HOPES, DREAMS AND MEMORIES-Canberra Mandolin Orchestra CD launch
Canberra Mandolin Orchestra has recorded its first CD, with some tracks featuring our Worldly Goods Choir, with John as arranger. The CD will be launched in a gala concert with orchestra, choir, soloists (Moya Simpson and Theodori Volti). The theme of the CD is the music from a variety of cultures brought to Australia in the post-war years. Saturday 19th June, 2-4 pm, Hughes Baptist Church, 34 Groom St, Hughes. $20/$15 concession. Tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au and at the door.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE- with special guest Keith Potger
In 2017, Shortis and Simpson performed Under the Influence, based on their musical influences. Now they are taking it to another dimension as they launch a series of shows in which they present renowned guests, and lead them through their influences.
First in the series features Keith Potger, singer/ songwriter/ guitarist/ arranger in The Seekers, but what was the musical journey that took him to those heights and sustains his career to this day? Who were the singers, the groups, the songwriters, the musical heroes? What were the seminal moments, the songs, and the places that have inspired him in his remarkable musical adventure?
Shortis and Simpson have been asking Keith these questions and with him have come up with a unique pastiche of story and song, comedy and poignancy, that takes us from Ceylon to Melbourne, to London, to world acclaim, and now Braidwood. From a Sinhalese song, to hymns, country and western, rock ‘n’ roll, doo wop, and more, it doesn’t take long to work out that the key musical element that has led his adventure is harmony. So, getting much more than honourable mentions will be the likes of the Everly Brothers, the Four Lads, the Weavers, The Springfields, along with writers such as Gerry Goffin and Carole King, with instrumental inspiration coming from the likes of Pete Seeger, and Buddy Holly.
As John and Moya lead Keith through these tales and landmarks, they’ll be joining in with vocals, guitar and keyboard, and when their influences overlap with his, they’ll chime in with songs and stories of their own. And of course there will be the odd Seekers’ hit or two, and some amazing rare archival recordings.
Funny, surprising, touching, full of stunning musical moments, this is one not to be missed. You’ve heard the Seeker, now visit the world that made him in Under the Influence. And with a title like that, no wonder it’s being launched at a winery!
Sat Aug 7, 6.30pm/ Sun Aug 8, 6pm. Contentious Character Winery, 810 Norton Road, Wamboin. 3 course meal and show $130. Bookings www.contentiouscharacter.com.au/Events or 6238 3830