Artist & Artisan events. Shaun Kirk | Donna Cain | Amanda Emblem

The series of Artist and Artisan gigs came about some 18 months ago, with organiser/ artisan, Lady Penelope (of the Green Bowl Edifice) teaming up with (artist) Amanda Emblem. Together they have concocted a recipe for a unique night out with a difference that has got people talking!

With endorsement from the Slow Food Noosa movement, the events have moved from strength to strength, having recently featured some great artists, including Kevin Borich (pictured top) and 8 Ball Aitken as well as locals such as Aspy Jones and more.

The intimate live music and sumptuous menu creates a true experience unlike any other – also because of the surroundings.

The venue is eclectic and simply mesmerising. It has been created from salvaged timbers, is full of odd angles and collectables – a passion of Lady Penelope's is to repurpose the old to make it new, using materials she has reclaimed through her demolition business. Close to Imbil, it’s also a bit of a secret location with ticket holders getting directions on the week of the event.

Artist and Artisan launched during challenging times, with health restrictions forcing cancellations of the first scheduled events, and audience confidence at an all time low.

Lady P and Amanda remember the first night cancellation well because it was then, whilst drowning their disappointment in sparkling wine that they came up with a novel idea to have a Prosecco popping championship to kick off each gig – clearly a winning idea for an “Official Olympic event” at the upcoming Brisbane Olympics in 2032!

Until recently Kevin Borich held the Prosecco popping record, however 8 Ball Aitken blitzed his competition at their last event.

Coming up over the next few months are three more Artist and Artisan events with bespoke music and slow food experiences.

They will continue to showcase local artisans like Big Heart Bamboo, Amrita Park Meadery and Mary Valley Country Harvest to mention a few.

Shaun Kirk (blues/soul)

On Saturday 2 July, 2022 (5pm start) is award winning blues/ soul troubadour Shaun Kirk – an amazing “one man band” hailing from the music filled streets of Melbourne. Shaun Kirk is a born entertainer who’s world class live show is pushing the boundaries and taking audiences by storm, with 2019 Grammy Award Winner for Best Contemporary Blues Album, Fantastic Negrito, calling it “one of the best one man shows I’ve ever seen”.

Shaun Kirk’s gritty vocal abilities come from a place beyond his years and has seen him labelled as “one of the finest blues voices Australia has ever heard” (Buzz Mag); whilst his vintage guitar tones and raw grooves pay homage to his influences of both yesteryear and today to create a sound of his own. He performed at 2019 Mitchell Creek Rock ’n’ Blues Fest and has been itching to return to the Mary Valley, where he has won a legion of fans.

Book now online – https://www.trybooking.com/BZFWT

The next Artist and Artisan event in the July calendar is a team effort with Mary Valley Artslink.

Donna Cain 'Opera in the Shed'

(Stuart Innes book photo)

Sunday 10 July – titled “Opera in The Shed” featuring Donna Cain – the event is a fabulous prelude to the Mary Valley Art Festival and all for a good cause!

Mary Valley Artslink will be raising funds for their Suzie Smith Youth Encouragement Award for this year's Mary Valley Art Festival being held on 21-24 July (see page 7 ad, story page 8).

Donna will be explaining the “ins and outs of the drama, that is opera”, whilst delighting all with her superb soprano vocals, while guests wine and dine in a unique, handmade, sustainable building.

We are delighted that she has been kind enough to assist with this special event – please join us in welcoming her to the Mary Valley and enjoy what is sure to be a memorable music afternoon. A delicious winter feast showcasing the best of the local produce is included in the ticket price, event is BYO drinks.

Book now. https://www.trybooking.com/BYUBL

Amanda Emblem

by Deb Neill Photography

Saturday 6 August, local songstress Amanda Emblem, shares the stories and songs from her upcoming album, This Is Amanda Emblem. As lead singer, guitarist and prolific songwriter this is her second original album. It is a collection of songs that have been written over two and a half years and recorded in local studios, by Gildora producer, Andy Tainsch (Treetop Studios) and Scott Astill (the Bunker).

There has literally been a lot of water under the Yabba Bridge since her 2020 EP release called Beautiful Blues (featuring ‘Mary Mary’ – a song about the Mary River) following up from her 2018 debut full length album Who Is Amanda Emblem?

“I am always writing. In the garden my brain has been singing songs, catching tunes and creating earworms whilst weeding, planting and picking. I've missed the stage but made up for it by writing heaps of new tunes. Even after recording 20 songs I have just written another great tune that I cannot wait to take into the studio,” said Amanda.

Of 20 songs recorded, Amanda has decided to release 11 tracks on her newest offering selecting the upbeat immediate, singalong style tunes that represent her current live set, shelving the more produced studio tracks for a more rock 'n roll release next year.

On a sweet note, the Amanda Emblem Experiment has two high profile local gigs coming up – Gympie Muster (25-28 August) and Mitchell Creek Rock ’n’ Blues Fest (16-18 September).

However there is her new album launch first, with an intimate solo show as part of the Artist and Artisan series. Amanda adds that “... this gig is special, it’s meaningful not just for me, but also for those who are looking for more in their live music experiences.”

Visit https://www.trybooking.com/BZNLP

– If you are local you can book at the Imbil Post Office. Prices vary for each as does the menu. Entry is by donation, it is BYO drinks. Tickets limited.

Please pre-book via www.trybooking.com – or for more details eatwell@thegreenbowledifice.com.au or contact 0407 693 400.

Kevin Borich (far left) at a 2021 Artist & Artisan event.