Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Proof is in the Hearing


No... Dave Keogh is not warberlling... (fortunately). But he did a great job as a MC during Opening Night at Eastern Lounge, Tennis Valley  (Photo by John Walker)


When Dave Keogh came up with the thought of staging monthly music evenings at Tennis Valley, there were lots of questions to be answered... Would the acoustics be of sufficient quality? Could staging and lighting meet the required industry standard? Was there a demand for live music in the local community? Would people be happy to bring their own food, buy drinks from the bar and enjoy quality music for a few hours. Importantly, would music lovers come to a tennis club to listen to music?

Well, we now have answers ... Eastern Lounge celebrated its Opening Night on Friday October 8. The sound quality was excellent (thanks to Astrid Holtz of B!G Music). We had generous sponsors like B!G who provided professional sound, lighting and stage equipment that made the clubhouse feel just like a 'real live music venue'. Over 150 people turned up to enjoy an evening of brilliant performances from some outstanding young musicians ... almost a full house from the start. And everyone who attended - the punters, the performers, Council and industry representatives, etc. - were really impressed with the room and the quality delivered at this brand new venue.

The performance of Mimesis in particular was hugely popular. The band performed a selection of rock classics set to a backing of violin and two cellos. Lead singer Ben has a strong voice with remarkable range... even extending to falsetto to deliver some Bee Gees classics. The audience responded with a standing ovation.


In two words, Mimesis was Great Fun!
 (Photo by John Walker)




Aleyce Simmonds showed why she has such a dedicated following. Her singing had an angelic quality that matched her appearance, yet she also had the rockers in the room hanging off every note. The crowd was drawn onto the dance floor as if with a giant magnet as Aleyce belted out both renditions of well known standards and original compositions from her debut album to be launched in January.



Aleyce Simmons enchanted her audience (photo by John Walker)


Little Fury delivered folk-rock-like renditions of their meaningful original songs, recalling an early 'West Coast sound' circa 1965. The performance was near poetic and was beautifully enhanced by lead singer Jane who has one of those rare voices that makes the hair at the back of your neck stand on end. The audience was simply captivated.


The Fury delivered a poetic and captivating experience (Photo by John Walker)


We eagerly look forward to the next night at Eastern Lounge (hopefully in November), rumoured to be presenting even more stunning young talent - including a remarkable 16 year old, Bella Hemming. (Check her out now at: www.YouTube.com/user/bellahemming). It seems Eastern Lounge is a welcome addition to a fast growing live music scene on the lower North Shore.



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