Jun 27

RAW: Beyond Our Borders – Espionage Gallery – July 9 – Preview

By Genevieve Brandenburg

Beyond Our Borders is a one-night exhibition directed at advocating and raising funds for Compassion Australia, an organisation that supports child growth and development in poverty-stricken countries. Organised by Rachel McCaskill and hosted by Joshua Smith at Espionage Gallery, this is an exhibition supporting not only artists and their work, but also a most worthy cause.

Compassion was first founded in 1952 when Rev. Everett Swanson witnessed first-hand the destitution of children due to the Korean War. Twenty-five years later, in 1977, Compassion Australia was founded by Laurie and Olive McCowan in Newcastle. Aimed at supporting the holistic growth and development of ‘the individual child from the womb to university’, Compassion now operates in over 26 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Central America and South America. In 2009, with the aid of twelve Partner Countries and countless sponsors, Compassion International reached 1 million children in need. As of 2010 Compassion Australia reached 90,000 sponsored children, with aims to reach 100,000 by 2012.

Rachel McCaskill has been involved with Compassion Australia since 2010 when she travelled to India with the organisation. Having always loved art, she has decided to celebrate her 25th birthday this year by organising an exhibition with all proceeds going towards Compassion’s ‘Child Survival Program’, which is specifically for mothers and babies.

The artwork is by McCaskill herself and six other artists, including Nikki Burdette, Meagan Gratz, Melody Groenenboom, Amanda Lockwood, Sarah Rose and Jasmine Stonham. The works will ‘transport viewers to places where some of the poorest people in the world live, and through this, advocate for these children.’

With auctioning of the artworks; music by one of Adelaide’s most loved buskers; food, drink and good company, Beyond Our Borders gives us the opportunity to not only admire and support the work of South Australian artists, but to also support a worthy cause. So invite your friends and family for what will be a fantastic night of celebration, all in the name of helping these children who so desperately need it.


EXHIBITION DETAILS
Date: Saturday 9th July 2011, 6.00pm – 9.00pm (one night only)
Where: Espionage Gallery, Suite 1, Level 2, 93 Rundle Mall (just off Lindes Lane)
Compassion Australia: http://www.compassion.com.au/

Jun 26

RAW: Cabaret Fringe – Galonka and Tzigane – Nexus – 4K

As the last stragglers took their seats, Tzigane eased us into the evening with a serene number on acoustic guitar, percussion and sitar. The sitar was soon exchanged for a piano accordion and the former remained sitting, tantalisingly, on the front of the stage for the remainder of the evening.

Playing a short set of just four songs, they were the self-proclaimed “classy act” prior to the energetic whimsy of the main act for the evening, Galonka. Their style was varied, with all numbers very different from one another while also similar in the sense that they had the feel of being made up on the spot. It was oddly discordant sounding, with unusual time signatures and a lack of discernable melody for much of it, however the audience reacted enthusiastically.

There was no time to grab another drink before Galonka took to the stage. They are a five piece group, who play folk and gypsy music from a wide range of backgrounds – French, Czechoslovakian, Russian, you never know what you’re going to get. It was all high energy and a lot of fun, with jokey banter amongst the members between, and even during, songs.

Many of their tunes are solely instrumental, with beautiful melodies played on violin and clarinet to the soulful backing of guitar, mandolin, contrabass and piano accordion. It was nice to also hear some pieces with lyrics to change things up mid set, and new number, The Traveller’s Song (in Russian pirate style), was a highlight of the night. After two rousing encores, the audience dispersed into the night, though it’s likely some continued on with the band at a promised after-party at a nearby pub.

Kryztoff rating: 4K

Jun 26

RAW: Cabaret Festival – The Jitterbug Club – 3K

By Julia George

The Hoodoo Emporium’s Jitterbug Club is like a late-night underground 1930s jazz club in New York. It’s cheeky and kitsch. The Jitterbeetles wow the crowds with their naughty burlesque, while Mojo-Juju, and the Snake Oil Merchants, inspires the audience with her intoxicating voice and their raw mellowed beats, from the live band.

The MC James Grim is self-indulgent and cheeky, but he entertains the crowd between sets. At one stage a couple dances Salsa in the corner, not part of the show, but they must’ve been wound-up in the atmosphere. About two-thirds through the show the MC gets the part of the audience up on their feet, restricting the view of those behind, annoyingly, creating a disconnect between the audience and the show.

Burlesque performer Lillian Star, amongst others, through her seamless dance set, proves that burlesque is not just about the art of strip tease.

The Jitterbug Club is something different, which is a nice juxtaposition to a ‘regular’ show, but would’ve been good to be able to see the final acts.

Kryztoff Rating 3K

Jun 24

RAW: Cabaret Festival – Amy Housewine: Back to Crack – Banquet Room – 4K

There’s something truly voyeuristic in Western culture, in that we love to hear about someone famous who has gone and stuffed up their life. We take a lot of pleasure from these stories and revel in their falls from grace. One of the entertainers who just keeps coming up with the goods (see last week’s incident in Serbia) is Amy Winehouse. She, or at least Amy Housewine, was kind enough to grace the stage during the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

In case the name hadn’t given it away, this is a parody show. Housewine enters, expletives blazing, and creates a concoction from audience members’ drinks that would be worthy of any uni party. The opening song Valium (a take on the Mark Ronson number, Valerie, that Winehouse sings on) is a pun filled romp which sets the scene well. The songs are not restricted to Winehouse’s own back catalogue though, with old favourites such as If I Only Had a Brain reworked (into If I Only Had Cocain) to create great hilarity.

A show such as this has the potential to get old quickly – just how many songs changed to be about drugs can be funny in a row? – however, performer Lisa Adam, and co-writer Trevor Ashley, have structured the evening well to ensure this doesn’t happen. Amongst the songs are segments of stand-up comedy, a beat poem about the greatest night of Housewine’s life and serious contemplation of how it all went wrong. There is also some fun audience participation, which would be enough to make Slim Dusty turn in his grave. On top of this, Adam has a wonderful voice, certainly matching the vocal talents of the lady that is her inspiration.

The audience clearly had a good time (some too good a time possibly, but maybe they were just getting into the spirit of the show) at this balanced and well executed mix of light comedy and musical prowess.

Kryztoff Rating: 4K

Jun 24

RAW: Cabaret Festival – Storm Large – 4.5K

Having come off the (auto)biographical accounts of Charles Sanders in the Cabaret Fringe, one was perhaps unprepared for another dose, this time by the ‘sexually omnivorous’ American Storm Large in the Cabaret festival itself. Not sure too many of the audience were but they sure as hell got their money’s worth.

Starting out ‘sweet’ as she described it, Ms Large then turned up the pace with her three piece band, The Balls, rattling the Space’s cage. In equal measure, loud, sexy, a passionista, seductive and appalling – her reasons for delighting in nature specials on TV great fun – Storm delighted with a tribute to ONJ of her Hopelessly Devoted To You that somewhat dismantled the girl next door image we may have retained of ‘our’ Olivia after her opening night concert.

Her Pat Benatar rendition of Heart Breaker was a highlight and many of the pout numbers would have put Cher to shame. Her signature song, 8 Miles Wide rounds off a great show.

But to be sure this is a carefully crafted show. It never descends into girlie bar slease or wallows in rock’s excesses and throughout (and despite a colourful history with drugs), Large ensured we knew she possesses a wonderful voice that can convey true emotion and delight amongst the verses that thrashed it out.

This was great entertainment, good escapist fun but with talent to spare.

Kryztoff Rating  4.5K

Jun 23

RAW: Cabaret Fringe – A Modest Exhibit By Charles Sanders – 4.5K

If the somewhat quaint title does not alert you to the possibility of an extraordinary show, then certainly Charles Sanders’ opening number as Mabel singing Take Heart from the Pirates of Penzance will do the trick.

A Modest Exhibit is the tale of the various influences on a child’s life as he grows. No doubt, at least in part autobiographical, Sanders takes from the world of Gilbert & Sullivan to Cher (as a substitute mother) via the trauma of parents splitting to Freddie Mercury; the result of what happens when the drug muse grabs you by the throat.

In a word Charles Sanders is amazing. His vocal strength is accompanied by a confidence and athleticism that makes this a stunning show. Dressed in almost trademark black leather trousers and mostly also a black singlet, the somewhat androgynous Sanders wows you with his passion for not only his music but his joy in performing – a creature who seemingly spends 23 hours each day absorbing the energy and subtlety of the world around him to let it rip for the 60 minutes he is up front and centre.

His Let Me Drown and U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For are highlights but the entire performance is captivating and sublime.

If criticism is warranted it is in the absurd use of speakers the size of refrigerators for a crowd of 20 in a room too small to play pool in. A more unplugged persona would likely elevate this show to the top but in any case if you are into the Cabaret Fringe this is one show that will surpass all others. A star in the making and this show is by no means a modest exhibit of an extraordinary talent.

Kryztoff Rating  4.5K

Jun 22

RAW: Volcano Cloud – Virgin On A Customer PR Debacle

Virgin Airlines - Where Some Passengers Are Treated Better Than Others

Despite all the advertising that attempts to make you feel you are important to the airlines (for something other than the content of your wallets) it is often experiences in these difficult times with airlines that show just how much they actually do care.

With the dust now settling from the volcano plume (or is it the ash cloud just moving on for another week), one tale shows just how bad it gets.

I was booked on a Virgin flight today from Brisbane to Adelaide. Last night I checked on-line and then they could provide no guide as to which flights were cancelled or delayed today and the customer service help line number advised they were overloaded and one should check back later.

This morning my flight did not appear on the cancelled flight list and so after some business meetings I proceeded to the airport. When I arrived an hour before take off, there on the screen was my flight, the direct Adelaide flight all ready to go on time.

But when I went to check in I was told to go to the service desk. My fears of a delay grew, but how? I had booked well before the ash cloud was scheduled to arrive again and I had no other advice from Virgin that my flight was going to be a problem.

What’s more I had arrived at the airport just as Virgin recommended – that was to arrive no less than 45 minutes before takeoff and that one should not arrive late in the expectation of your flight being delayed as that may cause you to miss your flight.

No, the service desk people advised that ‘more seats had been sold for the flight than were available’. Then, as ‘the flight was closed and already filled with those who had checked in’, I was to be rescheduled to a later flight, a flight via Canberra that would see me home too late to attend a family birthday event.

When I got on the high horse and said that I had complied with their every request to that time and clearly someone else had been shoe horned in from another flight, they did not disagree but ran the usual airline bullshit – a blank look and the question ‘do you want we to check you in for the flights via Canberra?’ Like as a passenger, you have any choice?

Now, I recognise that moments like these with the ash cloud create disruptions and for the most part the media’s coverage of hapless travellers complaining that the ‘airlines don’t seem to know what’s happening’ isn’t very fair as rescheduling people and flights must be one of the great organisational nightmares.

Not, also, that I am convinced by the ever prettier airline PR people they put in front of the cameras to ever so sweetly and innocently say they are doing the best they can. (When will the public expect and respect some guy in a suit telling us that again?)

But for a scheduled flight, unaffected by the disruptions (for it left on time), to bump a business traveller, a (formerly) loyal Virgin Velocity member, for some tourist bum in thongs who could turn up hours in advance this is not a great performance. What’s more, the Canberra leg two hours later was only half full and they didn’t even try to connect me with the Adelaide flight that left 30 mins after I arrived in the national capital.

Bottom line, Virgin Airlines just don’t care. You are number to be tolerated, Basil Fawlty style, until it make sense to stuff you around for their own gain.

Virgin, you done me wrong and you will pay for this in the long term.

PS       About half an hour after my original flight departed I got Virgin’s automated ‘no reply’ flight details email reminder on my Blackberry about it. Great work Virgin.

Jun 21

RAW: Gay Marriage – Qld Conf Adds Pressure To Gillard

By Lewis Dowell

The Queensland Labor state conference overwhelming passed a motion for federal Labor to legalise gay marriage over the weekend, putting extra pressure on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to act on the issue.

Julia Gillard should feel pressure to legalise gay marriage, but should feel it from all of us who believe in the quality of Australia’s equal rights. There would be no social or economic consequences to legalising gay marriage and I happily make the generalisation that those opposed to it, do so because of homophobic views. You may disguise your homophobic views by listing arguments over the sanctity and tradition of marriage, even religious views on marriage, but it is still homophobia.

There seems to be an underlying fear that the more socially acceptable you make homosexuality, the more homosexuals there will be. As if it is a choice and people are choosing to be heterosexual because we get to marry each other.

As long as Julia Gillard and the federal government do not legalise gay marriage, they should be viewed as a homophobic and discriminatory government. They of course spout they are not, and argue on the basis of traditional marriage (between a man and woman) but their views and policies can only be seen as discrimination. And if the laws and rules of marriage exclude homosexuals, than marriage it self discriminates against homosexuals and shouldn’t be tolerated by the public.

But maybe Julia Gillard isn’t homophobic but just thinks we all are and so has deemed gay marriage as so unpopular that she would be immediately kick out of parliament if she supported it. This could be true as no doubt people are very concerned about homosexuals, marriage and also homosexuals parenting children.

The concern people have with homosexuals parenting children seems to be that the child will be adversely effected emotionally, psychologically and socially by having same sex parents. As all of us are emotionally, psychologically and socially effected by our parents, often adversely, I think this should be obvious.

And no doubt will be some research or study out there that claims these adverse effects, but to me, arguing who and who isn’t allowed to parent children gets you into extremely dangerous territory. We saw it with the stolen generation, where it was thought taking Aboriginal children away from their parents and giving them to white families was the right thing to do. Obviously this is different as children aren’t being taken away from same sex couples, but it is still dangerous to draw the line as to who you think is fit to parent children.

If you were to have any argument over why gay people shouldn’t be able to have children, then surely you would have to apply the same rules to any couple. Any couple straight or gay, who could potentially have adverse effects on the child’s future livelihood by the same rule shouldn’t be able to have children as well.

The government condemns homophobia but supports homophobic views but maintain archaic legislations against homosexuals. Lets hope that Julia Gillard hears the call from state Labor parties, and finally does the right thing and legalises gay marriage. If marriage is truly the cornerstone of love and society, it should be afforded to all those in Australia. Not just those of a particular sexuality.

Jun 20

RAW: Cabaret Festival – Josie In The Bathhouse – 2.5K

By Julia Loipersberger

Men in towels. There really are worse sights to see on a freezing Adelaide winter Friday night (at least from this viewer’s and, judging by the mood in the Space Theatre, most of the female and some male audience members’ perspective). So I was looking forward to venturing into Josie Lane’s bathhouse and all the sexy stories that were sure to come with it.

Josie has a fabulous voice which is strongly reminiscent of the Divine Miss M in strength and clarity. Frankly, Josie singing in the shower would probably sound brilliant. Which is a good thing, because unfortunately the show was sufficiently under-rehearsed and poorly coordinated to give it all of the characteristics of a bathroom – and not a bathhouse – jamming session.

The five piece band accompanying Josie played well, but were heavily reliant on direction from the pianist and musical director. Similarly, Josie’s personal towel boy ‘Michel’ (AKA Michael Griffiths, who himself brings a one-man tribute to another great diva, Madonna, in the Cabaret Festival) struggled to recall the lyrics when performing a duet with Josie and appeared unsure of the direction of the performance, while his patter about picking up on Grindr or going to the Mars Bar was just that little bit annoying.

Despite being obviously unpolished, the show still had the bawdy, feel-good vibe to it that you would expect from a Bette Midler-esque bathhouse performance. Yes, the patter seemed a little bit like the tipsy ramblings of a good friend (yes, we all love McDonalds at 4am. Is it really necessary to sing about it, though?), and yes, it seemed kind of pointless to re-write the hilarious Flight of the Conchords classic ‘Business Time’ to make it, well, a song that’s also about sex.

But it made for an entertaining Friday night evening which made you leave feeling just a little bit naughty and ready for the weekend ahead.

Kryztoff Rating  2.5K

Jun 20

RAW: Cabaret Fringe – A Night of Dangerous Liasons, The Prom – 4K

By Nicki Bullock

Finding myself in the sumptuous ultra-comfort of The Promethean for A Night of Dangerous Liasons I am captivated by the wittily charming and curvaceously gorgeous Carla Conlin. Opening with a confident and sassy rendition of ‘Whatever Lola Wants’ she sets the tone for a sensual evening, audience hanging upon her words and saucy looks as she plays the crowd with brilliant stage presence.

Asking what happens when Lola does not get whatever Lola wants, the performance looks at liasons and love from a modern and often hilarious perspective.  With songs such as ‘Masochist Tango’, ‘You Grew On Me (Like A Tumour)’ and an ode to the one night stand, the lovely fuck buddy, Carla’s search for Mr. Right, or at least  Mr. Right for Now, is highly amusing and entertaining.  Different approaches are taken, using cheesy pick up lines upon her gay admiree, lying on facebook to get a date, pretending she knows how to rock climb and the results are as funny as the approaches taken to get a date.

Carla’s interactions with the audience are  lovely; fun and friendly in the cosy space.   Charming and charismatic, she brings me to giggles and racous laughter, and daunts some male members of the audience, one man confiding to me that he would be scared to date a woman like that.  Narrator and band also contribute to a polished performance so very cleverly written.

This was a wonderful start to the evening; a celebration of powerful femininity.

Kryztoff Rating  4K