Don Cowling
Jon Clegg and Nick Theiss
Olivia
Trev and Mel with Heidi Gass
Nancie Schipper
In Full Swing
Geoff Kilminster
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Friday, December 1, 2017
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Journey on a road less travelled
Alan Leishman (with back to camera) playing saxophone with Tabasco Jazz
The journey of Alan Leishman from war-time working class England to his current peaceful existence in Dunkeld is a strange and circuitous one. He’s played jazz in English castles during the swinging sixties, received threatening phone calls from the Iranian parliament while working at a Tehran newspaper and cycled down Afghan mountains by moonlight. It’s safe to say there are few other people living in Dunkeld that have seen as much of the world as Alan. Born in 1941, Alan was raised in Surrey in bi-lingual household by his French mother and half-French father. When he was a youngster Alan watched as his dad decided to do the patriotic thing and signed up for the Navy, almost getting killed when a German U-boat sunk his destroyer off the coast of North Africa and left him treading water overnight. Alan recalls visiting his relatives the south of France after the war and playing in the ruins of houses bombed by the German army. While there, a 5 year-old Alan began painting landscapes of the southern French countryside under the tutelage of his artistic older brother. Back at school his knack for drawing improved and he was soon inundated with requests from his fellow classmates to draw pictures of submarines, fighter planes and warships. In the meantime he’d also developed a passion for music, graduating from harmonica to, as his Dad put it, “a proper instrument” — the clarinet. It seemed natural he would end up at an art school and at 15 he enrolled at the Farnham School of Art as a young student in the senior part of the school. It was there that his music took off too. “Once I got to art school I found a few guys who could really play and we got ourselves organised into a jazz band. “Our drummer was right into modern jazz. He called up one day and said ‘you’ve got to hear this Charlie Parker record’. So I cycled round to this guy’s place. Listening to Parker play was “a sort of Road to Damascus” awakening — “a light went off in my head — it was like when rock guys hear Hendrix for the first time”. Throughout the ‘60s, he played in a range of line ups and found himself viewing a side of English society he would have otherwise never seen, he said. “We played at a lot of posh places and private parties. I remember playing at one for this stunning blonde girl... it was her 18th birthday. She was this groovy chick she had cigarette in a cigarette holder and straw boater hat.” She was Patti Boyd, who went on to marry George Harrison. We played at a millionaires party on the west coast of Scotland that cost 10,000 pounds. We played in castles. We played in Lord Scudamore’s 15th century manor — he was a nice bloke,” he said. By 1966, Alan was enjoying a lively existence playing in jazz and soul ensembles at night and drawing storyboards for TX’ commercials by day. But then his life changed when he read the book Full Tilt -- Dervla Murphy’s tale of her bicycle journey from Ireland to India. Alan always had a passion for cycling. “I wanted to do what Dervla Murphy did but obviously she was much tougher than me. It was an incredible feat and she did it on a single speed bike, which meant she had to walk up a lot of mountains. I was going to try to get to Greece or Istanbul. I had a few training rides and off I went.” Aside from one train trip in France, Alan managed to cycle from England, through France to Italy, down the then Yugoslavian coast and across to Istanbul. Then, in 1968, Alan set out again from England, this time making it to Istanbul before heading to Tehran. He made the entire journey on his bicycle, having made a pact with himself never to get off and walk his three-speed bike, no matter how steep the hill. His sense of adventure led him to a group of tourists bound for Kabul in a landrover. He loved it, taking bike rides out to surrounding villages occasionally or enjoying local customs, including “hash the size your shoe heel for US$1”. I can’t be like Bill Clinton and say I didn’t inhale. (Kabul) was on the hippy trail on the way to India and Nepal. There as a lot of drug taking.’ Maybe it was the hash, but Alan and his new American buddy Shailer decided to ride their bikes 230km north-west across the mountains of Afghanistan to see the Buddhas of Bamiyan - two giant statues carved into a cliff face 1500 years ago, only be destroyed by the Taliban a few years ago. On the second day of their journey they saw few people and noticed every vehicle that passed them soon came back again. They took shelter under rocks when it got too hot. Their food supplies started to run dangerously low as they cycled on into their third day. “Late on the afternoon of the third day we saw the reason why those cars had been going back past us -- the road through the mountains had fallen into a river and what was left was impassable. There was just a tiny ledge of tarmac.” With not enough food to turn back and a town at the end of the road they had no choice but to press on. The pair grabbed their packs, and with their back to the mountain, stepped slowly along the 50-metre long ledge. ‘It was certainly a six metre drop -- enough to break your arm or leg or skull it was dangerous.’ Having carried their packs across, they walked back and got the bikes before negotiating the ledge for a third time. “I remember it well because it was my 27th birthday,’ he laughed. Hungry and tired, they reached the village later that day, pigging out on potato, okra, beans and bread and reached the statues soon after. ‘There were two of them, there in all their magnificence, carved into the face of the rock. The Taliban used them for target practice.’ Shailer and Alan parted company, with Shailer heading back to Kabul and Alan riding on to Mazar-e-Sharif, the third largest city and the closest place he could get more money. With only US$1 left to his name, Alan entered the bank in Mazar-e-Sharif to cash his travellers cheques, but the bank would not accept the English pound. “Your dollar is good, sterling is bad”, the clerk said in English before offering Alan a ridiculously low conversion rate for his last US dollar bill. “I started getting angry. I was realising I was in a serious position as it was too far to the next bank”. He was directed upstairs to a supervisor, who restated that the bank did not accept pounds. “I lost it with this guy and I yelled “this bank is shit and so are you””.
The bank’s manager, hearing the yelling came over from his desk and asked the supervisor to translate. Then the bank manager went back to his desk and pulled out a revolver — a full-blown .38 calibre Browning or something. He said “you go out”. I had to take my short-changed dollar and he followed me with the gun at my back down the stairs and out of the bank. I think I must be one of the few people to be taken out of a bank at gunpoint.
Alan took a bus as far as he could afford and found himself about 150 kilometres from Kabul.
The temperature was in the mid 30s by the time he headed off on his bike up the mountains and through the Kotal-e-Salang pass — a 3.3-kilometre king road tunnel almost 4000 metres above sea level. About four hours after leaving the tunnel, he reached a village teahouse. “The people at the teahouse were amazed to see this bloke on a bike coming out of the mountains at 10 o’clock at night”. Spending the last of his money on bread, Alan rode on the next day, eventually getting a lift with a US peace corps jeep about 30km from Kabul.
Alan and Shaller eventually rode onto Pakistan, where Alan got dysentery.
“I counted one day and I went to the toilet 21 times”, he said, adding he lost one stone. I was so weak I had to go back to Tehran. “If it happened over here I would have been in a hospital”.
After returning to health, Alan found a job at the Tehran Journal, one of the few English language newspapers in Iran. He worked as a sub-editor and cartoonist, occasionally taking calls from the Iranian interior ministry commanding certain events not to be reported on. “There had been an outbreak of cholera on the border with Afghanistan and one or two people on our side had died. The guy from the ministry said “you are not to print anything about this”.
He returned home to England on Christmas Eve 1970, picking up a job at a local paper where some of his Tehran buddies worked. A few years later he “got bit friendly” at a Christmas party with an Australian woman named Jan who worked at the paper. “You know how it is. It was one those romantic-comedy clichés”, he joked. Jan and Alan were married in 1978, with Alan meeting most of her family for the first time on an Australian holiday in the early ‘80s. The pair moved Down Under in 1987. Nowadays, Alan teaches a couple of days a week in Ararat and Hamilton, having also taught at Warrnambool College and Timboon P-12. He paints when he can and plays regular jazz gigs around the district, including about once a month at the Hotel Warrnambool’s fortnightly jazz nights. From his tiny studio in the backyard of his Dunkeld home, you can see the Grampians — one would have thought he’d seen enough mountains to last a lifetime.
Photos from Andy Alberts' "Country Legends" night 19th Nov. 1999 - Royal Hotel
Michael Schack and Duncan McKenzie
Jon Emry
Sophie Barratt, Michael Schack, Wendy Goyen, Hannah Schack
John Hudson, Lyn Eeales
"Just Country" - Murray McDowell, Peter Bird, Danny Grigg, Andy Alberts and Lyn Eales. John Emry (drums) is obscured
Ken Smith
Wendy Goyen, John Hudson, Lyn Eales
Michael Schack, Sophie Barratt, Marty Atchison,
Hannah Schack
Hannah Schack
Sophie BarrattMichael Schack, Marty Atchison,
Hannah Schack
Hannah Schack
Ruben Shannon
Monday, November 20, 2017
Songs for good health
Warrnambool Standard 17th November 2017
A VARIED line-up of southwest musicians will do their bit to promote the importance of men looking after their health when they hit the stage at Warrnambool’s Mozart Hall tonight. The occasion is the annual Movem-Bool concert which is now in its eighth year. The concert is being organised
by the Tin Shed Singers in conjunction with the Movember Foundation. Port Fairy entertainer Roy
Carson will host the night while Nicholas Place from South West Healthcare will give a brief presentation on men’s health. Joining the Tin Shed Singers on the bill will be a wide range of performers. These will include pianist Jonathon Cox, Celtic collection Lex’s Shed, Lynne Moloney & the Teacher’s Pets, world music singing group Khinkali, emerging singer-songwriter Susan Malikoff, Trio Incognito and Likely Celts. The concert begins at 7.30pm and will run through to 10pm with an interval where a monster raffle will be drawn and a silent auction held. Prior to the concert, a feast
will be on offer with sausages and soup the big-ticket menu items. Tin Shed Singers member Philip Shaw said Movem- Bool was a hot item for south-west performers. “We have so much talent to call on each year for this event,” Shaw said. ‘We are in the position now where we have to turn some performers away because there are more wanting to play than we have places on the bill for. “We already have people on next year’s list because of the overflow from this year. “It’s a good problem to
have, it means we have so many talented people that want to contribute to such a good cause.” Mr Shaw said music provides a great platform to not only raise funds for the Movember Foundation but also awareness of men’s health. “Men’s health is a big issue and we need as many people as possible getting the message out there to men to look after themselves,” he said. “Over the years since this
concert began, we have raised $8000 and hopefully also an awareness for men to take their health seriously.”
A VARIED line-up of southwest musicians will do their bit to promote the importance of men looking after their health when they hit the stage at Warrnambool’s Mozart Hall tonight. The occasion is the annual Movem-Bool concert which is now in its eighth year. The concert is being organised
by the Tin Shed Singers in conjunction with the Movember Foundation. Port Fairy entertainer Roy
Carson will host the night while Nicholas Place from South West Healthcare will give a brief presentation on men’s health. Joining the Tin Shed Singers on the bill will be a wide range of performers. These will include pianist Jonathon Cox, Celtic collection Lex’s Shed, Lynne Moloney & the Teacher’s Pets, world music singing group Khinkali, emerging singer-songwriter Susan Malikoff, Trio Incognito and Likely Celts. The concert begins at 7.30pm and will run through to 10pm with an interval where a monster raffle will be drawn and a silent auction held. Prior to the concert, a feast
will be on offer with sausages and soup the big-ticket menu items. Tin Shed Singers member Philip Shaw said Movem- Bool was a hot item for south-west performers. “We have so much talent to call on each year for this event,” Shaw said. ‘We are in the position now where we have to turn some performers away because there are more wanting to play than we have places on the bill for. “We already have people on next year’s list because of the overflow from this year. “It’s a good problem to
have, it means we have so many talented people that want to contribute to such a good cause.” Mr Shaw said music provides a great platform to not only raise funds for the Movember Foundation but also awareness of men’s health. “Men’s health is a big issue and we need as many people as possible getting the message out there to men to look after themselves,” he said. “Over the years since this
concert began, we have raised $8000 and hopefully also an awareness for men to take their health seriously.”
Teacher's Pets
Friday, October 20, 2017
Senior to shine bright
Warrnambool Standard Friday 20th Nov. 2017
THERE will be dinner and a show at The Dart and Marlin in Warrnambool on Saturday night. Former Woodford singer-songwriter Leah Senior will be the star of the show. Senior will take part in a
question and answer session. It has been a big year for Senior, having played at the Brunswick Music
Festival and the Corner Hotel in Richmond. She also launched her Pretty Faces CD.
THERE will be dinner and a show at The Dart and Marlin in Warrnambool on Saturday night. Former Woodford singer-songwriter Leah Senior will be the star of the show. Senior will take part in a
question and answer session. It has been a big year for Senior, having played at the Brunswick Music
Festival and the Corner Hotel in Richmond. She also launched her Pretty Faces CD.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Musician plays his final notes with dignity
By Matt Neal -- Warrnambool Standard July 10 2006 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2006. All rights reserved
WARRNAMBOOL guitarist Lee Ronald lost his battle with cancer on Saturday night. He was 25.His family and friends yesterday remembered the teacher-musician as a unique talent with a heart of gold who refused to let his illness destroy his passion for music. Despite constant treatment, Lee continued to play with his band The Circle K. He performed his last gig on May 9 at The Loft. His family and friends yesterday noted the significance of the time of his death - 7.07pm on 07/07/07. His brother Eric told The Standard yesterday the number seven was regarded by Lee's family as being a symbol of perfection and completion - ``something so suited to Lee,'' he said.``He was all about his music and his friends.``Even in his dying days, he poured so much into his friends ... he had a heart of gold.'' Lee worked at Noise Music teaching guitar students and repairing guitars. Eric said his brother always commented ``the fact he was getting paid for it was a bonus''. Bob Wake, who also played in The Circle K, said Lee was a talented musician. ``He was an awesome musician and guitarist and an awesome person.'' Mr Wake said. One of Lee's favourite gigs was at the Criterion Hotel last November when The Circle K was joined on stage by Heidi Gass and Adam B Metal, who filled in for Lee's vocals. Days later, Lee was being treated at Melbourne's Peter Mac Centre.
WARRNAMBOOL guitarist Lee Ronald lost his battle with cancer on Saturday night. He was 25.His family and friends yesterday remembered the teacher-musician as a unique talent with a heart of gold who refused to let his illness destroy his passion for music. Despite constant treatment, Lee continued to play with his band The Circle K. He performed his last gig on May 9 at The Loft. His family and friends yesterday noted the significance of the time of his death - 7.07pm on 07/07/07. His brother Eric told The Standard yesterday the number seven was regarded by Lee's family as being a symbol of perfection and completion - ``something so suited to Lee,'' he said.``He was all about his music and his friends.``Even in his dying days, he poured so much into his friends ... he had a heart of gold.'' Lee worked at Noise Music teaching guitar students and repairing guitars. Eric said his brother always commented ``the fact he was getting paid for it was a bonus''. Bob Wake, who also played in The Circle K, said Lee was a talented musician. ``He was an awesome musician and guitarist and an awesome person.'' Mr Wake said. One of Lee's favourite gigs was at the Criterion Hotel last November when The Circle K was joined on stage by Heidi Gass and Adam B Metal, who filled in for Lee's vocals. Days later, Lee was being treated at Melbourne's Peter Mac Centre.
Lee Morgan
‘Some people are saying it is country music, I would call it a soulful sort of rock’
Lee Morgan is looking forward to showcasing his original brand of music tonight.
LEE Morgan is a familiar face at pubs around Warrnambool, revving up crowds with covers of rock ’n’ roll favorites. But tonight will be a rare chance to see Morgan in full flight, playing his own original songs with a backing band. Tonight’s gig will be the second in a regular fortnightly event at the Gallery nightclub to showcase Warrnambool’s young musical talent. Morgan will be joined on stage tonight by Mixbowl (fresh from recording sessions at Motherlode studios), Toe-jam and newcomers No Exit. The singer-songwriter says he has great fun playing covers solo for pub crowds, butplaying his own songs is definitely preferable. Young original talent in the Warrnambool region sometimes gets lost in a scene that is so dominated by cover bands, which is why the Thursday night Gallery gigs are so important. Cover bands will be appearing, but anyone with original material will have an opportunity to play it. “I think it’s agreat initiative”. Morgan takes every opportunity he can to play original music, including festivals, benefit concerts and pub gigs in Melbourne. The Australian Roots MusicAwards male artist of the yearsays he takes on a lot of different influences to create his musical style. “Some people are saying it is country music, I would call it a soulful sort of rock.” Morgan says his songs come out of his own experiences. “I just write as an individual, I’m not political. “I write about things that mean something to me at the time, I definitely write about reconciliation — I know what I feel in my heart.” After producing only a handful of copies of his debut CD, Laura Lee and the Stranger, Morgan says he still has enough material to fill several albums — as for many other artists, it’s a matter of finance. He says he’ll continue performing around Warrnambool and taking on as many opportunities as possible to showcase his own songs — in the south-west, Melbourne or wherever he’s invited to play.
"Roots winner to host radio show" -- Warrnambool Standard 2nd July 1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999. All rights reserved.
Australian roots music awards winner Lee Morgan will host his own show tonight on maverick Melbourne radio station Nu Country - 94.9 FM. Morgan presents an eclectic mix of Koorie music and personal favourites from his vast collection from 10 pm to midnight. The winner of the best male vocal section of the Warrnambool-based awards in January also has his award winning CD on high rotation on the station's play list. The good news for Morgan's fans is that they can hear his two-hour show live on the Internet at www.nucountry.com.au. Nu Country's teenage technician Rorie Ryan has pioneered worldwide broadcasting in cyberspace on the Northcote station. Station programmer, David Dawson, born and bred in Warrnambool, and a journalist for 34 years, recruited Morgan and other Warrnambool presenters Michael Schack and Mark Struth to host shows on Nu Country. Another regular presenter this week was former 3WAY-FM president Barbara O'Neill whose two sons are holidaying in Warrnambool.
Warrnambool Standard 13th July 2018 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2018. All rights reserved. Lee Morgan at the Loft
Lee Morgan knows plenty about playing live music in Warrnambool. Growing up in the south-west, Morgan was a constant on the local gig circuit, playing as a solo act and as a member of a collection of bands at venues such as the Criterion Hotel, The Cally Hotel, the Whalers Inn and the Lady Bay Hotel. Tonight he will be back on stage, this time joined by a band of friends for a show at The Loft. As one of the region’s most prominent indigenous performers, it is fitting Morgan should be stepping into the spotlight in what is NAIDOC Week. A grandson of the late Banjo Clarke, Morgan continues to lead the way in indigenous music. He has been a member of the Black Arm Band, telling stories of indigenous people through song alongside performers such as Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Neil Murray and Shane Howard. These collaborations have been on stage and in the recording studio. Morgan has also spread his talents into the community through his involvement in a program where he visits indigenous men and women in prison and teaches them the joys of music. He has also delivered similar programs into schools. Much of this work was done during Morgan’s 20 years living in Melbourne. He has been back in the south-west for three years and is keen to hit the stage tonight. “The band we have has been thrown together for this gig,” Morgan said. “But we have all known each other for a long time and played together so I’m confident we will put on a great show. “We’ll play my original songs with a couple of fun covers as well. My genre is guitar-driven country rock with a lot of energy. “It’s great to be playing live music in Warrnambool.”
This photo of Lee Morgan and Raff Marino was taken at the Warrnambool Hotel on 11th October 2020. Photographer: Rob Quantrelle
More freedom for good cause
Written by Matt Neal -- Warrnambool Standard October 13th 2017
TWENTY years on from the release of her EP Freedom, Warrnambool-based singer-songwriter Fiona Kershaw is relaunching it for a good cause. First released in Brisbane in 1997, the five-track EP has been expanded into a 14-track album for its re-release at The Loft in Warrnambool on Sunday from 3pm. As well as showcasing Kershaw’s talents and a star-studded line-up of guests, the launch will be used as a fundraiser for Beyond Blue. She will be joined by Gabby Steel, Bruce Campbell, Bronson & Tina, and The Likely Celts. Kershaw said the EP was recorded live and demonstrates her “alternative groovy folk songs, her unique and diverse guitar styles, clear distinct vocals and heartfelt lyrics”.
TWENTY years on from the release of her EP Freedom, Warrnambool-based singer-songwriter Fiona Kershaw is relaunching it for a good cause. First released in Brisbane in 1997, the five-track EP has been expanded into a 14-track album for its re-release at The Loft in Warrnambool on Sunday from 3pm. As well as showcasing Kershaw’s talents and a star-studded line-up of guests, the launch will be used as a fundraiser for Beyond Blue. She will be joined by Gabby Steel, Bruce Campbell, Bronson & Tina, and The Likely Celts. Kershaw said the EP was recorded live and demonstrates her “alternative groovy folk songs, her unique and diverse guitar styles, clear distinct vocals and heartfelt lyrics”.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Band's stellar rise to the top
Written by Kellie Scott, 2nd Oct. 2013 - Published by the Warrnambool Standard - The story "Band's stellar rise to the top first appeared on Warrnambool Extra"
WITH an EP on the way and regular gigs at a local music venue, it's no surprise Bonney Ranch won the recent youth music competition, Crusade of the Chords. The alternative rock group is made up of young members Liam Gubbins, Connor Dwyer and Lachlan Barling, who attend Emmanuel College, and Tav Watson, from Warrnambool College. All are 18 years old and formed the band two years ago after meeting during an inter-school excursion. The four are close to completing their year 12 studies, while also preparing to record an EP in Melbourne after winning Kool Schools through JB HiFi. "It's a $2000 experience and they will distribute our stuff on iTunes," frontman Gubbins said. "We've been practising new songs to record." Gubbins said those new songs would be played at the Pushover regional finals, at the Lighthouse Theatre this Friday. Bonney Ranch will compete against six others bands from across the Barwon south-west region for an opportunity to play at the Push Over music festival in 2014."It will be a good testing ground for the EP and we'll have some fun," Gubbins said. He said competitions like Crusade of the Chords gave local talent a great chance to shine."It's very important on a community level to give people a foot in the industry door. The whole set up is fantastic, council do a great job... it's industry quality." Crusade of the Chords and the Push Over regional finals are FReeZA events, hosted by Warrnambool City Council and Brophy Family and Youth Services. Activities and events co-ordinator David Gibb said Crusade of the Chords was a fantastic evening. "There were 15 performances with over 200 people attending," Mr Gibb said. Tickets to the Push Over regional finals at the Lighthouse Theatre are $10 and can be purchased at the door, which will be open from 6pm for a 6.30pm start.Bonney Ranch regularly plays at The Loft, in Warrnambool, and has an upcoming gig at The Stump, in Port Fairy. For information about gigs, find the band's Facebook page by searching "Bonney Ranch".
WITH an EP on the way and regular gigs at a local music venue, it's no surprise Bonney Ranch won the recent youth music competition, Crusade of the Chords. The alternative rock group is made up of young members Liam Gubbins, Connor Dwyer and Lachlan Barling, who attend Emmanuel College, and Tav Watson, from Warrnambool College. All are 18 years old and formed the band two years ago after meeting during an inter-school excursion. The four are close to completing their year 12 studies, while also preparing to record an EP in Melbourne after winning Kool Schools through JB HiFi. "It's a $2000 experience and they will distribute our stuff on iTunes," frontman Gubbins said. "We've been practising new songs to record." Gubbins said those new songs would be played at the Pushover regional finals, at the Lighthouse Theatre this Friday. Bonney Ranch will compete against six others bands from across the Barwon south-west region for an opportunity to play at the Push Over music festival in 2014."It will be a good testing ground for the EP and we'll have some fun," Gubbins said. He said competitions like Crusade of the Chords gave local talent a great chance to shine."It's very important on a community level to give people a foot in the industry door. The whole set up is fantastic, council do a great job... it's industry quality." Crusade of the Chords and the Push Over regional finals are FReeZA events, hosted by Warrnambool City Council and Brophy Family and Youth Services. Activities and events co-ordinator David Gibb said Crusade of the Chords was a fantastic evening. "There were 15 performances with over 200 people attending," Mr Gibb said. Tickets to the Push Over regional finals at the Lighthouse Theatre are $10 and can be purchased at the door, which will be open from 6pm for a 6.30pm start.Bonney Ranch regularly plays at The Loft, in Warrnambool, and has an upcoming gig at The Stump, in Port Fairy. For information about gigs, find the band's Facebook page by searching "Bonney Ranch".
Monday, October 2, 2017
Busking in joy of final
Published in the Warrnambool Standard 29th Sept. 2017
HISTORY was made at Reardon Theatre in Port Fairy last Friday with an act from Moyne making it through to a state final. Four-piece band Tiosav Joy won the regional final of The Push Start FReeZA Battle of the Bands competition. The band had qualified for the final after winning the Moyne heat of the event. Moyne Shire Council Youth Development Officer Geraldine Edar said it was the first time in the 15-year history of the event that the regional finalist has come from Moyne. “It is just so exciting, I can’t believe it,” Ms Edar said. “To have a Moyne band going to the state final is just such great news, I can’t wait.” Ms Edar said the state final will be held at the St Kilda Festival on February 11. Tiosav Joy will represent the Barwon South West area in the final, competing against other regional final winners from across Victoria. Ms Edar said a good crowd attended the regional final in Port Fairy with many expressing interest in supporting Tiosav Joy at the state final. “Given how big this is for Moyne, I am considering taking a bus down to the St Kilda Festival to support the guys,” Ms Edar said. “Last Friday was a great night so there is a lot of interest in supporting the great young acts we have.” Tiosav Joy is made up of Nicola McKenzie (Mailors Flat), Chloe Mutsaers Warrnambool), Patrick Brady and Joseph Brady (Koroit). It has been a big year for the band, playing on youth stages at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Koroit Irish Festival while also playing at leading Warrnambool live music venues The Loft and Highline. Chloe Mutsaers said the band was thrilled with its win in the regional final. “It’s awesome to make the state final and to get the chance to play at the St Kilda Festival,” Mutsaers said. “We were really happy with how we sounded the other night, we had a new song we played for the first time and that went down well. It’s a bit more upbeat so are keen to write a few more like that.” Mutsaers said the band played all original songs at the regional final and hoped to expand their catalogue ahead of the state final.
HISTORY was made at Reardon Theatre in Port Fairy last Friday with an act from Moyne making it through to a state final. Four-piece band Tiosav Joy won the regional final of The Push Start FReeZA Battle of the Bands competition. The band had qualified for the final after winning the Moyne heat of the event. Moyne Shire Council Youth Development Officer Geraldine Edar said it was the first time in the 15-year history of the event that the regional finalist has come from Moyne. “It is just so exciting, I can’t believe it,” Ms Edar said. “To have a Moyne band going to the state final is just such great news, I can’t wait.” Ms Edar said the state final will be held at the St Kilda Festival on February 11. Tiosav Joy will represent the Barwon South West area in the final, competing against other regional final winners from across Victoria. Ms Edar said a good crowd attended the regional final in Port Fairy with many expressing interest in supporting Tiosav Joy at the state final. “Given how big this is for Moyne, I am considering taking a bus down to the St Kilda Festival to support the guys,” Ms Edar said. “Last Friday was a great night so there is a lot of interest in supporting the great young acts we have.” Tiosav Joy is made up of Nicola McKenzie (Mailors Flat), Chloe Mutsaers Warrnambool), Patrick Brady and Joseph Brady (Koroit). It has been a big year for the band, playing on youth stages at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Koroit Irish Festival while also playing at leading Warrnambool live music venues The Loft and Highline. Chloe Mutsaers said the band was thrilled with its win in the regional final. “It’s awesome to make the state final and to get the chance to play at the St Kilda Festival,” Mutsaers said. “We were really happy with how we sounded the other night, we had a new song we played for the first time and that went down well. It’s a bit more upbeat so are keen to write a few more like that.” Mutsaers said the band played all original songs at the regional final and hoped to expand their catalogue ahead of the state final.
US tour in full swing
Published in the Warrnambool Standard 29th Sept. 2017
HAMILTON band The Settlement has begun a tour of the US. The tour kicked off with shows in Los Angeles on September 21-22. The band is now making its way to the east coast and New York. Once there, it will play four shows in Brooklyn from October 4-7. The Settlement has been together since 2015, having started life as Buddha in a Chocolate Box back in 2005.
HAMILTON band The Settlement has begun a tour of the US. The tour kicked off with shows in Los Angeles on September 21-22. The band is now making its way to the east coast and New York. Once there, it will play four shows in Brooklyn from October 4-7. The Settlement has been together since 2015, having started life as Buddha in a Chocolate Box back in 2005.
15 Minutes of Fame 1st Sept. 2017 -- Crossley
Cadence
Jon Clegg
Cadence
Geoff and Bree
Colin O'Keeffe
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Grand Final Breakfast -- Port Fairy 30th Sept. 2017
Janice Trenair, Arthur Banks, Bev Moore, Kathy Baulch, Russell Thomas, Michael Schack - Wednesday Whistlers 30th Sept. 2017
Lee Morgan no longer a stranger
by David Dawson. C1999. Reproduced with permission
Award winning Shipwreck coast country soul singer Lee Morgan has overcome the loss and recovery of his cherished Akita hunting dog to land a plum performing role. Lee will play guitar with Lost In Suburbia when they open the show tomorrow night (ie 11th Feb. 1999) for the legendary Amazing Rhythm Aces at the Lady Bay Hotel in Warrnambool. Morgan was voted best male vocalist in the Australian Roots Music Awards in Warrnambool for his song Midnight Train from debut disc Laura Lee And The Stranger. That was shortly after his prize hound disappeared from his East Malvern city digs and was found five weeks later in Box Hill. Morgan, grandson of the famed Framlingham elder Banjo Clarke, was a member of heavy metal band Talisen before choosing to write more roots material. The soulful singer penned a brace a country and soul tunes while juggling a solo career with a role in Koorie band Jarrah who have also released an album of original material. Lee has sourced much of his best original material from the grandeur of the Great Southern Ocean, the coastal suburbs of Warrnambool and his Gunditjamara Land ancestral roots. Morgan’s inspired writing and performing landed him a summer season at the Seanchai Irish pub - a noisy but cosy bar opposite Francis Neoh’s world famous Malaysia Restaurant in the bowels of the tourist strip in the bible belt capital. Lee is guest guitarist with Lost In Suburbia, founded by Nevada bassist Peter Bird and axeman Trevor McKenzie, and once featuring former T-Bones and original Slap N The Cats drummer Rohan Keert. The band, who have the luxury of Bird’s award winning studio for recording, blame their pedal steel player Murray McDowell for their infrequent gigs. McDowell, a milk tanker driver, is only available when the Aussie dairy season slackens off - yes, the lower milk yields in summer have made this gig possible. And, with a user friendly cover charge of $12.50, the Lady Bay promoter is likely to clean up. Country fans have long shown a resistance to prohibitive door fees. It must be the real estate that prompts high city charges - luckily the Lady Bay only has to pay rates on a couple of ocean acres. Morgan, a guest DJ on Nu Country last week, will return soon to host a homegrown and international show at the controversial Beer Can Hill station. The Aces also appear the Continental Café in downtown Prahran on Friday and Saturday to promote 11th album Chock Full Of Country Goodness which has won widespread airplay on Nu Country and the more discerning shows on PBS and RRR. Members of the band are likely to return for live interviews on all three stations this week - their final gig is at a Lancefield winery on Sunday.
photo shows Lee Morgan, left, with 3 members of the Amazing Rhythm Aces
Award winning Shipwreck coast country soul singer Lee Morgan has overcome the loss and recovery of his cherished Akita hunting dog to land a plum performing role. Lee will play guitar with Lost In Suburbia when they open the show tomorrow night (ie 11th Feb. 1999) for the legendary Amazing Rhythm Aces at the Lady Bay Hotel in Warrnambool. Morgan was voted best male vocalist in the Australian Roots Music Awards in Warrnambool for his song Midnight Train from debut disc Laura Lee And The Stranger. That was shortly after his prize hound disappeared from his East Malvern city digs and was found five weeks later in Box Hill. Morgan, grandson of the famed Framlingham elder Banjo Clarke, was a member of heavy metal band Talisen before choosing to write more roots material. The soulful singer penned a brace a country and soul tunes while juggling a solo career with a role in Koorie band Jarrah who have also released an album of original material. Lee has sourced much of his best original material from the grandeur of the Great Southern Ocean, the coastal suburbs of Warrnambool and his Gunditjamara Land ancestral roots. Morgan’s inspired writing and performing landed him a summer season at the Seanchai Irish pub - a noisy but cosy bar opposite Francis Neoh’s world famous Malaysia Restaurant in the bowels of the tourist strip in the bible belt capital. Lee is guest guitarist with Lost In Suburbia, founded by Nevada bassist Peter Bird and axeman Trevor McKenzie, and once featuring former T-Bones and original Slap N The Cats drummer Rohan Keert. The band, who have the luxury of Bird’s award winning studio for recording, blame their pedal steel player Murray McDowell for their infrequent gigs. McDowell, a milk tanker driver, is only available when the Aussie dairy season slackens off - yes, the lower milk yields in summer have made this gig possible. And, with a user friendly cover charge of $12.50, the Lady Bay promoter is likely to clean up. Country fans have long shown a resistance to prohibitive door fees. It must be the real estate that prompts high city charges - luckily the Lady Bay only has to pay rates on a couple of ocean acres. Morgan, a guest DJ on Nu Country last week, will return soon to host a homegrown and international show at the controversial Beer Can Hill station. The Aces also appear the Continental Café in downtown Prahran on Friday and Saturday to promote 11th album Chock Full Of Country Goodness which has won widespread airplay on Nu Country and the more discerning shows on PBS and RRR. Members of the band are likely to return for live interviews on all three stations this week - their final gig is at a Lancefield winery on Sunday.
Louise Clancey Band - Russells Creek Football Club rooms -- 14th June 2008
Louise Clancey Band
John Maroniti, Michael Schack, Tim Clingan, Louise Clancey, Wayne Stewart
Student sits in
Karl LaskowskiFormer Warrnambool saxophonist Karl Laskowski will delight jazz fans at the Warrnambool Hotel tonight. Laskowski, who used to play alto saxophone with Warrnambool band It's your thing and drums in Sporran is home from Sydney for the school holidays. The 18 year old is completing tertiary studies in jazz performance at the Sydney Conservatorium and playing in a three-piece band in Sydney called the Futon Trio. He will sit in with Richard Tankard, Barry and Graeme Galbraith tonight.
Lake School reveals the class of '06
By JULIE McNAMARA Warrnambool Standard July 25, 2005 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2005. All rights reserved
SONGWRITING tutor Dennis O'Keeffe's induction as a Legend of the Lake and the announcement of a new poetry competition were highlights of the 2006 Lake School launch. Specialising in Celtic music, song and dance tuition, the seventh annual Lake School will be held in Koroit from January 3-8. O'Keeffe became just the fourth person to be inducted as a legend in recognition of his success as a songwriting tutor at the Lake School over the last five years and his work as a performer and songwriter in Irish\/Australian music. Editor of Irish Australian network magazine, Val Noone, attended the launch at Koroit's Mickey Bourke's Hotel on Saturday night to perform the induction. Event creator Felix Meagher said Mr Noone delivered a fantastic speech to the crowd of about 100. "One of the things he said was soul writers like Dennis make us take pride in ourselves," Mr Meagher said. Mr O'Keeffe, who is close to completing a novel on the people, events and south-west connections surrounding the writing of Waltzing Matilda, said it was a great honour to be named as a legend. The Lake School launched its Spud Poets Award, which carries a prize booty of $1000. The open poetry competition requires poets to come up with a poem with a Celtic connection which is no more than 300 words. Entries for the competition close at the end of October and 15 finalists will read their works at a special evening on January 6. Mr Meagher said the competition was inspired by Mary Fiorini-Lowell (nee Bourke) who wrote the poem The Humble Spud, which she recited at the launch. Plans are also under way to establish an annual Celtic music and dance scholarship, which could eventually result in winners being sent overseas for specialised tuition. Mr Meagher said the Warrnambool Four Port Folk Club had wound up its affairs and donated its bank balance of about $1100 to the Lake School, the money to be used to get the idea off the ground.
Felix Meagher
SONGWRITING tutor Dennis O'Keeffe's induction as a Legend of the Lake and the announcement of a new poetry competition were highlights of the 2006 Lake School launch. Specialising in Celtic music, song and dance tuition, the seventh annual Lake School will be held in Koroit from January 3-8. O'Keeffe became just the fourth person to be inducted as a legend in recognition of his success as a songwriting tutor at the Lake School over the last five years and his work as a performer and songwriter in Irish\/Australian music. Editor of Irish Australian network magazine, Val Noone, attended the launch at Koroit's Mickey Bourke's Hotel on Saturday night to perform the induction. Event creator Felix Meagher said Mr Noone delivered a fantastic speech to the crowd of about 100. "One of the things he said was soul writers like Dennis make us take pride in ourselves," Mr Meagher said. Mr O'Keeffe, who is close to completing a novel on the people, events and south-west connections surrounding the writing of Waltzing Matilda, said it was a great honour to be named as a legend. The Lake School launched its Spud Poets Award, which carries a prize booty of $1000. The open poetry competition requires poets to come up with a poem with a Celtic connection which is no more than 300 words. Entries for the competition close at the end of October and 15 finalists will read their works at a special evening on January 6. Mr Meagher said the competition was inspired by Mary Fiorini-Lowell (nee Bourke) who wrote the poem The Humble Spud, which she recited at the launch. Plans are also under way to establish an annual Celtic music and dance scholarship, which could eventually result in winners being sent overseas for specialised tuition. Mr Meagher said the Warrnambool Four Port Folk Club had wound up its affairs and donated its bank balance of about $1100 to the Lake School, the money to be used to get the idea off the ground.
Enrolments open for 2004 Lake School
Written by Kevin McCarthy. Originally published in The Blarney Bulletin Sept. 2003 - reproduced with permission.
Applications are now available for the 2004 Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance which will be held in Koroit between January 4 - 10.
The 5th annual Lake School offers beginner and advanced classes in accordion, guitar, fiddle (including a new intermediate class), tin whistle, bodhran, flute, singing, ceilidhe dancing, ceilidhe band, songwriting, tune accompaniment on guitar and bouzuki, children's drama program and kids ceilidhe dancing. Tutors include Billy Moran, Sean Kenan, Ewen Baker, Vince Brophy, Tommy Carty, Fay Morgan & Una McAlinden, Barb Scott, Maria Forde, Dennis O'Keeffe, Caoilte O'Súilleabháin, Margie Brophy and Christine Meagher.
Lake School fees are $135 per adult, $75 for children under 16, and $420 for a family ticket. Each ticket entitles a student to attend all classes and concerts, and a maximum of 150 places are available. The 2004 schedule has been organised so that students can easily attend one instrument class and all of the special events songwriting, ceilidhe band, dance, and singing. Special events at the 2004 school include the Locals Concert, Koroit Ceilidhe, Songwriters Concert, Lake School Ceilidhe, the Childrens Production, and the Lake School Concert.
Applications are now available for the 2004 Lake School of Celtic Music, Song and Dance which will be held in Koroit between January 4 - 10.
The 5th annual Lake School offers beginner and advanced classes in accordion, guitar, fiddle (including a new intermediate class), tin whistle, bodhran, flute, singing, ceilidhe dancing, ceilidhe band, songwriting, tune accompaniment on guitar and bouzuki, children's drama program and kids ceilidhe dancing. Tutors include Billy Moran, Sean Kenan, Ewen Baker, Vince Brophy, Tommy Carty, Fay Morgan & Una McAlinden, Barb Scott, Maria Forde, Dennis O'Keeffe, Caoilte O'Súilleabháin, Margie Brophy and Christine Meagher.
Lake School fees are $135 per adult, $75 for children under 16, and $420 for a family ticket. Each ticket entitles a student to attend all classes and concerts, and a maximum of 150 places are available. The 2004 schedule has been organised so that students can easily attend one instrument class and all of the special events songwriting, ceilidhe band, dance, and singing. Special events at the 2004 school include the Locals Concert, Koroit Ceilidhe, Songwriters Concert, Lake School Ceilidhe, the Childrens Production, and the Lake School Concert.
Lakes and Craters
Warrnambool Standard 28th March 1988 - Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1988. All rights reserved.
Toes were tapping and akubra hats were in force at the Lakes and Crater Country Music Festival in Camperdown yesterday. The inaugural country music feast attracted between 1500 and 2000 people to the Lakes Recreation Reserve. President of the Camperdown Lions Club, Mr. Noel Hassett, said the festival was a success. "The acts were of a high standard and really stirred the crowd up", he said. Heading the bill were top national performers in Cash Backman, Donna Fisk and Alan Hawking. Other acts included popular local bands Call Me Country and Rye Grass Staggers (photographed below)
Photo shows Keith Prest, Tony Beks and Michael Schack performing as the Ryegrass Staggers
Toes were tapping and akubra hats were in force at the Lakes and Crater Country Music Festival in Camperdown yesterday. The inaugural country music feast attracted between 1500 and 2000 people to the Lakes Recreation Reserve. President of the Camperdown Lions Club, Mr. Noel Hassett, said the festival was a success. "The acts were of a high standard and really stirred the crowd up", he said. Heading the bill were top national performers in Cash Backman, Donna Fisk and Alan Hawking. Other acts included popular local bands Call Me Country and Rye Grass Staggers (photographed below)
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Kozar Blip
"Public exposure" -- Warrnambool Standard 20th July 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
Winning the local battle of the bands competition opened plenty of doors for Warrnambool four-piece group Kozar Blip. Since winning the competition in April this year, Kozar Blip — which consists of Sam Grayson, Nathan Porter, Liam Sullivan and Mark Reeves — have made the most of their opportunities. A win in the competition set Kozar Blip up for a berth in the regional final and apotential gig at the Push On festival in Melbourne later this year. Guitarist Nathan Porter said the win had also given the band much needed exposure and helped them secure support spots when headliners came to town. "Pretty much because we won the Battle of the Bands they are sort of looking to us to be the support," Nathan said. He said supporting Boyjar and Nokturnl at a ‘Freeza’ all-ages-show earlier this month had been a great experience and the band was looking forward to supporting Shihad and Motorace in August. "That was good playing with those guys. We were surprised how much the crowd got into it. We thought they’d just stand back and wait for Nokturnl but they all got into it." Kozar Blip also recently entered a single in the Push By Record competition, finishing in the top eight of 160 entries, this won them a spot on a nationally distributed CD and a gig at Melbourne’s Fringe Festival in Brunswick Street in October. Mark Reeves said the Push On and Fringe Festival gigs would be great experiences for the band, which has had little exposure out of Warrnambool and is finding it increasingly harder to pick up live music gigs in town. "We’re looking to play out of Warrnambool as much as we can. Warrnambool is a bit difficult to get gigs, considering the Bay’s shut down." Kozar Blip has written 12 original tracks and plans to head into the studio within the next month to record an EP, an experience vocalist Sam Grayson said they were looking forward to. Nathan said the EP was all about getting exposure and getting the band’s name around. "We want to send it off to record companies and see how we go — it’s sort of just a self promotion CD, we’re not really looking forward to making money out of it," he said. He paused, then added: " not yet."
"More than just a blip" -- Warrnambool Standard 28th Sept. 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
A festival performance and a string of upcoming gigs has local band Kozar Blip buzzing. Kozar Blip will play at Sunday’s Melbourne Fringe Festival after winning a statewide competition earlier this year. While the list of bands it has played alongside is very impressive — Bodyjar, Shihad, Motorace, Nokturnl, Weta and Dogbuoy, as well as upcoming support for US band Unwritten Law and Superjesus — Kozar Blip is yet to test its music audiences outside the Warrnambool area. The four-piece group believes the festival spot, playing to an expected crowd of about 100,000, as well as upcoming gigs in Melbourne and Geelong will give it much needed exposure. Kozar Blip is also eagerly anticipating playing support to Bodyjar and US band Unwritten Law at Warrnambool’s Deakin University. Group member Mark Reeves said despite supporting a big name overseas act, Kozar Blip wouldn’t feel too nervous before the gig. "You just go and play your own thing, as long as you know what you are playing, you’re right," he said. Having recently recorded a demo CD, Kozar Blip is focusing its attention on securing a recording deal. Reeves said the band’s record of supporting big name bands was coming in handy as it looked to get signed to a record label. "You need a good bio when you send your CD into the record labels. They have to see that you have supported good bands," Reeves said. Another big test for Kozar Blip will come next Friday night when it contests The Push Battle of the Bands regional final. Kozar Blip plays the Melbourne Fringe Festival on Sunday and supports BodyJar and Unwritten Law on October 18, before embarking on a list of Melbourne and Geelong dates — Melbourne’s Arthouse October 19, Geelong’s Barwon Club October 20 and Joey’s at St Kilda October 21.
"Kozar Blip blitz the battle field" -- Warrnambool Standard 12th Oct 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
Warrnambool's Kozar Blip have blitzed the field in the regional final of the Push Battle of the Bands competition. The four-piece rockers have once again shown the extent of their popularity by taking out the first prize. Second placegetters were 21st Century Ox followed by Cause and Effect in third. As part of the first prize, Kozar Blip will also play at an upcoming music festival in Queenscliff next month, as well as securing a position to play at Push On in March next year at Luna Park. Warrnambool City Council youth development officer Adrian Hunter said that more than 200 young people attended the Freeza event and added that there would be another youth-organised event on November 4 at the Temperance Hall.
"Kozar Blip is up with the ‘guns’" -- Warrnambool Standard 19th Oct 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
Warrnambool four-piece band Kozar Blip will play alongside some of Australia’s best known bands following its recent Battle of the Bands win. Winner of the Barwon South-West regional final, the band will go on to play at the state final at Luna Park later this year. Guitarist and vocalist Sam Grayson said the competition at the regional final was tough, with the band up against the best bands from Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool and surrounding areas. "We were as confident as we could be but the competition was pretty tough," he said. With bands such as Killing Heidi and Something for Kate playing at last year’s state final, bass player Mark Reeves said it would be a great experience to play alongside big-name Australian acts later this year. "We’re damn excited about it," he said. Established just 10 months ago, the band has gathered momentum and built up a strong fan base with gigs set for Warrnambool, Geelong and Melbourne and an appearance supporting popular pop /rock band Superjesus next month. "We’ve got 11 gigs in 20 days this month, so we’ve been pretty busy," Mark said.
"Ordeal in the studio" -- Warrnambool Standard 11th Jan. 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2001 All rights reserved
WARRNAMBOOL’S Kozar Blip has gone back into the studio to record a series of tracks for an EP to be released in the next few months. After playing at the Spirit of the Sea festival last weekend, the band, featuring Sam Grayson (vocals/guitar), Mark Reeves (bass), Liam Sullivan (drums) and Nathan Porter (guitar), put in a 20-hour recording stint at Melbourne’s Metropolis Studios. Formed just over a year ago, Kozar Blip has already established itself in the south-west music scene after winning the regional finals of Battle of the Bands and playing at several festivals including the Queenscliff Music Festival.The band has secured a place at the state finals of Battle of the Bands at Push On at Luna Park in March, playing alongside Australian bands such as Frenzal Rhomb and Grinspoon. Reeves said the band had already recorded some original tracks in Warrnambool about three months ago but made the decision to record an extra three in Melbourne several weeks back. "We’ve done some recording around here before but we thought we’d go to Melbourne and try out one of the studios there, because we were connected with one of the guys up there," he said. Reeves said while the band members had made no firm decision on what they were going to do with the finished CD he said they would probably form an EP to sell at gigs. "The first one we did was to send to pubs so they could hear us play, but this one we wanted to do something that was 100 per cent," he said. Reeves said the three recently recorded tracks, Stay, Fly and Poo Nuggets, had taken 20 hours to produce. He said the band had booked the studio for a 24-hour block and had worked solidly to finish the tracks. "It was a bit tiring but it was a good experience and it was good fun," he said.
"Final battle ahead for our Kozar Blip" -- Warrnambool Standard 8th Mar 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2001 All rights reserved
WARRNAMBOOL band Kozar Blip is pushing one step closer to success this week-end. The dedicated group has started making waves the music world by winning the regional final the Push On 200 Battle of the Bands competition. Now moving into the state final, Kozar Blip will play alongside top Australian bands such as Grinspoon, Frenzal Rhomb, Area-7, Body Jar, Magic Dirt, Motorace and Sunk Loto in their quest for the title. However, playing with such bands should not concern the group which has already secured places as support for Superjesus, Shihad, Motorace Body Jar and heaps more. The all-ages Push On 2000 event will be held on Monday at Luna Park in St Kilda and will also feature free rides, a food fair, a skate demo, sideshows, a flea market and fun house. In addition to the gig at Push On 2000, Kozar Blip will officially release its self-titled debut album on Saturday at the Sunk Loto all-ages gig the Warrnambool Civic Hall. The band’s CD will also contain its latest single Stay, which is expected to gain national radio airplay by the end of the month. As part of the release of the album, Kozar Blip will be performing at a host of gigs around the state including: March 10 — Civic Hall, Warrnambool Freeza; March 11 — Armadale Hotel, Melbourne; March 12 — Push On 2001, Luna Park, St Kilda; March 14 — 9th Ward, Melbourne; March 15 — Bridge Mall Inn, Ballarat.
"No blip in debut" -- Warrnambool Standard 15th Mar 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2001 All rights reserved
The long-awaited debut EP from Warrnambool band Kozar Blip is now available. The talented quartet will continue to build its fan base with the release. Featuring original tracks Stay, Helpless, Fly and Find A Way, the band has produced professional and well-rounded first attempt. The lyrics were written by Sam Grayson (vocals/guitar) and the original music highlights the band’s growing maturity as performers. Kozar Blip also comprises Mark Reeves (bass), Liam Sullivan (drums) and Nathan Porter (guitar). Stay — the first single off the album — will be heard on national radio by the end of the month and is probably catchy enough to draw in most listeners. Grayson said the band had recorded the tracks in a marathon 20-hour session at Melbourne’s Metropolis Studios. "We were in there from about 9am to 6am and then drove home to Warrnambool," he said. Grayson said the process had been a learning curve. He said the band chose its best four tracks for the album, but Grayson admitted to writing the band’s best song after the CD was recorded. "We were disappointed we didn’t get that track on ... maybe next time," he said.
Winning the local battle of the bands competition opened plenty of doors for Warrnambool four-piece group Kozar Blip. Since winning the competition in April this year, Kozar Blip — which consists of Sam Grayson, Nathan Porter, Liam Sullivan and Mark Reeves — have made the most of their opportunities. A win in the competition set Kozar Blip up for a berth in the regional final and apotential gig at the Push On festival in Melbourne later this year. Guitarist Nathan Porter said the win had also given the band much needed exposure and helped them secure support spots when headliners came to town. "Pretty much because we won the Battle of the Bands they are sort of looking to us to be the support," Nathan said. He said supporting Boyjar and Nokturnl at a ‘Freeza’ all-ages-show earlier this month had been a great experience and the band was looking forward to supporting Shihad and Motorace in August. "That was good playing with those guys. We were surprised how much the crowd got into it. We thought they’d just stand back and wait for Nokturnl but they all got into it." Kozar Blip also recently entered a single in the Push By Record competition, finishing in the top eight of 160 entries, this won them a spot on a nationally distributed CD and a gig at Melbourne’s Fringe Festival in Brunswick Street in October. Mark Reeves said the Push On and Fringe Festival gigs would be great experiences for the band, which has had little exposure out of Warrnambool and is finding it increasingly harder to pick up live music gigs in town. "We’re looking to play out of Warrnambool as much as we can. Warrnambool is a bit difficult to get gigs, considering the Bay’s shut down." Kozar Blip has written 12 original tracks and plans to head into the studio within the next month to record an EP, an experience vocalist Sam Grayson said they were looking forward to. Nathan said the EP was all about getting exposure and getting the band’s name around. "We want to send it off to record companies and see how we go — it’s sort of just a self promotion CD, we’re not really looking forward to making money out of it," he said. He paused, then added: " not yet."
"More than just a blip" -- Warrnambool Standard 28th Sept. 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
A festival performance and a string of upcoming gigs has local band Kozar Blip buzzing. Kozar Blip will play at Sunday’s Melbourne Fringe Festival after winning a statewide competition earlier this year. While the list of bands it has played alongside is very impressive — Bodyjar, Shihad, Motorace, Nokturnl, Weta and Dogbuoy, as well as upcoming support for US band Unwritten Law and Superjesus — Kozar Blip is yet to test its music audiences outside the Warrnambool area. The four-piece group believes the festival spot, playing to an expected crowd of about 100,000, as well as upcoming gigs in Melbourne and Geelong will give it much needed exposure. Kozar Blip is also eagerly anticipating playing support to Bodyjar and US band Unwritten Law at Warrnambool’s Deakin University. Group member Mark Reeves said despite supporting a big name overseas act, Kozar Blip wouldn’t feel too nervous before the gig. "You just go and play your own thing, as long as you know what you are playing, you’re right," he said. Having recently recorded a demo CD, Kozar Blip is focusing its attention on securing a recording deal. Reeves said the band’s record of supporting big name bands was coming in handy as it looked to get signed to a record label. "You need a good bio when you send your CD into the record labels. They have to see that you have supported good bands," Reeves said. Another big test for Kozar Blip will come next Friday night when it contests The Push Battle of the Bands regional final. Kozar Blip plays the Melbourne Fringe Festival on Sunday and supports BodyJar and Unwritten Law on October 18, before embarking on a list of Melbourne and Geelong dates — Melbourne’s Arthouse October 19, Geelong’s Barwon Club October 20 and Joey’s at St Kilda October 21.
"Kozar Blip blitz the battle field" -- Warrnambool Standard 12th Oct 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
Warrnambool's Kozar Blip have blitzed the field in the regional final of the Push Battle of the Bands competition. The four-piece rockers have once again shown the extent of their popularity by taking out the first prize. Second placegetters were 21st Century Ox followed by Cause and Effect in third. As part of the first prize, Kozar Blip will also play at an upcoming music festival in Queenscliff next month, as well as securing a position to play at Push On in March next year at Luna Park. Warrnambool City Council youth development officer Adrian Hunter said that more than 200 young people attended the Freeza event and added that there would be another youth-organised event on November 4 at the Temperance Hall.
"Kozar Blip is up with the ‘guns’" -- Warrnambool Standard 19th Oct 2000 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2000 All rights reserved
Warrnambool four-piece band Kozar Blip will play alongside some of Australia’s best known bands following its recent Battle of the Bands win. Winner of the Barwon South-West regional final, the band will go on to play at the state final at Luna Park later this year. Guitarist and vocalist Sam Grayson said the competition at the regional final was tough, with the band up against the best bands from Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool and surrounding areas. "We were as confident as we could be but the competition was pretty tough," he said. With bands such as Killing Heidi and Something for Kate playing at last year’s state final, bass player Mark Reeves said it would be a great experience to play alongside big-name Australian acts later this year. "We’re damn excited about it," he said. Established just 10 months ago, the band has gathered momentum and built up a strong fan base with gigs set for Warrnambool, Geelong and Melbourne and an appearance supporting popular pop /rock band Superjesus next month. "We’ve got 11 gigs in 20 days this month, so we’ve been pretty busy," Mark said.
"Ordeal in the studio" -- Warrnambool Standard 11th Jan. 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2001 All rights reserved
WARRNAMBOOL’S Kozar Blip has gone back into the studio to record a series of tracks for an EP to be released in the next few months. After playing at the Spirit of the Sea festival last weekend, the band, featuring Sam Grayson (vocals/guitar), Mark Reeves (bass), Liam Sullivan (drums) and Nathan Porter (guitar), put in a 20-hour recording stint at Melbourne’s Metropolis Studios. Formed just over a year ago, Kozar Blip has already established itself in the south-west music scene after winning the regional finals of Battle of the Bands and playing at several festivals including the Queenscliff Music Festival.The band has secured a place at the state finals of Battle of the Bands at Push On at Luna Park in March, playing alongside Australian bands such as Frenzal Rhomb and Grinspoon. Reeves said the band had already recorded some original tracks in Warrnambool about three months ago but made the decision to record an extra three in Melbourne several weeks back. "We’ve done some recording around here before but we thought we’d go to Melbourne and try out one of the studios there, because we were connected with one of the guys up there," he said. Reeves said while the band members had made no firm decision on what they were going to do with the finished CD he said they would probably form an EP to sell at gigs. "The first one we did was to send to pubs so they could hear us play, but this one we wanted to do something that was 100 per cent," he said. Reeves said the three recently recorded tracks, Stay, Fly and Poo Nuggets, had taken 20 hours to produce. He said the band had booked the studio for a 24-hour block and had worked solidly to finish the tracks. "It was a bit tiring but it was a good experience and it was good fun," he said.
"Final battle ahead for our Kozar Blip" -- Warrnambool Standard 8th Mar 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2001 All rights reserved
WARRNAMBOOL band Kozar Blip is pushing one step closer to success this week-end. The dedicated group has started making waves the music world by winning the regional final the Push On 200 Battle of the Bands competition. Now moving into the state final, Kozar Blip will play alongside top Australian bands such as Grinspoon, Frenzal Rhomb, Area-7, Body Jar, Magic Dirt, Motorace and Sunk Loto in their quest for the title. However, playing with such bands should not concern the group which has already secured places as support for Superjesus, Shihad, Motorace Body Jar and heaps more. The all-ages Push On 2000 event will be held on Monday at Luna Park in St Kilda and will also feature free rides, a food fair, a skate demo, sideshows, a flea market and fun house. In addition to the gig at Push On 2000, Kozar Blip will officially release its self-titled debut album on Saturday at the Sunk Loto all-ages gig the Warrnambool Civic Hall. The band’s CD will also contain its latest single Stay, which is expected to gain national radio airplay by the end of the month. As part of the release of the album, Kozar Blip will be performing at a host of gigs around the state including: March 10 — Civic Hall, Warrnambool Freeza; March 11 — Armadale Hotel, Melbourne; March 12 — Push On 2001, Luna Park, St Kilda; March 14 — 9th Ward, Melbourne; March 15 — Bridge Mall Inn, Ballarat.
"No blip in debut" -- Warrnambool Standard 15th Mar 2001 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2001 All rights reserved
The long-awaited debut EP from Warrnambool band Kozar Blip is now available. The talented quartet will continue to build its fan base with the release. Featuring original tracks Stay, Helpless, Fly and Find A Way, the band has produced professional and well-rounded first attempt. The lyrics were written by Sam Grayson (vocals/guitar) and the original music highlights the band’s growing maturity as performers. Kozar Blip also comprises Mark Reeves (bass), Liam Sullivan (drums) and Nathan Porter (guitar). Stay — the first single off the album — will be heard on national radio by the end of the month and is probably catchy enough to draw in most listeners. Grayson said the band had recorded the tracks in a marathon 20-hour session at Melbourne’s Metropolis Studios. "We were in there from about 9am to 6am and then drove home to Warrnambool," he said. Grayson said the process had been a learning curve. He said the band chose its best four tracks for the album, but Grayson admitted to writing the band’s best song after the CD was recorded. "We were disappointed we didn’t get that track on ... maybe next time," he said.
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