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What is the name of the driest continent on Earth?
www.gippslandtimes.com.au
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Tom Parry
PREPARE yourself for a band that needs to be heard and seen to be believed. The Royal High Jinx will be performing this Saturday at the Stratford Courthouse Theatre, showcasing their eclectic music and vibrant costumes to the venue for the first time. The four-piece band describes their music as “inspired by European traditions, peppered with Gypsy Jazz, Latin, Balkan & Swing grooves with a pinch of Folk.” But according band member Sarah Busuttil, their music has also drawn comparisons with a certain Swedish pop group. “A lot of people call us ‘Balkan ABBA’,” Ms Busuttil told the Gippsland Times. It’s an assertion she believes isn’t too far from the truth: “the music that we play is very singable, danceable, and we try to get the crowd singing along with us.” Ms Busuttil performs violin as part of the group, and is joined by Silas Palmer on keys and percussion, Jen Hawley on guitar and Terry Cole on mandolin – who occasionally dabbles in a bit of on-stage juggling – with all four performing vocals. They’re a band that likes to keep busy – since its founding in 2014, The Royal High Jinx has released four albums, most recently Murder Motel. Additionally, the quartet have also toured Europe, where they played 23 shows in the space of one month. Attention worldwide has been drawn not just to their music, but also their outfits, with the two ladies often wearing corsets, tutus and fascinators, while the men will dress in brightly coloured suits. “We’re a little bit cheeky, but we like to dress-up and have a bit of a glamorous look to the show,” Ms Busuttil said. “Life’s too short to not dress-up!” The band are making the most of their time in Stratford, with a World Music Workshop preceding their evening performance. Those who attend will be taught songs from the “Royal High Jinx Tune Book” played in Klezmer, Romantic and Balkan styles. “It’s open to anyone, which is great, because even if you’re not a musician, you can come along and listen and perhaps clap along – we can teach rhythm and things like that,” Ms Busuttil said. “We try to cater for anyone.” Ms Busuttil added that the entire band was “very excited” to be performing in Stratford, and singled-out local performer Anita Hensen for making it possible. “We’re really looking forward to celebrating world music with everyone at the Courthouse, it should be a lot of fun!” The Royal High Jinx will be appearing in Stratford this Saturday, June 11. Their World Music Workshop will take place at 3pm, and their musical performance in the Theatre from 7pm. Tickets can be purchased via www.stratford courthouse.com.au
The Royal High Jinx: Silas Palmer, Sarah Busuttil, Jen Hawley and Terry Cole.
Photo: Contributed
Artist Ken Roberts working at home.
Photos: Contributed Maffra artist’s new exhibition
MAFFRA artist Ken Roberts finds inspiration in what surrounds him. In the past these have included people, the place he grew up, the countryside and the bush. His latest series of works is an interpretation of “leaves” in many forms. His range of styles vary from realistic to abstract. Some works feature “intuitive” mark-making where he lets the works manifest without a preconceived direction. The results are “free and vibrant.” Some leaves seem to take on human aspects as they “dance” or crowd together and give a whole new aspect to what you would expect. The bright and colourful works exude a positive energy and atmosphere. Within his new exhibition, Ken has a second exhibition titled “Family Secrets” that features both paintings and assemblage pieces. With limited explanations the titles of the works relay a message that is up to the interpretation of the viewer. They are definitely works that will challenge, intrigue and surprise. Ken has delved into his own family history for some references as well as sourcing the general notion that every family has their own set of secrets, some simple and some much deeper. Ken has teamed with fellow artist Luke Dearlove, whose work features screen printed Waratah images, abstract still-life pieces and intricate mobiles depicting plant life. The combination of Ken and Luke’s work in the exhibition “Botanica” at the Meeniyan Art Gallery provides many talking points and a unique interpretation of the everyday that surrounds us. Their works display a totally individual response and give the viewer much to contemplate. The exhibition will be displayed until June 30.
Ticket to Jive at The Wedge
MUSIC lovers are being invited to the John Leslie Theatre to come and relive all The Beatles’ classic hits in a two-hour concert experience. Presented by the world’s premier Beatles tribute band, the sensational Beatle Boys, the show promises to transport audiences back to the Sixties when John, Paul, George and Ringo dominated the pop charts. Theatregoers can expect to hear every classic Beatles song that ever made it to Number 1 and relive the magic and unique sound that made the Beatles the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band the world has ever known. Complete with outfits, instruments and even haircuts identical to those worn by the Fab Four, this “faithful recreation” is sure to have everybody twisting and shouting.
The Beatles: 50 Years On can be seen at The Wedge this Friday, June 10 at 8pm. Tickets can be obtained at the box office on 5143 3200 or by visiting thewedge.com.au
