Blues News #733
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Blues News #733

Last issue, I mentioned the various fundraisers in the blues scene and I also mentioned Studio at 54 over in Ocean Grove. Well, here they are coming together.

On the 16th, Wayne Jury and Justin Brady are playing at Studio at 54.

Justin is a well-known Australian musician and former member of folk-rock band Things of Stone and Wood. He is based down Mallacoota way, and as reported by The Age, his Karbeethong Hill home was destroyed by the fires and he was forced to seek refuge on nearby waters in his canoe, describing the situation as “apocalyptic”. Before taking to the water, Justin was able to save a violin, harmonica and mandolin.

“I lost everything pretty much,” he told The Age. “I built the house 25 years ago but only just recently, the last three months, I decided to live there as my base. Previously I had lived here but toured too.”

He continued: “I did a big rake up of all the leaves around the house but it’s a bush block. It’s gone.”

A prolific session musician and now music teacher, Brady has collaborated with John Farnham, The Black Sorrows, James Reyne and more over the years.

Here’s an opportunity to hear some great music from two exceptional musicians, and do your part as well by getting down to the Studio at 54 on February 16.

This month, Sleepy Hollow Blues Club is featuring Sweet Felicia and the Honeytones with Eddie Boyle.

Felicia is one of the stalwarts of the Australian blues scene and has toured extensively in Europe and North America. Her amazing bass playing and powerful and soulful voice is her trademark, and not to be missed.

Eddie hails from Warrnambool, and my first encounter with him was at the late and lamented Loft down there playing at Blue Heat gig. As soon as I heard that harmonica, I knew this was a player to watch. I recently heard him at Pistol Pete’s with Catfish Gumbo – a great sound.

Felicia with Eddie should be a great gig, at Sleepy Hollow on February 23.

Now musicians are not the most well-heeled of people (I’ve even seen a band sharing one cigarette out the back of a pub. Hard times indeed!) so some good news is the Battle of the Bands being hosted at the Black Hatt. So, bands, soloists, duets so here’s an opportunity to get your hands on a $2500 cash prize plus a gig. Contact them on 52214469.

Last but not least, we’re nearly at Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras! Pistol Pete, once again, is hosting his Mardi Gras celebration in Little Malop St on February 23 from 12 through to 8pm.
There’s a great lineup – Steve Boyd’s Rum Reverie, Hog Stompin’ Zydegators, Jules Boult & the Redeemers, Four Scoops, Crawfish Po’boys, Spiderjazz plus the Pistol Pete’s Mardi Gras All Star Second Line.

So, there’s three to choose from – Wayne and Justin on the 16th, on the 23rd Sweet Felicia with Eddie at Sleepy Hollow or Pistol Pete’s Mardi Gras afternoon.

Written by Dr. John Lamp