SEE LEVEL

Arias for the abandoned, almost discernable amongst endless repeats of evil and entropy.


Wednesday February the 13th ~

Navigate to the safe harbour of Swingin' at the Speakeasy, where I'll follow Sara O'Connor (live) with a free set from 10PM til 2 or 3AM.


Friday February the 15th ~

Strike it lucky, strike it rich! Or maybe that's just the beer goggles. Not actually sure I can put them on at this new gig in fact. One is contractually obliged not to be inebriated! Nonetheless I'm hoping it will be a hoot. Strike Bowling at King Street Wharf from 8 til 11PM. Free!


Saturday February the 16th ~

Despite some months of entreaties (and having recently returning from her home-suburb of Grey Lynn in Auckland) I've failed to cajole Bene in to play live with her new band. We were keenly anticipating a debut use of FBi's just-purchased 10-channel mixer for their appearance too - but reps have informed me they are keen to get to their gig several hours ahead of load-in time, so them's the breaks.
That said Jack Off may yet be graced with some Sydney locals of sublime standing, who are very rarely heard together these days, in Melanie Oxley and Chris Abrahams. Tune in between 3 and 5PM to hear what cosmic couplets manifest best I guess!

Afterwards I'm stoked to be returning to a place that was so dear to me for many years, The Vic. I was a monthly resident and regular selector for the charity Xmas doggy shows (all played rigorously to theme) and I still have an abiding love and respect for the diverse folks that attend the hotel.

As a loyal old dog it was a bit disheartening when the vibe of the joint became somewhat apathetic towards the end of it's last incarnation. I remember having to lobby for more than one of the two big speakers they owned to be erected out back (where hundreds of punters populate the beer garden), just because someone decided they couldn't be arsed setting them up anymore.

So whilst some of the Inner-West got a tad apoplectic at the prospect of Merivale purchasing this vital community hub I was fine with it. Every well-run public house has to practice genuine and unhesitating hospitality - and for me The Vic needed to re-focus on the creation of a welcoming atmosphere for all, whilst continuing to resource their brilliant (and free) live music bills.

I can't wait to get back amongst it, where I belong. Swing by for a toast to enduring ties between 6 and 9.30PM - then hang later for the terrific triple-bill of Tape/Off, The Aerial Maps and Married Man.

I am bummed I'll not personally be able to absorb those bands due to my final engagement for the day - but I'm thrilled to be heading to the fabled Hollywood Hotel to spin a three-hour birthday set from 10PM. Though it's a private booking I believe the place remains open to the public throughout, so feel free to crash the party for some guaranteed good times if yr in Darlo/Slurry around then.

Hey and if you wanna start the day right check out this brilliant idea: a series of bicycle-borne gigs under bridges for free from midday. I'm tossing up whether I have the stamina to do at least some of Songriders, then the rest of my missions via pedal-power alone - but I fear I may not make it home.


Sunday February the 17th ~

Then marvellous Mardi Gras (thankfully increasingly in the hands of a more inclusive and progressive cohort of programmers) kicks into gear via Fair Day, in Victoria Park this Sunday.

Whilst I prefer to skip the security checks and inflated drink prices of gated community festivals everywhere, I recognise how vital this event is to a city and community that has continued to have a damn tough time of it of late.

So get along and have a ball if that's yr bag - then make tracks to the crowning glory(hole) that is The Imperial, where a weird and wonderful line-up of (ir)regulars will be slinging shows and songs as part of a Post-Fair-Day Frolic.

You'll find me behind the decks on the stunning rooftop, now equipped with divinely subtle (water) misters, from half 5 til 8PM - the idyllic golden hours, still lingering at this end of summer.