Wonderful collection of events

31/03/10
What a month for music. I went to see a diverse collection of folk from here and overseas. Admittedly there were a lot of old folk that I went to see, but that is how it goes sometimes. So to go in order:

George Michael: This was at the Etihad Stadium and the roof was open. There were over 40,000 people who were treated to a superb show. The man's voice is as good as ever and he doesn't hold back. He did stuff from throughout his career and it was a great show to be at.

Day on the Green: This was a number of acts at Rochford Winery. Locally there was Katie Noonan who did her usual stuff - which can get boring quite quickly. Then there was the wonderful Melody Gardot from the US who did a great little set. Following that was Madeleine Peyroux who also did a good set. The main act was Diana Krall, but after a long day of wind and rain, we couldn't be bothered to wait and therefore we left before she came on. Oh well.

Tom Jones at the Rod Laver Arena: Let me just say that I am not a huge Tom Jones fan, but I love the CD he did with Jools Holland, so I though that I'd go and see what he was like. It was actually pretty good. For a 69 year old man, he still has plenty of energy and his voice is still strong. He did a big show with a lot of old 'favourites' in it. It was a good night.

Status Quo at the Palais Theatre: These boys know what they are doing. They have so many songs behind them and it is great energy to be there whilst they roll the hits out. They were damn loud but it was a great night though I have only just regained my hearing.

Pigrams Brothers at the Brunswick Town Hall: these seven brothers from Broome play a wonderfully light and melodic and enjoyable style of music that is a delight to experience. the support was Tonchi Mackintosh who is always a good bonus.

Eddi Reader: I am a huge fan of Eddi's and am always delighted when she comes over to Australia. I went to see her three times on this current tour and each show was different and an absolute pleasure - she is a talent like no other.
eddi

Archie Roach: This was a memorial gig for Archie’s wife (Ruby Hunter) who died early in March. It was a small and intimate gig at a bar in Trades Hall. It involved a large number of different indigenous performers doing short sets and ended with Archie doing a short set, but he spent more time talking about Ruby and what he was going through - it was a special and moving night.
archie

Carole King and James Taylor: Two special performers sharing the stage at the Rod Laver Arena. I was surprised not to know a couple of songs, but overall, it was a lot of their hits done the way that they should be done. It was an arena full of fans who sang along and everyone had a great and nostalgic night.

But the month wasn't just about music. There was also the Comedy Festival. Melbourne (apparently) has the world's second largest comedy festival (behind Montreal). There is a hell of a lot of comedy going on for the month that it happens though I have no idea who most of the performers are or whether they are any good or not. I tend to go to the opening Comedy Gala night where a lot of the performers do a short set. The show is filmed and is part of a telethon each year for Oxfam. It is an opportunity to see some of the acts and therefore gives me some clues as to who to go and see. This year, though the show was ok, I wasn't left with any desire to go and see any of the performers. Oh well, maybe next year.

Another fun day was when I took one of my Volunteer Days. NAB provides each employee with two paid days leave that is used for volunteer work. Five of us (from my team) volunteered to help the Alannah and Madeline Foundation at the Melbourne Garden Show. This involved wandering around selling raffle tickets and merchandise and also helping at the information desks. It was a fun day and great to help a good cause. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation is a national charity protecting children from violence and its devastating effects. They care for children who have experience or witnessed violence and run programs which prevent violence in the lives of children. They play an advocacy role and we're a voice against childhood violence.