Bob Log III

Column: TidBits | Date Published: Tuesday, 13 March 12 | Author: Julia Winterflood | 1 year, 2 months ago

WHAT: One Man Band Slide Guitar Party
WHEN: Mon March 19
WHERE: The Phoenix

Bob Log III is an “American Slide Guitar, One Man Band”. He plays old silvertone archtop guitars, wears a full body cannonball man suit, and a helmet wired to a telephone which allows him to devote his hands and feet to guitar and drums. The spectacle has been described as a guitar dance party, full of sweaty smiles, jumps and kicks. Playing over 150 shows a year in more than 30 countries, Log and his guitar never, ever quit. His version of quick Delta blues sounds like three drummers, two guitar players, and one sort of singer. This is sure to be one of ‘those’ nights at Phoenix, so miss at your peril.

	Zoopagoo: WHAT: Canberra’s newest funk outfit WHEN: March 16 and March 22 WHERE: The Phoenix and The Front “We don't ignite the dancefloor – we send it into spontaneous combustion!” So says Zedman, Six String Twanga of Canberra's newest eight piece “Paladins of Funk” Zoopagoo. The charismatic Funklestiltskin Chickenstrut (formerly of Changeable Dan) fronts this crack squad and exudes sexuality sending dancers into a voodoo like trance. “At the end of the gig the dancers are just like a quivering mass of jelly legged, sweat covered beasts, such is his aura,” says the man himself. Ha. With a horn laden back line including the O.P. (Original Playa) on bass, Zoopagoo are here to party. You can catch them at The Phoenix on March 16 and The Front on March 22.

	Freyja's Rain: WHAT: Debut LP Pozible Fund WHEN: Now! WHERE: freyjasrain.pozible.com Freyja's Rain have been inspiring Canberra audiences for three years with their catchy tunes. Jenny Sawer's soulful voice weaves heartfelt lyrics with a unique style influenced by blues, jazz and gospel. Inspired by musicians such as Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchell and Adele, she sings of love, loss and being outrageous. Combined with Alan Hilvert-Bruce's elegant guitar, Leonie Gall's funky bass and Mark Lever's jazz-inspired drumming, Freyja's Rain are a tight outfit that always get crowds singing and dancing. They are releasing their first full-length album Outrageous in 2012 and need your support to fund it. Head to www.freyjasrain.pozible.com for details. Supporters will be rewarded with a signed copy of the album plus some funky merchandise.

	The Waysmiths: WHAT: With Tonk, London Circuit, Deathcap Mushroom WHEN: Fri March 23 WHERE: The Greenroom, Woden Tradies The Waysmiths have been around the traps for a few years now and since crafting their debut album Your Home Town are starting to stretch their musical legs to explore the nation and join their mates on the road. The band is made up of musicians from the ACT and Sydney and they’re buzzed about returning home for their first show in a while, and are particularly excited to play the impressive (new) Greenroom. You Home Town is out now through MGM and will be available at Landspeed Records and on iTunes from April 2012. $10/free for members. 8pm.

	Ruth O’Brien: WHAT: Light & Shade WHEN: Friday-Saturday March 30-31 WHERE: Tuggeranong Arts Centre Local Canberra singer-songwriter Ruth O'Brien will perform her original compositions and cover some of her favourite jazz, pop and soul tunes at the end of the month. A recipient of the most recent round of artsACT Start-Up grants, Ruth has been working hard to bring together a polished and professional show. Performing alongside her will be Alan Hilvert-Bruce (guitar), Matt Smith (bass), Clare Dawson (keys) and Taliya Blom (drums). If you're a fan of sultry jazz, blues and cabaret-style music, this show is not to be missed. Tickets can be purchased from the Tuggeranong Arts Centre on 6293 1443 for $15.

	The Bon Scotts: WHAT: Unique folk-pop WHEN: Wed March 28 WHERE: The Front Café and Gallery The Bon Scotts play a unique brand of folk-pop full of sarcastic rebellions, sweet melodies, arresting percussion, resonant catch-cries and sing-along choruses. It’s an infectious blend of playful cynicism and youthful fancy, laced with irony and hype, unconventional hooks and a distinct, eclectic sound that has won over audiences nationwide. From their passionate recordings to their intense live show, The Bon Scotts demonstrate they are superb songwriters, musicians and performers. Amongst this collection of multi-instrumentalists you’ll find a charismatic union of found sounds; rickety rhythms, acoustic pounding and bellowing choruses. 8pm, $10.