday nights as from the 14th February. With the demise of The Side-on Cafe and Soup Plus, this venue could fill a big hole in the Sydney scene where Jazz musos can meet, play and jam till the early hours of the morning. Sounds good to us. We were once a party to a Jam session one night in the Excelsior Hotel in Surry Hills after I think The Brad Child Orchestra played and at the risk of falling asleep at work the next day, we sat there with adoring fans till the aforementioned early hours of the morning. The music was breathtaking.

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop and Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January

Now this event is of course passed and the only reason we are mentioning it is that it seemed on the day to be an immensely enjoyable and entertaining experience for everyone, Margie and I included. So much so that a friend sent the following Email extract :-
"We totally enjoyed Sunday's workshop and also heard a few others make similar comments. We had fun. Moves were simple to follow and the shorter sequences were easier to remember especially after a late night out the night before".

Another student wrote a while ago

"I also wanted to say thanks to you and Jim for your encouragement, understanding and warmth. Thanks for sharing your passion and for making it so easy to come out dancing and enjoy......... I have met some lovely people (and they love to dance too!). I still can't believe how much I love it."

And another -

"Firstly I would like to send a big THANK-YOU to yourself and Jim on the fantastic Rockabilly Beginners Class we attended 2 weeks ago. We had a great time and can't wait for the Intermediate class on Sunday".

Our sincere thanks goes to those lovely people who will know who they are.

We have been teaching Rockabilly now for over three years and I guess we forget, as we go about our workshops, that we are making as big an impact on some of our students lives as music and dancing made on ours. We would like to thank all of our students old and new for their support. Any students who have dropped off along the way are very welcome to come back and join in at any time.

SUNDAY 11th February is our next Beginners Rockabilly Dance Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 11th February with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 11th February
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 9th February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 25th February at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 25th February
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 23rd February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

KUSTOM KULTURE WEEKEND 2007

Just in from our good friend Steve Mitchell of The Satellites in Adelaide comes the following message :-

Kustom Kulture Weekend - Adelaide

"It's Rock'n'Roll Mayhem!!"
Get set once again for Adelaide’s rockin’est roots music and Kulture
event at this year's Adelaide Fringe Festival
March 16th, 17th, & 18th

"Yes it’s that time of year again – The Kustom Kulture team have been busy scouting the country for some unbelievable talent and 2007 is looking like it’ll be an incredible line-up.

Kustom Kulture Weekend is 3 days of non stop mayhem.

Interstate & local bands, DJ's, trad pinstripers, kustom kars & hot rods, tattooing, live art, kool displays and stalls, lowrider pushbikes, hydraulic bounceoff, fashion, music and madness!!!

For three days the newly renovated The Highway Inn turns into a haven for kulture vultures, with rockin’ roots and related music and a whole swagger of goodies, there’s definitely something for everyone.

Rockabilly, Surf, Ska, Rhythm & Blues, Swing, Rock n’ Roll, Jazz, Psychobilly, Country, and a whole bunch in between.

Every year this event is getting bigger & better, now attracting regular visitors from interstate and recognised as one of Australia’s great festival events.
This year Kustom Kulture Weekend tickets can be purchased online through their website or through the Fringe Festival.

For more info call Steve on 0419 169 350 or check out the website www.kustomkulturesa.com

This years band line-up;

Captain Carbunkle & The Cosmonaughts
Slingshot Dragster
The Satellites
The Basics (VIC)
Uncle Chester’s Triumphant Return
Roj & the Jam Jets
Lucky Seven
The Porkers (NSW)
Prawnhead
Son of Dad
Shandy Butchers
Hoodoo Voodoo Dolls
Casino Rumblers (NSW)"

With the event just over a month away, it would seem like a good time to start planning the trip and accommodation. We have heard great reports from people who travelled to previous KK weekends in Adelaide. Such a pity that when I lived in Adelaide for 25 years I had no idea that such an exciting sub-culture existed.

Rose Seidler House

A very special Rose Seidler House Event

TV classics of the 1950s & '60s

For some it will be a blast from the past, for others it will be a fascinating and, at times, humorous look into the early years of Australian television. Bring a picnic basket, friends and family, and join us for a starry night in the leafy grounds of Rose Seidler House. Projected amidst amazing bushland with the house in the background will be rare footage of early Australian TV classics and film clips including The Mavis Bramston Show, Rita and Wally and never before seen film noir style pilot Al Munch starring a young and handsome Bud Tingwall, along with a great collection of 1950s and '60s advertisements. Organised with the support of the National Film and Sound Archive and introduced by Grace Gibson Productions veteran Reg James. House tours will run at 7pm and during the interval, and a special candy bar will operate for the event.

Rose Seidler House | Saturday 10 February | Gates open 7pm, screening begins 8pm | Members $20 General $29 Family $49 | Includes house tours, screening and free popcorn. Suitable for all ages! Booking essential on 02 8239 2266.

The event coordinator for Rose Seidler House has very kindly offered our readers the members rate of $20 if you mention Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten when you ring to book. Don't delay booking! This is already shaping up to be a popular event which might become annual if there is enough interest.

The Swing Lounge

For those of you who enjoy listening to Margie and I playing our favourite Swing music on the radio, we will be returning to The Swing Lounge on 89.7FM Eastside Radio next Wednesday night, 7th February, from 7.30pm till 9pm.

Now this will be our first show for 2007, so we want to kick off with a good one. As things stand at the moment, The Kitten is kinda' leaning towards some slow, smooth Swing, Jazz and Blues. But me! Well, I think that when the word Swing was thrown like a blanket across a whole range of music it smothered some of the origins. So I plan to dig deep into our archives and play some obscure origins of the Swing genre. This could be Jazz, Gypsy Jazz, Boogie Woogie, Blues or new Orleans Jazz. Whatever, you can be sure between the two of us it will be all good listening. Please join us on The Swing Lounge on 89.7FM Eastside Radio next Wednesday evening from 7.30pm till 9pm.

C.W Stoneking - Hokum Blues

Last week I asked, "Ever heard of C.W Stoneking? Nope! Well neither have we. This week I am asking, "Ever heard of Hokum Blues?" Nope! Well never mind, neither had we until last week. Now we can't wait to get to The Basement tomorrow night (Thursday 1st February) to hear this awesome talent who (the word from a respected musical source) probably stole the show from Madelyne Peroux at The State Theatre. If you want a snippet of his music go to www.myspace.com/cwstoneking then scroll down to "Sounds Like" on the left hand side of the page and you will find the word "THIS" highlighted in orange. Click on that link and sit back and enjoy (I just kept listening to the clip over and over again). After that, I'm sure that any dedicated Blues fans will be reaching for the phone to ring The Basement or the other venues where he is playing.

Here is how he is described :-

"He wears a ragged black suit and a preachin' hat, makes tunes about singing dodo birds, hollers like a 1920's tent show blues shouter, plays guitar like a demon, and mutters to himself onstage. The legendary king of hokum blues, C.W. Stoneking, is a true entertainer who relies on musicianship, stagecraft, and performance to invoke the spirit of 1920's Southern blues in his original hokum style."

Of his CD "King Hokum" the critics said this :-

"This sounds as if someone set up a microphone in a back room around 1927 and recorded direct to wax the songs of an itinerant blues man who does amusing party pieces with friends as well as mournful turns, who does New Orleans swing and plantation work songs, who plays his guitar and banjo as if they are as natural a part of him as his hooch-roughened vocal cords...a darn fine album."
Bernard Zuel, Sydney Morning Herald, Album Review

"Like a hellfire old-timer from down Mississippi way."
Katrina Lobley, Sydney Morning Herald.

"Every song on this album would have been top 10 seventy year ago....the most incomparably original album of 2006. There will not be a similar album in the record store this Christmas. King Hokum is the first 10/10 rating I've ever given."
thedwarf.com.au, Album Review.

"He's a national treasure, this guy's straight out of the dust bowl of the 1930s. I'm just amazed that he exists because I never thought I'd see anything like it."
J. Walker (Machine Traslations), recording engineer/co-producer of 'King Hokum'

"Four stars"
Rolling Stone

"King Hokum" contains 11 of C.W.'s original songs and highlights his skill as a composer as well as showcasing his tremendous vocal and instrumental style. The CD features C.W. Stoneking on his trusty steel bodied dobro and tenor banjo, drawing inspiration from influences that include; pre-war blues, hillbilly, old jazz, prison work songs and 1920's calypso. With the addition of his new band, the Primitive Horn Orchestra on several tracks and the use of found sounds and samples, C.W. Stoneking has made an album that is as original and diverse as it is authentic sounding.
"King Hokum" is out now on Low Transit Industries Recordings/ Distributed through Inertia.

1st February - CW Stoneking, The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay, Sydney (9pm, $15, Bookings 92512797)

2nd February - CW Stoneking, The Clarendon Guesthouse Theatre, 68 Lurline St, Katoomba (Blue Mountains) NSW (8pm, $20, Bookings 47821322)

3rd February - CW Stoneking, Lanfranchi’s Memorial Discotheque, 2/144 Cleveland St, Chippendale (8pm, 93105305)

4th February - CW Stoneking, Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, 14 Railway St, Wickham (Lower Hunter) NSW (8pm, 49621248)

Our thanks again to our friends Tony and Lulu for letting us know about this guy. I thought this sort of music only came on old scratchy records and remastered CD's.

From the Sydney Blues Society Gigs Email gigs_sydblues@yahoo.com.au I have picked the following Blues gigs of note. I have a Dutch Tilders CD and the guy is a great Blues musician and singer.

Sunday 4th February - Dutch Tilders (VIC) + Pete & The Pelicans, Lerida Estate Winery, off Federal Hwy (Gurney VC Rest Area), Lake George NSW (11am-3pm, 48480231)

Australian Blues Music Festival, 9th, 10th and 11th February. Various venues, Goulburn NSW (Information and bookings 1800-353646, or www.australianbluesfestival.com.au)

Saturday 17th February - Larry Swayed & The Bloo Shooz, Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverley (7.30pm, 93872911)

Friday 23rd February - Eric Bibb (USA) with Danny Thompson (UK) + Kristina Olsen (USA), Heritage Hotel, 240 Princess Hwy, Bulli (Nth Wollongong) NSW (8pm, $?, Bookings 42845884)
Saturday 24th February - Eric Bibb (USA) with Danny Thompson (UK) + Kristina Olsen (USA), Tilley’s Devine Café, Brigalow St / Wattle St, Lyneham ACT (8pm, $?, Bookings 62477753)
Sunday 25th February - Eric Bibb (USA) with Danny Thompson (UK) + Kristina Olsen (USA), Tilley’s Devine Café, Brigalow St / Wattle St, Lyneham ACT (8pm, $?, Bookings 62477753)
If you are a Blues fan, why not get onto their Gig Guide Email list. The Guide is great and has details of pretty much anything happening in NSW on the Blues scene.

Now it has been a little while since I mentioned this, but Margie always has this knack of finding out where to go quickly to find directions for getting to gigs. Her secret is the following website and it really is a great favourite to have saved for that moment when you are dressed and ready to go but don't know where to. Give it a try if you don't already use it. http://www.whereis.com/whereis/home.do

Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows

Just this minute in from Brigitte is the following exciting schedule for the band :-

Next show is this Sunday at the Tokyo Joe fashion launch. It's at a ‘top secret’ location so you need to RSVP if you wanna come along you gotta e-mail tkojoe@gmail.com

UPCOMING SHOWS:

February, Sun 4th 2007: Tokyo Joe Fashion Launch , Enmore NSW
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows
Nervous Wreckers
RSVP Only? for secret location - tkojoe@gmail.com

February, Fri 16th 2007: Annandale Hotel, Annandale NSW
Casino Rumblers
Skul Hazzards (Bris)
Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows
Jack Nasty Face

February, Thurs 22nd 2007 - Sandringham Hotel, Newtown NSW, 8pm $8
Dreamgirl & The Motorist - CD launch
Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows
The Shipwrecked

March Sat 3rd 2007 - Utopia Records, Broadway NSW
**Official ALL AGES Identity EP Launch Party**
Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows
Darkest Day
Topnovil
Jack Nasty Face

March, 10th 2007: Lansdowne Hotel- 2-6 City Rd, Chippendale, Sydney NSW
Cherry 2000
Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows
Bitch Slap

March, Fri 23rd 2007 - Under The Blue Moon Goth Festival, Brisbane QLD
Boat Cruise Gig aboard the Brisbane Star.
Brigitte Handley & the Dark Shadows
Details TBA

Till next week, enjoy your music and dancing.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten.

The Cartwrights . . .

2007-02-01T09:58:00.000+11:00

. . . are coming to a venue near you. Here's their guide for the foreseeable future (the pic is slightly dated and may not represent the current line-up but they'll be great anyway!):

Sunday 4th February Botany View Hotel, Newtown - 6pm

Friday 23rd February Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Tempe - 8pm

Friday 9 March Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Tempe - 8pm

Saturday 14 April Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Leichhardt - 9pm

NEW RELEASE - 'LOST MEN AND ANGRY GIRLS' Audrey Auld Mezera

2007-01-31T17:44:00.000+11:00

"LOST MEN AND ANGRY GIRLS" Audrey Auld Mezera
“the songs here consolidate Mezera’s enormous writing talent” ~ Forte Magazine, Australia

TRACKLIST

BOLINAS
The Summer of Love continues in this little town on the wrong side of the crack (San Andreas fault line).
There is no road-sign to Bolinas as the locals always tear it down. The Indians used to advise against living there as it led to craziness. Now, it’s neon peace signs, Zen surfers, “Homeless” as a fashion statement, restraining orders are de rigeur, wealth, poverty, pot as currency and organic food.
“Speak American” was the order to the new Aussie girl in town...

MORPHINE
The original hand-written lyrics to this song reside in a private collection in Austin, TX. Written in lead pencil on grey paper bearing the letter-head - Oklahoma Rehabilitation & Industrial Estate.
Signed by Bonnie Lamb AKA Bonnie Parker (of Bonnie & Clyde), this is the first recording of her song.
Bonnie notes that the lyrics are to be sung to the tune of “M-O-T- H-E-R”, from the 1930’s.

LAST SEEN IN GAINESVILLE
After reading a “Missing Person” poster in a Texas truck- stop, this song haunted Audrey until the song was complete. Sadly, these stories are often left unresolved and untold.

BUCK HUNGRY (with Bill Chambers)
There’s a buck to be made any which way these days, but the 3rd verse (the true story of a most valuable exchange) involved no money at all!

LOOKING FOR LUCKENBACH
The smallest town in Texas with the biggest reputation. Thanks to Ray Wylie Hubbard for the inspiration.

HALF A WORLD AWAY (with Nina Gerber)
To point out another’s peculiarities is alienating, but to be peculiar is liberating. Births, deaths and marriages are the events that bind us as a community.

WE CRY
Death seems to be one of those things that happens to everybody else. The fact that we die is definite.
When we die is indefinite.

CLINCH MOUNTAIN PRAYER (with Bill Chambers)
Written in Hiltons, Virginia - home of the Carter Fold.
The ghost of A.P. lives on, Sara rests in peace and Maybelle’s music is in the air.

DOWN IN A HOLE
Sometimes you just have to write a song that lets the musicians shine! Australia’s best - Bill Chambers (guitar), Rod McCormack (banjo) and Mick Albeck (fiddle)
.
NOT I (with Raechel Lee)
This is not a love song. Anger is hatred, attachment and ignorance. Love thy enemy (in this case, ‘thy crazy stalker’) for they teach the greatest lessons.

SELF-HELP HELPED ME
The hardest thing to look at is ourselves.

DUBLIN BOY (with Karl Broadie)
Here’s to the Irish!

LULLABY FOR BABY TAYLOR
A new life and a new Baby Taylor guitar...

AUDREY'S WEBSITE

“Lost Men and Angry Girls” chronicles the past three years Audrey Auld Mezera (Mez-air-ah) has spent living on the coast of Northern California. Musically and personally it’s been an eventful period for the Chris Austin Song Contest winner and two- time ARIA nominee (Australian Recording Industry Association).
“My first year in America was spent living in Bolinas in Marin County. It's the Wild West! Within a matter of months I got married, moved hemispheres, filed a restraining order on a stalker, dealt with grief, and missed my musician friends back home” says Audrey.
No surprise then at the title of this album.
Mezera calls it 'Ameri-kinda' music - traditional American music influences with Australian roots.

Love, Hate, Life, Death, Money and Music.
Mezera’s writing has evolved to be less about the state of her heart and more about the path we all share as human beings in this time of political and global imbalance. But there’s no finger-pointing in these songs of small towns, self-help, lives derailed, musical heroes, lost men and angry girls. Mezera travels her path with humor, insight and a great band.
Recorded primarily in Australia with her home-land’s best musicians and produced by her trusted collaborator, Bill Chambers, who retains the sparse arrangements that characterize Mezera’s work.

“It’s always exciting to work on music with Audrey. These songs reflect her life, where she now lives and the places and people she comes in contact with. I’ve always been proud to be part of Audrey’s recordings, but even more so with this one.”
~ Bill Chambers

The move to America has been good for Mezera. After winning the prestigious Chris Austin Song Contest (“Losing Faith”) 2006, she the was a finalist in the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival songwriting contest (“Last Seen in Gainesville”). It was only a matter of time before she crossed paths with one of the greatest accompanists in the world, Nina Gerber with whom she recorded a double live CD “In The House”.
“She writes and sings songs with a worldly truth... She not only sounds like she grew up on Music Row in Nashville, but she writes the kinds of songs that built Music Row in the first place.”
~ G Meline, North Bay Bohemian, CA.

“Do believe the hype” M Kramer, Pacific Sun, CA.

“Australia’s loss has been America’s gain” S Libowitz, Montecito Journal, CA.

Music with the dirt left on!
Audrey Auld Mezera
Reckless Records

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email orders: mail@recklessrecords.com
Phone orders: 415 847 9847
Web orders: http://recklessrecords.com

Available in U.S. stores February 13
BDC (Burnside Distribution)
CIMS (Coalition of Independent Music Stores)
and all popular digital outlets (IRIS)
OneStop Entertainment - Australia
Southbound Records - NZ

AUDREY'S TOUR DATES
Feb 03 THE LAST DAY SALOON, Santa Rosa, CA. (+ Nina Gerber)
Feb 18 ORDINARY MIRACLES, Cotati, CA.
Feb 21 THE MYSTIC THEATRE, Petaluma, CA. (+ Nina Gerber)
Mar 10 THE BARN House Concert, Gilroy CA
March 16 THE TALKING STICK, Santa Monica CA.
Mar 17 DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER, Anaheim CA.
Mar 19 THE COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, Altadena CA.
Mar 23 LARKSPUR CAFE THEATRE, Larkspur, CA. (+with Nina Gerber)
Apr 07 WEST SIDE THEATRE, Newman, CA .
Apr 14 STUDIO E House Concert, Sebastopol, CA.
Apr 26 MUCKY DUCK, Houston, TX (+ DARCIE DEAVILLE)
Apr 29 GRUENE HALL, New Braunfels, TX (+ DARCIE D.)
May 5 CUERVO ACRES HOUSE CONCERT, Princeton, TX (+ DARCIE D.)
May 12 DREW PEARCE HOUSE CONCERT, San Rafael, CA.

The Greencards . . .

And talking of Aussie talent doing well over in the US, The Greencards (Carol Young bass, vocals; Kym Warner mandolin and other such instruments, and their add-on from Ireland, fiddler Eamon McLoughlin), are ready to release their second album, Viridian. Hop on board and be the first in line to order.

Please have a look at their new website:

The (Sydney) Tamworth alternatives . . .

2007-01-23T22:22:00.000+11:00

Damn!! Missing Tamworth yet again! Next year will have to be a ballbuster!! Above is a pic of my last year's camping site at North Bears' Oval. The site was going to be taken over by another amenities block which would certainly affect the residents and the southern fence area (affectionately known as feral alley!) The van is no longer - it was stolen twice last year and recovered both times but the second time I de-registered it and bought a $200 Mitsubishi Sigma SW.

Update: Before we head off to the BIG gig guide, here's a few things Cletis Carr and his mates will be doing in the next week or so:

Four in the upcoming week:

Tonite, Thurs 25th, I'm at the Bald Rock Hotel in Balmain with Val "Down By The Riverside" Gray, from 9pm after the trivia. Or during. Perhaps we are the trivia. Or simply trivial. Come along & see.

Sat 27th, at Dooley's Waterview in Silverwater with Chris Orchard, 8ish I think.

Sun 28th, Sunday Sessions at the Merton pub, with the Blues Pirates . 6pm, don't be late. Oh, afterwards, we're hotfooting it to the Untidy in Balmain for the PornStar Rockers' gig and bash to celebrate Theo "I Don't Need Badges" Katsantoni's birthday. Til 11pm or when the bouncers throw us out, whichever comes first. Usually the latter.

Next Thursday, Feb 1st, I'm at the Bridge Hotel opening the show for my ol' pal Gwyn Ashton , who's on tour from the U.K. (unlike their cricket side). Show starts 8pm, dig some cool blues. If you'd like to get on Cletis's mailing list, apply here:

cletiscarr@gmail.com

--
cletis carr
po box 333
rozelle nsw 2039
australia
0427.337446
+61427337446
www.cletis.com
www.myspace.com/cletiscarr

Anyways, here's Limpin' Jimmy's (and the Swingin' Kitten's) gig guide for the near future in Sydney. For mine, the Murray Hillbillies' return to the Bald Faced tag on Saturday night would be the top country gig. Gary Brown and Les Scott will both be absent but their replacements will be top-rate musos, as usual: Bruce Reid (Karma County, the catholics) will be on steel guitar/s and Colin Watson will be taking over the lead guitar duties. Should be a ripper! Maybe see youse there!

Update: The newsletter has now been added to the bottom of the gig guide. Happy (dancin') feet!

The Gig Guide

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's (and beyond) Gig Guide :-

Just a reminder that our Rockabilly Dance Workshops are on the following dates this month:

Beginner Refresher - Sunday 28th January - (please see date and details below) from 1pm to 2:30pm

Intermediate - Sunday 28th January - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 5pm

Beginner - Sunday 11th February - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 6pm

WEDNESDAY 24th January

JAZZ CLUB featuring the Janos Horvath Trio (playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and many others with a special Guest Artist each week plus a Jam Session) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 7:30pm - Free entry

THURSDAY 25th January

Sydney Sound Big Band - (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar, Macquarie Pl (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.30pm to 9:30pm - Free entry

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 26th January

Jonny Gretsch and the Wasted Ones CD Launch; Wes Pudsey and the Sonic Aces; The Quarter Milers (debut gig) - (Rockabilly) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $10 entry

Roadhouse Rockers - (Rock 'n' roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club - The Parade, Belmont - Free entry

Monica Trapaga guests with the Sydney All Star Big Band with Dan Barnett (Jazz/Swing) - Australia Day Celebrations at Pyrmont Park - 5pm to 9:30pm

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Brighton Fisherman’s Club, Bestic St, Brighton-Le-Sands - 8:30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 27th January

Wes Pudsey and The Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - St Marys Band Club, 411 Great Western Highway, St Marys - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) and Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Davistown RSL, 19 Murna Rd Davistown - 7:30pm - $17 entry

Creepers - (Rockabilly) - East Maitland Bowling Club, Bank Street, East Maitland - 8pm - Free entry

Elana Stone - (Jazz) - Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre, Corner of City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale - Bookings 9351 7940

The Porkers (Ska), Casino Rumblers (Psychobilly), Los Capitanes - BMX Games - Monster Park, Homebush - 10am - 7pm (All ages)

Swing @ The Roxbury - (Swing Dance) - The Roxbury Hotel, 182 St Johns Rd, Glebe, 8pm - $6 entry

Murray Hillbillies - (Country) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt - 9:30pm to late - Free entry

SUNDAY 28th January

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Detonators - (Jump Rock Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 7:00pm - $10 entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

WEDNESDAY 31st January

JAZZ CLUB featuring the Janos Horvath Trio (playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and many others with a special Guest Artist each week plus a Jam Session) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 7:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 2nd February

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 3rd February

Elana Stone - (Jazz) - Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown - Enquiries 9557 7992

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8pm - Free entry

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies - (Jump Blues) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Guildford Leagues Club, 55 Tamplin Rd, Guildford - 8pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 4th February

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Prospect Hotel, Great Western Hwy Prospect - 1pm - Free entry

Cartwrights - (Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King Street, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Mt Druitt Workers Club, 247 Woodstock Ave, Dharruk - 3:30pm to 7:30pm - Free entry

WEDNESDAY 7th February

JAZZ CLUB featuring the Janos Horvath Trio (playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and many others with a special Guest Artist each week plus a Jam Session) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road, Double Bay - 7:30pm - Free entry

THURSDAY 8th February

Sydney Sound Big Band - (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 9th February

Capitols - (Swing/Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St, Brighton-le-Sands - 8pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Riverstone RSL, 18 Market St, Riverstone - 8pm - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Paul Sun (Jazz Vocalist) with Brad Madigan (guitar) - Jazushi Restaurant, 145 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills - www.jazushi.com.au - bookings recommended 9699 8977 - 7:30pm to 10:30pm

SATURDAY 10th February

Wes Pudsey and The Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

The Absinth Club - (Burlesque) featuring acts such as Man's Ruin Burlesque; The Town Bikes; Lola the Vamp; Belladonnas De Lux; Hi Ball Burlesque; Gypsy Wood and many more - The Gaelic Club, Devonshire St, Surry Hills - Tickets www.moshtix.com.au or http://www.sugartime.com.au/

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

SUNDAY 11th February

SUNDAY 11th February is our next Beginners Rockabilly Dance Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 14th January with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 11th February
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 9th February or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, 97 Spring Street, Bondi Junction - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WEDNESDAY 14th February

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of January by Steve Ca$h and Bongo Benny. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let them take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie by Email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or to 0410 668 995.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The Newsletter:

Hey there Guys'n'Gals,

I'm sure that people who do a Newsletter, like Margie and I do, often wonder what they will write for the next week. However, no sooner has one gone out than information comes in from all sources. Thanks to everyone who contributes information for us to print.

There is a mountain of music as you have probably guessed, since Margie has already put out her gig guide. There couldn't be anyone out there who cant find their own musical preference this holiday weekend. A couple of things I would probably draw your attention to are :-

Jonny Gretsch and the Wasted Ones CD Launch; Wes Pudsey and the Sonic Aces; The Quarter Milers (debut gig) - (Rockabilly) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - Friday 26th January, 8:30pm - $10 entry.

Monica Trapaga guests with the Sydney All Star Big Band with Dan Barnett (Jazz/Swing) - Australia Day Celebrations at Pyrmont Park - 5pm to 9:30pm

and

Detonators - (Jump Rock Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - Sunday 28th January, 7:00pm - $10 entry

(the last one of course which coincidentally follows our Beginners Refresher and Intermediate Rockabilly Workshops on Sunday afternoon.)

Now I know it's a holiday weekend but we decided to keep our dance workshop schedule on as planned so why not come along on Sunday then you can head down to The Empire for The Detonators at 7pm.

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required ˆ pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required ˆ pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Dan Barnett 4tet

By the time most of you get this it will be Thursday morning and you may be wondering how to kick off the long weekend. Dan Barnett invites you to "Jazz and Beer" (and probably some good wine and fine spirits - or should it be fine wine and good spirits) tonight at The Customs House Bar on Macquarie Place just around the corner from The Basement from 6.45pm till 9.45pm. Remember, Friday is a holiday so Friday night drinks needs to be brought forward to Thursday. You will catch Dan Barnett on Vocals and trombone, Phil Stack on Double Bass, Sam Rollings on Guitar and Andrew Dickerson on Drums.

Whilst on the subject of our friend Andrew Dickerson, he excitedly Emailed out today to announce the launching of his new Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/andrewdickeson. Now we knew Andrew was a brilliant drummer, but look at this extract from his bio - "Andrew Dickeson is undeniably one of Australia's leading Jazz Drummer's. He holds down a busy schedule as he is currently the Principal Lecturer of Jazz Drums at the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music, at the same time being one of the country's most sought after jazz drummer's..........". Sydney boasts an amazing array of talented musicians!

Nostalgia Drag Racing Series for 2007

Now as usual, I'm all over the place with news items, but just in is the great news that Cruzin Mag http://www.cruzin.com.au/cruzin/index.cfm, Australia's premier Hot Rod and American Muscle Car Mag, have landed a major sponsor for their ever popular Nostalgia Drag Racing Series for 2007.

Further increasing their association with the classic, collectible and historic car hobby, Shannon's will be the major sponsor for the Nostalgia Drag Racing Series throughout 2007. Cruzin magazine will continue to promote the event with 12 meetings scheduled for the year (some to be confirmed).

http://www.cruzin.com.au/cruzin/index.cfm?pid=article&nwsID=136

mailto:newsletter@cruzin.com.au

Swing City Club

Last week, we mentioned about the possibility of a new Big Band club in Sydney which was to be called the Swing City Club through the association with one of Sydney's high profile Big Bands, John Morrison's Swing City. The venue is The Statement Bar in the basement of The State Theatre.

Talking tonight with a band contact, we are told that the deal may be close to being finalised with a kick-off date of Valentines Day, Wednesday 14th February.

Plus a postscript to the above news. Simon "The Senator" Bartlett of "Woody and The Senator" fame has advised us that a his very cool jazz outfit The Upper House http://members.optusnet.com.au/theupperhouse/home.html are playing every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Statement Bar. A look at their playlists places them very much in the Swing/Jazz/Jump Blues music style so and evening with The Upper House would be sure to please everyone.

Burlesque

The Absinth Club...

We made special mention last week of the upcoming mammoth Burlesque show but we missed out two very special performers who just happen to be close friends of ours. Let's just call them Gidget and Torchy (OK Miss Astred Hicks and Miss Pia Andersen) who are soooo excited that their new act Coco de Mer has been included in this very major event.

MAN'S RUIN BURLESQUE ~ THE TOWN BIKES ~ LOLA THE VAMP ~ BELLADONNAS DE LUX ~ HI BALL BURLESQUE ~ GYPSY WOOD ~ MS FAT BOOTY ~ IMOGEN KELLY ~ THE BIRDMANN ~ KASPIA VIOLETTA~ LITTLE KELLY DOLL ~ COUGAR JONES ~ ANDY UPROCK ~ LA VIVIANNA ~ AMELIA WOOD ~ BONE DADDY ~ BERLIN FRIDAY ~ THE BUTCHERSHOP QUARTET ~ MS IVY ~ JACOB PACESETTER ~ FEVER FANS and music from THE ORPHAN PARTY & DJ MR MAI TAI (THE TIKI TWO) PLUS now Coco de Mer

Dates and ticket info below:
Feb 2nd and 3rd The Spanish Club Melbourne.
Tickets: www.webtickets.com.au
Feb 10th The Gaelic Club, Surry Hills. Sydney.
Tickets: www.moshtix.com.au
Feb 24th The Columbian Bar, Brisbane.
Tickets: www.etix.oztix.com.au
OR get your tickets for any and all of the shows from www.sugartime.com.au

Rose Seidler House

We have received a word of thanks from the organiser of The Rose Seidler House event below. Apparently a number of you have already taken advantage of the offer of discounted tickets. Just imagine it! We are all lover of the 50's era. We all love Rose Seidler House. How cool will it be sitting with our picnic baskets and wine in the shadow of the great house, as you watch TV shows which Rose Seidler herself might have viewed on her new super duper Kreisler TV. Support for events like this will ensure they continue in the future. Look at what Charles Phoenix has done for the 50's in America http://www.godblessamericana.com/. Get your bookings in now and don't forget to mention Limpin' Jimmy and The swingin' Kitten for your discount rate of $20 per person.

A very special Rose Seidler House Event

TV classics of the 1950s & '60s

For some it will be a blast from the past, for others it will be a fascinating and, at times, humorous look into the early years of Australian television. Bring a picnic basket, friends and family, and join us for a starry night in the leafy grounds of Rose Seidler House. Projected amidst amazing bushland with the house in the background will be rare footage of early Australian TV classics and film clips including The Mavis Bramston Show, Rita and Wally and never before seen film noir style pilot Al Munch starring a young and handsome Bud Tingwall, along with a great collection of 1950s and '60s advertisements. Organised with the support of the National Film and Sound Archive and introduced by Grace Gibson Productions veteran Reg James. House tours will run at 7pm and during the interval, and a special candy bar will operate for the event.
Rose Seidler House | Saturday 10 February | Gates open 7pm, screening begins 8pm | Members $20 General $29 Family $49 | Includes house tours, screening and free popcorn. Suitable for all ages! Booking essential on 02 8239 2266.

The event coordinator for Rose Seidler House has very kindly offered our readers the members rate of $20 if you mention Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten when you ring to book. Don't delay booking! This is sure to be a popular event.

Tamworth Country Music Festival goes out to the world

Tamworth Country Music launches into Cyberspace

OK folks. You should know by now that Tamworth is well and truly under way but this coming weekend is the big one so why not take a minute to log on to www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au for all the latest on what is happening in that amazing dry barren bowl out there somewhere in the Australian countryside. Thanks to our friend Alison Windmill and her associates in Tamworth for this novel addition to the Tamworth Country Music Festival..

Melinda Schneider

Again nominated this year for a Golden Guitar Award at Tamworth, one of Australia's favorite female country singers, Melinda Schneider, brings her show to Rooty Hill RSL on Friday 2nd February featuring her most powerful album "Stronger" plus of course some of her old favourites. She will be supported by "The Flood" and the show starts at 8pm with entry $20 for member and $25 for visitors. The show is adults only.

C.W Stoneking

Ever heard of C.W Stoneking?? Nope! Well neither have we but our friends Tony and Louise caught him when he played at The State Theatre on Sunday night supporting Madeleine Peyroux. They said he was a life changing experience and strongly recommended we check out his site at www.myspace.com/cwstoneking or better still go see him playing at The Basement on the 1st of February or at The Clarendon in Katoomba on 2nd February. "Just check him out, you won't regret it", they enthused. Here is how he is described :-

"He wears a ragged black suit and a preachin' hat, makes tunes about singing dodo birds, hollers like a 1920's tent show blues shouter, plays guitar like a demon, and mutters to himself onstage. The legendary king of hokum blues, C.W. Stoneking, is a true entertainer who relies on musicianship, stagecraft, and performance to invoke the spirit of 1920's Southern blues in his original hokum style."

Thanks Tony and Lulu. I reckon he would be well worth a listen to. I thought this sort of music only came on old scratchy records and CD's.

Have a great and safe holiday weekend and be great Australians. We live in a fantastic country and whilst it may not be perfect, it shines over many others in the world. Be thankful.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten.

Gig guide from 18.01.07

2007-01-17T23:25:00.000+11:00

The majority of the country music performers are likely heading for Tamworth so there's not a great deal happening in Sydney. Hope you all make it through!!

Same deal - same people providing this great service (over to Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten):

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's (and beyond) Gig Guide :-

Just a reminder that our Rockabilly Dance Workshops are on the following dates this month:

Beginner Refresher - Sunday 28th January - (please see date and details below) from 1pm to 2:30pm

Intermediate - Sunday 28th January - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 5pm

THURSDAY 18th January

Nervous Wreckers (psychobilly); Moral Majority; Motorhank - Excelsior Hotel, Foveaux Street, Surry Hills - 8pm - $8 entry

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar, Macquarie Pl (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.30pm to 9:30pm - Free entry

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 19th January

Larry Swayed - (Rock 'n' roll) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St, Brighton-le-Sands - 8:30pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8:00pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Detonators - (Jump Rock Blues) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont - 8pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 20th January

Jive Tones - (Rock 'n' roll) - Demons Sports Club, Quinn Ave, Seven Hills - 8pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' roll) - St Marys Band Club, 411 Great Western Highway, St Marys - Free entry

Swing @ The Roxbury - (Swing) - The Roxbury Hotel, 182 St Johns Rd, Glebe, 8pm - $6 entry

SUNDAY 21st January

Paul Sun (Jazz Vocalist) & John Blenkhorn (guitar) & Stan Valakos (Double Bass) - Pruniers Restaurant and Bar "Sunday Brunch Jazz" - 5 Ocean Street, Woollahra - Bookings recommended - 12pm to 3pm

Capitols - (Swing/Rock 'n' Roll) - Collaroy Services Beach Club, 1058 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy - 4.30pm - 8pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

Wolftones - (Blues/Rock) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 7:30pm - Free entry

Spurs for Jesus - (Cowpunk) - Hopetoun Hotel, 416 Bourke Street, Surry Hills - 6pm - Free entry

THURSDAY 25th January

Sydney Sound Big Band - (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar, Macquarie Pl (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.30pm to 9:30pm - Free entry

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 26th January

Jonny Gretsch and the Wasted Ones CD Launch; Wes Pudsey and the Sonic Aces; The Quarter Milers (debut gig) - (Rockabilly) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $10 entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club - The Parade, Belmont - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 27th January

Wes Pudsey and The Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - St Marys Band Club, 411 Great Western Highway, St Marys - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) and Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Davistown RSL, 19 Murna Rd Davistown - 7:30pm - $17 entry

Creepers - (Rockabilly) - East Maitland Bowling Club, Bank Street, East Maitland - 8pm - Free entry

Elana Stone - (Jazz) - Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre, Corner of City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale - Bookings 9351 7940

The Porkers (Ska), Casino Rumblers (Psychobilly), Los Capitanes - BMX Games - Monster Park, Homebush - 10am - 7pm (All ages)

SUNDAY 28th January

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Detonators - (Jump Rock Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 7:00pm - $10 entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 2nd February

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

SATURDAY 3rd February

Elana Stone - (Jazz) - Vanguard, 42 King Street, Newtown - Enquiries 9557 7992

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8pm - Free entry

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies - (Jump Blues) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 4th February

Janet Seidel Jazz Sessions - (Jazz) - Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay -Bookings essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Prospect Hotel, Great Western Hwy Prospect - 1pm - Free entry

Cartwrights - (Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King Street, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of January by Steve Ca$h and Bongo Benny. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let them take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie by Email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or to 0410 668 995.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The New Year is warming . . .

2007-01-09T23:15:00.000+11:00

A bit late but here's the best for the beginning of the new year to all who drop in here . . .

Jimmy's come up with his first 2007 newsletter and it's really worth having a browse through, The Gig Guide will now be sitting underneath the newsletter (scroll WAY down!)

The Newsletter:

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

First of all, I would like to say a great big thank you for all the wonderful supportive messages I received when my mother died just the week before Christmas. It was a very difficult time, but the support of friends makes grief easier to bear. Aided by some luck and a very good travel agent at the Newtown Flight Centre, I was in Scotland within a couple of days to attend the funeral and back in time for Christmas with Margie and her family. It was all a bit surreal considering I left Sydney with temperatures around 30 degrees only to land in sub zero temperatures in Scotland. The first morning I woke up, I had to scrape thick ice off the front and back windscreens of the hire car before I could drive. Much as it was wonderful catching up with family I hadn't seen in some cases for over 30 years, I was happy to get back to the place and friends I love in Sydney.

We have spoken to many people since New Year and not too many reported having a good year last year. We can certainly agree. However, there is a great positive feeling for 2007, so lets make it a great year with tons of positive energy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I spoke only this afternoon with our friend Ray Beadle who had a miraculous escape and recovery from the truck accident which we reported on last year. Ray is mending incredibly well and hopes already to get back driving for a couple of days a week starting next week. Now there's guts and determination. He is also off to Thredbo to play in the music festival this weekend, so it appears all is well with the bits a singer/guitarist needs to perform with. We have thrown out an invitation for him to do another Vargabar Blues gig for us, so hopefully he may be able to fit this in before he gets back to full time work. Can't believe we almost lost him!!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some years ago we used to see a young guy trying to get in to Rockabilly gigs. He was underage but passionate about Rockabilly music and dancing. Well not only is Damien Lawson now legally able to get into gigs, but he has formed his own three piece Rockabilly combo. Ben and Michelle Lawson will be bursting with pride on Australia Day when their son Damien, playing double bass, leads his band The Quarter Milers on stage to open for Jonny Gretsch and the Wasted Ones CD Launch; Wes Pudsey and the Sonic Aces; The Quarter Milers (debut gig) at the Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $10 entry. The Quarter Milers will be playing a variety of Rockabilly and Physcobilly and they are influenced by Stray Cats, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and Reverend Horton Heat to name a few. Their set will comprise of originals and covers known by all. Great to hear of some young blood grabbing the bull by the horns. Get to the gig on time and lend some support to a new band on the Sydney Rockabilly scene.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

All American Car Show Sunday 21st January 2007

Every January, The Mustang Owners Club of Australia (NSW) host the All American Car Show at Castle Towers on the Blue rooftop car park. This year the event will be held on Sunday 21st January with doors open at 10 am and the event finishing at 4pm The Classic Car show will feature over 400 American cars such as Corvettes, Mustangs, Pontiacs and more. Exclusive American built cars will be judged in categories of Vintage and Veteran, Muscle Cars, Cruisers, Hot Rods, Pick-ups and Cargo Carriers. The Mustang Owners Club will also be raising money for the Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Also for those Classic Car and Hot Rod people interested, the annual C.R.A.C.C event will be held at the White Ibis resort Nth Canberra over the Australia Day long weekend.

Thanks to our friend Alan Archer (great Chrysler God) for reminding us about these car events. We couldn't find any web info on the C.R.A.C.C event but we are sure there must be something published somewhere obscure.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Folks, I don't know if you have noticed a great improvement recently in our weekly Gig Guide. The reason is that Margie has taken over doing this by herself and has changed the format to make it less cluttered and easier to read. If you want any gigs promoted, please Email them direct to Margie on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au.

I, being a man of many words (some might say too many), will continue with the weekly Newsletter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sydney Wonderful Sydney

Burlesque was a sensation in Sydney last year and I had the occasion only this week to deliver a package to one of Festival Sydney's exciting venues and noted with interest that Sugartime Burlesque were featured. It was in none other than The Spiegeltent and here is some info with a website below where you can get some more details of what's on.

THE FAMOUS SPIEGELTENT AND FESTIVAL GARDEN
Enchanting and exotic, The Famous Spiegeltent is a centrepiece of this year's Sydney Festival. You can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat under the stars while soaking up The Famous Spiegeltent's 1920s atmosphere in the exclusive Festival Garden - this summer's most magical late night venue.

JAN 7, 14, 21, 28 Sugartime Burlesque

Sugartime Burlesque is risqué and occasionally very naughty - a place where the weird meets the wonderful. Hear rare, vintage tunes from around the world and leave the daily grind behind. Step right up into a bygone era of traditional bump-n-grind, neo-burlesque entertainers.
DJ Mr Mai Tai
Capacity for Late at the Spiegel is limited. Entry is subject to availability at all times.

http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/event.asp?typeID=9&eID=87&type=venue&EventName=LATE%20AT%20THE%20SPIEGEL

JAZZ IN THE DOMAIN

From the Sydney Festival website come the following review of Jazz in the Domain for this coming Saturday night 13th January :-

"From the smooth rhythms of bossa nova to the irresistible beats of the samba drum, Brazilian music has created a rich legacy that has touched almost every form of composition. The past few years have seen a resurgence of interest in Brazilian music and this year's Jazz in the Domain celebrates its varied and multi-layered repertoire.
Noite Brasil has been conceived and arranged by renowned composer, arranger and guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, one of the founders of the bossa nova movement.
Famed jazz critic Leonard Feather wrote of Castro-Neves, "The crystalline beauty of his arrangements is matched by the rare delicacy with which they are interpreted. Castro-Neves is incapable of creating a dull moment, but that is an understatement: He is only capable of generating rhythmic, harmonic and melodic joy."
The percussion section will be led by Airto Moreira, a major figure in jazz for the past 30 years.
Over two and a half hours, both Oscar and Airto will take 100,000 Sydneysiders on a journey from Brazilian jazz to popular beats. Make sure you arrive early for what promises to be an unforgettable night at the Domain."
http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/event.asp?typeID=13&eID=21&type=date&EventName=JAZZ%20IN%20THE%20DOMAIN:%20NOITE%20BRASIL

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Now I guess it's no surprise that following the success of our Rockabilly Workshops last year, we are pushing our popular Rockabilly dance classes. So many people have thanked us for introducing them to such a friendly exciting lifestyle. Here are the details of what's coming up. Don't forget that Wes Pudsey and The Sonic Aces will be at Brighton Fisherman's Club tomorrow night (Friday 12th January) which will be a great opportunity to join us for a dance on a decent sized dance floor.

ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOPS

SUNDAY 14th January is our next Beginners Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style (it's also great exercise to shed a few pounds or get fit)

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 14th January with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We already have a good number of people who have registered so it is shaping up to be a great class.

Beginners Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 14th January

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 14th January
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 12th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

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Beginners Refresher Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 1pm

Lacking the confidence to move up to the next level? Why not jump into our new Beginners Refresher Workshop which we have started conducting just before the Intermediate Workshop and many people who were a bit unsure have been able to do a quick refresher of what they learnt then went on to the Intermediate level.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 17th December
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 15th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Private dance lessons - Don't forget folks, if you need that extra bit of attention, we are available for private dance lessons if you want to accelerate your dance skills. Just give Margie a call on 0410 668 995 to arrange a suitable time.

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MAJOR EVENTS COMING UP

In the not to distant future, their are two major events on the music calendar. First is the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival and we can do no better than refer you to our friend Alison Windmill's great website at http://www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au which is crammed full of what's on. Almost makes us wish we were going. Of particular note for Sydney travellers is the new band, Chet Romero, the brainchild of Phil B Coulson, aided and abetted by one Angus McKay (of the Radium Club Hepsters) and a bunch of highly talented musicians.

Whilst on the matter of Tamworth, we bumped into a dancing friend on Sunday night and he and his partner have rented a house in Tamworth for the festival. They could be interested in sharing, so if you have made last minute plans to go and have no accommodation, let us know and we will pass your details on.

COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL IN TAMWORTH

Country Music Legend Lee Kernaghan has been announced as the headline act for the 2007 Country Music Festival Australia Day Eve Concert, as a result of a new deal signing another long time supporter of Country Music in Tamworth, Toyota Australia, as a naming sponsor for the concert.

The concert will be held in Tamworth's Bicentennial Park, Thursday January 25 2007, beginning at 6.30pm. The concert will end around 9pm with the traditional fireworks display following at 9.30pm. Negotiations are continuing to secure various support acts. Lee will be performing his show "Outback to the Beaches" for this free concert on the eve of Australia Day in front of a crowd of thousands.

Don't forget, if you want to keep tabs on what is happening in Tamworth and for the Festival, check out http://www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au
which is a great new website run by our friend Alison Windmill who now lives in Tamworth with her husband Tony but will be known to many of you in the Sydney Rockabilly/Country scene.

VIVA LAS VEGAS

The other big event only a few months away is the 10th Anniversary Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekender over the Easter weekend which draws crowds from all over America and indeed all over the world. The great news for Australia is the return of Rusty and The Drag Strip Trio from Perth who slipped quietly on stage without any fanfare a couple of years ago and blew the crowd away. It took three encores to finally satisfy the audience. It was impossible to get one of their CD's after the show (well we did as we were quick). We do have some incredible talent here in Australia including local Rockabilly/Blues Boppers Blue Denim who have also been invited to perform this year. We have had an appeal from our friends Vic and Marie Valka who will be in the US around the time of VLV and would love to go. Do you know of anyone out there who has accommodation booked at The Gold Coast Casino but has decided not to go. Vic and Marie would be very grateful for your room.

LISMORE SWING CONNECTION

Not to forget the Swing Folks, every year, Steven Mitchell and Virginie get Swing dancers from across Australia out of their home town and mixing and making new friends! This is their seventh Swing Dance Camp! It's a great opportunity to further your dancing and you don't have to travel overseas to do it!

The Camp has four amazing teaching couples, four track levels and is five days long with five to six hours of classes a day. How can you miss such an awesome event! Many Lindy Hoppers have been going since the very first camp six years ago and would never dream of missing it!

They have a great variety of teachers and styles with social dancing every night, a mid Camp Break to Byron Bay, a friendly Jack & Jill Comp and several other activities thrown in.

Contact brian@swingconnection.com.au
Details www.swingconnection.com.au

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GREAT RADIO STATION

As a courier, I spend all day behind the wheel of the van and I would go crazy without music to keep me company. In recent months I have been listening to a radio station where people know who Ray Beadle is, who play Brian Setzer and The Louisville Sluggers, who know what Rockabilly is and actually played tracks from the Saltflat Trio CD released in 2004 before the sad death of Tyson Feifer last year and who aren't frightened to dive into great Chicago and Delta Blues. The station is 2NSB on 99.3FM and you can check out their programming and great Gig Guide at http://www.2nsb.org.au/. For their subscribers, they also have some great prizes and I have picked up a few good CD's plus a couple of vouchers for meals a very good restaurants. Next Tuesday we are off to hear Virni Sanzone and Tina Harrod at The Basement courtesy of presenter Sharon Thompson. Thanks Sharon and great music on your show as well.

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Janet Seidel - Singer/Pianist extraordinaire

Looking ahead to March, Margie stumbled on a gig featuring a most wonderful local Swing/Jazz singer/pianist Janet Seidel who will be presenting her renowned show "Delovely", the music of Cole Porter. Janet will be supported as usual by her brother David on double bass and brilliant jazz guitarist Chuck Morgan. The thing that makes this show so special is that it is at Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club which should mean it's very accessible and will have a dance floor if she is in the auditorium. The show is on Saturday 31st March and here are the contact details if you are interested http://www.chprsl.com.au/eventdetails.aspx?id=203&iterID=239.

Janet is always a sensational performer and you can catch her prior to that in one of her favourite intimate venues, The Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th and 11th of February when she presents :-

Janet's Jazz Sessions
with leading Sydney Jazz musicians at the Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, Double Bay
Bookings: 02 93634567
Molnex1@aol.com

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Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services

Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond the 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly we are so well known for. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or on 0410 668 995.

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We would like to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

. . . and here's some dancin' music events to help shine your boot soles before the trip to Tamworth . . . courtesy, as usual, of Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten:

Gig guide from 11.01.07 to 28.01.o7

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's (and beyond) Gig Guide :-

Just a reminder that our Rockabilly Dance Workshops are on the following dates this month:

Beginners - Sunday 14th January - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 6pm

Beginner Refresher - Sunday 28th January - (please see date and details below) from 1pm to 2:30pm

Intermediate - Sunday 28th January - (please see date and details below) from 3pm to 5pm

THURSDAY 11th January

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar, Macquarie Pl (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.30pm to 9:30pm - Free entry

Sydney Sound Big Band- (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 12th January

Wes Pudsey & the Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St Brighton-le-Sands - 8pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, The Parade, Belmont - 8pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Radium Club Hepsters - (Neo Swing) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 8pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 13th January

Satellite V with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club, 116 Ryedale Rd, West Ryde - 8pm - $5 entry

Backy Skank; The Signals; Steppin Razor; The Gays; Chaz H Scally - (Ska) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $12 entry

Larry Swayed - (Rock 'n' roll) - Easts Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - 7:30pm - Free entry

Beccy Cole and Adam Harvey - (Country) - Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL, 20 - 26 Canterbury Road, Hurlstone Park- 8pm - $18 for members

SUNDAY 14th January

SUNDAY 14th January is our next Beginners Rockabilly Dance Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 14th January with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 14th January
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 12th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:00pm to 6:00pm - Free entry

Dan Barnett Big Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 7:30pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, 97 Spring Street, Bondi Junction - Free entry

Paul Sun (Jazz Vocalist) & John Blenkhorn (guitar) & Stan Valakos (Double Bass) - Pruniers Restaurant and Bar "Sunday Brunch Jazz" - 5 Ocean Street, Woollahra - Bookings recommended - 12pm to 3pm

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' Roll) - Towradgi Beach Hotel, 170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi - 1pm - Free entry

Spurs for Jesus - (Cowpunk) - Hopetoun Hotel, 416 Bourke Street, Surry Hills - 6pm - Free entry

Chuck's Wagon - (Alt Country) and Deadwood 76 - Lansdowne Hotel, 2 City Road, Broadway - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry

THURSDAY 18th January

Nervous Wreckers (psychobilly); Moral Majority; Motorhank - Excelsior Hotel, Foveaux Street, Surry Hills

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 19th January

Larry Swayed - (Rock 'n' roll) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St, Brighton-le-Sands - 8:30pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 20th January

Jive Tones - (Rock 'n' roll) - Demons Sports Club, Quinn Ave, Seven Hills - 8pm - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' roll) - St Marys Band Club, 411 Great Western Highway, St Marys - Free entry

SUNDAY 21st January

Paul Sun (Jazz Vocalist) & John Blenkhorn (guitar) & Stan Valakos (Double Bass) - Pruniers Restaurant and Bar "Sunday Brunch Jazz" - 5 Ocean Street, Woollahra - Bookings recommended - 12pm to 3pm

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

Spurs for Jesus - (Cowpunk) - Hopetoun Hotel, 416 Bourke Street, Surry Hills - 6pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 26th January

Jonny Gretsch and the Wasted Ones CD Launch; Wes Pudsey and the Sonic Aces; The Quarter Milers (debut gig) - (Rockabilly) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $10 entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club - The Parade, Belmont - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 27th January

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) and Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Davistown RSL, 19 Murna Rd Davistown - 7:30pm - $17 entry

Creepers - (Rockabilly) - East Maitland Bowling Club, Bank Street, East Maitland - 8pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 28th January

Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Detonators - (Jump Rock Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 7:30pm - $10 entry

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of January by Steve Ca$h and Bongo Benny. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let them take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie by Email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or to 0410 668 995.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

Gig guide for Xmas & New Year

2006-12-19T21:19:00.000+11:00

Maybe Santa will bring you something like this:

Or maybe there'll be a convoy of rock 'n' roll:

The Gig Guide . . .

. . . courtesy, as usual, of Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten:

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

This will be our last gig guide for a few weeks while we take a break. We would like to wish you all a safe and very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2007! Hope it's filled with fun times, great music and good health!

Please note there will be no Newsletter released this week as Jim has had to fly to Scotland unexpectedly.

Here is this week's Gig Guide :-

WEDNESDAY 20th December

"MUSICIANS' CHRISTMAS PARTY"

NEW JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS At The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant - Janos Horvath - Piano, Ken Roberts - Bass, Baz Kliche - Drums -
Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
No Cover Charge - Music from 6.00pm till 11.00pm, with the Janos Horvath Trio playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter,Duke Ellington and many others with Guest Artist Weekly plus Jam Session

"We would like invite everyone who loves to play, sing or just wants to listen to our end of the year concert/party/jam from around 6 pm till 11 something. Although we are the resident band we will not mind if we do not have to play all night let's hope that we will hear many temporary bands forming on stage. Bring your family, friends and workmates, and let's party!!!"

THURSDAY 21st December

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Parramatta RSL Club, Macquarie Street, Parramatta - 7pm to 11pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 22nd December

Wes Pudsey & the Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club - The Parade, Belmont - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St Brighton-le-Sands - 8pm - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Wyong Leagues Club, Lakehaven Drive, Kanwal - 8:30pm to 12 - $10 entry

Jump to It - (Jump Blues) - Rose of Australia Hotel, Corner of George and Swanson Streets, Erskineville - 9pm - Free entry

James Morrison - (Jazz) - The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay

SATURDAY 23rd December

Backy Skank Christmas Party featuring Backy Skank (Ska) plus the Creepers (Rockabilly) plus Steppin Razor - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $10 entry.

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Demons Sports Club, Quinn Avenue, Seven Hills - Free entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Five Dock RSL Club, 66 Great North Road, Five Dock - 8pm to 12 - Free entry

Spurs for Jesus (Cowpunk) and Chuck's Wagon (Alt. country) - Manly Fisho's, 270 Pittwater Road, Manly - 8pm - $10 entry

Cartwrights - (Country) - Bald Faced Stag, 345 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt - 9:30pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 24th December

Spurs for Jesus - (Cow punk)- Annandale Hotel, Corner of Nelson St and Parramatta Road, Annandale - 6:00pm - $12 entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, 97 Spring Street, Bondi Junction - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 29th December

Capitols with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club - The Parade, Belmont - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 30th December

Rock Therapy with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Rockabilly) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Yeehaa Boys - (Country Swing) - Towradgi Beach Hotel, 170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi - 8pm - $10 entry

Deadwood 76 - (Country) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm

SUNDAY 31st December

"Sounds of Seduction New Years Eve Jungle Spectacular" with Jay Katz and Miss Death - Marquee Club, 128 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont - $20 entry

45RPM with DJ's including Sara, Nick, Wally, Keith, Ady, Dave, Marek, Max, Rudy, George'OO'Soul - (Ska/Mod/Soul/Garage/R'n'B) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 8pm to late - $6 entry.

New Years Eve Party featuring Johnny Nicol (guitar), Kevin Hunt (piano), Bob Barnard (trumpet & vocals), Helen Fenton (vocals) and David Pudney (double bass) - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay

$129 includes a 4 course gourmet dinner - BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

"Night Creatures New Years Eve" featuring Casino Rumblers (Psychobilly), Crusaders, Crazy Legs Vermin, Jack Nasty Face, Bunt & Motorhank - Annandale Hotel, Corner of Nelson St and Parramatta Road, Annandale - $15 at the door

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Lidcombe Catholic Club, 24 John St, Lidcombe - 9pm to 1:00am - Free entry

Juke Box Jive with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Jivetones - (Rock 'n' roll) - Burwood RSL Club, Burwood - 8.30pm - Free entry

ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOPS FOR JANUARY

SUNDAY 14th January is our next Beginners Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 14th January with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 14th January
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 12th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Beginners Refresher Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 28th January at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 28th January
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 26th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of December by yours truly Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let us take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie by Email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or to 0410 668 995.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

Coming week's gig guide . . .

2006-12-14T01:30:00.000+11:00

Courtesy, as usual, of Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten - so get busy with that pen and mark off your weekend's malarky (and added at the end on Friday is their weekly newsletter):

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's Gig Guide :-

(Don't forget our last Beginner Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop and Intermediate Workshop are on this coming weekend - scroll down to Sunday 17th December for details)

THURSDAY 14th December

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry.

Jungle Kings - (Jump Blues) - City Hotel, Corner of Kent and King Streets, Sydney - 8pm - Free entry

Sydney Sound Big Band- (Swing) - Rockdale RSL, 45 Bay Street, Rockdale - 7:30pm - Free entry

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar, Macquarie Pl (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.45pm till 9.45pm.

FRIDAY 15th December

Wes Pudsey & the Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - Riverstone RSL, 18 Market St, Riverstone - 8:30pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Lewisham Hotel, 794 Parramatta Rd, Lewisham - 8:30pm - $10 entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey and the Lucky B*stards - (Country) - Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Ave, Tempe - Free entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Roland Storm & Lucky Starr- (Rock 'n' Roll) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' Roll) - St Mary's Band Club, 411 Great Western Highway, St Mary's - 8pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 16th December

Wes Pudsey & the Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly), Jonny Gretsch's Wasted Ones (Rockabilly) and special guest vocalist Miss Pia Andersen - Arncliffe Scots Club, 29 Burrows St, Arncliffe - 8:30pm - $12 entry

Swingtime Christmas Party, Croatian Club, 921 Punchbowl Rd, Bankstown. Tickets $25 per person. Call 0402 489 967 to purchase your tickets.

Featuring Tezza and the Twist Tops for Rock and Roll and Eddy Sevens Swingsation for swing.

Dancebeat Christmas Party, Helensburgh Workers Club - Tickets $15 per person (Strictly ticketed event). Call Ray or Helen on 0415 916 732

Featuring the Lemon Squeezin' Daddies.

Flaming Stars with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Roland Storm & Lucky Starr- (Rock 'n' Roll) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Porkers (Ska) plus Los Capitanes (Rockin ska / reggae) - Oxford Tavern, Wollongong.

SUNDAY 17th December

Beginner Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 1pm to 2:30pm - $15 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 5pm - $25 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Satellite V - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry.

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 5pm to 8pm - Free entry

Fat Dusty - (Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey and the Lucky B*stards - (Country) - Riverview Hotel, 29 Birchgrove Road, Balmain - 6pm - Free entry

Roland Storm & Lucky Starr- (Rock 'n' Roll) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

David Campbell "Swing Sessions" - (Swing) - The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay - 2 shows (3pm and 7pm)

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain - 3:30pm to 6:30pm - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Gearin's Hotel, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba - 5pm to 9pm

WEDNESDAY 20th December

"MUSICIANS' CHRISTMAS PARTY"

NEW JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS At The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant - Janos Horvath - Piano, Ken Roberts - Bass, Baz Kliche - Drums

No Cover Charge - Music from 6.00pm till 11.00pm

With the Janos Horvath Trio playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter,Duke Ellington and many others with Guest Artist Weekly plus Jam Session

"We would like invite everyone who loves to play, sing or just wants to listen to our end of the year concert/party/jam from around 6 pm till 11 something. Although we are the resident band we will not mind if we do not have to play all night let's hope that we will hear many temporary bands forming on stage. Bring your family, friends and workmates, and let's party!!!"

SATURDAY 23rd December

Backy Skank Christmas Party featuring Backy Skank (Ska) plus the Creepers (Rockabilly) plus Steppin Razor - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $10 entry.

SUNDAY 24th December

Spurs for Jesus - (Cow punk)- Annandale Hotel, Corner of Nelson St and Parramatta Road, Annandale - 6:00pm

SUNDAY 31st December

"Sounds of Seduction New Years Eve Jungle Spectacular" with Jay Katz and Miss Death - Marquee Club, 128 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont - $20 entry

New Years Eve Party featuring Johnny Nicol (guitar), Kevin Hunt (piano), Bob Barnard (trumpet & vocals), Helen Fenton (vocals) and David Pudney (double bass) - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

$129 includes a 4 course gourmet dinner

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Lidcombe Catholic Club, 24 John St, Lidcombe - 9pm to 1:00am - Free entry

"Night Creatures New Years Eve" featuring Casino Rumblers (Psychobilly), Crusaders, Crazy Legs Vermin, Jack Nasty Face, Bunt & Motorhank - Annandale Hotel, Corner of Nelson St and Parramatta Road, Annandale - $15 at the door

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of December by yours truly Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let us take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie by Email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or to 0410 668 995.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The Newsletter

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

The Swing Lounge with Limpin Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten every Wednesday in December

Listen in next Wednesday night (20th December) to Eastside Radio at 89.7FM from 7.30pm when we bring you our special Christmas Show. An evening full of Swingin' Christmas tunes.

ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOPS

Beginners Refresher Workshop - Sunday 17th December at 1pm (it's definitely on)

Lacking the confidence to move up to the next level? Why not jump into our new Beginners Refresher Workshop which we have started conducting just before the Intermediate Workshop and many people who were a bit unsure have been able to do a quick refresher of what they learnt then went on to the Intermediate level.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 17th December
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 15th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 17th December at 3pm (it's definitely on)

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 17th December
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 15th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Private dance lessons - Don't forget folks, if you need that extra bit of attention, we are available for private dance lessons if you want to accelerate your dance skills. Just give Margie a call on 0410 668 995 to arrange a suitable time.

Sat December 23rd: The Annual Backy Skank Christmas Party @ the Empire Hotel.
Well it is that time of the year again when everyone gets together for an alcohol fuelled night of fun at the Empire Hotel. It is the Backy Skank Xmas Party and in comparison, all your work parties will seem lame. You'll be dragging work mates along to show them what a good time is really about.
Backy Skank will be playing two big sets, so strap yourself in for a whole bunch of live faves, new tunes and the usual cool carols. Lending a hand are The Creepers playing traditional rock n roll faves, the punky reggae roadshow that is Steppin' Razor and opening proceedings is Randall Blair. All will be accompanied by ska, reggae rockabilly and garage DJed by Sydney's best selectors. Add giveaways courtesy of Govnor Clothing and Sound System records to the mix and this night will make you think Christmas has come two days early. Don't miss it!

Backy Skank (set 2)12.15 -1.00
Backy Skank (set 1)11.15 -12.00
The Creepers 10.15 - 11.00
Steppin Razor 9.15 - 10.00
Randall Blair 8.30 - 9.00
Guest DJs

Door Charge $12.

Spurs for Jesus Christmas Eve Festival

If you don't already know, those rollicking roustabouts Spurs for Jesus bring their annual Christmas Eve festival to The Annandale Hotel guess when!!!! Sunday 24th December of course. Don't know if Santa appears but there is sure to be some HO HO HO and as usual, copious amounts of alcohol. Yee Haa.

Looking for somewhere to celebrate New Years Eve?

"Sounds of Seduction New Years Eve Jungle Spectacular" with Jay Katz and Miss Death - Marquee Club, 128 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Pyrmont - $20 entry

Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant New Years Eve Party featuring Johnny Nicol (guitar), Kevin Hunt (piano), Bob Barnard (trumpet & vocals), Helen Fenton (vocals) and David Pudney (double bass) - (Jazz) -$129 includes a 4 course gourmet dinner at 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Lidcombe Catholic Club, 24 John St, Lidcombe - 9pm to 1:00am - Free entry

"Night Creatures New Years Eve" featuring Casino Rumblers (Psychobilly), Crusaders, Crazy Legs Vermin, Jack Nasty Face, Bunt & Motorhank - Annandale Hotel, Corner of Nelson St and Parramatta Road, Annandale - $15 at the door

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services

Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond the 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly we are so well known for. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Contact Margie on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or on 0410 668 995.

Lismore Swing Connection

Every year, Steven Mitchell and Virginie get Swing dancers from across Australia out of their home town and mixing and making new friends! This is their seventh Swing Dance Camp! It's a great opportunity to further your dancing and you don't have to travel overseas to do it!

The Camp has four amazing teaching couples, four track levels and is five days long with five to six hours of classes a day. How can you miss such an awesome event! Many Lindy Hoppers have been going since the very first camp six years ago and would never dream of missing it!

They have a great variety of teachers and styles with social dancing every night, a mid Camp Break to Byron Bay, a friendly Jack & Jill Comp and several other activities thrown in.

Contact brian@swingconnection.com.au
Details www.swingconnection.com.au

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS "MUSICIANS' CHRISTMAS PARTY"

NEW JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS At The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant - Janos Horvath - Piano, Ken Roberts - Bass, Baz Kliche - Drums

No Cover Charge - Music from 6.00pm till 11.00pm with the Janos Horvath Trio playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter,Duke Ellington and many others with Guest Artist Weekly plus Jam Session

"We would like invite everyone who loves to play, sing or just wants to listen to our end of the year concert/party/jam from around 6 pm till 11 something. Although we are the resident band we will not mind if we do not have to play all night let's hope that we will hear many temporary bands forming on stage. Bring your family, friends and workmates, and let's party!!!"
Coming Guest Artists:

459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths), Double Bay Ph: 02 9363 4567 Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Great Cruzin Christmas Present

Still scratching to think of a special Christmas present for someone. Why not give them a subscription to Cruzin Mag, Australia's finest glossy mag for Hot Rods and Customs. It's as easy as going to their website which is www.cruzin.com.au , go to "Shop for Cruzin Gear", select "purchase subscriptions" then take your pick from Cruzin Mag or one of their affiliated Mags. Ho Ho Ho. Christmas shopping done. Easy Hey! Remember to pop your Email address in the first page for Cruzin updates.

Mojo Music for Christmas

Mojo Music at 32 York Street, Sydney is very much a specialist record shop and one look inside will tell you that. You don't have to wade through rows and rows of current Pop to find Rockabilly, Blues, Jazz and Swing. And Neville behind the counter really knows his stuff. So much so that on a chance visit just the other day to deliver a courier parcel, he quietly slipped one of his new intake rockabilly CD's into the player knowing full well that my ears would prick up. They did and I left with a copy under my arm. The first track, a great version of "Boogie Woogie Country Girl" by N A Stephenson and The Four Kings told me all I needed to know. The whole CD is a killer.

Neville has recently taken delivery of legendary Kicksville Rockabilly CD's volumes 1 - 4, plus Stomper Time Records CD's (volume 2 "Hot Rockin' Music from Tennessee" was the one we got but having heard it we will be back for more). They also have some very rare boxed sets in many music genres which would make great Christmas presents or simply buy a Gift Voucher and let someone choose what they want. We often get asked for advice on what to buy, so why not take a trip to Mojo and pitch your questions at Neville. He is happy to let you sample a couple of tracks to help you make sure it is exactly what you want. Merry Christmas. Ho Ho Ho.

Check out Mojo Music at http://www.mojomusic.com.au/ and don't forget to join their mailing list for Email updates.

COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL IN TAMWORTH

Country Music Legend Lee Kernaghan has been announced as the headline act for the 2007 Country Music Festival Australia Day Eve Concert, as a result of a new deal signing another long time supporter of Country Music in Tamworth, Toyota Australia, as a naming sponsor for the concert.

The concert will be held in Tamworth's Bicentennial Park, Thursday January 25 2007, beginning at 6.30pm. The concert will end around 9pm with the traditional fireworks display following at 9.30pm. Negotiations are continuing to secure various support acts. Lee will be performing his show "Outback to the Beaches" for this free concert on the eve of Australia Day in front of a crowd of thousands.

Don't forget, if you want to keep tabs on what is happening in Tamworth and for the Festival, check out http://www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au
which is a great new website run by our friend Alison Windmill who now lives in Tamworth with her husband Tony but will be known to many of you in the Sydney Rockabilly/Country scene.

SUNDAY 14th January is our next Beginners Workshop

New Years Resolution No 1 - Learn to Dance Rockabilly Style

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 14th January with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

Beginners Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 14th January
This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 14th January
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 12th January or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The week's gig guide . . .

2006-12-06T20:56:00.001+11:00

. . . courtesy, of course, Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten . . . but before we go, here's the Tonker's pick of the gigs for the weekend - among a veritable treasure of excellent gigs - ain't it always the way!! (and a shameless plug for the gang at 2MBS FM's Stormy Monday):

The Christmas Party season is well and truly upon us and 2MBS-FM is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Stormy Monday at Paddington RSL
226 Oxford St (Opposite Paddington Town Hall) on Sunday 10 December from 4pm-9:30pm with a "Big Beat" Xmas Party featuring:

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies
Robert Susz's Continental All Stars
Jenny Marie Lang
The Stayers
Blues Preachers
Chicken Head
Plus Big Screen Movies and Special Guests

Drinks of course are at Club Prices and the Bistro will be open. When it all gets too much, there is a separate Chill Out Lounge! There will be a Free Stormy Monday show bag with CD to the first one hundred people through the door plus massive prizes to be won including a cruise on Sydney Harbour for two plus CD's, artwork, Christmas goodies etc. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through Mojo Music or else book through 2MBS-FM on 9439 4777

Now, here is this week's Gig Guide :-

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

WEDNESDAY 6th December

Simon Tedeschi & Kevin Hunt - (Jazz/Piano) - The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay

NEW JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS At The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant - Janos Horvath - Piano, Ken Roberts - Bass, Baz Kliche - Drums
Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

With the Janos Horvath Trio playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter,Duke Ellington and many others with Guest Artist Weekly plus Jam Session

No Cover Charge - Music from 7.45pm till 10.15pm

THURSDAY 7th December

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry.

FRIDAY 8th December

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies - (Jump blues) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Bob Barnard plays the hits of Louis Armstrong - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' roll) - Riverstone RSL, 18 Market St, Riverstone - Free entry

SATURDAY 9th December

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Jump Blues) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Bob Barnard plays the hits of Louis Armstrong - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - Free entry

Brigitte Handley & The Dark Shadows - (Gothic, Psychobilly), Casino Rumblers - (Psychobilly) and Chuck’s Wagon.(Alt. Country) - Gearin's Hotel, 273 Great Western Hwy, Katoomba

SUNDAY 10th December

Beginner Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 6pm - $30 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Satellite V - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry.

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton Street, Leichhardt - 5pm to 8pm - Free entry

Johnny Green Blues Cowboys - (Blues/Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Country and Blues Sessions featuring Chuck's Wagon - Lansdowne Hotel, 2 - 6 City Rd, Broadway - 5pm - Free entry

Stormy Monday's Big Beat Christmas Party (2MBS-FM) featuring Lemon Squeezin' Daddies, Robert Susz, Chicken Head, Blue Preachers, The Stayers - Paddington RSL, 226 Oxford St, Paddington - 4:00pm to 9:30pm - Tickets $25 each. (Tickets can be purchased through Mojo Music or else book through 2MBS-FM on 9439 4777).

Prickles - (Country) -Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Ave, Tempe - 4pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey - (Country) - Harbour View Hotel, 18 Lower Fort St, The Rocks - 4pm - Free entry

Gleny Rae Virus and her Tamworth Playboys - (Country) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 6pm to 9pm - $10 entry

Dan Barnett Big Band with Special Guests Elana Stone and Kristin Berardi - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 7.30pm - Free entry

Bob Barnard plays the hits of Louis Armstrong - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

FRIDAY 15th December

Wes Pudsey & the Sonic Aces - (Rockabilly) - Riverstone RSL, 18 Market St, Riverstone - 8:00pm - Free entry

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Lewisham Hotel, 794 Parramatta Rd, Lewisham - 8:30pm - $10 entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' roll) - Eastern Suburbs Legion Club, 213 Bronte Rd, Waverly - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 16th December

Swingtime Christmas Party, Croatian Club, 921 Punchbowl Rd, Bankstown. Tickets $25 per person. Call 0402 489 967 to purchase your tickets.

Featuring Tezza and the Twist Tops for Rock and Roll and Eddy Sevens Swingsation for swing.

Dancebeat Christmas Party, Helensburgh Workers Club - Tickets $15 per person (Strictly ticketed event). Call Ray or Helen on 0415 916 732

Featuring the Lemon Squeezin' Daddies.

Flaming Stars with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 17th December

Beginner Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 1pm to 2:30pm - $15 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 5pm - $25 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Satellite V - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry.

Fat Dusty - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of December by yours truly Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let us take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Thinking about a Christmas Party? Now is the time to book your DJ before everyone else gets in. Contact Margie by return Email or to 0419 498 578.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The newsletter . . .

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Ray Beadle Accident http://www.smh.com.au/news/NATIONAL/Trailer-veers-off-road-into-river-in-NSW/2006/11/25/1164341432756.html

Well folks, great news on the Ray Beadle drama. Ray must be one tough cookie, as he has bounced back from what he considers was a very close call and is by now back at home with his wife Mandy and their two children. Our friend Jean McKenzie tells us that he is recovering well and he and Mandy have been overwhelmed by the messages of support. Rays says this has had a very positive impact on his recovery. The following message was received from Ray and Mandy via Mandy's sister Alana and we were asked if we would print this :-

"Hi everyone. Ray and I would like to thank you all for your wishes to Ray for a speedy recovery. Ray says "she'll be right", and he is looking forward to coming home soon. We will catch up with you all when he is up to it! Bye for now, Mandy x "

Alana has kindly offered to directly pass on any messages to Ray and Mandy via her Email alanahay@veritel.com.au or mobile 0410 441 043.

Funnily enough, Ray's great CD has been getting quite a bit of airplay on 2NSB at 99.3FM recently so I have been reminded almost daily of his predicament. We think the news of his recovery is truly wonderful and wish Ray a speedy return to good health and his old self.

If you haven't already done so, why not take a minute to drop an Email or Text Message to Ray. It will mean a lot to him and we owe him big time for the musical pleasure he has given so many of us.

The Swing Lounge with Limpin Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten every Wednesday in December

Radio listeners may be interested to know that for the month of December, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten will host The Swing Lounge on Eastside Radio 89.7FM each Wednesday evening from 7.30pm till 9pm. Always a lot of fun and always the best in Swing music from the early 1900's to the current day. Roll back the carpet and come join us for a dance. By the way, if you have trouble with the big stereo picking up the signal, we have been told that some friends in outer areas get by very nicely on the old transistor radio which seems to pick the signal up better.

ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOPS

SUNDAY 10th December is our next Beginners Workshop

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 10th December with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

Beginners Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 10th December
This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 10th December
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 8th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Satellite V at the HQ Hotel

After the Rockabilly workshop, why not come down and join us at the HQ Hotel for a dance to the Satellite V who are playing every Sunday night in December at The HQ Hotel on Parramatta Road at Camperdown from 6pm till 9pm.

Don't forget folks to check The Swingin' Kitten's great new easy to read Gig Guide for what's on especially the veritable mountain of free gigs on Sunday night. Anyone who has been sending gig details to me at limpinjimmy@primusonline.com.au should now send them to Margie at swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au and copy me in for back-up.

"Big Beat" Xmas Party

Well, the Christmas Party season is well and truly upon us and 2MBS-FM is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Stormy Monday at Paddington RSL
226 Oxford St (Opposite Paddington Town Hall) on Sunday 10 December from 4pm-9:30pm with a "Big Beat" Xmas Party featuring:

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies
Robert Susz's Continental All Stars
Jenny Marie Lang
The Stayers
Blues Preachers
Chicken Head
Plus Big Screen Movies and Special Guests

Drinks of course are at Club Prices and the Bistro will be open. When it all gets too much, there is a separate Chill Out Lounge! There will be a Free Stormy Monday show bag with CD to the first one hundred people through the door plus massive prizes to be won including a cruise on Sydney Harbour for two plus CD's, artwork, Christmas goodies etc. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through Mojo Music or else book through 2MBS-FM on 9439 4777
Swingtime Christmas Party.

Saturday 16th Dec - Tickets are on sale now. They have booked two great bands, Tezza and the Twist Tops for Rock and Roll and Eddy Sevens Swingsation for swing. This year the party will be held at the Croatian Club Sydney, 921 Punchbowl Rd, Bankstown. The tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the studio or ring Swingtime on 0402 489 967 or Email to sharon@swingtimeaustralia.com

Dancebeat Christmas Party

Saturday 16th Dec. The Lemon Squeezin' Daddies are booked to play at the Helensburgh Workers Club. This is a ticketed event with tickets costing $15 per person. Please contact Ray or Helen on 0415 916 732.

Beginners Refresher Workshop - Sunday 17th December at 1pm

Lacking the confidence to move up to the next level? Why not jump into our new Beginners Refresher Workshop which we have started conducting just before the Intermediate Workshop and many people who were a bit unsure have been able to do a quick refresher of what they learnt then went on to the Intermediate level.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 17th December
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 15th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 17th December at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 17th December
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 15th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Private dance lessons - Don't forget folks, if you need that extra bit of attention, we are available for private dance lessons if you want to accelerate your dance skills. Just give Margie a call on 0410 668 995 to arrange a suitable time.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services

Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond the 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly we are so well known for. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Still looking for a Christmas Party DJ? Contact Margie on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or on 0410 668 995.

Lismore Swing Connection

Every year, Steven Mitchell and Virginie get Swing dancers from across Australia out of their home town and mixing and making new friends! This is their seventh Swing Dance Camp! It's a great opportunity to further your dancing and you don't have to travel overseas to do it!

The Camp has four amazing teaching couples, four track levels and is five days long with five to six hours of classes a day. How can you miss such an awesome event! Many Lindy Hoppers have been going since the very first camp six years ago and would never dream of missing it!

They have a great variety of teachers and styles with social dancing every night, a mid Camp Break to Byron Bay, a friendly Jack & Jill Comp and several other activities thrown in.

Contact brian@swingconnection.com.au
Details www.swingconnection.com.au

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS
***FREE****FREE****FREE**** at The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant With the Janos Horvath Trio featuring Janos Horvath on Piano, Ken Roberts on Bass and Baz Kliche on Drums. Hear music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter Duke Ellington and many others with different Guest Artist each week plus Jam Sessions. And Yes they do play requests from their MUSICAL MENU! No Cover Charge - Music from 7.45pm till 10.15pm

Coming Guest Artists:

The next weeks Woodfire Jazz Club on Wednesday 29th November will feature the wonderful talents of singer/pianist Yuki Kumagai

459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths)
Double Bay
Ph: 02 9363 4567
Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Kieron McDonald CD release - "Island Girl" (Information courtesy of our friend Lori Lee from Robot International)

Kieron McDonald is better known as the singer of The Flatfoot Shakers from Melbourne. Recently Kieron ventured out as a solo artist playing the High Rockabilly festival in Spain last year. Whilst there, he was invited to record his first solo album on Rhythm Bomb Records in Berlin with German rockabilly outfit ‘The Roundup Up Boys’.

The result is a hot little platter called "Island Girl", a collection of original tunes penned by Kieron. The CD features damn-fine straight-up traditional rockabilly topped with a sprinkling of island romance. You can grab a copy of the disc directly from Kieron at: kam@aapl.com.au or Hound Dog’s Bop Shop in Melbourne (03) 9329-5362.

Great Cruzin Christmas Present

Still scratching to think of a special Christmas present for someone. Why not give them a subscription to Cruzin Mag, Australia's finest glossy mag for Hot Rods and Customs. It's as easy as going to their website which is www.cruzin.com.au , go to "Shop for Cruzin Gear", select "purchase subscriptions" then take your pick from Cruzin Mag or one of their affiliated Mags. Ho Ho Ho. Christmas shopping done. Easy Hey! Remember to pop your Email address in the first page for Cruzin updates.

Mojo Music for Christmas

Mojo Music at 32 York Street, Sydney is very much a specialist record shop and one look inside will tell you that. You don't have to wade through rows and rows of current Pop to find Rockabilly, Blues, Jazz and Swing. And Neville behind the counter really knows his stuff. So much so that on a chance visit just the other day to deliver a courier parcel, he quietly slipped one of his new intake rockabilly CD's into the player knowing full well that my ears would prick up. They did and I left with a copy under my arm. The first track, a great version of "Boogie Woogie Country Girl" by N A Stephenson and The Four Kings told me all I needed to know. The whole CD is a killer.

Neville has recently taken delivery of legendary Kicksville Rockabilly CD's volumes 1 - 4, plus Stomper Time Records CD's (volume 2 "Hot Rockin' Music from Tennessee" was the one we got but having heard it we will be back for more). They also have some very rare boxed sets in many music genres which would make great Christmas presents or simply buy a Gift Voucher and let someone choose what they want. We often get asked for advice on what to buy, so why not take a trip to Mojo and pitch your questions at Neville. He is happy to let you sample a couple of tracks to help you make sure it is exactly what you want. Merry Christmas. Ho Ho Ho.

Check out Mojo Music at http://www.mojomusic.com.au/ and don't forget to join their mailing list for Email updates.

COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL IN TAMWORTH

Country Music Legend Lee Kernaghan has been announced as the headline act for the 2007 Country Music Festival Australia Day Eve Concert, as a result of a new deal signing another long time supporter of Country Music in Tamworth, Toyota Australia, as a naming sponsor for the concert.

The concert will be held in Tamworth's Bicentennial Park, Thursday January 25 2007, beginning at 6.30pm. The concert will end around 9pm with the traditional fireworks display following at 9.30pm. Negotiations are continuing to secure various support acts. Lee will be performing his show "Outback to the Beaches" for this free concert on the eve of Australia Day in front of a crowd of thousands.

Don't forget, if you want to keep tabs on what is happening in Tamworth and for the Festival, check out http://www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au which is a great new website run by our friend Alison Windmill who will be known to many of you in the Rockabilly/Country scene.

The Porkers

We were reminded only last week by a friend Nathan Caldwell, that there is a petition happening to try and get Australia's premier Ska band the Porkers back on the bill for some of the major music festivals, particularly the Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival in 2007.

You only have to read the following excerpt from website http://www.potentbrew.com/skaregdu.html to understand the origins of the music. If that ain't Roots music we don't know what is. Give The Porkers a go.

"For decades, beginning in the 1920’s, the dominant music in the Caribbean was Trinidad-based calypso. The lilting, topical and frequently risqué songs were initially sung in an African-French patois but began to switch to English as the music began to attract the interest of American record labels such as Decca and Bluebird.

Post World War II saw the emergence of various Caribbean music forms, notably steel-pan music of Trinidad and Tobago. In the late 40’s and early 50’s, Jamaican musicians began combining the steel-pan and calypso strains with an indigenous mento beat (e.g. Harry Belafonte - Jamaica Farewell).

During the 1950’s Jamaican youth was turning away from the American pop foisted on them by Radio Jamaica Rediffusion (RJR) and the Jamaican Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). Weather conditions permitting they listened instead to the sinewy music being played on New Orleans stations or Miami’s powerful WINZ, whose playlists included records by Amos Milburn, Rosco Gordon and Louis Jordan. Significant New Orleans artists of the time included Fats Domino, Jelly Roll Morton, Champion Jack Dupree and Professor Longhair. It is surmised that the delay effects which are an important part of the reggae/dub sound may have initially been inspired by the oscillations in the signal from these far away radio stations.

During this period, Jamaican bands began covering U.S. R&B hits, but the more adventurous took the nuts and bolts of the sound and melded them with energetic jazz conceits - particularly in the ever-present horn section - and emerged around 1956 with a hybrid concoction christened ska. Ernest Ranglin, the stellar jazz-rooted Jamaican guitarist who backed up the Wailers on such ska classics as "Love and Affection" and "Cry to Me," says that the word was coined by musicians "to talk about the skat! skat! skat! scratchin’ guitar strum that goes behind."
If you would like to help, go to http://www.webpetitions.com/cgi-bin/print_petition.cgi?99500711 and add your support.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tamworth Country Music website . . .

2006-12-03T12:46:00.000+11:00

Well, it's coming around to THAT time again and there's a new website with information and features galore which can help you navigate the best country music festival in the land! It's called Tamworth Country Music and edited by expatriate Sydney-sider and rockabilly dancer, Alison Windmill. It's linked permanently on the right side of this page under the Country Music banner (where else!). Check it out!!

This week's gig guide . . .

2006-12-01T20:47:00.000+11:00

. . . courtesy, as usual, of Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten.

Sorry we're a bit late but time has its own handles. To make it up t' ya I'm also posting their newsletter at the end of the guide so y' can find out exactly what y'r missin' by not subscribing. So, it's over to those in the know:

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's Gig Guide :-

WEDNESDAY 29th November

NEW JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS At The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant - Janos Horvath - Piano, Ken Roberts - Bass, Baz Kliche - Drums
Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

With the Janos Horvath Trio playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter,Duke Ellington and many others with Guest Artist Weekly plus Jam Session

No Cover Charge - Music from 7.45pm till 10.15pm

THURSDAY 30th November

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - Free entry.

Sydney Sound Big Band- (Swing) - Rockdale RSL - 7:30pm - Free entry

FRIDAY 1st December

Man's Ruin Burlesque plus Belladonnas de Lux (Burlesque) - 34B Burlesque Club, 34B Oxford St, Darlinghurst - 9:30pm - $16 on the door

Detonators - (Jump rock blues) - Belmont 16 Foot Sailing Club - 8.30pm - Free entry

Porkers - (ska) - Crest Hotel, 114 Princes Highway, Sylvania

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Mayfield RSL

Brigitte Handley and the Dark Shadows - (Gothic, Psychobilly), Jack Nasty Face, Dr El Suavo, Horrorwood Mannequins, MZ Ann Thropih - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm - $10 entry

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' roll) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St Brighton-le-Sands - 8pm - Free entry

Swing Pit - Swing Patrol Christmas Party - (Swing) - The Exchange Hotel, (corner of Beattie St and Mullens St), Balmain - 7.30pm - $6 entry

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry

Shawnuff Swing Band - (Swing) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt - 9pm to late - Free entry

Fully Swing Band - (Groove/Swing) - Rose of Australia Hotel, Corner of Swanson and George Sts, Erskineville - 9pm - Free entry

45RPM - (Ska/Mod/Soul) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 8pm to late - $6 entry.

Bob Barnard plays the hits of Louis Armstrong - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

The Pigs - (Alternate Country) - Excelsior Hotel, 101 Bridge Rd, Glebe - 8:30pm - Free entry

SATURDAY 2nd December

Brigitte Handley and the Dark Shadows - (Gothic, Psychobilly) - Oxford Tavern, 47 Crown St, Wollongong

Rob Luckey and the Lucky B*stards - (Country) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt - 9:30pm to late - Free entry

Detonators - (Jump rock blues) - Premier Hotel, Brunker Rd (cnr Chatham Rd) Broadmeadow - (Newcastle) - 9.30pm - Free entry

Real Gone Cats with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Swing @ The Roxbury - (Swing) - The Roxbury Hotel, 182 St Johns Rd, Glebe, 8pm - $6 entry

Bob Barnard plays the hits of Louis Armstrong - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Grindhouse featuring with Mia Mortal and Jimmy Vargas, Gypsy Wood, Suzy Q and DJ Jay Katz - (Burlesque/Neo Cabaret) - Marquee Club, 128 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Camperdown - 8:30pm - $15 entry

SUNDAY 3rd December

Capitols Christmas Dance Party with DJ's Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Bexley RSL, 24 Stoney Creek Rd, Bexley - 7pm to late - $8 entry

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Royal Hotel, 156 Norton St, Leichhardt - 5pm - free entry

Prickles - (Country) - Harbour View Hotel, 18 Lower Fort St, The Rocks - 3pm - Free entry

Detonators - (Jump rock blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 7:30pm to 10:30pm - $10 entry

Satellite V - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry.

Rob Luckey and the Lucky B*stards - (Country) - Bondi Icebergs, 1 Notts Ave, Bondi - 4pm

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Lidcombe Catholic Club, 24 John St, Lidcombe - 4pm to 7:30pm - Free entry

Mississippi Shakedown - (Blues) - Premier Hotel, Brunker Rd (cnr Chatham Rd) Broadmeadow - (Newcastle) - 4pm to 7pm - Free entry

Flaming Stars - (Rock 'n' Roll) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 7.30pm - Free entry

Country and Blues Sessions featuring James Stewart Keene Band, Green Beaver - Kitty Adams - Lansdowne Hotel, 2 - 6 City Rd, Broadway - 5pm - Free entry

50 Million Beers - (Alternate Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Bob Barnard plays the hits of Louis Armstrong - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

SUNDAY 10th December

Beginner Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 6pm - $30 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Satellite V - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry.

Johnny Green Blues Cowboys - (Blues/Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Gleny Rae Virus and her Tamworth Playboys - (Country) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 6pm to 9pm - $10 entry

FRIDAY 15th December

Blue Denim - (Rockabilly) - Lewisham Hotel, 794 Parramatta Rd, Lewisham - 8:30pm - $10 entry

SATURDAY 16th December

Swingtime Christmas Party, Croatian Club, 921 Punchbowl Rd, Bankstown. Tickets $25 per person. Call 0402 489 967 to purchase your tickets.

Featuring Tezza and the Twist Tops for Rock and Roll and Eddy Sevens Swingsation for swing.

Dancebeat Christmas Party, Helensburgh Workers Club - Tickets $15 per person (Strictly ticketed event). Call Ray or Helen on 0415 916 732

Featuring the Lemon Squeezin' Daddies.

SUNDAY 17th December

Beginner Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 1pm to 2:30pm - $15 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 5pm - $25 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Satellite V - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry.

Fat Dusty - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of December by yours truly Limpin' Jimmy and the Swingin' Kitten. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let us take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Thinking about a Christmas Party? Now is the time to book your DJ before everyone else gets in. Contact Margie by return Email or to 0419 498 578.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

The Newsletter:

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Ray Beadle Accident http://www.smh.com.au/news/NATIONAL/Trailer-veers-off-road-into-river-in-NSW/2006/11/25/1164341432756.html

We are just recovering from the shock news received from our friend Jean McKenzie who Emailed us yesterday to let us know that our good friend and brilliant Blues musician Ray Beadle was involved in a serious accident early on Saturday morning. Ray was in a truck convoy when it's believed the load on his trailer shifted on a bend and the truck rolled 5 times down a bank, ending up in the Richmond River in northern NSW. Ray's truck was travelling north when it crashed through the guardrail and down an embankment into the river at Broadwater, south of Ballina.

Ray managed to swim up from the bottom of the river and across to a bank, where a fisherman gave him first aid. He was taken to Lismore Base Hospital where he was in Intensive Care, but in a chance call to the hospital last night to try and get an update on his condition, I was transferred to his room in Orthopaedics and Ray himself answered which was a good sign. It was originally thought that he had some fractures to his spine but the doctors were more concerned about a head injury and apparently his face was severely lacerated. Ray told us that the swelling had gone down and he thought the injuries may not be as bad as expected, but he is waiting for the results of tests and X-rays. The doctors are saying it's a miracle that he survived at all.

Ray's wife Mandy is with him, as well as his brother and sister. If you would like to send a text message of support to Ray and Mandy, we suggest you do this through Jean McKenzie on 0415 432 556 and she will forward this to Mandy's sister Alana. You can also Email Jean at jean.mckenzie@sydneyivf.com or ourselves by return Email and the messages will be passed on. This action will spare Mandy the trauma of fielding off phone calls so she can concentrate on supporting Ray.

The Dets are comin'

The Detonators have been bangin' on doors and rippin' 'em off at the hinges...this week, The Dets hit Newcastle and Sydney and following that at Ballarat and Geelong. They will have a rematch with The Remains at the Retreat in Melbourne, a festival at Yarra Junction (featuring Gatorbait and Glenny Rae Virus and the Tamworth Playboys), The Wick and finish off the year at Geelong for the Bluestone Festival NYE bash.

December in NSW
Fri 1st. Belmont 16ft Sailing Club, The Pde Belmont, NSW (02) 4945 0888 www.16s.com.au
Sat 2nd. The Premier Hotel, Brunker Rd (cnr Chatham Rd) Broadmeadow (02) 4962 3236 www.hotelpremier.com.au
Sun 3rd. The Empire Hotel 103a Parramatta Rd Annandale (02) 9557 1701 www.empirelive.com.au

Christmas Dance Party at Bexley RSL Sunday 3rd December

Swing Hi, Swing Lo, Swing Ho Ho Ho. Among the Christmas Parties to look forward to is the Christmas Dance Party at Bexley RSL this coming Sunday 3rd December featuring The Capitols, who proved to the dancers at the last Bexley Sunday night dance a few weeks ago that they can Swing with the best of them. So polish the shoes, press the best clothes and get ready for a BIG night of Swing and Rock'n'Roll dancing.

Backing up the band again will be Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten with a great selection of Christmas Swing and Rock'n'Roll tracks from our CD collection.

The Bexley RSL Club auditorium has a huge polished dance floor and even with over a hundred dancers there last time, there was heaps of room for many more. Bexley RSL is back in good form. The club bistro serves great meals and you can even take the food into the hall where there are ample tables and chairs. Well that was on the last Sunday night anyway and chances are that the next one is looking to have an even bigger turn out so tell your friends and get there early. Drinks of course are at club prices and very inexpensive. The evening starts at 7pm and entry is only $8 for four hours of top dance tunes all night.

"Big Beat" Xmas Party

Well, the Christmas Party season is well and truly upon us and 2MBS-FM is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Stormy Monday at Paddington RSL
226 Oxford St (Opposite Paddington Town Hall) on Sunday 10 December from 4pm-9:30pm with a "Big Beat" Xmas Party featuring:

Lemon Squeezin' Daddies
Robert Susz's Continental All Stars
Jenny Marie Lang
The Stayers
Blues Preachers
Chicken Head
Plus Big Screen Movies and Special Guests

Drinks of course are at Club Prices and the Bistro will be open. When it all gets too much, there is a separate Chill Out Lounge! There will be a Free Stormy Monday show bag with CD to the first one hundred people through the door plus massive prizes to be won including a cruise on Sydney Harbour for two plus CD's, artwork, Christmas goodies etc. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through Mojo Music or else book through 2MBS-FM on 9439 4777

Satellite V at the HQ Hotel

Great news from the Satellite V. They will be playing every Sunday night in December at The HQ Hotel on Parramatta Road at Camperdown from 6pm till 9pm. Now that's something to look forward to. Obviously they have impressed the management with their ability to draw a good crowd on what would otherwise be a quiet night.

ROCKABILLY DANCE WORKSHOPS

SUNDAY 10th December is our next Beginners Workshop

Ever been in a pub or club listening to Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly or Jump Blues music and seen couples doing a great cool dance style. Chances are they will be dancing Rockabilly to this type of music. The dance suits itself to so many music styles, so if you want to learn Rockabilly or get back into the dance, here is your chance on Sunday 10th December with a great Beginners Workshop. Come on guys! Don't be shy. There are ladies looking for guys to dance with. We even have some experienced ladies who want to learn how to lead.

Beginners Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 10th December
This workshop is designed for brand new beginners who would like to learn this very cool dance style or dancers who would like to refresh the basics.

Details are as follows:-

BEGINNERS DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $30 per person
Date: Sunday 10th December
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Register: Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 8th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Lacking the confidence to move up? Why not jump into our new Beginners Refresher Workshop which we have started conducting just before the Intermediate Workshop and many people who were a bit unsure have been able to do a quick refresher of what they learnt then went on to the Intermediate level.

Anyway, here are the details of our next Beginners Refresher/Intermediate Workshops :-

Beginners Refresher Workshop - Sunday 17th December at 1pm

In response to numerous requests, we now hold a Beginners Refresher Rockabilly Workshop just prior to the Intermediate Workshop. You can do this independently of the Intermediate Workshop or you can do this as a warm-up and confidence booster before you join the Intermediate group later in the afternoon.

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $15 per person
Date: Sunday 17th December
Time: 1pm to 2.30pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 15th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Intermediate Rockabilly Workshop - Sunday 17th December at 3pm

The workshop will be a 2 hour session which is designed to improve your dancing as well as learning new dance moves. And of course have fun.

Remember, if you are more comfortable dancing with your own partner, you are welcome to come as a couple and stay together or come by yourself and join the rotating circle, where you will get a chance to practice with a number of different partners. Are there any ladies out there who are interested in improving their leading and learning some new moves? Here is your chance.

This workshop is for dancers who have at least satisfactorily completed our Beginners Workshop or experienced dancers who would like to improve their style or learn more moves and we would not be able to accomodate inexperienced dancers.

Details are as follows:-

INTERMEDIATE DANCE WORKSHOP

Location: Swingtime Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown (corner of Lyons Road)
Cost: $25 per person
Date: Sunday 17th December
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Register: Call Margie on 0410 668 995 by Friday 15th December or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au
Deposit: No deposit required – pay in full on the day
Enquiries: Margie 0410 668 995 or swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au

Private dance lessons - Don't forget folks, if you need that extra bit of attention, we are available for private dance lessons if you want to accelerate your dance skills. Just give Margie a call on 0410 668 995 to arrange a suitable time.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services

Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond the 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly we are so well known for. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Still looking for a Christmas Party DJ? Contact Margie on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au or on 0410 668 995.

Gleny Rae Virus and her Tamworth Playboys - (Country) -

Coming up on Sunday 10th December at the Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale you will have a chance to see Gleny Rae (ex Toe Sucking Cowgirls) with her new band Gleny Rae Virus and her Tamworth Playboys from 6pm to 9pm - $10 entry.

Lismore Swing Connection

Every year, Steven Mitchell and Virginie get Swing dancers from across Australia out of their home town and mixing and making new friends! This is their seventh Swing Dance Camp! It's a great opportunity to further your dancing and you don't have to travel overseas to do it!

The Camp has four amazing teaching couples, four track levels and is five days long with five to six hours of classes a day. How can you miss such an awesome event! Many Lindy Hoppers have been going since the very first camp six years ago and would never dream of missing it!

They have a great variety of teachers and styles with social dancing every night, a mid Camp Break to Byron Bay, a friendly Jack & Jill Comp and several other activities thrown in.

Contact brian@swingconnection.com.au
Details www.swingconnection.com.au

Swingtime Australia

Mini Workshops Swingtime have a few Mini workshops in the pipeline again and are hoping to fit them in before Christmas. They have had people expressing interest in the following, so please call Sharon on 0402 489 967 or email if you are interested in joining in any of the following so that they can firm them up. sharon@swingtimeaustralia.com

Beginners Balboa workshop - Saturday 2nd December - @ the Roxbury, 6pm - 8pm, $25 per person this also includes the Swing night from 8pm till midnight
Strolls workshop - 3rd December, Jitterbug Stroll (11-12:30pm), Shim Sham (1-2:30pm) and Charleston Stroll (2:45-4:15pm); 1 Stroll $15, 2 Strolls $25 all 3 for $35.

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS
***FREE****FREE****FREE**** at The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant With the Janos Horvath Trio featuring Janos Horvath on Piano, Ken Roberts on Bass and Baz Kliche on Drums. Hear music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter Duke Ellington and many others with different Guest Artist each week plus Jam Sessions. And Yes they do play requests from their MUSICAL MENU! No Cover Charge - Music from 7.45pm till 10.15pm

Coming Guest Artists:

The next weeks Woodfire Jazz Club on Wednesday 29th November will feature the wonderful talents of singer/pianist Yuki Kumagai

459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths)
Double Bay
Ph: 02 9363 4567
Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Blue Denim hits Inner West Pub Scene

Blue Denim will be playing at the Lewisham Hotel on Friday the 15th of December in a great change of direction from their usual RSL circuit. The gig starts at 8.30pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. We think that Rockabilly bands always play better in a hotel environment and here is a chance to see Blue Denim take their music to the streets and possibly a whole new audience.

Kieron McDonald CD release - "Island Girl" (Information courtesy of our friend Lori Lee from Robot International)

Kieron McDonald is better known as the singer of The Flatfoot Shakers from Melbourne. Recently Kieron ventured out as a solo artist playing the High Rockabilly festival in Spain last year. Whilst there, he was invited to record his first solo album on Rhythm Bomb Records in Berlin with German rockabilly outfit ‘The Roundup Up Boys’.

The result is a hot little platter called "Island Girl", a collection of original tunes penned by Kieron. The cd features damn-fine straight-up traditional rockabilly topped with a sprinkling of island romance. You can grab a copy of the disc directly from Kieron at: kam@aapl.com.au or Hound Dog’s Bop Shop in Melbourne (03) 9329-5362.

Swingtime Christmas Party.

Saturday 16th Dec - Tickets are on sale now. They have booked two great bands, Tezza and the Twist Tops for Rock and Roll and Eddy Sevens Swingsation for swing. This year the party will be held at the Croatian Club Sydney, 921 Punchbowl Rd, Bankstown. The tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the studio or ring Swingtime on 0402 489 967 or Email to sharon@swingtimeaustralia.com

Dancebeat Christmas Party

Saturday 16th Dec. The Lemon Squeezin' Daddies are booked to play at the Helensburgh Workers Club. This is a ticketed event with tickets costing $15 per person. Please contact Ray or Helen on 0415 916 732.

Great Christmas Present

Still scratching to think of a special Christmas present for someone. Why not give them a subscription to Cruzin Mag, Australia's finest glossy mag for Hot Rods and Customs. It's as easy as going to their website which is www.cruzin.com.au , go to "Shop for Cruzin Gear", select "purchase subscriptions" then take your pick from Cruzin Mag or one of their affiliated Mags. Ho Ho Ho. Christmas shopping done. Easy Hey! Remember to pop your Email address in the first page for Cruzin updates.

Nostalgia Drags

The next Nostalgia Drags sponsored by Cruzin Mag will be held this coming Sunday 3rd December at Western Sydney International Dragway. Check out the website for details :- http://www.nostalgiadrags.com.au/drags/event.cfm?showEvtID=4

"Best of Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners" CD

Thought you might be interested in the following Email forwarded to us by one of our readers Norm van Rassel. Thanks Norm. A lot of people could be very interested in this great CD.

CROW-MATIC Records announces the launch of the "Best of Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners" CD, 27 tracks taken from the band's 5 LPS (CRAZY DATE, HOT'N'COLD, CONDO COUNTRY, HILLBILLY HOLIDAY, COME ON, see track listing below), covering from 1986 to 1993. The CD includes an 8 page booklet with a history of the band, and colour pics of all the albums. $20 US, postage included for US orders, or $20 Canadian for orders in Canada, $22 US for European orders. Order by Paypal from the CROW-MATIC Records Store website: http://sandmark.tripod.com/store.html
Or by sending a check or money order to:
Peter Sandmark
1432 Denman Street
Victoria BC V8R 1X6
CANADA
The songs on the CD were selected by the Hardrock Goners, and proceeds from the sales of this limited edition will go to making more Ray Condo recordings available, such as live recordings.
You were sent this email because you are in my address book, or we got your email from the Ray Condo Memorial site.
Thank you !
Peter "Slim Sandy" Sandmark
1. Hot 'N' Cold (Marvin Rainwater) 1:59, from Hot 'n' Cold
2. Ice Cold Water (unknown) 2:39, from Condo Country
3. Something I Said (Lew Williams) 1:50, from Come On *
4. Sweet Love On My Mind (Walker) 2:17, from Hillbilly Holiday
5. No Use Talkin' (unknown) 2:24, from Condo Country **
6. Great Shakin' Fever (unknown), 2:24, from Condo Country
7. Catty Town (Pee Wee King) 2:28, from Condo Country
8. Blast Off (unknown) 2:07, from Hot 'n' Cold
9. Way Out There (Chuck & Bill) 2:38, from Condo Country
10. All I Can Do Is Cry (Walker) 2:31, from Come On *
11. Crazy Mixed Up World (Little Walter) 2:35, from Hot 'n' Cold***
12. I Wish It Had Been A Dream (unknown) 3:02, from Condo Country ****
13. St. James Infirmary (public domain) 3:15, from Hillbilly Holiday
14. One Hand Loose (Charlie Feathers) 2:18, from Hillbilly Holiday
15. Pepstepper's Stomp (Ed Bridwell) 2:14, from Condo Country, vocal by Peter
16. Her Love Rubbed Off (Carl Perkins) 2:41, from Crazy Date
17. Barroom Crazy (Pee Wee King) 2:04, from Condo Country
18. Skala Bop Baby (Hardrock Gunter) 1:49, from Crazy Date
19. Crazy Date (Crazy Teens) 3:26, from Crazy Date
20. Whose Baby Are You Baby?/Oh Baby (Owens/Jano) 4:02, From Crazy Date
21. Mister Who (public domain) 2:30, from Condo Country
22. Rockin' Chair Daddy (Harmonica Frank) 2:04, from Come On, vocal by Peter
23. Come On (Stewart) 2:20, from Come On *
24. I'm Coming Home (Johnny Horton) 2:37, from Condo Country
25. Trouble Ends (Allen) 2:51, from Come On *
26. Lonely Wolf (Harris) 2:34, from Hot 'n' Cold
27. Pocketful of Rainbows (Wise/Weisman) 2:48, from Crazy Date
.

COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL IN TAMWORTH

Country Music Legend Lee Kernaghan has been announced as the headline act for the 2007 Country Music Festival Australia Day Eve Concert, as a result of a new deal signing another long time supporter of Country Music in Tamworth, Toyota Australia, as a naming sponsor for the concert.

The concert will be held in Tamworth's Bicentennial Park, Thursday January 25 2007, beginning at 6.30pm. The concert will end around 9pm with the traditional fireworks display following at 9.30pm. Negotiations are continuing to secure various support acts. Lee will be performing his show "Outback to the Beaches" for this free concert on the eve of Australia Day in front of a crowd of thousands.

Don't forget, if you want to keep tabs on what is happening in Tamworth and for the Festival, check out http://www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au which is a great new website run by our friend Alison Windmill who will be known to many of you in the Rockabilly/Country scene.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

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Gig guide for all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens . . .

2006-11-23T08:43:00.000+11:00

Courtesy, as usual, of Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten:

. . . and don't forget to find the link to their email address so you can subscribe yourself and receive the extra newsy newsletter each week and the odd emergency update, etc. I've removed Rob Luckey from the Friday night list as there is no longer Friday night music at the Balmain Bowling Club. I also added The Cartwrights to Saturday's list as I've been reliably informed they scored two weeks in a row at the Bald Faced Stag (this being the second week). Now, over to the professionals:

Hey there all you crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Here is this week's Gig Guide :-

THURSDAY 23rd November

Dan Barnett Quartet - (Jazz/Swing) - Customs House Bar, Macquarie Pl (between Bridge and Reiby), Circular Quay from 6.30pm till 9.30pm - Free entry

The Vipers Party Band - (Jump Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 8:30pm -Free entry.

FRIDAY 24th November

Creepers - (Rockabilly) - Brighton Fisherman's Club, Bestic St, Brighton-Le-Sands

Porkers (ska) plus Los Capitanes and Counterclass - Manly Fishos, 270 Pittwater Rd, Manly - 8pm - $15 at the door

"Sin - Striptease in Noir" with Mia Mortal and Jimmy Vargas plus Miss Sinnocence, Reverend Paul Vassallo, Dallas Dellaforce, Vashti Hughes and DJ Jay Katz - (Burlesque) - 34B Burlesque Club, 34B Oxford St, Darlinghurst

Roc-A-Tac - (Rock 'n' roll) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry.

Capitols - (Swing/Rock'n'roll) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt - 9pm to late - Free entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Belmont 16ft Sailing Club - 8:30pm to 11:30pm

Unity Hall Jazz Band - (Jazz/Swing) - Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling St, Balmain - 9.30pm - Free entry.

Virtuoso Duets Featuring Simon Tedeschi (Piano) and Glenn Henrich (Vibraphone, clarinet, saxophone, flute) - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Switchblades - (Rock 'n' roll) - Burwood RSL - 8pm - Free entry.

SATURDAY 25th November

Cartwrights - (Country) - Bald Faced Stag Hotel Leichhardt - 9:30pm

Sounds of Seduction (Exotica) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 9pm to late - $10 entry.

Virtuoso Duets Featuring Simon Tedeschi (Piano) and Glenn Henrich (Vibraphone, clarinet, saxophone, flute) - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Rock Therapy with DJ Grizzly Adams - (Rock 'n' roll/Rockabilly) - Ashfield RSL, 374 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield - 8pm - Free entry

Melinda Schneider and the Flood - (Country) - Cronulla Leagues Club, Captain Cook Drive, Cronulla

SUNDAY 26th November

Beginner Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 1pm to 2:30pm - $15 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 5pm - $25 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Satellite V - (Hillbilly/Rockabilly) - HQ Hotel, 138 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 6pm to 9pm - Free entry.

Lonesome Train - (Rockabilly) - Orient Hotel, 89 George St, The Rocks

Chuck's Wagon (Alt. Country) plus Rusty Weld & the Night Sweats - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Rob Luckey and the Lucky B*stards (Country) - Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Ave, Tempe - 4pm - Free entry

Mississippi Shakedown (Blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 4pm - $8 entry

Jive Bombers - (Swing/Rock 'n' roll) - Collaroy Services Beach Club, 4:30pm to 8pm - Free entry

Virtuoso Duets Featuring Simon Tedeschi (Piano) and Glenn Henrich (Vibraphone, clarinet, saxophone, flute) - (Jazz) -Double Bay Woodfire Cabaret Restaurant

Dinner from 7.00pm - Show 9.00pm $79 includes a 3 course gourmet dinner with six choices. Show only $43 (a la carte dinner available).

WOODFIRE CABARET RESTAURANT, 459 New South Head Road (Next to Woolworths) Double Bay
BOOKINGS essential: 02 9363 4567 or Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

Roc A Tac - (Rock 'n' roll) - Guildford Leagues Club - 6pm to 10pm - Free entry

WEDNESDAY 27th November

NEW JAZZ CLUB ON WEDNESDAYS At The Wood Fire Cabaret Restaurant - Janos Horvath - Piano, Ken Roberts - Bass, Baz Kliche - Drums
Email: cabaret@woodfire.com.au

With the Janos Horvath Trio playing music by George Gershwin, Cole Porter,Duke Ellington and many others with Guest Artist Weekly plus Jam Session

No Cover Charge - Music from 7.45pm till 10.15pm

FRIDAY 1st December

Man's Ruin Burlesque plus Belladonnas de Lux (Burlesque) - 34B Burlesque Club, 34B Oxford St, Darlinghurst - 9:30pm - $16 on the door

Detonators - (Jump rock blues) - Belmont 16 Foot Sailing Club - 8.30pm - Free entry

Porkers (ska) - Crest Hotel, 114 Princes Highway, Sylvania

SATURDAY 2nd December

Detonators - (Jump rock blues) - Premier Hotel Newcastle - 9.30pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 3rd December

Detonators (Jump rock blues) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 7:30pm to 10:30pm - $10 entry

Mississippi Shakedown (Blues) - Premier Hotel Newcastle - 4pm to 7pm - Free entry

SUNDAY 10th December

Beginner Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 6pm - $30 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Johnny Green Blues Cowboys (Blues/Country) - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

Gleny Rae Virus and her Tamworth Playboys - (Country) - Empire Hotel, corner of Parramatta Rd and Johnston St, Annandale - 6pm to 9pm - $10 entry

SATURDAY 16th December

Swingtime Christmas Party, Croatian Club, 921 Punchbowl Rd, Bankstown. Tickets $25 per person. Call 0402 489 967 to purchase your tickets.

Featuring Tezza and the Twist Tops for Rock and Roll and Eddy Sevens Swingsation for swing.

Dancebeat Christmas Party, Helensburgh Workers Club - Tickets $15 per person (Strictly ticketed event). Call Ray or Helen on 0415 916 732

Featuring the Lemon Squeezin' Daddies.

SUNDAY 17th December

Beginner Refresher Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 1pm to 2:30pm - $15 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Intermediate Rockabilly Dance Workshop - Swingtime Dance Studio, Level 2, 108 Parramatta Road, Camperdown - 3pm to 5pm - $25 per person. Ring Margie on 0410 668 995 or email on swinginkitten@primusonline.com.au to register or for enquiries.

Fat Dusty - Botany View Hotel, 597 King St, Newtown - 6pm - Free entry

REGULAR EVENTS

The Swing Lounge - Every Wednesday night from 7.30pm till 9pm on 89.7FM Eastside Radio hosted for the month of November by Steve Ca$h and Bongo Benny. Throw yourself into an armchair, grab a drink and let them take you on a wild trip of old and new Swing music.

Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten DJ Services - Always remember folks, if you have an event coming up and you would like to make it one to remember, contact Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten for information about our DJ Services. We have a huge range of music and can tailor any event to your needs. We have added popular dance music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s as, when we are playing at weddings and engagement parties where there is usually a mixed crowd, the requirements usually go beyond 40's or 50's Swing, Jazz, Lounge and Rockabilly. We expand our music collection as we go. Try us!

Thinking about a Christmas Party? Now is the time to book your DJ before everyone else gets in. Contact Margie by return Email or to 0419 498 578.

Whilst we try to cover main items of interest, don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow in Drum Media each week. You can also visit the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org . They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits. Check out the Gigs2ya website at http://www.gigscene.com.au . We have been listening recently to another community radio station, 2NSB up in Chatswood and they have a great website with a good gig guide you can check out at http://www.2nsb.org.au/gigs.php

Whilst the information we bring you is believed to correct at the time of posting, we regret we cannot be held responsible for any last minute band or venue changes to gigs.

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

Bob takes a bite . . .

2006-09-02T00:33:00.000+10:00

It continues to amaze: The more you know - the more you don't.

While looking around for something Dylan/Apple related, it came as something of a surprise to discover Bob sued Apple back in 1994 for name-copyright infringement after Apple branded a computer language they were developing as Dylan (dynamic language or similar). Read about it here. Surprise because Apple then turned around and used Dylan's image (below right) among many other famous personages for their Think Different advertising campaign in 1997.

Now, in their wisdom, Apple have launched a new video campaign, with Dylan as their spearhead, selling the iPod. The clip is from Someday Baby, a song off Bob's brand new, week-old album, Modern Times.

The images below are some stills taken from the video (artistic licence unashamedly abused!).

Talking about Dylan, I insist you go over to the Mule's blog to learn about when she's on Radio National's The Music Show today (Saturday) at 10 am - repeated 8pm - as part of a forum discussing Modern Times and a couple of new Dylan-related books . You'll also find a few Sydney country music-related happenings in her gig guide. One other gig I know of this weekend is The Detonators at the Empire at Annandale on Sunday evening for a $12 entry.

It's Bob time . . . again!

2006-08-30T01:21:00.000+10:00

It's not quite mania in the true sense but there's been more Dylan content in the world's media in the past year than in any past decade I can remember. The big event this week is the release of Dylan's 44th album, Modern Times. Was going to do a big review but have decided to re-direct everyone over to the Mule where there's sure to be better takings for the time being. Don't be deterred by the Cash article - it's something she HAS to do! I wholly recommend the Edna Gunderson interview to make you sit back and do yet another evaluation of what Dylan means when he actually talks!!

Audrey's back in town . . .

2006-08-28T21:41:00.000+10:00

Those who have followed our Aud's singer/songwriting career will be interested to know she's back in Oz for a series of concerts and shows during September. While appearing at the 2006 Gympie Muster, Audrey was co-opted to be co-host of his Gympie Muster Special by John Nutting, of ABC Radio's Saturday Night Country. You can listen to the streaming archives of the four-hour show. Audrey's out here for a working holiday and to promote her new album, Lost Men and Angry Girls, samples of which can be heard here. Those in Sydney's Inner West will probably be best served by her appearance at the Empire Hotel in Annandale on Friday, September 8. For where she may be appearing near you, see the tour gude. (Photo by Eric Jones and blatantly stolen from Reckless Records).

You wanna be rich?

Then become a musician and sit back and wait for the royalties to flood in! Oh yeah! This story from the Chicago Tribune just proves the old story of what's old is new again. So, if your cheques have been a bit slow or your old stock seems to be glued to the shelves, have a read through and discover you're not alone.

He Stopped Loving Her Today . . .

A fascinating and detailed look at the origins and eventual recording of this George Jones classic. Have a listen to the two clips below to hear how the song was over-produced to within a groove of absurdity (in the humble opinion of the author, of course!) compared to the simple and heartfelt original ballad written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putnam. The first of the clips is the demo version sung by Braddock (pictured right). The second (fully "blown") version is, of course, the much-touted hit by Jones (unfortunately, until I learn how to present them otherwise, you'll have to download the files from yousendit). The story mentions how the song took 18 months to record and Jones' retort to the producer, Billy Sherrill, the day the track was finally put to bed: “I looked Billy square in the eye and said, ‘Nobody will buy that morbid son of a bitch.’ Then I marched out the studio door.”

He's baaaaack!!

2006-08-25T01:15:00.000+10:00

Howdy!! It's been too obvious for too long the Tonker has been less than industrious in updating, creating, informing the reader or generally writing about the topics relative to this blog. Many, many months ago an affliction of sorts washed over and around the author which culminated a few months back with a diagnosis of lower colon cancer. Following an operation, a six-month chemotherapy course has now to be endured. There is no intention to bore the britches off the casual honky tonkin' reader here, so at the suggestion of several people who insist my story may help inform those who may face similar afflictions in the future, the whole saga will be logged (or blogged) over at my other, otherwise unused, blog rayves.

Pick of the gigs for this weekend

2006-08-25T00:07:00.000+10:00

The Mule is having a bit of a break with her usual gig guide so I thought I'd help out a bit. Good to see she's moving along with her blog after a short spell due to the old blogger's (writer's) block.

A reliable source has informed me the Mule is scheduled to take part in a forum on ABC Radio National's The Music Show on Saturday September 2 at 10am (repeated 8pm), dealing with several Bob Dylan-related topics, including a review of Bob's about-to-be-released album, Modern Times, along with sometimes music busybody, Imre Saluszinsky. Be sure to tune in.

Friday August 25th
Rob Luckey and the Lucky Bastards - Balmain Bowling Club, Balmain - 8pm
Lonesome Train - Mayfield ExServices Club
Nicki Gillis - Anthill Golf Club, Picton
Radio Birdman + Johnny Casino & The Secrets - Carringbah Bizzos

Saturday August 26th
The Murray Hillbillies - The Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Leichhardt - 9pm
Lonesome Train - Wollongong City Diggers
Radio Birdman + Johnny Casino & The Secrets - Manly Fishos
The Flaming Stars - Matraville RSL
Catherine Britt + Sam Hawkesley - Blacktown RSL

Sunday August 27th
The Murray Hillbillies - Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Tempe - 4pm
50 Million Beers - Botany View Hotel, Newtown - 6pm
Cletis Carr - Merton Estate Hotel, Rozelle - 6pm
Lonesome Train - Royal Hotel, Leichhardt
Catherine Britt + Sam Hawkesley - Wests Leagues, Newcastle

Limpin Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten's Newsletter

Seems Jimmy and the Kitten are having computer troubles (why doesn't everyone get a Mac?) and they've lost their entire weekly gig guide. They've cobbled together the major happenings for this weekend, including the Flatfoot Shakers at the Ashfield RSL Saturday night and the Rose Seidler day out on Sunday. Here's a cut and paste from their emailed, abridged newsletter (without the live links):

Hey there all you Crazy Cats'n'Kittens,

Well the computer bogan is at it again. In the middle of saving our weekly newsletter, our computer froze and all the content of this weeks newsletter was lost. With Outlook Express there is no recovery! As this represents days of work, we regret that there is too much involved in trying to recreate it. Suffice to say there are some major events on this weekend being :-

SATURDAY 26th August

Flatfoot Shakers - A big night of music and dancing at Ashfield RSL tonight when DJ Grizzly Adams presents The Flatfoot Shakers from Melbourne from 8pm till midnight.

SUNDAY 27th August

Rose Seidler House 50's Fair Day - Sunday 27th August

Celebrate the music and popular culture of the 1950s on Sunday 27 August when the Historic Houses Trust’s annual Fifties fair returns to Rose Seidler House for a fun-filled day of music, dance, fashion and shopping.

Kicking off the entertainment line-up will be DJs Limpin’ Jimmy and the Swingin’ Kitten, 1950s band the Flatfoot Shakers, and the Swingtime Dancers as they chart the progression of 1950s music and dance from swing/jump-blues, to rock’n’roll to rockabilly.

Roaming street theatre group Vintage Allsorts will keep festival-goers entertained throughout the day with performances inspired by 1950s newsreel, TV and radio.

Event coordinator Mark Lillis says this year’s Fair promises to be another fantastic line-up of authentic 1950s entertainment.

‘Now in its twelfth year, the Fifties fair attracts people from right across New South Wales as well as from inter-state. This era seems to resonate with people of all ages and there’s also something really unique about this event that sees people making the pilgrimage to Rose Seidler House year after year.

‘Featuring fifties-style music, dance and fashion, vehicle displays, stalls and memorabilia plus activities for the kids, the Fifties Fair has become a not to be missed date on Sydney’s cultural calendar. There will also be dance and hula-hooping performances and the 50s style hairdresser is back by popular demand to create your very own bouffant or quiff.

‘Collectibles and memorabilia from the 1950s will be on sale with specialist dealers and collectors selling household gadgets, plasticware, books, glassware, ceramics, toys, comics, knick knacks, clothes and furniture.

Rose Seidler House, one of the most uncompromising modernist houses in Australia, was the first commission for the late internationally renowned architect Harry Seidler. Built between 1948 and 1950, the house features open planning, minimalist design, mod cons and appliances. The original furniture is one of the most important post war design collections in Australia. Nestled in natural bushland, the house has panoramic views of Ku-ring-gai National Park from its glass walls and sun filled deck. The house is open every Sunday and will be open for viewing at the Fifties fair.

Where: Rose Seidler House, 71 Clissold Road, Wahroonga
When: Sunday 27 August 10am – 5pm
Cost: General $12 Conc/Member $6 and Family $27. Children under 5 years FREE
Tickets at the gate & includes entrance to Rose Seidler House.
Transport: Getting there: FREE shuttle bus service between Rose Seidler House & Turramurra Station throughout the day.
Enquiries: T 02 8239 2211 or visit www.hht.net.au

Media inquiries/request for images: Ruth Williams T 02 8239 2326 or M 0409 741 974 or E ruthw@hht.net.au

BENT JAZZ "Swingin’ the Blues" – Sunday, August 27th, 2006 Hey Jazz, Blues and Swing lovers, the Bent Jazz - 'Swingin' the Blues' festival is on Sunday 27 August 2006 at Chipping Norton Lakes. Yes, Liverpool's great free jazz event will return again in 2006 with the promise of an amazing line up of artists. Wayne Cornell Jnr has a new website so check this great Swing performer out at www.waynecornelljr.com
Over a soothing afternoon, scenic Chipping Norton Lakes will again swing to the sound of superb line up of Australia Jazz and Blues performers and it’s all FREE! Contact : 1300 36 2170 or go to http://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/scripts/viewarticle.asp?NID=29607

Don't forget, if you want a comprehensive list of what's on or coming up, check out the Swing Gig Guide at http://calendar.yahoo.com/swingsydney for Swing events. Or check out the Swamp Shack with Pedro Manoy or Blow with Andrew Williams in Drum Media each week. You can also try the Sydney Jazz Club Calendar and you can find this at http://www.corporatenews.com.au/jazz/sydney_gig_guide.html and Blues at www.sydneyblues.org. They are full of great information on what's on around town with Big Bands, Jazz and Blues outfits.

Unfortunately Gigs2ya at http://www.gigscene.com.au is still off the air but meantime, you can check out gigs on a shared site at http://www.swingtimeaustralia.com/nsw/gig.php

Lotsa love to you all, Limpin' Jimmy and The Swingin' Kitten

Dale Watson back in Austin, Texas

2006-08-24T20:26:00.000+10:00

Yeah, I know I should be doing some local stuff reviewing Kasey's new album or previewing Catherine Britt's show at the Vanguard in Sydney last night (or at least trying to review the excellent Andy Baylor show at the Bridge Hotel at Rozelle last Saturday) but I was distracted while browsing around and discovered a bittorrent of a live country music show in Gruene Hall, just out of Austin, Texas, performed just a few weeks back (is that a record for the most links - 9 - within one sentence?).

I think it was 1998 when Dale Watson first came out here (pictured at the right as he performed at the front of Tamworth's K-Mart store that year) as part of Tamworth's 10-day Country Music Festival and also played various venues around Sydney (and interstate maybe, but I'm not sure).

He was the flavour of the month every time he appeared anywhere. The gals literally fought over who was going to stand in line just to talk to him. I remember having many conversations with the one female who claimed him for her own. Heady days indeed! Dale's last visit was soured by being ripped off by promoters (what else in the music industry?) and the word was he'd never come downunder again. So far he's been true to his word.

Meanwhile, based back in Austin, Watson had the reputation of being the hardest workin', tourin', bad-ass, drinkin' country singer since the "good ol' boys" used to rip half of the US of A apart every night before, during and after their gigs. The pace, band changes, disappointments with the reception he was getting from the music industry as a whole took its toll on his health and he had a few scrapes with issues I'm told he's well over by now.

A year or so ago he moved to Baltimore to be closer to his children after the tragic death of his girlfriend. But the lure of Texas was strong in his blood and, as soon as he was happy his kids would be well cared for, he moved back to Austin and has since been reinstated at three of his old residencies in Austin. I think Dale believes he was made to perform in Texas and to keep "real" country music alive for the whole world at large. If you've seen any of his live shows, you'd know what I mean.

These are only two of the photos included in the bittorrent and I've uploaded the other 30 of them to my Yahoo! Photo Gallery for those who can't or won't get the torrent. He's aged a little and the tats are coming along fine - a small prize to anyone who can read the lines below the portrait on his upper left shoulder. The music is as good as I remember and it's good to hear a live Dale Watson set again. The current band is listed on Watson's MySpace site as: Dale Watson - lead vocals, guitar; Gene Kurtz - bass; Don Pawlak - pedal steel guitar; Don Raby - 5 string fiddle; Herb Belofsky - drums. Finally (if it woiks!) a track, No Help Wanted, from the July 29, 2006, Gruene Hall show, which is going to be the next single from his new album, Whiskey or God, reviewed here in the Austin Chronicle - and surprise, surprise - it's a truckin' song!! You'll have to download it within the next 7 days from yousendit.

Welcome back Andy!!

2006-06-11T18:58:00.000+10:00

I know it's a way down the track but I don't want any excuses for you not putting this one in your "must go" list.

Satellite V v. JC Sat 6th

2006-05-05T23:48:00.000+10:00

Seemed, at first, the Johnny Cash show at the Empire would get the nod for the gig of this weekend but a late drop-in at the Bald Faced Stag on the way to the shops on Friday found the brilliant hillbilly/rockabilly quartet, Satellite V, booked for the Saturday night (May 6) gig (and, once again, not a scrap of advertising to indicate any entertainment, let alone Satellite V!! They've just gotta do it better!). About 9pm start.

Of course it'll be a hard decision and loyalties will be sorely tested but this lil' punter has to take into account the expected costs of a vehicle replacement so the free gig at the Stag gets my vote - just!

Maybe you can get a dose of both because the venues are only ten minutes walk apart.

The spirit of the late great Johnny Cash will hopefully not be flipping the bird at the Empire Hotel, Annandale this Sat 6th May, as a great line-up of local artists gather to celebrate his life in music.

Performers featured on the night include:

The Cartwrights, Bill Chambers, Karl Broadie, Mark Lucas & the Dead Setters, Amanda Easton, Kitty Adams, The Ramalamas & Cass Smiles.

8.30pm $12

And if that's not enough, the delightfully entertaining Blind Lemon Chicken will be doing the Sunday evening gig at the Botany View Hotel - 6.30 pm.

Lost and found and . . . lost again!

2006-04-30T16:28:00.000+10:00

Take a good look at this vehicle . . .

. . . is there anything about it that makes it stand out from other vehicles of a similar type? Does it possess some hidden (to me) values which make it totally desirable to people other than its legal owner?

I'm actually looking for some justification as to why the van has been stolen twice in two months! The first time, in February, it was taken from outside my premises in Petersham and found five days later at Auburn with no damage and everything still intact (I mean EVERYTHING - including tools, camping gear, CDs and various odds and ends). Bloody joyrider-type who was too lazy to get a bus or train but who gets a tiny bit of appreciation from me for not torching it or trashing the gear inside. A $220 towing/safe recovery fee taught me to ALWAYS put the clublock on the steering wheel to detur all but the most insistent of car thieves. That is until . . .

. . . last Thursday I went to Bunnings hardware supermarket at Mascot and spent all of five minutes inside and came out to find my van had been stolen from their carpark!! Noticed the security cameras installed all over the place and promptly went to the store management to see if I could view the footage. Not connected!! - I was informed. Have a feeling I won't be so fortunate in getting the van back this time and I'll never have another opportunity to impose a more strict ruling on the use of the clublock or to re-set my previous strict rule to NEVER leave anything of any value visible in the car.

Anyways if you see her passing by . . . call the cops!! It's a 1991 Toyota Lite Ace with number plate UTA 164.

The REAL resurrection . . .

2006-04-20T21:52:00.000+10:00

Edit Saturday 11.00 am - As a correction to some other guides, the slated Sunday (23rd) gig for Rob Luckey and the Luckey Bastards at the Cooks River Motor Boat Club has been moved to a date to be announced and, for the Murray Hillbillies, Jeff Mercer is the steel guitarist filling in for the ill Gary Brown at tonight's (22cnd) Bald Face Stag gig.

Enough things to poke a bloody great stick at this coming weekend.

Friday night (April 21) over at the Balmain Bowling Club (BBC), Rob Luckey and the Lucky Bastards will be upholding the honky tonk tradition from 8 till 11-ish.

Left: a pic from Tamworth 2006 - Rob and sidekick pedal steel ace, Nick Summers.

Saturday night (22cnd) will see a return to the Gladstone Hotel in Dulwich Hill by Mark Lucas and the Dead Setters. Lucas is (dead set!!) one of the undersestimated country singer/songwriters going around and this is an ideal opportunity to see this outfit close-up at the Gladdy. This venue is on the edge of extinction for country music if they don't get some solid support, so get on over and have a country music "experience".

Also playing Saturday night are The Murray Hillbillies at the late-night Leichhardt venue, the Bald Faced Stag from 9.30 - 1.30. The shot below is from their last gig down there a month ago with Jeff Mercer filling in for Gary Brown who hasn't been in good health of late. Get well soon, mate!! Jeff more than made up for Gary's absence with some spine tingling solos on his lap steel, almost all with a tinge of mischievousness thrown in (Jeff seems to love keeping the audience and the band in suspense as his runs unfold!) Also in the picture and playing bass is none other than "Boppin'" Bronnie Stephens who played a couple/three numbers in place of Rod Coe. Not sure if Gary's back this week or not but rest assured if he's not, their replacement steel players are THE best - Michelle Rose and Jeff Mercer fer-instance!

OK - I know it's a big ask but try an early Sunday brekky and then head on over to East Balmain for the all-day Acoustica festival. If you can't read the flyer too well, read on further below where you can get a full run-down on what's happening in a more detailed flyer.

ACOUSTICA

BALMAIN'S URBAN FOLK AND ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE PENINSULAR THIS SUNDAY.

Just back from Byron East Coast Blues Festival and want more? Too little time or money to go traipsing off around the country to experience the excitement and fun of a world-class music festival? Don't worry, the festival has come to you and it's free!
On next Sunday, April 23 2006, the Balmain Acoustica festival will once again take place at Birchgrove Oval in Sydney's inner west suburb of Balmain.
After the knock out success of last year's Balmain Acoustica Festival, this year's event promises to be better than ever! Along with a strong line-up of favourites such as the nationally acclaimed Backsliders, Big Wheel, The National Junk Band, master of the ukulele, Azo Bell and Kate McLurkin, this year's festival will also showcase the talents of highly respected Australian musicians such as Charlie McMahon (Gondwana), Jimmy Little and internationally respected world music exponents Mara. Singer songwriters Mitch Granger and Tamlin Tregonning will show just what the new crop of 'Balmain Boys' can do.
Like any great music festival, it's not only about the music. The ambience provided by a wonderful waterside location at Birchgrove oval, fabulous food stalls, carnival rides, roving performers provided by Circus Unique, jugglers and fire-eaters makes this a fun day for people of all ages.

So bring a picnic rug and settle in to enjoy one of the most exciting musical events to hit the peninsula.

WHERE : Birchgrove Oval, off Grove Street, Birchgrove
WHEN: Sunday 23 April, 12.00 pm to 9pm
COST: FREE
HOW TO GET THERE: Birchgrove Oval overlooks Snail Bay & is next to Grove Street, Birchgrove. The 441 & 432 buses travel from the city to Grove Street & ferries from Circular Quay travel to Snail Bay Wharf. Also the 465 bus from Canterbury (via Leichhardt) will get you to the ferry wharf.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
ACOUSTICA EXPANDS TO INCLUDE 2 ADDITIONAL NIGHTS IN BALMAIN

Following on from the tremendous success of last year's festival it was felt that one day wasn't enough! So this year Acoustica will host 2 additional nights as part of the Festivities.

George Washingmachine pre-show
Friday April 21st Unity Hall Hotel, Darling Street, Rozelle, 7.30 PM (FREE ENTRY)
The famous & extraordinary musician who plays a knuckle busting Jazz violin, George Washingmachine should not be missed as a key part of the Acoustica Festival.

Alessandra Belloni
Saturday April 22nd Balmain Town Hall, Darling Street Rozelle, 7.30 PM ($25.00)
International Italian Percussionist and pioneer of the resurgence of traditional Italian music and dance of the pizzica Tarantata, Alessandra Belloni's theatre and dance Ensemble; "I Giullari Di Piazza" are Artists-in-Residence at the Cathedral of St John the Devine in New York City. This special performance as part of the Acoustica Festival will be her only Solo concert in Australia. Tickets available at Leichhardt Council Chambers and the Unity Hall Hotel, Balmain. For more information regarding tickets, please contact Shane McCardle at Leichhardt council ph 02 9367 9351 .

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FESTIVAL, INCLUDING PHOTOS, MAPS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS, MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARTISTS AND MUSIC SAMPLES GO TO www.acousticafestival.com.au or call 02 9544 1537

. . . and last but certainly not least . . .

Cletis Carr is playing the Merton Estate Hotel in Rozelle on Sunday evening from 5pm if you'd like a good sit down and some good music from himself and this week's guests, Stewart Peters and Snez Dalcheska.

The Hag up front (as usual) . . .

2006-04-16T14:13:00.000+10:00

Merle Haggard has never been one to take a step backwards when it comes to social issues and in an interview with a John Boyd in the San Angelos Standard Times just a couple of days ago the Hag gave George Bush a double serve on his administration of the US as a whole. Haggard has even considered moving to another country to back up his "talk". Wonder if he'd consider Sydney if we could promise him a couple of gigs each week?

Also an interesting side note on the protests by the "illegal" immigrants in the US last week. Here's a link (it's a yousendit thingy - you have to download it and play it in iTunes or your preferred MP3 player) to an MP3 of a song Merle picked up and recorded over 20 years ago. It has a cool country lilt not dissimilar to some of the early Jimmy Buffet style but with a definite Merle Haggard label. Unknown author. (The recording is off an old tape and suffers a little in quality but it's only 1.26MB so you don't have much to lose):

The Immigrant (As sung by Merle Haggard)

American Ranching consists of a mansion
Where illegal immigrants do much of the labor by hand
They sneak em thru customs Till time comes to bust em
Then haul em back over the border to their own native land
With a ragged Sombrero and not much Dinero
They'll be back again When the Rio Grande's way down low
So Border Patroller don't stop the stroller
Cause the Illegal Immigrant is helping America grow

Chorus
Viva La Mexico Go where they let you go
And do what you can for the land
Take home Dinero And buy new Sombrero
And come back again when you can
(Music)

What makes a gringo Your smart aleck lingo
When you stole this land from the Indian way back when
Don't he remember the big money lender
That put him a lien where his pencil had been
The almighty peso That gives him the say so
To dry up the River Whenever there's crops to bring in
Such a good neighbor To take all his Labor
And take him back over the border
Till they need him again
(Chorus)

Cartwrights at the Stag . . .

2006-04-07T20:29:00.000+10:00

. . . this Saturday night (April 8) and they've also scored the Easter Saturday gig the following weekend (April 15). This is one of the fun bands of the Inner West with fine renditions of popular country and rockabilly classics from the 50s and 60s. There's always plenty of dancing and almost always a few guests artists.

Following the poor attendance at the Murray Hillbillies' gig last Saturday (no fault of theirs - that venue apparently doesn't believe in advertising their entertainment at all! Do they have an Amish-style bent towards getting their message out?) HTH is determined to do its bit to make sure this venue stays alive for the sake of country/hillbilly/rockabilly music in Sydney's Inner West. Please spread the word about The Cartwrights gigs the next two Saturdays and watch THAT space (a chalkboard, a big sign or at least something on the outside of the pub which could be read by some of the millions of eyes passing that venue each day). Whatever! Just make sure you get down there for the next couple of Saturdays!

WHERE? The Bald Face Stag Hotel on the corner of Parramatta and Balmain Roads, Leichhardt - opposite the Comedy Club Hotel and Crystal Street. After 9pm. Just do it!!

The last of the Toe Suckers . . .?

It'd be a cryin shame if it's true but all good things come to an end and change can sometimes be a sign of something bigger and better further down the road. The Toe Sucking Cowgirls have been a delightful and breezy addition to the country music scene all around Australia for at least five years. Sometimes as a duo, sometimes with a sparse rhythm section and sometimes with a small "big" band, Tracey Bunn and Glenyss Rae have garnered a loyal following in Sydney and are playing what could be their last Sydney gig as the Cowgirls this coming Sunday at the Botany View Hotel in King Street Newtown. If you're too lazy to click on the link to their website, here's the relevant bit about their future plans:

. . . on Sunday night we'll be heading back to one of our favourite haunts in Sydney, the Botany View Hotel from 6.30 - 9.30pm. Michael Vidale will be joining us on bass and Paul Dunn on drums, two guys that were there at the very beginning of the Cowgirls. We don't know when we'll be back in Sydney again, and as Gleny has decided to call it quits and move onto greener pastures, it could very well be our last gig ever. Unless, of course, I can find someone to fill her extremely large (and smelly) boots, though I must say, female accordion/fiddle players with an oversize personality and a great voice are a little thin on the ground. So get out there and spread the word and dust of your hats and boots and come down and join us for a big weekend! Hope you're all still giving it all you got. Keep on sucking . . .

The girls are also playing the Hawkesbury Fiddle Festival up at Clarendon Showgrounds this weekend if you happen to be out on a drive or checkin' the country garage sales!!

Fri 7pm - 8pm
Sat 1pm - 2pm
Sun 12pm -1pm

Just get on over . . .

Meanwhile . . .

. . . if you find yourself stuck on the Rozelle side of town on Sunday arvo, you could do worse than drop in after 5 for some music and mayhem at the Merton Estate Hotel on Victoria Road (just around the s-bends after the old White Bay pub and vicki vercki the other way) where Cletis Carr holds down a Sunday residency. This week's guests are Valdi Gray and his drummer-in-arms, Justin. If you want to subscribe to the weekly flyer Cletis sends out, you can work it out here. Check it out!

"That damn pick just
had to go in one of those holes!"

Keep this up and I'll be calling HTH a phlog rather than a blog. The pic (top left) is the Merton Estate as it probably appeared from about 1898 until the 1991 renovation (bottom left) which is pretty much how it remains today. The chap on the right is none other than Cletis Carr on stage at Caves Beach playing guitar for Brooke Leal (courtesy Cletis' MySpace site) where there's some damn good songs to listen to and a heap of interesting photos.

The Beers and The Rev . . .

2006-04-07T12:25:00.000+10:00

RIP Gene Pitney . . .

2006-04-05T22:31:00.000+10:00

Thanks for the memories Gene . . .

Pitney in the 60s (above) and 2005 (right).

Down and out in East Balmain . . .

2006-04-03T22:49:00.000+10:00

It's now official. The Balmain Bowling Club has canned the Hunter & Suzy Owens Band from their fortnightly Friday gig! In their weird wisdom, the club was offering fewer gigs and less money which, when you have five top-class musicians playing, is not a viable option. Here's the notice Hunter & Suzy sent out via email:

Hello to all of our supporters out there. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will not be performing at the BBC this coming Friday 31st March. In fact, we will not be appearing there any time in the foreseeable future. The BBC Club committee, in all their wisdom, has decided that our nights are not profitable enough, so they don't want to pay our fee and don't want us on a regular fortnightly basis...in fact, the club has canned other entertainment ventures there, such as Sunday nights, as well...what an exciting venue it will be!

If you have become a club member in the time you have been supporting us, you will have received notice of an extra-ordinary committee meeting sometime soon. If you wish, you could use this as an opportunity to express any misgivings you may have regarding their recent decisions.

Thank you all for your ongoing support.

Regards and Best Wishes,
Hunter & Suzy

This band has been shunted all over the Balmain/Rozelle area and deserves better treatment but while you have amateurs running these venues, there's going to be setbacks like this. The band will arise again, somewhere, sometime so keep an ear out for them. Not sure if this is also affecting Rob Luckey's gig (the tone of H & S's email suggests it will) but they are still listed at their web page and in Smithy's last flyer.

. . . message to self . . .

2006-03-31T20:59:00.000+11:00

. . . go find a picture of The Murray Hillbillies . . . upload it here . . .

. . . and make an announcement to myself that that very same honky tonkin' country band is playing at the Bald Faced Stag tomorrow night (Saturday April 1), kicking off at about 9 pm. The festivities will continue til 1 am or thereabouts. Rob Luckey and his merry band of Bastards were booked but, due to unknown circumstances, they are now NOT playing. Those who haven't ventured out to a Hillbillies' gig should make an effort to get to see them pronto, as their mix of country standards, rockabilly covers and a few outstanding honky tonk instrumentals is as good as you'll get at any Sydney gig these days. And dancing is encouraged.

. . . but if you're in the mood for something a bit more esoteric (musically, at least) and you can handle the trip over to the far northern reaches of the Inner West, then the mob of grown men in the accompanying flyer should satisfy your needs.

Actually, a smart bit of transportation magic could see you cover the grounds of both these fine gigs. A set or two over at the Drummoyne RSL Club and a quick trip back over to Leichhardt would see the best of the two with a bit to spare! Warning! This should only be tried under the supervision of an understanding adult designated driver! There - that's Saturday covered.

So . . . the next hurdle is to check the pulse and blood pressure on Sunday morning and begin the arduous process of stroking the mind back to a level where the reality of taking in The Prickles at the Botany View Hotel, Newtown, would not only be acceptable but almost necessary - picture please!!

Thanks, Steve! Yes, I know I've used that one before but it's the only one still likely to pass the censors or not to damage your fellow Prickles' sensitivities. Besides, apart from the dozen or so punters who still know you exist, no one will really remember who you are!! Ha ha! Just joking fellas!! See ya at 6.30 Sunday at the BVH.

Oh . . . one more thing before I'm outta here. There's a rumour that the Balmain Bowling Club has canned the Hunter & Suzy Owens Band Friday night gigs. Anyone knowing anything about that might like to let me know. And . . . one MORE thing . . . how come Bill Chambers and The Flood did a gig at the Sando last night and no bastard let me know about it!!

Enjoy your April fools day!!

THIS guy says exactly how I feel about modern country music!

2005-11-18T12:19:00.000+11:00

This will take you to a review of the very recent ACM awards night televised from Madison Square Garden in New York. If you didn't piss your pants reading that then you're a hopeless wanna-be country music clown. Seriously. The guy's (stage?) name is Jack Sparks. He has a radio show in the twin towns of St Paul/Minneapolis and to my great shame, he's been a featured link over at Flop Eared Mule for ages. That's not to say I don't read the Mule thoroughly when I go there. It's just that I barely have time in my internet reading habits to check on her latest posts and the gig guide, let alone wade through the ever-expanding array of links and interest groups the Mule has gathered around her stall.

When one winner may not be enough . . .

2005-09-22T23:19:00.000+10:00

After you've watched Barry "The Fairy Tapper" go to work against the West Coast boys on Saturday arvo, why not tidy up the lounge room and then head off to watch the Tigers take on the Dragons on the big screen at the Bald Faced Stag on Saturday night. If you haven't been thrown out for chuckin' all over the place, you might like to stay for the best Sydney can offer in the way of raw country/rockabilly/swing with The Murray Hillbillies. They'll kick off as soon as the game's over - about 9pm (or maybe before if the worst happens and the Dragons get up!). Don't tell me you missed it because you were too drunk - it doesn't wash! And, besides, the Hillbillies are MADE to listen to with a modicum of booze on board. And, yes, they're really smokin'.

Ain't she cute . . .

2005-09-08T22:40:00.000+10:00

OK - another attempt to update this thing - and because another lot of Audrey pics arrived it just makes it a bit easier! If you'd like to see more of "our" Aud there's a stack of them at the link. (Photos courtesy Hans Janssen from the Fredheads' Port Putley group).

And the genlemen on the right are are a mob of musos having a get together. A quick look at the bottom pic one could almost think our good friend in Sydney, Dennis Aubrey, had managed to squeeze himself in there. Of course it's Fred Eaglesmith and a couple of members of the Jan Akerman band. Photo courtesy of Rob Kuijsten's website.

And just to round this off with a bit more of the Fredhead spirit, here's some more of Fred and his band (among others) who appeared at a recent gathering of like-minded folk at a picnic in Canada. This is apparently where Fred and members of his band would converge before boarding one of their tour buses. If you click through the photo stream, you can see a couple of the now-retired buses Fred and the band used to travel in - classic stuff! (Photo courtesy Landshark from the Fred Digest).

Dallas Wayne . . .

Ever get the feeling that a voice you're hearing belongs to a pre-conceived image in your brain? Happened to me recently when I first heard Dallas Wayne singing. Thought he's be a youngish whipper-snappin' honky tonkin' kid on the way up. Turns out he's a seasoned veteran of the honky tonk genre (ugh! dislike THAT word!). So here's a picture of Dallas from a recent gig - reviewed at Buffalo Roots. It's not often I get too excited by a new-found voice these days but this guy just does it. As soon as I work out how to get an MP3 clip up on this blog, I promise you'll be knocked over as I was. Meanwhile, listen to some clips from his latest album, I'm Your Biggest Fan, here.

Audrey update . . .

2005-07-12T13:51:00.000+10:00

For those who like to know what our Aud's (that's Audrey Auld-Mezera to those not in the groove) up to these days, here's a couple of pics borrowed from the Fred Eaglesmith Port Putley Yahoo! group. They were taken at one of the recent Fred festivals. if you really want to know which one, subscribe to the group and check out the photo files (can't do everything for ya!). There's always something goin' on about what Fred and his fans are up to.

The top one, of course, is Fred and Aud in full song and the one below has been titled "The Beauty and the Beast". In fact it's just another sorta good-lookin' Fred fan who enjoys having his photo taken with attractive women!

(Photos borrowed from the Port Putley site. Credit will be given once I discover who took them!).

Get Down and Dirty . . .

2005-06-29T22:42:00.000+10:00

. . . sounds like somewhere one should be on Friday night.

If that's not your bottle of Jack Daniels then there's always Rob Luckey and the Lucky Bastards over at the Balmain Bowling Club from about 8pm. And if too much of the Bastards isn't enough, they're on at the double open house birthday party at the Marrickville Bowling Cub on Saturday night (see map below the blurb):

Lois and Acey's Open House Double Birthday Party.

Marrickville Bowling Club, Saturday July 2 - 8pm

Rob Luckey & the Lucky Bastards
Johnny G & the E-Types
+ Dom Turner + Glenys Rae + Special guests

$5 Door.

Sale Time at Yesterday & Today Records

If you've never been out to one of Steve Reid's country CD music sales, it's worth the bus fare to experience it just once. As usual, the early birds get the fresh worms so the Saturday morning early start is recommended if you're a serious bargain hunter. Er . . . take your bank card - it can get quite dizzy!! Over to you, Steve . . .

We are pleased to advise our next big sale will begin Saturday 23rd July. As usual with our big sales we will also be open Sunday (24th July). Saturdays tend to be a bit frantic so if you like things a little more leisurely Sunday is the go.

For those not familiar with our sales let me say again you miss them only if you dare. We get everything in for the sales; we don’t just mark things down we can’t sell or do a Sanity Music and get in a bunch of crap label stuff which wouldn’t be a bargain even if we literally gave it away. This is a novel sale...a GENUINE sale!!

What we have is choice quality stuff and there is always something for everybody. Virtually all the Billboard charting cds will be on sale at $18, with just a few select titles at $20. For $18 you will get the new Buddy Jewell cd “Times Like These”, Miranda Lambert’s “Kerosene”, The Wrights’ “Down the Road” (in line for album of the year), Keith Anderson’s “Three Chord Country” and for $20 JoDee Messina’s “Delicious Surprise”, Dwight’s “Blame the Vain”etc. These are just a few random examples.

All the latest Americana and bluegrass releases will we available and not surprisingly most will never ever be released locally. We will have the entire Ronny Elliott range on sale. For those who like something a little different Ronny has no peer and you certainly won’t find him elsewhere. There will be lot of blues and specialist label reissues.

Our popular $10 or 3 for $25 section will have more in it than ever before. There will be some deletions you will not see ever again as well as some of the very latest releases. The range in this section will astound you. We will have cds from a mere $2 and a range of bluegrass cds from $5 including some Rebel and Pinecastle product. We will have cd box sets, dvds and some excellent books.

For the early birds we will have some cd advances and collectables. As many of you know some of these titles never even get released....can there be anything more collectable than something that is never released?? There will be many highly sought cds in very limited quantities. We don’t even know when we will get another copy of some of these... maybe never.

We should also mention there is a great vibe at one of these sales. Everyone seems to get on well and just get into it.

The success of our sales depends on the people who participate and we really need a great turnout to enable them to continue. Please, tell your friends; bring your friends. Everyone will be have a good time. That is assured. There is just nothing even remotely like it, anywhere.

Yesterday & Today Records
255A Church St
Parramatta NSW 2150
phone/fax: (02) 96333585
email: steve@yesterdayandtoday.com.au
Web site: www.yesterdayandtoday.com.au

Starts Saturday 23rd July (hours 7am-4pm)
continues Sunday 24th July (hours 9am-2pm)

Appalachia . . .

2005-06-24T19:26:00.000+10:00

. . . has been mentioned here before, relating to a particular DVD and CD of the arts and history of the area. Here's a link to what looks like an even better overview of the entirety of the Appalachian culture. Could be something to explore (check out the music files!) over a cold and wet weekend. No time, yet, to check it out in its entirety so am suggesting this blind. What I have seen so far looks superb - go get it!

Note: Even though The Tonker's interest is mainly cultural, the above image of a still in the mountains was just too hard to pass - all it needs is Robert Mitchum to wander into the scene and away we go!

Hunter & Suzy at the BBC . . .

2005-06-23T23:18:00.000+10:00

That's not cigarette smoke! - that's just heat rising from the Hunter & Suzy Owens Band who'll be in full swing at the beloved Balmain Bowling Club tomorrow night (Friday 24th) from 8 pm onwards. The wicked line-up of Hunter & Suzy, Jake Lardot, Tomi Graso and Doug Bligh will have you dancin' your socks off so get on down for a great Friday night starter to this big weekend of music.

Sunday evenin' comin' down . . .

2005-06-23T23:03:00.000+10:00

. . . after a weekend when TOO much music ain't enough - as H. G. Nelson might say - you could always pop around to the Botany View Hotel at about 6.30 pm on Sunday (26th) and have the above bunch of handsome gentlemen entertain you for hours on end with outrageous (but good!) covers of everything from Hank Williams to Merle Haggard and back again. It's been a while since Dollar Bill and the boys have been allowed out on a Sunday so make it a date to catch 'em this weekend. Of course you'll all recognise them as The Prickles simply because of the name on the kick drum!

Benefit night . . .

2005-06-20T23:00:00.000+10:00

As many may well be aware by now, there is to be a benefit night to lend some support to well-known Sydney country music personality, Trucker Bob, following the tragic death of his teenage daughter in a road accident in Victoria early this month.

The benefit will be held at the Cooks River Motor Boat Club, Holbeach Avenue, Tempe, on this coming Saturday (June 25) commencing at 5pm. $20 includes dinner, with all proceeds to Bob & family. For those unfamiliar with the Motor Boat Club, it's just around the corner from The Harp Hotel on Princes Highway, Tempe - just before you get to the Cooks River Bridge (if you're heading south-west - see map below). The night will include raffles and other fund-raising efforts with the main draw being the many Inner West bands performing:

Rob Luckey & The Lucky Bastards
Deadwood 76
Hogstomp
Kitty & The Alley Cats
Fat Dusty
Mary Heard
The Cartwrights
& and more!!!!

Drinks at club prices!

Contact Dave for more info: 0401 136 550 or the Club : 9558 5522

The Murray Hillbillies . . .

. . . are back at the Bald Faced Stag Hotel on the corner of Parramatta and Balmain Roads, Leichhardt, on the same night (Saturday June 25) commencing at 9pm. With a bit of good management, punters could make this a long night of great Inner West country music. The Hillbillies will be playing until at least 1 am.

Bastards at work . . .

2005-06-03T08:48:00.000+10:00

Courtesy of the indefatigable Bastard bassist, Smithy, here are the gigs for Rob Luckey and the Lucky Bastards for June:

Wed 1st - Botany View Hotel, Newtown 7:00 pm
Fri 3rd - Balmain Bowling Club 8:00 pm
Sat 4th - Gladstone Hotel, Dulwich Hill 9:00 pm
Sun 5th - Botany View Hotel, Newtown 6:30 pm
Fri 17th - Balmain Bowling Club 8:00 pm
Sat 18th - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Leichhardt 9:00 pm
Sun 19th - Riverview Hotel, Balmain 5:30 pm
Thu 23rd - Elephant and Wheelbarrow Paddington 8:00 pm

They are all on the website too (including any late changes):
here.

For a more extensive weekend gig listing, pop over to the Mule.

Enjoy.

Friday May 27 - Bob's Birthday Radio Marathon

2005-05-15T16:02:00.000+10:00

It's been a while . . . but I'm back in time to dust off those old hearing aids once again for the annual Bob Dylan Birthday Radio Marathon on 2SER FM (107.3 on your radio dial) with "live" streaming on the net here. Beginning at 10pm tonight (Friday May 27 AEST) and rollicking through until 3am Saturday morning, listeners will be entertained by the august crew of the team dedicated to bringing Bob to the airwaves on (or thereabouts) Bob's birthday for the past 20 years, ably assisted by members (official and unofficial) of what is fondly known as the Sydney Jumpers. This name has all sorts of connotations and meanings but I'll leave it to the reader to imagine where it fits in with attending Dylan concerts and/or being totally absorbed by the art of the Bobster. Here's the official blurb from 2SER's website explaining what can be expected:

Bob Dylan Birthday Marathon - 2SER FM 107.3
Friday 27 May 10:00pm-3:00am

Bob's Chronicles for Chronic Bobcats. To celebrate the 64th birthday of the "Picasso of Rock" 2SER's Bobcats have cleared the decks for the 21st broadcast of the Bob Dylan Birthday Marathon. From 10pm on hear the choicest cuts from Bob's entire career including his version of Sam Cooke's A Change is Gonna Come, I'll Remember You from Masked And Anonymous and the jazz version of Don't Think Twice, It's All Right. Also featuring excerpts from Bob's autobiography Chronicles as read by a very Dylanesque Sean Penn and a discussion on the book itself. Of course, there'll be The Dylan Quiz, the book and DVD review, and the news. The Bob Dylan Birthday Marathon has been running since 1985. For more information contact Bill Kitson.

Because I've been out of action here for a while, I don't have a chance in hell of getting a full gig listing together so I'm just gonna link you to the Flop Eared Mule blog of wonders where you'll find more things to do this weekend than you could poke a burnt stick at, so get with it . . . and I'll be back with more before you know it (promise!).

Weird saying (No 324)

I happened to mention at work something I learned as a child when playing backyard cricket. If you were batting and you happened to hit the ball into the angry neighbour's yard, the cry would come up from all the fielders: "Fox yer own mullock!" I was surprised that none of my co-workers had ever heard of it before. A quick Google search failed to verify my memories of the well-used saying (in country Western Australia, at least). Anyone else remember this?

Take me back to Friday nights again . . .

2005-04-15T14:57:00.000+10:00

. . . everything's almost back to normal after the influx of overseas acts and special nights so it's good to get back to what we enjoy most about our local music. Tonight (Friday) sees the third gig at the Balmain Bowling Club, Darling St, East Balmain at 8pm for the Hunter & Suzie Owens Band. The line-up includes Jake Lardot, Doug Bligh and Tomi Graso backing Hunter & Suzie. Saturday night at the Bald Faced Stag Hotel at Leichhardt, the Murray Hillbillies will be in full flight with a four-set night of genuine country/honky tonk starting at about 9pm - the usual surprise guests will be lining up to assist Murray get through the marathon. Then if you're still up to it on Sunday, Rob Luckey and the Lucky Bastards will be gracing the stage at the Coopers Arms Hotel in Newtown from about 3.30pm. There's sure to be something on at the Botany View Hotel in Newtown after Rob's gig but this bloke might just say enough's enough and go home to watch the replay of Pauline Hanson being shoved off the floor, once and for all!

That 'ol man Prine . . .

2005-04-15T13:40:00.000+10:00

. . . just keeps on travellin' on . . .

Looking very much the Chaplainesque character he's happy to emulate in his approach to life and music, Prine has decided, after almost a decade, to release another album of new songs. Here's the press release:

Press Release: Oh Boy Records - 01/28/2005

John Prine - Fair & Square

First New Original Music In 9 Years Hits Streets April 26

Nashville: John Prine takes his own sweet time dancing with his muse -- and truly writes what's in his soul. So if it takes him a little longer to write the songs that capture moments and reveal the gently folded human truths that bind us all together, it's always worth the wait. Now, nearly nine years since the release of his Grammy-nominated Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings, the iconic American writer is putting the finishing touches on Fair & Square, which will be released on Prine's Oh Boy label April 26th.

"It was just time," says Prine in his always understated way. "I had a bunch of songs. I'd started recording 'em, and it turns out, I liked 'em pretty well. So, now, I get to get'em all just the way I like 'em -- and then I get to let'em go out to meet the world."

Drawing on Prine's incomparable sweetness, his wicked wit and social commentary and his split rail simplicity, Fair & Square turns on the phases of the human heart -- and the way the people getting by live, dream, love and survive their lives. With the occasional wheezing accordion, curlique electric guitar parts, quick-wristed mandolins, billowing B-3 pads and puddles of pedal steel guitar, the rough-voiced singer/songwriter's first self-produced record is a homey affair that draws generously from the palette of traditional American music -- be it folk, bluegrass, shuffles, almost vintage rock & roll, torch, country -- for an amalgamation that would be at home on any Wurlitzer in a whiskey-soaked tavern with beer signs flickering from age and the walls stained deeper than sepia from the years of constant smoke.

Whether it's the sultry celebration of post-encounter rapture "Morning Train," the afterglow burning until the next moment can happen "Long Monday" or the down-stroke electric guitar charged "She Is My Everything," Fair & Square captures Prine's candy heart. But there's also the Joshua Tree dry wit of our culture's tabloid obsessive culture "I Hate It When That Happens To Me" and the fame-chasing self-mockery of "Crazy As A Loon., not to mention the gentle political nudge "Some Humans Ain't Human" that's soft-spoken indictment at its most aw-shucks.

With bluegrass queen Allison Krauss on the ode to his Irish refuge "My Darlin' Hometown" and the street corner desolation of "The Moon Is Down" and alt.country princess Mindy Smith bringing allure and tartness to "Morning Train, "Long Monday" and the melted neon ponder of "Taking A Walk," Fair & Square is the work of a man at ease with his life, secure with his place in the world and willing to share the things that he sees.

"It's been a while, so I'm pretty excited," Prine admits with that Oh Boy! grin. "And that's a really good place to be."

Tour dates will follow shortly. Advance music is being pulled together.
But given the working class Midwestern origin of the Grammy-winning songwriter, you can bet the songs will be served -- and the fans who want to see and hear them will have their chance.

. . . which can also be seen at the excellent John Prine Shrine:

The Laws at Rozelle . . .

2005-04-11T15:43:00.000+10:00

The Laws at Rozelle . . .
Posted by: rayzon.

Following hard on Fred Eaglesmith's honky tonk heels were a couple of his fellow Canadians, John and Michelle Law who travel the world as a folk duo, The Laws. The night after Fred's final Sydney gig, I ventured over to the Rozelle Community Centre for their final Sydney show. I had seen The Laws at a couple of Tamworth's annual 10-day country music festivals and had been impressed, not only with their songwriting abilities but also by their harmony singing. They've been on a five-year touring honeymoon so maybe there's something in the old adage: ". . . they who stick together sing perfect harmonies together . . ." One of the songs they covered back then was Greg Brown's The Train Carrying Jimmie Rodgers Home. As I discovered later, listening to both Brown's and his wife, Iris Dement's versions, it was about the only song I've learned which sounded close to the original without having ever heard the song. I can't help it if I'm lucky! While the song is full of depair and sadness, The Laws have injected a brighter feel which carries an image of the world being a better place for having Rodgers as one of the true artists of the American music culture.

Gary Brown, the owner of possibly the best collection of slide steel and resophonic guitars in Australia, and not forgetting his prowess on Dobro or his triple fretboard Fender console steel, promotes these Saturday night concerts in the old church building in Darling Street, Rozelle. It must be a hobby for Gary as most of the time I've attended one of these shows, there's barely enough paying customers to cover the hall rental, let alone the band. He's got great connections, though, and he's well respected drawing some of the better folk/country acts who happen to be passing through on their way to bigger bookings. As a side interest, the church was built on a block which had, in the old-town plan, the street number 666! It was decided by the Presbyterian brethren of the day to have the place re-numbered 665A. Maybe if Gary used a pitch like that in his almost non-existant publicity, he might get the punters he needs to fill the place. Not sure there's connection with the number, but there's a huge poster of what looks like Robert Johnson hanging high in the rafters, almost as a sold-his-soul devil finger to all the once-hallowed hall had been witness to.

But back to The Laws and the music of the night. The folk/old timey/ singer/songwriter community is, surprisingly, fairly small in Sydney and many of those present at the gig would eventually do a number or two before The Laws took over. Hunter & Suzie Owens, Mary Heard and Mary-Anne Burton, Dennis Aubrey and Hugh Roberts, with help from Les Scott on guitars and bass and Gary Brown on Dobro and console slide, all warmed up the few others of us who were there as mere listeners. Being a non-smoking, bring-your-own grog venue, I found myself out on the front balcony taking in some of my addictive refreshments of choice almost all night which turned out to be a smart move because The Laws spent a fair bit of time out there as well. They enjoy a good chat and the odd beer and are a delightful couple. I'm sure (as they are) they will be back at Tamworth next year and I'd recommend catching them if you like snappy and mostly up-tempo folk/country songs.