Don't forget to follow me on your favourite social media platform:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud, Bandcamp
13 August 2023
Dear Supporters,
I am so rapt to announce that my song 'Manus' has won a Bronze Medal in the Global Music Awards.
The song follows the plight of an asylum seeker fleeing their homeland to save their life, hoping to find somewhere safe to live, but only to end up in the brutal and inhumane Manus detention centre.
I am beyond happy to have my songwriting acknowledged by this international award (songwriting about social justice and environmental issues is a really hard slog).
But I am even happier that recognition of this song might lead to greater awareness of how Australia has treated, and continues to treat, people fleeing persecution. And that that greater awareness might lead to better outcomes for these courageous people.
Still today asylum seekers are dehumanised and demonised. Still today asylum seekers are locked up in detention centres and hotel jail cells, and kept under inhumane conditions.
So, I take this opportunity to remind you, please, please be careful who you vote for; your vote is powerful, it gives you a say in everything. If enough of us had voted for parties/independents that vowed to shut down Manus and Nauru then we could have prevented the deaths and unspeakable trauma suffered by asylum seekers in our names.
If you generally vote for the majors (i.e., ALP, LNP) I would ask you to maybe reconsider. It was ALP/LNP policies that created and maintained the Manus detention centre - a centre that the UN identified in 2015 as 'contravening the UN Convention on Torture'. And today, it is ALP/LNP policies that continue to keep asylum seekers locked up like prisoners and treated like criminals.
Nothing makes politicians sit up and listen quicker than a drop in votes!
Thank you to my supporters who help provide me with the strength to continue to write about social justice issues in our country. Let’s fight for justice together.
Here are links to ‘Manus’ on Soundcloud, Youtube and Bandcamp (includes lyrics).
x Peter
2 May 2023
Two great gigs coming up.
The first one is this Saturday 6th May, at 11.30am, as part of the fabulous Climate Carnival in Brunswick East (Mycelium Stdios). Here's the Facebook event link for my gig: https://www.facebook.com/events/273532068359968
And here's the FB event link for the weekend carnival: https://www.facebook.com/events/225823359907760
The second gig is at the funky pizza bar, Compass, on June 13th at 7pm.
Join me for awesome pizza and drinks at this great music bar.
Free entry.
Here's the FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1443482893056017
27 February 2023
Excited to be playing this gig at a fabulous cozy bar in Melbourne on Saturday 4th March.
Sit comfortably, enjoy craft beer, wine and pizza while watching the show.
Free entry.
Very happy to be joined by the talented Michael Holloway on bass for this gig.
Facebook event link here.
Hope to see you there!
1 February 2023
Very happy to be playing at these two great Melbourne music venues. Hope you can make it.
26 Jan 2023
Very excited about upcoming gigs and performances. I hope you can come to one or more.
- Battle of the Songwriters. Sat 28 Jan, 11.30am, Melbourne Cable Park, 5 Riverend Road Bangholme, VIC, Australia 3175.
- Songs of Passion, Protest and the Planet, with me, Cate Taylor and Phil Hudson. Tue 31st Jan, Bar 303, Northcote 7pm. FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2102706369914729
- March 4th, 8pm, Compass Pizza, Brunswick. FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/691513515770838
- Sunday March 26th, 3pm at the North Fitzroy Hotel. FB Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/540158687631649/
20 May 2022
Hi followers, I am playing a free gig on an outdoor stage in Carlisle St (Balaclava) as part of City of Port Phillip music program.
Come and say hello!
I am playing 4pm-6pm.
The stage is at 163 Carlisle St (outside Priceline, of course!).
Links:
https://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/explore-the-city/shopping-and-retail/st-kilda-east-and-balaclava/autumn-on-carlisle-street
https://www.facebook.com/events/367035802070482/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22home%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22create_dialog%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
14 May 2022
UPCOMING GIG!
Very pleased to announce I will be playing my first full show since 2 years' of lockdown at 5pm, Sunday 29th May, at the wonderful Thornbury Local, 635 High St., Thornbury. Free Entry. I would love to see you there!
30 April 2022
Final show of the Kingston Singer-Songwriter Concert Series. Jamming with Duxie Franklin and Seb Ashton.
23 April 2022
Kingston Singer-Songwriter Concert Series. Jamming with Mal Webb, Kylie Morrigan and Carly Wilding.
16 April 2022
Kingston Singer-Songwriter Concert Series. Jamming with Steven Reihnardt and Kris Macgill.
9 April 2022
Kingston Singer-Songwriter Concert Series. Jamming with Josephine Emery and Pete Pascoe.
2 April 2022
Kingston Singer-Songwriter Concert Series. Jamming with BeNice and Brendon McMahon.
26 March 2022
Finally back live gigging after COVID. I hosted and performed in the 7-week Kingston Singer-Songwriter Concert Series. Here are pics from week 1. Jamming with Benny Allen.
21 August 2021
I am playing at the brilliant online festival, The Tall Trees Festival.
Lots of amazing acts and speakers.
Raising money to save our precious Central Highlands trees from logging.
Festival running from 12noon-6pm.
Tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/tall-trees-festival-2021?fbclid=IwAR36kNx30naLYaaiK5H4W9jEF0digGZWNQAuixYLVKG4BihiWHb9mmD3hFE
6 August 2021
Dear followers, I am playing at this fund-raiser to help save the takayne (aka Tarkine) forest in Tassie.
7.30pm Friday, Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High St.
So many fabulous musos and dancers will perform, including Anne Norman, Aurora Lumina, Faraway Trio, Ria Soemardjo, Peter Neville, Paol Grage, Tony Yap, Adam Forbes & Lynne Santos.
Join us in Northcote for an evening of musical and dance performance in support of the campaign to protect the Tarkine rainforest.
More details here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/takayna-melbourne-performance-collective-big-gig-for-takayna-tickets-164453844877?fbclid=IwAR2RbJRADxRaQKDlHUbaACJABjt_cKluIuZ43Fpi3obnTlohJVh-OczQT48
1 April 2021
Excited to to be playing tomorrow at 2pm at thge WOTCH Forest Fundraiser in St Andrews. Come and support this group do their forest-saving work.
12 March 2021
Gig Announcement #1: Very happy to be playing a set at the Extinction Rebellion Autumn Resistance in Carlton Gardens; my gig is Thursday 25th March, 7.30-8.15pm.
Gig Announcement #2: Also very happy to be playing at the Bedford Park Sustainability Fair (Ringwood), 10.30am Sunday 28th March.
12 March 2021
Played my first live venue gig in over a year last night. So lovely to be performing again!
26 February 2021
Playing a second gig tonight. Online for Extinction Rebellion - Rise Up Singing (Songs of Resistance. Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/petervadiveloomusic/photos/a.1823886907826657/2867714793443858/.
26 February 2021
Playing tonight at the 10th Pedal-Powered Cinema; Melbourne Girls' College, Yarra Boulevard, Richmond.
17 December 2020
Free Online Concert.
12 August 2020
Two online gigs coming up.
23rd Aug, 2.53pm (yes, that really is the start time!), Tall Trees Festival. Raising money to save our trees!
5th September, 7pm. Sounds On The Couch, online concert series. Free.
Check my gig guide above or Gigs page for details.
24 July 2020
Happy to announce I will be playing at the Sanctuary Sounds Festival in Takapau, New Zealand, Dec 4, 5, 6, 2020.
30 June 2020
Don't forget to follow me on your favourite social media platform:
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Soundcloud, Bandcamp
28 June 2020
I'll be playing at the Mitcheldean Festival in the UK via live stream, 18th July 2020, at 9pm Australian Eastern Standard time (12 noon UK time).
Hit this link to go to their website.
25 June 2020
Dear Followers, I am now on Bandcamp. It would be awesome if you would click here to Follow me.
Bandcamp allows you to stream and purchase my songs.
Bandcamp is different from most other streaming services because it takes less commission from artists compared to other services, and often donates its to commission to worthy social causes like 'Me Too' and 'Black Lives Matter'. So it would be great if you would support them by using their service ahead of others.
Click here to Follow me (Following is really important in social media algorithms, so your support would be most appreciated!).
15 June 2020
My song 'Modern World' can now be streamed and purchased on all major online music services.
8 June 2020
Performed a video set from home for the Chester Live Festival in the UK. Checkout their website for release details: http://chesterlive.co.uk/
20 March 2020
Dear friends and followers, like most performers around the world, all of my gigs in the near future have been cancelled due to the caronavirus COVID19.
Please check with the relevant festivals/venues to see if they are going ahead before attending.
Look after yourselves in these challenging times. And also be patient with others as there are a lot of people feeling very anxious and stressed at this time.
You can still support artists by buying their work online. This would be a wonderful thing to do since nearly all artists have lost their live performance income stream virtually overnight yet they still need to buy food!
Hugs (of a virtual kind!).
4 March 2020
Booked to play at the great live music venue, The Royal Oak Hotel, Fitzroy, on 30th April. Come.
1 March 2020
Will be playing at The Basin Music Festival, 21-22 March. Come.
25 February 2020
Booked to play at Mitcheldean Festival in the UK on 18th July. Rapt!
11 February 2020
Just did an i-phone video of my new song, Big Picture. It's about climate change. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwQR-EYpRpM
31 January 2020
I recently played at the Gulgong Folk Festival (great little festival, check it out!). I asked the Director, Di Clifford, if she might write a short review of my act. I am very chuffed at her words.....
"Entertainers can be very special people, with the ability to trap an audience into listening, thinking, considering a fresh idea or concept and possibly forming a new perspective.
Peter Vadiveloo is one such performer.
If you are lucky enough to be an audience member you may become a changed individual.
Environmental, social issues and other important topics are the order of the day in Peter Vadiveloo's music. Always relevant and entertaining, never frivolous or dull. Compelling entertainment, indeed!"
Di Clifford
Director, Gulgong Folk Festival 2019
3 January 2020
Had a great time playing at the Gulgong Folk Festival. It is a wonderful small festival in rural NSW run by terrific people. This year one theme was social justice and they booked three such singer-songwriters - me, Luke Robinson and Stu Tyrrell. I recommend you go next year ! Much thanks to Di Clifford and friends who organise the festival. Here are some pics.
1 November 2019
Just published a new mix and video of my song 'Don't Look Away'. Check it out on the Videos page.
29 October 2019
Upcoming gigs:
Surrey Hills Music Festival, 15 November (check Gigs page for details)
Gulgong Folk Festival, NSW. 29-31 Dec. (check Gigs page for details)
28 October 2019
Just finished writing a new song. It's called 'Big Picture'. It's about climate change. Looking forward to performing it soon!
18 October 2019
Playing tonight at Lentil As Anything - Thornbury. Come!
29 September 2019
Played at Montes in Alice Springs.
27 September 2019
Played live on ABC Radio Alice Springs. Thanks to Nadine for a great interview!
13 September 2019
Lovely gig at the lovely Feedback Cafe in Yarraville. Great vibe, great people, great food, great coffee - go!
11 September 2019
Played a lovely set and interviewed on radio 3MDR. Thanks to Tony Bates (presenter of 'Uncut and Unsigned') for being such a great host and supporter of my music.
9 September 2019
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Come and join me this Friday night (13 Sep) at Feedback Cafe in Yarraville.
It's a great little cafe with great food. Click HERE for more details. |
8 September 2019
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This Wednesday 11 Sep from 11.30am-12.30pm I am looking forward to playing and being interviewed on the 'Uncut and Unsigned' radio show on 3MDR 97.1 FM. Tune in! |
5 September 2019
Playing tonight at Lentil As Anything - Abbottsford. Come!
2 September 2019
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Don't forget, this Thursday 6pm, Lentil As Anything, Abbotsford.
Click the pic for more details (or check out the Gigs page).
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1 September 2019
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Happy news! Two of my songs have been short-listed in the 2019 Australian Songwriting Contest. More details to follow. |
1 August 2019
Two gigs coming up in September at two wonderful venues.
Thursday 5th September at Lentil As Anything in Abbotsford, 6-8pm. This is a great venue with wonderful food.
Friday 13th September at Feedback Cafe in Yarraville. Another great venue but smaller and more intimate - and again great food.
Free entry at both gigs.
Hope to see you there at one or both!
28 July 2019
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My latest song 'Fight for the Trees' got played on 3RRR today - very happy about that! |
30 June 2019
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Played at Newport Folk Festival today. Brilliant little urban folk festival. Some outstanding acts. Thanks to Michael and the gang for having me!! |
29 April 2019
Had a ball playing for the last few days at the remote St. Albans Folk Festival in NSW. Amazing bush setting right near Hawkesbury river.
8 February 2019
I am playing a gig at Open Studio with the wonder soul-blues artist, Yolanda Ingley II on Monday 25th March, 8-10pm. Hope you can make it!
6 February 2019
Got word today I have been accepted to perform at the Newport Folk Festival in Melbourne on Sunday 30th June, 1pm. Rapt. Come to this great little urban folk festival.
2 February 2019
Come and join myself and the intriguing artist Anactoria for a night of captivating original music at Bar 303 in Northcote this Saturday night (9th March).
Check my Gigs page, or click here for more details.
Join us on a night of captivating original music.
Peter Vadiveloo writes songs ranging from the whimsical to the humourous and to the political. Peter sings, plays guitar, percussion and looper pedal. His music energetically bounces between many genres including blues, folk, funk and world music.
Armed with an arsenal of arresting effects, Anactoria takes the harp way beyond it’s traditional sound and into the richly layered territory of her alternative-folk / art-pop compositions. Her vocal performance is defined by a distinctive sense of melody and timing, where nothing is held back in the full-hearted exploration of this subtly strange state of humanness.
www.anactoria.com
29 January 2019
Happy New Year!
I played at the Illawarra Folk Festival last weekend. The gigs went very well - lots of positive feedback. Saw some wonderful acts there includeing On The Stoop, Kate Pass and party band Swing Booty. I recommend you check them out when you get the chance.
Next major gigs are at St. Albans Folk Festival (NSW) 25-28 April. There will be gigs before then and I'll keep you updated here.
Meantime, here are some great pics from Illawarra by Belinda Haydon.
News update 15 October 2018
Very happy to be booked for the Illawarra Folk Festival, Jan 17-20, Wollongong.
Lots of great acts will be there. One of the best smaller music festivals in Australia. Come!
17 September 2018
Hi followers. Happy to announce some upcoming gigs. Would love to see you at one or more! See the website gig guide for more details.
- 6th October, Farouk's Olive. 8-11pm.
- 17th October. CERES Organic Market. 10.30am-12.30pm.
- 2-5th November. Maldon Folk Festival.
- 8th December. South Kingsville Community Centre.
24 August 2018
Had a wonderful gig at the Feedback Cafe last Friday night. First gig with an electric guitar - my telecaster - very excited to have played it.
Thanks to Belinda Haydon for musical accompanyment and for photos. Thanks to Carla and Anna for looking after us. Big thanks to the audience that came and appreciated.
23 August 2018
28 June 2018
Come and join me for a couple of sets at the groovy Feedback Cafe in Yarraville on Friday 24th August.
25 June 2018
Rapt to be playing at this year's Maldon Folk Festival in November.
15 June 2018
Very happy to be asked to play at the Greens Fundraiser on 27th July in Melbourne. Watch this space for details.
12 May 2018
Just posted a new video on YouTube - a live version of my song "King of Ordinary Things". Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iQXN2SRzww&t=168s
5 May 2018
Had a wonderful time at the Sacred Edge Festival in Queenscliff - some fascinating artists and people there. Loved 'The Mission Songs Project'. My gig and workshops went well too.
21-22 and 28-29 April 2018
Performing in CutOpera's latest production of 'La Beatles Boheme'. Thanks to Phil Thomson Photography for the great pics!
29 March 2018
Singing and drumming with Jugularity at the National Folk Festival.
3 February 2018
Lovely street gig at Grampians Music Festival
31 January 2018
Rapt to have played at Lomond Acoustica where some of the greats of our acoustic music scene have strutted their stuff. Many thanks to Rod Claringbould for having me, and Ray Moon for the sound. Great pics by Binni, as usual!
27 January 2018
Drummed and sang a bit in Cut Opera's production of Carmen at the Spiegeltent in Barwon Heads - fun! (Pics by Phil Thomson Photography).
31 January 2018
First post for 2018 - Happy New Year!
Tonight I am playing at Lomond Acoustica at the Lomond Hotel (East Brunswick), 9.50pm.
Other great acts on before me. Hope to see you there! Click on the pic below for more details.
14 December 2017
Hello all, and Merry Christmas!
I played a very eventful gig at at the Ringwood FC on Tues 12th Dec.
Maree and the other organisers warmly greeted me on arrival, there was a full house, and all seemed keen. Who knew what was about to happen......
First song, the jaunty ditty 'Indecisive'. It went down a treat; 150 people singing along - awesome!
I then mentioned to the audience I would be mixing up the repertoire between serious and light songs.
Second song, 'Modern World', a reflection on our invasion of Australia and the effects on the First Nation's people. Some murmurings from the crowd.
Third song, 'Let's Fall in Love', a loooove song to my gorgeous Binni. Again, some lovely sing-along from the crowd.
Fourth song, 'Manus', about asylum seekers. During the introductory spiel, there was more murmuring and some people started leaving. I half-jokingly asked "was it something I said?". "Yes", they replied, "too political". What????!!!!! I was shocked; shaken that some people were walking out, and also that some people think singing songs about the plight of First Nation's people and refugees is "too political" - in a folk club no less!!!
In total, about 15 people left. A number of people did yell out in support of me, but I could feel the whole mood of the night had shifted. One person yelled out in support of Peter Dutton.
I finished the set quite shaken, and thus a little loose at times.
Speaking to people later, some of the organisers and regulars were very, very supportive of my set, others were clearly annoyed.
One person took the time and effort to email me the next day to tell me how my material was 'not appropriate' for that concert. Who would have thought an audience at a folk club would think it 'inappropriate' for an artist to sing about social justice?
Reflecting later, obviously those who walked out did so not because it was 'too political' but because they didn't like hearing what I was saying, despite it being the truth.
Many great comments later, like, "they were probably the 'No' voters", "Brown man sings about aboriginal people and refugees, old white folk walk out", "You challenged people and made them think, they didn't like that! Good on you", and "I would vote for you"!!!
Some people bought CDs specifically because they had the song 'Manus' on it.
Anyway, still a bit shaken and still processing things. However, now thinking that I will do what I do because I believe in it, and I will not let ignorant, arrogant and rude people shut me down.
Thanks for reading if you got this far!!!
Love, Peter
(Great pics by Belinda Haydon).
29 Sept 2017
Uranquinty Folk Festival, N.S.W.
Lovely little festival.
15 September 2017
Another enjoyable gig at Farouk's Olive (Thornbury).
11 September 2017
Lovely gig at CERES yesterday. Thanks to Alex Keusch for joining me with some gorgeous fiddle weaving! Thanks to Binni for the pics. x
3 September 2017
Sensational gig at the equally sensational Caravan Club (Annexe Arts). Thanks so much to Steve Carr and the gang and the wonderful audience for such an enjoyable and enriching gig. Big thanks as always to Binni Haydon for the fab pics! x
27 August 2017
Lovely gig at the ever-friendly and warm Open Studio in Northcote, supported by the wonderful Suzette Herft.
21 August 2017
The OXJAM gig went wonderfully. A lovely group of people to play to. Thanks to all for a great night!
16 August 2017
The OXJAM gig this Saturday has sold out; over $300 raised for OXFAM. Thank you!
1 August 2017
Just got word I have been accepted into the Uranquinty Folk Festival - come and join me in late Sept!
9 July 2017
Another fab gig at the best little bar-venue in town, Farouk's Olive in Thornbury.
9 June 2017
Played at Smith's Alternative in Canberra. I LOVE THIS PLACE. Just a great vibe. Fantastic decor - folk hip. Wonderful people, wonderful stage and sound system. Big thanks to Marisol for organising the gig!
7 May 2017
Darwin mini-tour: Last stop. Darwin Railway Club (more great pics from Binni Haydon).
6 May 2017
Darwin mini-tour: Third stop. The Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival. Wonderful community festival. Played on the foreshore to another beautiful sunset! (Great pics as usual by Binni Haydon!).
5 May 2017
Darwin mini-tour: Second stop. After playing for 3 hours at the Ski Club (and setting up and pulling down their PA, as you do!), I went straight to Happy Yess to do a set there. What a wonderful venue! In addition to it looking and feeling great (bit arty and alternative, but friendly) it is run by lovely people, and the sound guy Finn made it a beautiful experience to play there - I didn't want to stop!
5 May 2017
My mini-tour of Darwin.
First stop, the Darwin Ski Club. Was surprised upon arrival to be informed that it was my job to set up their PA from scratch, including lugging all speakers and desk and cables etc from storage area to stage! They did not have a 'sound person'! Of course it took nearly an hour for me to set up an unknown system in an unknown space. Management then later made a comment that I started my set late (you are kidding, no?!). Well, people did warn me things operated differently in the NT! Anyway, I eventually I enjoyed playing a nice long 3-hour (sun)set. (Pics by the wonderful Binni Haydon).
22 April 2017
Accepted into Darwin Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival on Saturday 6th May. Very happy!
https://www.facebook.com/NightcliffSeabreezeFestival/?pnref=story
Will add dates around it at the Darwin Ski Club (Fri 5th), Happy Yess (Fri 5th) and Railway Club Hotel (Sun 7th) - a wonderfully busy 3 days coming up!
21 April 2017
Did a lovely gig at Platform 3 in Carnegie.
20 April 2017
Went to the National Folk Festival in Canberra over Easter. Did my Percussion Experience thing with Binni.
Also drummed in the 'All-Star' folk band that performed their version of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.
Also did a number of singer/songwriter slots at the Off-Broadway venues.
5 April 2017
I am playing at CERES on Wednesday 5 April, 10.15am-12.15pm. Come down and check out some groovy loopy stuff, and buy excellent organic produce!
26 March
Had a ball at my gig at Farouk's Olive - thanks to all who came, Farouks and Belinda Haydon for awesome photos.
25 March 2017
Played a lovely set at the Basin Music Festival on Saturday night.
24 Feb 2017
Lots of nice gigs coming up - playing Greek songs with Anthea's Rubies this Saturday (25th), then a Janis Joplin rock gig the following Friday (3rd), then my Community Drummers are playing with the Oakleigh Brass Band on Sunday (5th), then Pt. Fairy Folk Festival, then Warrawee Festival, then my Farouk's Olive gig, then a gig at Ceres, then the National Folk Festival....whew! Check out my Gig page for details. Hope to see you at one or more!
16 JAN 2017
Thanks to those who made it to the Farouk's gig yesterday. Big thanks to Binni Haydon for the great pics.
9 JAN 17
I will be playing another gig this Saturday 14th January at Farouk's Olive (5-7pm). Check the Upcoming Gigs page for details.
12 DEC 16
Just finished a wonderfully enjoyable recording weekend at Dog and Bear Studio (Trentham) with Nicky Bomba, Steve Vella, Carl Pannuzzo, Liz Frencham and Pete Fidler.
2 DEC
Working it at Farouk's Olive this evening. Thanks Belinda Haydon for the great pics.
25 NOV
Announcing today that I am doing 2 sets at Farouk's Olive in High St., Thornbury on Friday 2nd December, 5-7pm.
18 NOV
Fun times with Anthea Sidiropoulos, Nicholas Baltas and Dean Georgalas at The Greek Centre last Friday night - yassou!!
(Pics by Belinda Haydon).
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6 NOV 2016
Playing some funky, bluesy, folksy songs and experimental instrumental at CERES, with Matt Radford (bass) and Irine Vela (guitar, mando etc). Much looking forward to it. Check my gig guide for details.
22 OCT 2016
A shot from last night's 'Marriage of Figaro vs. Oz Rock and Aussie Rules'.
Last show tomorrow evening (Sunday 23rd, 6pm).
17 OCT
Some pics from yesterday's Marriage of Figaro show - only 2 shows left! (This Friday, this Sunday).
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11 OCT
A shortened version of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro has been adapted to have a classic Aussie rock and footy finals theme. Weirdly, it works.
Herald Sun 10/10/2016
Paul Sellar
VIENNA 1786 — the year Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro premiered — is a far-flung irrelevant past in Emotionworks — Cut Opera’s latest foray into presenting opera with an edge.
Devised and directed by Artistic Director Julie Edwardson, Aussie rules meets Mozart in a you-beaut, zany and delightful adaptation in which the likes of John Paul Young’s Love Is In The Air (with more than 30 other Oz Rock hits) sits comfortably among Mozart’s golden hued score.
Kiss Count Almaviva’s palatial Seville estate goodbye. Edwardson has replaced it with the hierarchy of the football club and its yards of scandalous shenanigans, as the public now expect, to go with it. It could be any club but in this not so far-fetched version, let’s say it’s The Saints.
In Edwardson’s version, the four-act opera becomes a four-quarter match and a tussle between love and fidelity as much as a battle of the sexes.
There’s an uncanny believable appeal to the well-cast outfit. Richard Woods is the rugged, loutish and rough-edged team captain Figaro. The Count is a self-absorbed womanising coach played by Peter Hanway. Katy Turbitt is a sweet and lively Susanna, the coach’s personal assistant and Figaro’s fiance, and Katrina Waters swans as Rosina, the coach’s rather Brighton-bred wife.
Alison Lemoh is the frisky, testosterone-charged new recruit, Cherubino and Maryanne Bird wafts as a sassy Marcelllina, the club social secretary. Wayne Cuebas means business as the mullet hair styled club lawyer, Bartolo, Peter Vadiveloo plays the jockster (and streaks across the oval) as the veteran player Basilio and Natasha Jacoel-Kaminsky is maturing way too quickly as Antonio’s schoolgirl daughter Barberina.
All the way down to Bob Hall’s doddery Antonio, the ground curator, the ockerish transposition of roles is a winner with the plot maintained marvellously.
The depth of Figaro and Susanna’s love, the poignancy of Rosina’s lamest of love lost and the stirring act of forgiveness she bestows on a repentant husband remain luminous highlights. Accompanying them, Cold Chisel’s Working Class Man (Figaro), Skyhooks’s All My Friends Are Getting Married (Basilio), and Helen Reddy’s I Am Woman (Rosina and Susanna) come into the mix as artists cut between opera and rock, though some with more success than others.
As Susanna, Katy Turbitt shines through the two genres but a cogent team spirit and individual strengths leave an indelible impression. Even a little rusty recitative endears alongside the antics.
The first half is performed in the clubroom of the North Port Oval with fleet of foot momentum. Then, after half time, the audience moves to the oval’s grandstand for the second half without any wind lost in Edwardson’s deft, tongue in cheek direction as she whips it into priceless entertainment that sports impeccable sound balance.
Edwardson herself sits at the keyboard, keeping the tempo rolling with Nigel Sharp on bass guitar and harmonics with Bartolo and Basilio at home alternating on percussion. The coach’s whistle keeps the game on track.
Prepare for the thrill of the game. It’s a good one.
MARRIAGE OF FIGARO VS OZ ROCK AND AUSSIE RULES
Until 23rd October
North Port Oval clubroom and grandstand, Port Melbourne until October 23
Rating: three and a half stars9*