Date post: | 07-Apr-2016 |
Category: |
Documents |
Upload: | post-newspapers |
View: | 212 times |
Download: | 0 times |
PROUDLY INDEPENDENTthe lake macquarie post
Take a trip with the green fairy
After a bravura turn with their jaw-dropping circus cabaret show, Empire, Speigelworld are setting the tent up in Newcastle again for their latest show Absinthe and TE caught up with producer ROSS MOLLISON to chat about the heady production
Sarah McLeodThe Wild ComfortsSteve ClisbyGrowlers review
Pri
nte
d o
n 1
00
% r
ecyc
led
pap
er
PROUDLY INDEPENDENTthe lake macquarie post
WED 14 JAN 2015
If you’re keen on kicking off your 2015 with a healthy dose of face-melting acid-punk, then you’d do well to get on down to the Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst to check out Japan’s most fero-cious example of the genre, Bo Ningen.
Having recently relocated to London, the collective are currently riding high on the back of their aptly titled third long player - III - a gloriously unpredictable barn burner that is a heady amalgam of droney space psych, tinges of classic metal, lo-fi garage rock and some of the most intriguing guitar noise you’re likely to hear.
With an aesthetic that’s as noteworthy as their discography, Bo Ningen’s live offering is one not to be missed. With audiences all over the world turning up to see the androgynous, visceral and progressive nature of their shows. This is one not to be missed.
WHAT'S ON
The Smashing Pumpkins, or rather Billy Corgan, has always grated on this reviewer. While their early experiments in shoegaze indie rock and “dream pop” (Gish, Siamese Dream) were not entirely awful, they quickly became mired in a glut of self-important pretentious synth-heavy drones. However, this album sees Corgan almost do a 180, producing a short, sharp slice of tuneful pop that came as quite a surprise.
While the synths and spacey electronics are still well and truly present, they take a back-seat to a literal wall of guitars - overdubbed to the nth degree and swirling around like nobody’s business. Also, another big surprise here was the addition of Tommy Lee on drums - who brings a hell of a lot of “snap” to proceedings.
While there is still a great deal of “tortured artist” schtick going on here - this is arguably the Pumpkins’ most accessible album for some time.
While comedian Eddie Murphy is more known for making turkeys these days (Meet Dave, Norbitt et al) this 80s guffaw-fest is definitely one of his finest moments. Murphy stars as pampered African prince Akeem, who rebels against an arranged marriage and heads to America in search of a new bride. Accompanied by his closest companion (Arsinio Hall), he quickly finds a new job, new friends, new home, new enemies - and lots of trouble.
Not since Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan has Hollywood offered such a visceral and unrelenting war epic. However, where Spielberg’s flick offered up many comments on the futility of war, this David Ayer-directed effort, while highly engaging, doesn’t have the same lofty ambi-tions.
Brad Pitt stars as hardened Sherman tank commander Don ‘Wardaddy’ Collier. Battle weary, outnumbered and outgunned, the crew are charged neutralising the remaining German tiger tank threats - all building up to one brutal stand-off.
The ensemble cast is solid here, creating a palpable sense of claustrophobia after being couped up in their Sherman. Surprising is the usually wooden Shia LaBeouf who turns in a bravura performance.
BO NINGEN Friday, January 23 • Oxford Art Factory
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS MONUMENTS TO AN ELEGYOut Now
COMING TO AMERICA Saturday, 7pm • Seven Mate
FURY Out NowRATED MAen
tertainm
ent
We
dn
es
da
y 1
4 J
an
ua
ry
20
15
2th
e n
ewca
stle
po
st
WW14558
BARE FOOT BOWLSB.B.Q. Available
Courtesy bus - friday, saturday & super sunday!www.belmontbowlo.com.au
CALL FOR INFO
4945 4724 ABOVE WOOLWORTHS
Schooners $3.909am - 12 noon EVERY DAY!
HAPPY HOUR
New exciting cateringinternational cuisine
New menu
OpenMonday lunchTueday-Sunday
lunch and dinner
THU Travelling Bowlers 4.30-5pm
Every $5 in raffl e tickets gets you promo tickets for your chance to win up to $300 cash!
6pm – $50 draw, $7:30pm – $100 draw, 8:30pm – $150 draw
Meat & Ladies raffl es 5-6.30pm
Belmont Swansea Soccer Club 7pm
SAT Travelling Bowlers raffl e 4.30-5pm
1 High St, Belmont NSW
FREE ADMISSIONWOBBLY BOOTSunday 18th Jan @ 3pm - 6pm
International Award-Winning Country Rock Band
JOHN DEERappearing at Belmont Bowlo
MONDAY 26TH 4PM
FREE ROOM HIRE2 function rooms available
FRI JAN 16BUST-A-THONG
WED JAN 14TRIVIAIS BACK 7.30PM
SAT JAN 17WHITEROOM
ENTE
RTA
INM
ENT
MON & THURS KEYRING JACKPOT DRAW
NOW AT $1950 IF NOT WON PRIOR PERMIT TPS/12/03104
SATURDAY
BIG WHEEL $2100IF NOT WON PRIOR PERMIT TPS/14/06742
TUESDAY & FRIDAY JOKER DRAW
NOW AT $5200IF NOT WON PRIOR PERMIT TPS/14/06743
ET’s BISTRO
SUNDAY ROAST ROAST BEEF/PORK BAKEY! 2 FOR $19.90
LUNCH SPECIALS MON TO FRI $9.90CHECK OUT OUR MOUTHWATERING SPECIALS!
TUESDAY NIGHT STEAK & OYSTERS ONLY $15.99
4958 1772 Main Rd, EDGEWORTHWWW.EDGEWORTHTAVERN.COM.AU WW14560
ASH MOUNTAINPLUS FINN
Sunday 25th Januaryfrom 2pm
LIVE ON THE BACK OFTHE BIG TRUCK
A DAY ON THE DECK
Thurs night
KIDS EAT FREEDownload your
DISCOUNT VOUCHERnow on our website
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫
With influences as wide-ranging as Living Colour, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Dave Matthews bubbling underneath the surface, you’d be pigeonholing Newcastle-based band The Jimmy Bazil Project at your peril.
These guys definitely have one foot well-and-truly planted in blues terri-tory, but that other foot moves freely and effortlessly across wide-ranging genres to create a sound that truly
defies categorisation. Couple that with some adventurous and accomplished playing and you have one musical force to be reckoned with.
The band have an EP under their belt -Tall Tales, Promises and Empty Words and plans are in the works for a full length Jimmy Bazil Project slab.
Catch the Jimmy Bazil Project at the Lass O’Gowrie on Saturday, January 17.
Given that much of 2014 has involved touring a lot of foreign roads, in support of his latest album Silence/Win, it’s no surprise that Merimbula-bred songwriter Kim Churchill can’t wait to get back on the Aussie highways and by-ways.
While touring on home soil is always an enticing prospect for Churchill, his increasingly lengthy overseas stints have been more than worth it.
The blues/roots/folkie recently signed
a worldwide publishing deal with Sony ATV as well as inking a deal in the UK with Atlantic Records and some bucket-list European festival slots including Glastonbury and Beautiful Days, to boot.
His third album Silence/Win is still going great guns around the traps, so you’d do well to get along to the Cambridge Hotel on Friday January 23 to see a songwriter at the top of his game.
South Australian songwriter Ben David (The Hard Aches) plays an uncon-ventional blend of punk, country and folk, drawing influences from the likes of artists such as Hank Williams, Billy Bragg, Frank Turner, Chuck Ragan and Johnny Cash.
Working closely with bands and artists
such as Spencer Pig, Isaac Graham, Dan Raw, The Secondhand Squad, Kat Williams, Shivers, Brianna Louise, Mara and Anna J, Ben David shares his strong DIY ethic with those with a mutual love for honest, storytelling rock ‘n’ roll.
Catch Ben David at the Hamilton Station Hotel on Saturday, January 17.
short cuts
Classify at your peril
Churchill for the win
Honest and heartfelt
BY STEPHEN BISSET
entertainment
3W
ed
ne
sd
ay
14 J
an
ua
ry
20
15th
e new
castle p
ost
Take a trip withthe green fairy
The last time the good folks at Spiegelworld pitched their opulent 700-seat Spiegeltent in Wheeler Place for their brilliant circus cabaret show
Empire, more than 14,000 Novocastrians were blown away with the cornucopia of high-camp comedy and jaw-dropping feats of human skill. In fact, across the 31-show Newcastle run, Empire gener-ated a mammoth $1.2 million at the box office, with the entire Aussie tour play-ing to more than 200,000 people.
After such phenomenal success, Spiegelworld are returning to Australia with their smash-hit Las Vegas show Absinthe and, as a thank you to Novocas-trians, they will be kicking off the tour in our fair city.
Melbourne-born theatrical impresario and Spiegelworld creator Ross Mollison (pictured), whose talents have also been lent to such productions as Tap Dogs and Puppetry of the Penis, told TE that it made sense to kick Absinthe off in Newcastle.
“We’re all really excited to be open-ing the Australian run of Absinthe in Newcastle,” he said.
“We had such phenomenal success there with Empire so we’re definitely looking forward to coming back. I’ve had great success in Newcastle going right back to the Tap Dogs days.”
Mollison, while remaining tight-lipped on the surprises that await those who enter the Spiegeltent, said the show was inspired by the absinthe-drenched cabarets of late 19th century Europe and was an “adult-themed cocktail of circus, burlesque and vaudeville”.
“What we can promise is an extremely funny show,” Mollison said.
“It’s hosted by Gazillionaire - he’s a bit of a big name in Vegas - and his side-kick Penny, and they introduce some of the most exceptionally talented performers from across the globe.”
If the denizens of the Empire stage - Ethiopian foot jugglers, death-defying roller skaters, gymnasts in giant bubbles, mesmerising “wheel masters” et al - are any indicator, Absinthe is sure to be one hell of a feast for the senses.
Aside from all of the on-stage cahoot-ery, Mollison said the venue - a 700-seat Spiegeltent (Dutch for mirror tent), decked out with bevelled mirrors, brocade and velvet upholstery, was as much a part of the experience as it’s cast of talented performers.
“There is a hell of a lot of work involved with getting everything set up - a hell of a lot,” Mollison laughed.
“It usually takes a couple of days but it really is an amazing feat of design
THEATRE
and architecture. The tent is around 26 meters across and the action takes place on a stage that is around three meters so it’s a really intimate show and audiences really get the chance to get up close and personal to the action - there’s not a bad seat in the house.”
Absinthe was the first production for Spiegelworld, starting life in the summer of 2006 underneath New York’s Brook-lyn Bridge, and has grown to become the toast of Las Vegas after opening at Caesar’s Palace in 2011.
While Mollison said that Vegas was initially a tough nut to crack, the fruits of his labour were well and truly paying off with the likes of James Franco, Olivia Newton-John, Neil Patrick Harris, Brad Garrett and Pamela Anderson getting along to see what all the fuss was about. Further, when you have critics from the Huffington Post saying, “if you only see one show your entire life, make it Absinthe,” it’s pretty much a given that you’re on the right track.
“The reception we’ve received in Vegas has been phenomenal,” Mollison said.
“Although the first year was really
tough, especially with the American economy not doing the best, thanks to a hell of a lot of hard work, we’ve managed to make it work.”
While Mollison said the famous faces in the crowd were always welcome, he said it was the reaction from friends and family that gave him the biggest buzz.
“I guess the biggest highlight for me would be just taking my family or friends who have come over to see it and to watch the expressions on their faces as it all unfolds,” he said.
“If there was one thing I’d want anyone to take away from Absinthe it’s that I want their expectations to be exceeded. Nothing sells better than happy punters.”
Absinthe by Spiegelworld will be on under the Spiegeltent at Wheeler Place from Tuesday, February 17 to Sunday, March 1.
TE is giving you the chance to win a double pass to see Absinthe. To enter, email your name and contact details to [email protected] with “Absinthe” in the subject line by no later than 5pm on Tuesday, January 27. Winners will be notified by phone.
STEPHEN BISSET
Audiencesreally get the chance to get up close and personal to the action - there’s not a bad seat in the house
entertainm
ent
We
dn
es
da
y 1
4 J
an
ua
ry
20
15
4th
e n
ewca
stle
po
st
McLeod’s off and running
When it comes to taking 2015 firmly by the scruff of the neck, there a few who have a tighter grip than Sarah
McLeod.“I literally just went on a massive run
with my dog and it’s 30-plus degrees here at the moment - and I don’t reckon I’ve gone for a run for at least 12 months but, I did so much eating and drinking over Christmas, I thought I owed it to myself to star the year doing something sensible,” she laughed.
“My enthusiasm will probably start to wane a bit over the next couple of weeks though.”
Aside from getting her “jog” on, McLeod is showing no signs of slowing down musically this year either, with the Superjesus frontwoman heading out on the road with Baby Animals drummer Mick Skelton for an intimate run of shows that will include a stop at Lizotte’s this week.
“I just love playing with Mick - it’s always a great time,” she said.
“This show is a kind of fly-by-the-seat-of-your pants kinda deal - sometimes it’s a duo thing sometimes a trio with our
STEPHEN BISSET
MUSIC
support act KJ jumping up for an all-in rhythm thing, but overall there’s going to be a bunch of Superjesus stuff, my solo stuff a whole lot of banter and more than a few surprises thrown in.”
The run represents a bit of a warm-up for both McLeod and Skelton whose respective bands will be hitting the road together for a metropolitan tour in May.
“Yeah I’m really looking forward to that one - although I’ve been playing with Mick for years so it will be kinda weird seeing him onstage and not being able to jump up with him.”
While she is best known for her effort-less swagger as frontwoman for legend-ary rockers the Superjesus, McLeod surprised everyone with two out-of-the-square EP releases last year - the nod to the classic pop sound of the 50s and 60s on 96% Love Song Book Part One and a Christmas EP called Xmas Jam and she said delving into other creative avenues was essential to staying on top of her game.
“I think it’s really important to write in as many styles as possible because I constantly need that creative outlet and, if I don’t have it, things get really frustrating.”
Catch Sarah McLeod and MickSkelton at Lizotte’s Lambton on Thurs-day, January 15.
SARAH MCLEODAND MICK SKELTON LIZOTTE’STHURSDAY, JANUARY 15
entertainment
5W
ed
ne
sd
ay
14 J
an
ua
ry
20
15th
e new
castle p
ost
7 MAWSON CLOSE CAVES BEACHwww.cavesbeachsidehotel.com.au 4980 9999
WW14653
Gig Guide
SEND YOUR FREE ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS FOR THE GUIDE TO: [email protected] phone 4032 8373
14-19.1.2015
5 SAWYERS: Friday, DJ Jonathan; Saturday, DJ Sean Michael; Sunday, DJ Tone.ABSOLUTE THAI: Saturday, Prestige Inc.ANNA BAY TAVERN: Saturday, Soul Station; Sunday, Graeme Mills.AVOCA BEACH BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Open Fire.BAR PETITE: Friday, Matt Purcell; Satur-day, Emmy Rose; Sunday, Little Black Book.BEACHCOMBER HOTEL: Friday DJs.BEAUFORD HOTEL: Saturday, Kirsty Larkin.BELLBIRD HOTEL: Friday, Code Red.BELMONT 16s: Wednesday, Chris Booth, Milton Ward; Friday, Midnight Drifters; Saturday, Snape Trilogy; Sunday, Klassic Blak.BELMONT BOWLING CLUB: Saturday, Wob-bly Boot.BELMONT HOTEL: Sunday,. Paul Storey.BELMORE HOTEL: Friday, Daley Holliday; Saturday, Dan Runchel and Friends.BERESFIELD BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Sun-days Record; Saturday, GenR8.BUDGEWOI SOCCER CLUB: Saturday, Lone Wolf; Sunday, Terry Mac.CAMBRIDGE HOTEL: Thursday, 360.CANTON BEACH SPORTS CLUB: Friday, Time Slip; Saturday, Summerland Kings.CARDIFF RSL: Friday, Wiskey Lane Duo; Saturday, Loko.CAVES BEACHSIDE HOTEL: Saturday, Aqwa Duo.CENTRAL CHARLESTOWN LEAGUES CLUB:
Friday, Dane Fitzsimmons; Saturday, Hayden Johns.CESSNOCK EX-SERVICES: Saturday, Outer-phase.CESSNOCK LEAGUES CLUB: Saturday, Kara-oke; Sunday, Kids’ Disco, Ruby the Clown.CHARLESTOWN BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Dr Zoom Duo.CLUB AZZURRI: Sunday, Latinova.CLUB LEMON TREE: Friday, Karaoke; Satur-day, {istol Pete; Sunday, Karen O’Shea.CLUB MAITLAND CITY: Sunday, Holly Wilson.COLLIERY INN: Friday, Karaoke; Saturday, Pete Sneddon; Sunday, Live Music.COMMERCIAL HOTEL, Boolaroo: Friday, Kelly Hope.CRICKETERS ARMS: Saturday, Greg Bryce.CRITEREON HOTEL, Carrington: Friday, Ty; Sunday, Ben Travis.CUSTOMS HOUSE: Wednesday, Jon T; Friday, Kylie Jane; Saturday, Perry Carter; Sunday, Howard Shearman.D’ALBORA MARINA: Friday, Brooke Harvey; Saturday, Mick Jones, Troy.DENMAN HOTEL: Friday, Jackson Halliday; Sunday, James Naldo.DUKE OF WELLINGTON: Friday, Iguana; Saturday, Nick Raschke Duo.EAST MAITLAND BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Solid Gold Party; Saturday, Total 80s Recall; Sunday, John Noble.EDGEWORTH SPORT AND REC: Sunday,
Rafael.EDGEWORTH TAVERN: Friday, Busta Thong; Saturday, White Room.ENTRANCE LEAGUES CLUB: Saturday, Rob-bie Urquhart DuoFAMILY HOTEL: Friday, Rob Cass and the Cosmic Cowboys.FINGAL BAY SPORT AND REC: Saturday, Gary Davidson.GATESHEAD TAVERN: Friday, Lennie and Carter.
GEORGE TAVERN: Friday, Darren; Saturday, Kim and Mik.GRAND HOTEL: Tuesday, Jazz.GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL: Tuesday, Open Mic.GRETA WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Talk of the Town..GUNYAH HOTEL: Friday,. Katrina Burgoyne; Saturday, Hurricane Party; Sunday, Jon Schatz.GWANDALAN BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Dr Love.HALEKULANI BOWLING CLUB: Saturday, Malihini’s Over 30s Nightspot.HAMILTON STATION HOTEL: Wednesday, Jen Buxton and the Slaughterhouse Five; Thursday, Madhouse DJs; Friday, Karaoke; Saturday, Karaoke, Ben David, Craig Co-burn; Sunday, Local Acoustic.HARRIGANS IRISH PUB: Saturday, GenX.HONEYSUCKLE HOTEL: Thursday, Kylie Jane.HOTEL DELANY: Wednesday, AdzDrumz; Fri-day, DJ Surian, Jon T, Incognito; Saturday,
Born on the same day as the legendary Tom Jones, Dave Navarro and Prince, local muso Matt Semmens was simply born to entertain.
He has been caressing the ears of Novocastrians for the past 15 years with his dynamic performances and virtuosic guitar ability. After topping the Hunter in his HSC, Matt headed straight to University and completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Newcastle Conservatorium. Whilst there he was given the opportunity to study with renowned teacher John Mills at the Welsh College of Music in Cardiff, Wales. Semmens is able to perform numerous musical styles including classical, flamenco, jazz, blues, rock and pop. He has performed with many groups and ensembles over the years including the Gosford Philharmonic String Ensemble, classical concerts, Catalina Jazz Band, Elephant Funk, local cover bands, Scoota Boi, Quaan, Spook, Dynamite, Transit, Freestar and currently performs in his band Funky Munky. Well suited for all events Matt’s comical person-ality will have your ribs hurtin’ and your booty shakin’.
Catch Matt Semmens at the Lamb-ton Park Hotel on Friday, January 16.
MATT SEMMENS LAMBTON PARK HOTEL FRIDAYJANUARY 16
Bornthis way
MARISSA LEEMARK HOTELSATURDAYJANUARY 17en
tertainm
ent
We
dn
es
da
y 1
4 J
an
ua
ry
20
15
6th
e n
ewca
stle
po
st
WW15202
ENTERTAINMENT MEMBERS‛CASH DRAW
Amount correct at time of publication
(If not won will increase by $100 each draw until won)
BERO BOWLO Anderson Drive, Beresfi eld Call: 4966 3361www.berobowlo.com.au
Information for members and their guests. Think! About your choices Call Gambling Help 1800 858 858 www.gambling help.nsw.gov.au
Drawn Tuesday 6.30pm, 7.30pm & 8.30pm
JACKPOT$7,500LTPS/14/01649
ALSO SWIPE YOUR MEMBERS’ CARD BETWEEN 5-6.30PM FOR YOUR CHANCE TO
WIN 1 OF 3 $100 CASH PRIZES
Buy $10 worth of tickets. Present this voucher and receive $20 worth of tickets FREE
Voucher redeemable at Beresfi eld Bowling Club. Tickets available 5.30pm. Drawn 6.45pm. Valid until 31/1/15. Club entry conditions apply.
FREE$20 RAFFLE TICKETS
MEAT RAFFLE VOUCHERTUE, FRI OR SUN NIGHT
MEMBERS‛ LUCKY NUMBER DRAW
Every Thursday Night 6pm & 7pm
20/1/15
22/1/15 LTPM/14/00023Jackpot $4,700
FRIDAY 16TH JAN from 8pm
SUNDAYS RECORDSATURDAY 17TH JAN from 8pm
GENR8SUNDAY 18TH JAN from 5.30pm RED DIRT COUNTRY BAND WITH SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST MICHELLE LITTLE
WW14497
Saturday, Garth Prentice Band.PIPPI’S AT THE POINT: Friday, Howard Shearman, Mike Horbacz Duo; Saturday, Phonic Duo; Sunday, Brooke Harvey. PLOUGH INN:Friday, Dean Dee.POTTERS BREWERY: Friday, The Andy Show.PRINCE OF WALES: Friday, Freetones Duo; Saturday, Lauren Arms; Sunday, Hurricane Party.QUEENS WHARF HOTEL: Friday, Dean Kyr-wood Duo; Saturday, Ben Woodham, Jon T; Sunday, HP Duo, AdzDrumz.RACECOURSE HOTEL: Saturday, Ben Travis; Sunday, Mick Jones.RAILWAY HOTEL, Cessnock: Saturday, Plas-tic Spurs; Sunday, Katrina Burgoyne.REGAL HOTEL, Kurri: Saturday, Spank N The Monkey.
RIVER ROYAL, Morpeth: Friday, Troy.ROYAL CROWN, Dudley: Saturday, Karaoke.ROYAL FEDERAL: Saturday, The Levy-men. ROYAL INN, Waratah: Saturday, Brooke Harvey.RUTHERFORD HOTEL: Saturday, Mardmax.SALAMANDER SHORES: Friday, Mick Jones.SEVEN SEAS: Friday, Neil Farmer; Saturday, Thread.SHAFT TAVERN: Saturday, Free Juke Box.SHOAL BAY RESORT: Friday, Graeme Mills, Marriah; Saturday, Full Throttle, Karen O’Shea; Sunday, Top Shelf.
SHORTLAND HOTEL: Friday, Damien.SOLDIERS POINT BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Cover 2 Cover; Saturday, Rebel Rousers.STAG AND HUNTER: Wednesday, Steve Smyth, Tim Wheatley; Friday, Rehab Brass Band; Saturday, Chuparosa.STOCKTON RSL: Saturday, At The Hop.STOCKTON CENTRE: Tuesday, Ryde Duo.SYDNEY JUNCTION HOTEL: Friday, The Hepburns; Saturday, The Cruisers.SWANSEA HOTEL: Saturday, Howard Shear-man.SWANSEA RSL: Saturday, Wet and Dry.SWANSEA WORKERS CLUB: Saturday, Talk of the Town.TEA GARDENS HOTEL: Friday, Kim.TELARAH BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Karaoke; Saturday, Juke Box.THE POURHOUSE, Maitland: Saturday, Graeme Mills.TILLIGERRY RSL CLUB: Friday, The Piranha Brothers; Saturday, Lennie Live.TORONTO DIGGERS: Friday, John Jay; Sat-urday, Clint and Jules.TORONTO ROYAL MOTOR YACHT CLUB: Sunday, Murray Byfield.TORONTO WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Kara-oke; Saturday, Dr Love.TOWN HALL HOTEL: Thursday, KaraokeVUES ON THE BAY: Friday, DJ Sabro; Satur-day, HP Duo.WALLARAH BAY REC CLUB: Friday, Brassick; Saturday, Soul Agent.WALLSEND DIGGERS CLUB: Saturday, Incognito.WANGI HOTEL: Sunday, Jackson Halliday.WANGI WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Karen O’Shea; Saturday, Emile.WARNERS AT THE BAY: Thursday, Tom Buckley; Friday, Flying Mare; Saturday, Funkapedia.WARNERS BAY PODIUM: Friday, Twinsanity.WESTS CARDIFF: Saturday, Ryde Duo.WESTS NEW LAMBTON PIANO LOUNGE: Wednesday, Peter Wall; Thursday, Anga-mus; Friday, Peter Wall; Saturday, Warren Hunter; Monday, Warren Hunter; Tuesday, Angamus.WESTS NEW LAMBTON MARBLE BAR:Friday, Mark Wells Duo; Saturday, Deuce.WEST WALLSEND WORKERS CLUB: Friday, Hey Poncho.WICKHAM PARK HOTEL: Wednesday, Wicko Jam Night; Friday, Detonators; Saturday, The Hot Yogis, Bad Luck Kitty; Sunday, Lianna, Keith Hall & Pat Dow Band.WINDSOR CASTLE HOTEL: Friday, Pete Hib-bert; Saturday, Daley Holliday.WYONG BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Red Sweat; Saturday, Open Fire.WYONG LEAGUES CLUB: Friday, The Phoe-nix; Saturday, Viagro.
Code Red.HOTEL JESMOND: Friday, Gabriel Emillia Duo; Saturday, Hey Poncho.HOTEL PREMIER: Saturday, Kylie Jane; Sunday, Cruisers.HOTEL TUDOR: Saturday, Michael Mills.JEWELLS TAVERN: Friday, Whisky Tango Foxtrot.KENT HOTEL: Friday, Gen X. KING STREET HOTEL: Friday, Jay Sounds, Natnoiz; Sunday, Any Given Sunday.KURRI BOWLING CLUB: Friday, Gian.LASS O’GOWRIE HOTEL: Wednesday, White Walkers, El Grande; Thursday, Creative Creatures Open Mic Night; Friday, Joey Equine and the Glue Factory; Saturday, The way Out; Sunday, The Wild Comforts, Kris Morris, Milli Casey.LIZOTTE’S NEWCASTLE: Wednesday, Lachlan Bryan, Jack Henderson, Sam York, Aleyce Simmonds; Thursday, Sarah McLeod & Mick Skelton; Friday, Steve Clisby; LONG JETTY HOTEL: Saturday, Jackson Hal-liday; Sunday, Open Mic With Casho.MARK HOTEL: Friday, Daniel Arvidson; Saturday, Marissa Lee; Sunday, Rebecca Johnson Band.MARY ELLEN: Friday, Janey’s Alibi Duo; Saturday, Phase III; Sunday, James Paul.MATTARA HOTEL: Friday, James Naldo; Saturday, Disco & karaoke.MAVERICKS ON THE BAY: Friday, Pistol Pete; Saturday, Matt McLaren; Sunday, Troy Kemp.MAYFIELD HOTEL: Wednesday, Open Mic.MEREWETHER SURF HOUSE: Sunday, Kylie Jane, Jerome.MJ FINNEGANS: Friday, DJs; Saturday, The Hepburns, DJs.MOONSHADOW CRUISES, Nelson bay: Wednesday, Matt McLaren; Friday/Satur-day, Zane Penn.NAGS HEAD: Saturday, 4 Letter Word.NELSN BAY BOWLING CLUB: Sunday, Karaoke.NELSON BAY DIGGERS THE LOUNGE: Wednesday, Daley Holliday; Thursday, Ga-briel Emilia Duo; Sunday, Pete GelzinnisNEWCASTLE DISTRIC TENNIS CLUB: Friday, Karaoke.NEWCASTLE CLUB: Friday, Jake Folbigg; Saturday, Pete Hibbert.NEWCASTLE PANTHERS: Friday, Stephen Boyd.NEWCASTLE UNITED SPOTS CLUB: Wednes-day, Karaoke; Friday, Karaoke.NORTHERN STAR HOTEL: Friday, Josh Callaway.NORTHUMBERLAND HOTEL: Friday, Mick Boogaard.OCEAN BEACH HOTEL: Friday, Matt Gaud-rey.OLD PUB, Woy Woy: Friday, The Flicks.ORANA HOTEL: Saturday, The V Dubs.PEDENS, Cessnock: Friday, Baby Legs Duo;
Fifteen years ago the name the Cruisers was synonymous with songs like Tutti Frutti and Livin’ Doll. Today they are known as a powerful outfit that delivers musical diversity like few others.
While their repertoire still encom-passes songs from the 50s, their passion for learning new material allows the band to constantly turn over songs from all eras and include current hits. Their catalogue extends to over 80 songs that can be played at a moment’s notice, which is impressive given their commit-ment to learning at least one new song each week. So, come along and see what all the fuss is about and enjoy timeless hits from the likes of the Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival and T-Rex, as well as current material from Bon Jovi, John Mayer and Keith Urban. All this and more, including the occasional AC/DC number to end the night with a bang. Catch the Cruisers at the Sydney Junction Hotel on Saturday, January 17.
THE CRUISERS SYDNEY JUNCTIONHOTEL SATURDAYJANUARY 17
Cruisin for a groovin
DANE FITZSIMMONSCENTRALCHARLESTOWN LEAGUESFRIDAYJANUARY 16
entertainment
7W
ed
ne
sd
ay
14 J
an
ua
ry
20
15th
e new
castle p
ostWW14559
Reeds By The Creek Restaurant Open 7 DaysPark St, Edgeworth
Phone: 49 581 994 Restaurant: 49 589 153We support responsible service of alcohol. Is gambling a problem for you? Freecall 1800 633 635
Courtesy bus available Wednesday
to Sunday
BUCKETS OF CRUISERS $25 • BUCKETS OF CORONAS $18
WW14559
18 January: RAFAEL 2.45-5.45pm
16 January: DAI PRITCHARD 8-11pm
Lazy Sunday Arvo - Live MusicFriday Night - Live Music
Men of constant sorrow
After spending much of 2014 hunkered down work-ing on their sophomore album Silver City Sorrow, Melbourne alt.country
outfit, The Wild Comforts are hitting the road in support of the rollicking album, with two Hunter shows this weekend.
“It’s great to be getting out on the road - the tour starts tonight so we’re really looking forward to kicking off - there’ll be heaps of driving but also heaps of fun,” bass player Kinch Kinski told TE.
If you aren’t au fait with the Comforts, these guys belt out a sound that is equal parts country, punk and blues while the musings of frontman Joshua Deeble recall the bar-room fragility of the likes of Willy Vlautin (Richmond Fontaine) or Townes Van Zandt.
Kinski said while the band had been bashing away for a while, trying to get a set together, it wasn’t until they met Deeble on a drunken night at a Melbourne venue in 2011 that the Wild Comforts were born. “We were a partial band trying to bash out songs and we were at the East Brunswick Club and we could hear this drunken singing coming from the next room and we asked the
STEPHEN BISSET
MUSIC
guy behind the bar who it was and he just said “oh, that’s Deeble”.
“We had no idea what he was talk-ing about so we went in and saw Josh drunkenly belting out these songs and the next thing we know he’s in our band and writing like 80 per cent of our stuff. It’s funny how things happen.”
For Silver City Sorrow, the band enlisted the services of country music legends Bill Chambers and Jeff McCormack to do all of the knob twiddling and Kinski said that their input was invaluable. The band even managed to get Bill’s daughter, the up and coming Kasey Chambers to lend her talents to the latest single Cosette.
“We actually met Bill at a gig and he said he was keen to work with us,” he said.
“So we went up to the Central Coast to the legendary Music Cellar with Bill and Jeff for the basic tracking and then we went to Bill’s studio to do all of the interesting overdubbing stuff. Having those guys on board made a massive difference - I mean Bill played, like six or seven instruments on the album. It was an awesome experience from start to finish.”
Catch the Wild Comforts at the Royal Oak Hotel, Cessnock on Saturday, Janu-ary 18 and the Lass O’Gowrie on Sunday, January 19.
entertainm
ent
We
dn
es
da
y 1
4 J
an
ua
ry
20
15
8th
e n
ewca
stle
po
st
WW14573
5 Tyrrell Street, Wallsend NSW 2287Phone: 4951 7000 www.wallsenddiggers.com.au
Served with . . .2 Eggs, Bacon, MushroomsGrilled Tomato, Hash Brown, Chipolatas & Toast
Other optionsalso available!
Available Sundays from 8am
PLUS TRY OUR DELICIOUS MENU ITEMS . . .• Pancakes• Eggs Benedict on
Sourdough• Bacon & Eggs
• Open-Faced Omelettes• Diggers Brekky Burger• Banana Bread Brekky• Breakfast Bruschetta
DIGGERS BIGBREAKFAST
$15*
DINE IN - FULLY LICENCEDTAKE-AWAY &
HOME DELIVERY
Restaurant
LUNCH: TUESDAY to FRIDAY
DINNER: TUESDAY
to SUNDAY
TAKEAWAY DEAL! 10% OFF (PICK-UP ONLY)
HENG LOONG
4951 5000 67 COWPER ST, WALLSEND(Formerly, the old Wallsend Library next to BWS & Henny Penny)
BOOK YOUR PARTY OR FUNCTION NOW
WW15128
WW15149
WW9899
OPEN 7 DAYS FOR LUNCH & DINNERPh 4951 6699 182 Newcastle Road, Jesmond (located in Hotel Jesmond)
$10 LUNCH SPECIALS Monday to Friday includes
schooner or beer or soft drink
10% DISCOUNT on pick-up takeaway orders
paid with cash
CHEF’S SPECIALS Peking Duck & Shan Dong chicken
YUM CHA AVAILABLE EVERYDAY
SUNDAYS YUM CHA TROLLEY
HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE
OPPhh 44951 6699 182 Newca
CAN’T DECIDE WHAT TO EAT?Just ask Hooi to create one of his
superb SURPRISE DISHES!
OPEN - TUES TO SUN for DINNER 5-9PM
GREAT SELECTION OF DISHESWAY 8.90LLLUUNNCCHH SSPPEECCCIAALLL
4952 3333
Hooi's RecipeIS AT KOTARA
WW9775
WW15195
If you are a fan of quality music, then, as the man in the hat once said, “do your-self a favour” and get along to the Stag
and Hunter tonight (Wednesday) to check out two of the best Aussie musos doing the rounds at the moment - Steve Smyth and Tim Wheatley.
Smyth’s latest album, Exits, dropped, with much fanfare, in September last year snagging feature album slots on Triple and Double J.
He had a bit of a rough trot while on tour in Sydney in October last year when an unpleasant incident left him with a broken jaw and having to reschedule the last leg of the Exits tour but, in a case of you can’t keep a good thing down, Smyth is hitting the ground running in 2015 with a mammoth run of dates that will take him through to Bluesfest in April.
Joining Smyth for this enticing double
MUSIC
Twice as nice
STEVE SMYTH& TIM WHEATLEYTHE STAGWEDNESDAY,JANUARY 14
header is Melbourne singer/songwriter Tim Wheatley. Since establishing his band Tim Wheatley and Crooked Saint he certainly hasn’t rested on his laurels.
In the last two years he has released two independent ‘Alt/Country’ EP’s and two singles to critical acclaim, toured the country three times over, supporting the likes of Tim Freedman, Sarah McLeod, the Black Sorrows, Ian Moss and the Angels. Following the completion of his debut album, Crooked Saint, Wheatley moved to Los Angeles and, teaming up with producer Niko Bolas (Neil Young, Warren Zevon, and Johnny Cash), they tailored the Crooked Saint EP featuring the single Burning The Midnight Oil, which is currently going great guns across America and Europe.
Catch Steve Smyth and Tim Wheatley at The Stag and Hunter Hotel on Wednesday, January 14.
STEPHEN BISSET
entertainment
9W
ed
ne
sd
ay
14 J
an
ua
ry
20
15th
e new
castle p
ost
WIL HOULCROFT - band bookingsmon-sat 9.30am to 3am sun 10.30am to midnight
• 4961 3852 •
Thursday January 15
•• MADHOUSE DJS ••FFFRROOMM 99PPMM IINN TTHHEE FFRROONNTT BBAARR
Sunday January 18
•••• OORRIIGGIINAL LOCAL ACOUSTIC MUSSIICC •••FFRROONNTT BBAARR 88PPMM
WHOO'S ON BEAUMONTFresh food made daily
Friday January 16
• LIVE IT UP KARAOKE ••FFFFRRROOMM 99..3300PPMM IINN TTHHEE FFRROONNTT BBAAARRR
Saturday January 17
• LIVE IT UP KARAOKE ••FFFFRRROOMM 99..3300PPMM IINN TTHHEE FFRROONNTT BBAARRR
•• BEN DAVID (SA)CRAIG COBURN (VIC) ••
FFFFFFRRRROOOMMM 99.3300PPMM IINN TTHHEE BBAACCKK RROOOOMM -- $$$1110000
Wednesday January 14
• JEN BUXTON AND THESLAUGHTER HOUSE 5 ••
FFFRROOMM 99PPMM IINN TTHHEE FFRROONNTT BBAARRR
MONDAY $15 SURF & TURF 250G SCOTCH TOPPED WITH GARLIC PRAWNS & CALAMARI
TUESDAY $12.50 PASTA NIGHT CHOICE OF 4 PASTAS ACCOMPANIED WITH GARLIC BREAD
THE
Hamilton Station Hotel
WW14561WW14571
FOR ALL THE LATEST ON ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
$15ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BUFFET
Thursday Night & Sunday lunchMONDAY $12 ROAST
TUESDAY $12 CHICKEN SCHNITZEL, VEAL SCHNITZEL
OR CRUMBED CUTLETS
WEDNESDAY $15 STEAKSCOTCH FILLET, VEAL RUMP
OR SIRLOIN
GREAT LUNCH SPECIALS FROM $8 MON - SAT
71
SATURDAY NIGHTENTERTAINMENT
17 January AT THE HOP24 January BLUE SUEDE ROCKERS31 January BE BOP A LULA
DONCASTERBISTRO
CHEF RAYMOND & HIS TEAM ARE COOKING UP DELICIOUS ASIAN AND AUSTRALIAN MEALS
7 DAYS – LUNCH & DINNER
Memorama Trivia every Friday night from 7.30pmVoucher & cash prizes, rolling Jackpot plus
Play for entry into the grand tournament for $5000Cnr Clyde & Douglas Street Stockton 4928 2333
WW14571
Walk a mile in Clisby’s shoes
While, he was perhaps best known for his unforgettably soulful turn on the 2013 series of The Voice it seems
veteran singer Steve Clisby is well and truly breaking out of the reality TV mould with his stunning album Leave Me Dreaming.
After packing houses around the country on the album launch tour last year, helped in no small part by the big, bold and brassy ear worm of a lead single, Walking These Streets, Clisby is back on the road with single number two and the album’s title track and he told TE he was over the moon with the way punters had warmed to the collection.
“It’s been great - I’ve been getting a hell of a lot of love from places that I least expected it.”
Clisby said things had taken off consider-ably since the album’s release, with the singer hooking up with New York based producer Chew Fu (who ha done remixes for the likes of Lady Gaga and Prince) for a string of remixes - a couple of which ended up on the soundtrack of the Simon Pegg film Kill Me Three Times.
MUSIC
Starting his career in the 1970s after relocating from the US to Holland, Clisby forged a two-decade career as part of the band American Gypsy who, with tours with the likes of Chaka Khan, Kool and the Gang, Tina Turner, Santana and Frank Zappa, cemented themselves as the Afri-can Americal soul voice in Europe. Oh he’s also jammed with Jimi Hendrix and writ-ten songs for the likes of Groove Armada and Neneh Cherry.
With a career peppered with highlighs such as working with Tina Turner (who personally complimented Clisby on his voice) and writing for Neneh Cherry an Groove Aramada, you’d think picking a highlight would be hard. However, when one of those highlights is jamming with Jimi Hendrix as a young up and comer, it becomes a bit of a no brainer.
“Yeah, jamming with Jimi was definitely up there,” he said.
“People ask me all the time what it was like and I’m like ‘what do you think? I was just a kid, it was terrifying. But I made the decision to just dive in and do it and now I can say that I’ve jammed with Jimi which is pretty cool.”
Catch Steve Clisby at Lizotte’s Lambton on Friday, January 16.
CLISBYLIZOTTE’S LAMBTON FRIDAY,JANUARY 16
STEPHEN BISSET
entertainm
ent
We
dn
es
da
y 1
4 J
an
ua
ry
20
15
10th
e n
ewca
stle
po
st
WW11172WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW11WW11WWWWWWWWWWWWWW 172172
WW15127
DIRTY DEEDSAC/DC SHOWFRIDAY 23RD JANUARY 8PM
Australia’s premier AC/DC show!
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKIKIIIIIKKKKKKIIIICCCCCCCKCKKCC OOOFFFFFYYYOOOUOUURR R AUUAUA STSTTS RRAAAR LLIIL AA A DDADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYY YYYLLOOONNNGGG WWWWEEEEKEKKKENENENENENENENENENENENDDD IINNN SSSTTYYYT LLEE!!
Tickets just $5 (Club Members)or $10 for Non-Members
ON SALE NOW AT CLUB RECEPTION
DON’T MISS OUT
GREAT ENTERTAINMENT at Toronto Workers Club
Visit www.torontoworkers.com.au for all the details
WW15127
WW14776
COURTESY BUS AVAILABLE THUR & FRI FROM 5PM
48 MORDUE PDE, JESMOND PH: 4955 8725
PIT STOP BRASSERIE EURASIAN CUISINE
LUNCH & DINNEREAT-IN OR TAKE-AWAY OPEN 6 DAYS • CLOSED MONDAYS
FREE WIFI
SCHNITTY MADNESSTUESDAY EVENINGS
Selected Stir Fries $8 WEDNESDAY ALL DAY
BUY ONE SCHNITTY GET 2ND HALF PRICEFISH, VEAL, CHICKEN All meals served with chips & salad
$10
$8 LUNCH SPECIALS
HAPPY HOUR
TUESDAY 4.30pm
THURSDAY 10.30am
FRIDAY 5.30pm
SATURDAY 11am
SUNDAY 5pm
$3.9O
SCHOONERS
$5 ENTRY - PRIZE MONEY
BAREFOOT BOWLSEVERY FRIDAY EVENING5-7.30PM ALL WELCOME
KARAOKEWITH DENNISEVERY THURSDAY • 6PM
TUCKED IN BEHIND STOCKLAND
“THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY CLUB”
BOWLING CLUB
HEATON BIRMINGHAM GARDENS
WW14776
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery: Black Harvest: Andy Devine and Peter Tilley until 1 Feb
Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery: Wildside, A Tribute to Uncle Jim Ridge-way, Animal Sanctuary until 1 Feb
Lock Up Cultural Centre: Inside | Outside until 1 Feb
Lovett Gallery: A Beginning: Newcas-tle Printmakers Workshop until 31 Jan
Maitland Regional Art Gallery: Art in Menindee: a remote outback town | Artwork by students of the Menindee Central School until 18 Jan; Jim Cooper: My family the album and their animals until 8 Feb; Christina Cordero: Alle-gories until 22 Feb; Remain in Light: Photography from the MCA Collection
until 1 Feb; Nadia Waters: Natural Beauty until 1 Feb; 2014 Brenda Clouten memorial Travelling Scholarship for a Young Achiever in Visual Arts until 22 Feb Archibald Prize 2014 Regional Tour until 22 Feb
Nanshe Studio gallery: Colour of Summer (image: Juggernut II Karen Bloomfield) until 7 Feb
Newcastle Art Gallery: Kilgor Prize 2014 & Beards, Mo’s and Bro’s until 25 Jan; LIKE US: Patricia Piccinini until 22 Feb
Timeless Textiles: Wine and Roses: Newcastle Creative Embroiders and Textile Artists until 18 Jan
All listed exhibitions are on now or starting week of 12 Jan
WHAT'S ONGalleries Guide
Karen Bloomfield - Juggernaut II - Nanshe Studio Gallery
entertainment
11W
ed
ne
sd
ay
14 J
an
ua
ry
20
15th
e new
castle p
ost
Mon - Burger + ChipsTue - Pasta + Bread
Wed - Steak + Chips + SaladThu - Chicken Snitty + Chips + Salad
Fri - Nachos Sat - Pizza
Sun - Roast Dinner
The Week Ahead for January
The Week Ahead for February
Sun 18 - TRUCK FIGHTERSWed 21 - DOWNSIDE
Fri 23 - PLATINUM PENSAT 31 JAN - MeWithOutYou
Wed Feb 15 - BREAKEVEN
New Chef & Menu / $10 Specials
WW15167
WW15203
EAT OUTTHIS WEEKEND T
he CBD Hotel in Hunter Street offers classic bistro fare that doesn’t skimp on the flavour. Couple this with the friendly and helpful waitstaff and
reasonable prices, and you have a dining destination to write home about.
We decided to start our CBD experience with that staple of pub grub starters - the sweet chilli and cheese bread and, what a way to start! Thick slices of foccacia were toasted just enough to form a thin, crisp crust while maintaining a gloriously fluffy centre, and the sticky, sweet topping demanded repeat bites.
With barely enough time to contemplate the starter, our mains arrived (no mean feat considering staff were also dealing with a thirtieth birthday party) and we were in no way disappointed.
In keeping with the pub grub classics theme, I opted for another bistro favourite - the salt and pepper squid, which was a delight from go to woah.
The healthy portion of perfectly cooked squid, sitting on a generous bed of crispy, golden brown chips, that was sweet and succulent with just the perfect amount of seasoning while the addition of a zesty garden salad rounded the dish off beauti-fully. An old favourite, but as they say in the classics “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Given CBD’s reputation for cooking a pretty mean steak, my dining partner opted for the filet mignon and it wasn’t long before we realised that reputation was very well founded.
A perfectly grilled medium rare scotch fillet was wrapped lovingly in crispy bacon. Such was the perfection of the cooking, the steak knife that accompanied the dish was completely redundant. The
The business of flavourSTEPHEN BISSET
addition of a rich and heady mushroom sauce really took the dish to the next level and the traditional style mashed potato and steamed vegetables tied everything together beautifully.
If you’re looking for a modern take on the classic pub bistro, then CBD should definitely be on your ‘to do” list.
CBD HOTEL471 HUNTER STREET, NEWCASTLEP: 4929 2274en
tertainm
ent
We
dn
es
da
y 1
4 J
an
ua
ry
20
15
12th
e n
ewca
stle
po
st
THE PARTY NEVER STOPS AT THE SHAFT W
W15182
CROUDACE ROAD - ELERMORE VALE - 4951 4666 www.shafttavern.com.au fi nd us on facebook
AC/DC TRIBUTE BANDAUSTRALIA DAY26TH JANUARY
It has been generating a lot of buzz in Hollywood in the lead up to awards season, but in the case of Norwegian director Morten Tyldum’s Alan Turing biopic, The Imitation Game, the hype is well deserved.
Based on the life of the renowned British mathematician and father of modern computer science, the Imitation Game docu-ments Turing’s struggles as he attempts to solve the biggest mystery of World War II, the Enigma Code.
But there’s more than puzzle solving going on here. Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch puts in a stellar performance in the lead role giving remarkable depth to a truly fascinating character.
Keira Knightly is also impressive as Turing’s stoic colleague Joan Clarke. Both have already received Golden Globes nods and will surely each score an Oscar nom when they’re announced later this week. For me, this one is a must-see - strong performances, beautifully shot, a captivating story of an intriguing man.
While never living up to the unabashed hilarity of the original there are still plenty of guffaw-worthy moments in this, the latest adventure from the world’s most favourite buffoons Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels).
20 years after their first adventure, Harry discovers that he has a daughter and his ever faithful friend Lloyd insists that the pair travel cross-country to track her down - also owing to the fact he developed a bit of a crush on Harry’s daughter after seeing a photo of her.
As is the case with this pair, their stupidity quickly comes to the fore and very little goes according to plan.
Much of the success of the original was the chemistry between the two leads - something which just doesn’t exist this time around. Also, while many of their pratfalls in the first flick were born out of a good-natured naivety , this time around there is an undercurrent of meanness which tends to sully proceedings a tad.
The Imitation Game [Rated M] Reviewed at Tower Cinemas, Newcastle by Amelia Parrot
Dumb and Dumber To [Rated M] Reviewed at Event Cinemas, Glendale by Stephen Bisset
4/5
2 . 5/5
REVIEW
The Growlers/Sea Legs/The Dandelion/Republic Cucumber MagazineThe Small Ballroom, Thursday, January 8 by Stephen Bisset
While this bill, chock a block full of indie rock lovliness wasn’t overflowing with people (hey, it was school night after all) you wouldn’t know it by the performances all bands put in. Local electro-popsters Republic Cucumber Magazine, kicked off proceedings with a dynamic and ethereal synth based sound that reminded this reviewer in parts of a less trip-hoppy Portishead. Seriously, these guys have the goods - well worth checking out.
The Dandelion, from Sydney, were up next and they mixed things up consid-erably with a snakey, soulful set chock full of 60s janglers that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Russ Meyer flick or the Nuggets compilation. This could be described as psych, but definitely not in the Tame Impala vein - think the likes of Strawberry Alarm Clock or even the great Ennio Morricone on some of their more cinematic outings.
With the crowd slowly building, the Central Coast’s Sea Legs took to the stage and these guys won the crowd over with their convivial “Coastie” charm and a crop of truly catchy 80s inspired pop. These guys have been doing their fair share of touring of late, and it showed tonight. Whip smart pop, tighter than a tourniquet and delivered with a headliner’s confidence.
Given their PR cahootery was awash with tales of frontman Brooks Neilsen’s
stage antics and the band’s general sense of live craziness, I was quite look-ing forward to checking out Californian “beach goths” The Growlers.
However, probably owing to the fact that it was a school night, it was quite a subdued Growlers that took to the Small Ballroom stage. That said, with the antics dialled down a tad, the songs were really allowed to shine and, play-ing a set consisting largely of their latest and most accessible album Chinese Fountain, shine they did. While expect-ing a bit of a lo-fi Thee Oh Cees vibe, I was met with a kind of cross between the Strokes when they were good and the Arctic Monkeys filtered through a kind of Californian slacker lens. If you haven’t checked out the Growlers yet, get on it.
entertainment
13W
ed
ne
sd
ay
14 J
an
ua
ry
20
15th
e new
castle p
ost
Information for members & their guests. Is Gambling a problem for you? Call G-Line (NSW) is a confi dential, anonymous and free counselling service FREE CALL 1800 633 635
1 PIRIWAL ST, PELICAN PH: 4971 2165www.pelicanrsl.com.au
“small enough to care, large enough to entertain”
JEFF LAW’S CHINESE RESTAURANT
Open Tuesday - Sunday for Lunch & Dinner
Come experience Jeff’s cuisinethat has kept people coming back to
Pelican for over 19 years.MEMBERSHIP DRAWTUESDAY PAY-DAY $650
THURSDAY FAST CASH $2500Draws every 15 minutes from 6.30pm LTPM/14/00346
This week’s jackpot with three draws from 6pm. Plus $100 must be won at 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm
LTPS/14/02925 & LTPM/14/00376
WW15148
Sat 17 Jan: TBA (Ty, Braden & Andrew) from 7.30pmTues 3 Feb: Carter Edwards from 1pm Tickets now on sale for just $10
ENTERTAINMENT
AUSTRALIA DAY Variety Raffl e
25 prizes (total value over $2800) to be won including
a kayak, iPad Mini, BBQ, Victa mower, personal &
household items. Tickets on sale 2pm and drawn
3pm. Tickets 5 numbers = $1 or buy $10 get $30 tix FREE!!!