Surprises at every turn with Canberra Repertory Society’s 2010 Theatre Season.
Journeys through theatre introduces productions that will take you through time, places and genres without leaving your seat.
First up is Alan Ayckbourn’s Flatspin rollercoaster ride of confusion, misunderstanding, comedy and intrigue, where secret compartments, hidden cameras, unexpected weapons and sexual frustration are only the beginning to be directed by Geoffrey Borny.
Director Cathie Clelland will bring to life Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo a madcap comedy in which everything that could go wrong does—and knowing it could happen only makes it better.
The popular Jazz Garters will return, directed again by Jim McMullen. In 2010 they will truly celebrate Vive la Variété!
John Mortimer’s drama A Voyage Round My Father will be directed by Ross McGregor. This autobiographical play is the affectionate portrait of a son’s relationship with his brilliant, infuriating barrister father.
Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan—a remarkable comedy of manners—where resisting everything except temptation is only the beginning will be directed by Tony Turner.
What better to round out the season than an Agatha Christie classic! One by one … And Then There Were None will be directed by Duncan Ley. The production promises some extraordinary twists and turns and clues-to-die-for in this popular Christie.
What: Rep Season 2010
Presented by: Canberra Repertory Society
Where: Theatre 3, 3 Repertory Lane, (off Ellery Cres), Acton
Subscription Packages: Six packages available for 2010
Full | Concession
Six-show $159 Six-show P/M/T $153
Five-show $134 Five-show P/M/T $130
Four-show $108 Four-show P/M/T $106
Single Tickets: $35, Conc/Preview/Matt/Twilight $27
It’s amazing what can happen when three Canberra theatre companies decide to join forces!
PhoenixPlayers and Supa Productions in association with papermoon have managed to successfully pull off one of musical theatre’s most popular and difficult productions with their Miss Saigon, now playing at the ANU Arts Centre.
Miss Saigon has won 30 major theatre awards and it is easy to understand why. That we can see a quality production at a very affordable price right here in Canberra is something to be grateful for.
The story is relatively simple: a lovestruck Vietnamese girl gets left behind by an American GI at the end of the Vietnam War—but the undercurrent of love lost; dreams of escaping to the American Dream unmet; desperate acts for survival and the devastating long-term consequences of brief war-time romances weave intricately through this play to leave a lasting impression.
The leads are outstanding! Apart from everything else, they sing non-stop for over 2 hours! Their vocal stamina alone is impressive.
But it is the absolute beauty, commitment to her role and soulful voice of Jacinta Le that steals the show. Just 17 years old and a relative newcomer to musical theatre, Le has done her Vietnamese heritage proud in her measured and consistent portrayal of a young woman in love who evolves into a protective mother willing to do anything to ensure her son’s future.
She is ably supported by Grant Pegg, whose vocal eloquence and strength create spine-tingling moments throughout. Dean Salonga’s ‘Engineer’ is so authentic it’s difficult to like the manipulative character who uses women to further his personal dreams.
Other strong performances from Sean Ladlow, Simon Stone, Claire Watson and Mariam Grey – and young Ryan Tolich upstaged the leads in all of his scenes.
The chorus works hard, and will strengthen over the production; the set is simple and works well. Sound HAS to be mentioned this time around – the waves of helicopter rotors that seemingly cross the auditorium even before the show begins sets the mood immediately.
All the elements of the famous ‘helicopter scene’ made it a magical moment in theatre, creating an authenticity that brought home that terrible moment in history when troops pulled out of Vietnam, leaving those who had relied on them and befriended them to fend for themselves. That scene was haunting and very well directed.
The Canberra Asian community must be so proud to see such a strong representation in a story that can only help us to understand the ripple effects of the Vietnam War.
Congratulations to everyone involved—from Kelda McManus, Andrea Clifford, Amy Fitzpatrick and Garrick Smith right down to the three young people who play Tam. You have certainly gone out of 2009 with a very big bang!
WHAT: MISS SAIGON
WHERE: ANU ARTS CENTRE
WHEN: 12TH – 28TH NOVEMBER 2009
TICKETS: 6257 1950 or at www.canberrarep.org.au
Dinner & Show package: Teatro Vivaldi on 6257 2718.
THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE: If you are a die-hard romantic who prefers the Mills& Boon-style of stories, then this one is for you.
Due to a genetic disorder, Eric Bana darts between different time zones. His sudden ‘travels’ are involuntary as he disappears and reappears, much to everyone’s chagrin – except his wife, Rachel McAdams.
They first met when she offered him a blanket in rather an awkward situation. Their relationship blossomed despite the time span discrepancy. McAdam’s refuses to allow Bana’s ability to have a peek into the future to become a hindrance in their lives. She looks to conquer all, in the name of love, even a time-traveling pregnancy.
Based on the novel by Audrey Niffenegger, this film is an easy-going, love odyssey, with an appealing supernatural touch.
This week the Chamber of Women in Business (CWB) elected a new leadership team in Jean McIntyre as President and Caron Egle as Vice President – the start of a new
direction for the Chamber.
At the CWB Annual General meeting this week, all positions were vacated and an almost
completely new committee elected which represents a new start for the Chamber.
Newly elected CWB President Jean McIntyre of Marketing Angels is very pleased about the new
committee: “It was great to see a number of members step forward who have not served before. New members bring fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm which is what the CWB needs at this point in time to be able to reinvent itself and deliver greater benefits to our members.”
According to Ms McIntyre, the Chamber has suffered a little over recent years with a lack of
women available to serve on the committee. This has meant that committee members have had to work very hard to pla and deliver events and to promote the Chamber and CWB members with few resources left to achieve longer term strategic goals. The previous committee recently spent time re-designing the positions on the committee so that the workload is less taxing for members and there are specific roles for each member in line achieving with the CWB’s objectives.
“My first task as President,” says Ms McIntyre, “will be to get the committee together for some
strategic planning. We need to be clear on our future direction. I plan to get some input from
members as to what benefits they’d like the Chamber to deliver in the future and to set some new goals for 2010 and beyond”.
New Vice President Caron Egle of Impact Learning and Development agrees. “I’m a relatively
new CWB member and keen to find ways to contribute my individual skills in a way that sustains
CWB in its work supporting business women in the region. It’s a way to contribute to the
community in a new way, enhancing existing ideas and bringing new ideas to the CWB forum.”
Ms McIntyre says that high on the agenda for CWB is to raise awareness in the business
community of the important contribution women in business and individual members make to the region’s economy and workforce. Also important is promoting the new Purple Tick program
aimed at improving the service the region’s businesses give to women. Jean would also like to
find opportunities to help our business women to enhance their skills and strategic relationships
through working with other organisations to deliver skill development and mentoring.
Other new committee members are: Claire Connelly from Papercut (design studio), Meredith
Wright from Daltons Books (returning), Noelia Pinto| Duesburys Nexia, Jacquie Tewes|Sales
Results Australia, Debra Beerworth|Kondinin.
Contact:
Ms Jean McIntyre, CWB President 6231 1387, 0428-311387
Ms Caron Egle, CWB Vice President 0438-255510
Popular Australian movie The Secret touched on Universal Laws that unlocked the secret to why sometimes our life just doesn’t go the way we want it to-in fact we often get what we DON’T want.
The information in The Secret was based on information provided by authors Esther and Jerry Hicks over more than 20 years: The Law of Attraction.
According to the Law of Attraction, there are laws that govern the Universe and it is possible to make these laws work to your advantage. You can learn how to use the Law of Attraction to help you achieve all you’ve ever dreamed, and understand how to stay focused in order to get to where you want to be.
The core of the Law of Attraction philosophy is that the purpose of life is to be happy and to achieve everything you desire – and the Law of Attraction can help you do this.
The Law of Attraction is also a way of thinking about the world, yourself, and others around you, and can help you to understand how everything in the Universe really is connected!
Esther and Jerry Hicks 2008 Australian tour was a sell-out, and their 2009 tour is selling fast.
The 2009 workshop takes the format of an open forum, where members of the audience will be chosen by Abraham to ask their personal questions – no topic is off limits!
Join Esther and Jerry Hicks for this captivating all-day workshop where they will offer you all the tools to attract whatever you want in your life – all through the inspiring, thought-provoking and life-changing wisdom of Abraham!
Abraham says: ‘It is our desire to help you to solve the mystery of those seemingly impossible relationships; to sort out the details of joyously sharing your planet with billions of others; to rediscover the beauty of your differences; and, most of all, to reestablish the most important relationship of all: your relationship with the Eternal, Non-Physical Source that is really you. It is our desire that you experience an enhanced appreciation of your planet; your body; your family; your friends; your enemies; your government; your systems; your food; your finances.
WHAT: Law of Attraction: Discovering the Power of the Vortex
A One-Day Workshop with Abraham and Esther and Jerry Hicks
Date: December 13, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Presented by: Hay House Australia
Location: Bayside Auditorium, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, NSW
MORE INFO: www.hayhouse.com.au
Doreen Virtue is known around the world for her work with angels, and in particular for her beautiful packs of Angel Cards.
For the first time ever, Doreen Virtue will demonstrate how to give accurate card readings using her brand new card deck, Archangel Michael Oracle Cards at a special weekend workshop on the magnificent Sunshine Coast!
This retreat runs over 3 magical days and includes a recently announced musical event… a live 2-hour concert featuring Doreen Virtue herself performing with her band, Obsidian.
The Angel Intuitive workshop is open to all those who are interested in learning more about the angelic realm, particularly those who have an interest in communicating with their angels.
This course is open to beginners and anybody new to the world of angels. Those who have already completed an Angel Intuitive course will also be able to gain valuable insight and wisdom in order to progress on their journey with the angels.
For the past five years, Doreen’s Angel Intuitive Course has completely sold out and to date there are few spaces left.
Visit www.hayhouse.com.au to find out more. But hurry!
Belly laughs all round in Canberra Rep''s ''Family''
What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a rip roaring belly laugh?
Canberra Rep’s swansong for 2009 is a chaotic, infectious and hilarious farce by
Ray Cooney titled It Runs in the Family.
Dr David Mortimore is about to give a speech that will probably earn him a knighthood. But the arrival of an old flame—together with her 18-year-old son, the product of their relationship all those years ago—means that David is forced into an escalating series of cover-ups and inventions that involve a police sergeant, most of the costumes for the Hospital’s Christmas pantomime, and a large number of matrons.
Directed by Walter Learning, the cast is a who’s who of Canberra comedy including Ian Croker, Peter Holland, Tony Falla, Brandon Martignago, Josh Hogan, John Honey, Ian Hart and Steph Roberts.
WHAT: It Runs in the Family
WHERE: Theatre 3, Ellery Crescent Acton
WHEN: 19 November-12 December
TICKETS: $25-$35
BOOKINGS: www.canberrarep.org.au or 02 6257 1950
This FMI originated in the Report of the Industry Task Force and Leadership Skills, Enterprising Nation chaired by David Karpin in 1995 and was identified as one of great priority for Australian policy makers and something that would be of practical benefit to management development perceived as sadly lacking in Australia. The Report was prepared for then Minister Crean, a Cabinet Minister of the Keating Governement and this may have proven to be its achilles heel in the present Canberra environment. David Karpin was one of Australia’s expert management practioners based in Melbourne, his policy credentials, were judged excellent by the Federal Government of the day. The initiative was important because it was aimed at improving the competency of the many managers, who were outside top management and big corporate settings, whose responsibilities can nevertheless be critical to performance. Unfortunately the history of the FMI shows the many crushed expectations, public spirited idealists must suffer, if relying on only the test of evidence based policy, given the real stuff of the hothouse of politics such as in the lead up to the forthcoming Federal election.
The Task Force recommendations were highly developed based in part on much commissioned research and informed criticism by relevant practioners and other experts of management and leadership provision in Australia in 1995. The Report relied strongly on (now ageing) evidence but continues to be a basis for discussion for management reform, because of the number and quality of its wide ranging recommendations, which were not taken up and are thus still relevant for discussion today. It’s a pity but given its original connection to the Keating years, it appears that this initiative has now been rebadged despite original and later evidence of the continuing need for its implementation and wide support as originally conceived by private and public eneterprise organisations and the community has been deliberately diminished for political reasons.
For example as a result of Howard policy despite its wide applicability and much researched success in many management situations (including the public sector) it became incorporated in the Federal Government’s Business Services training package and lost its uniqueness as a course offering. It has become only one of a range of component training programs rather than as originally conceived as an important new competency package and therefore of great practical value for managers worthy of national support and resourcing provided initially through TAFE, and later in the 1990s through private providers in the training market which is a concern of both sides of politics in Australia.
The present official policy toward the initiative is not clearly identifiable from the public record but the change of approach was expected by many, as for example when the Prime Minister John Howard announced the abolition of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), which was an Australian Government statutory authority established in 1992 to provide a national wide focus for vocational training on June 30 2005. However the decision to rebadge the program because it was largely dead policy and incorporate it in an approach seen as best suited to the needs of private businesses predated this decision as for example in 2001. The major justification without better evidence appears to lie in the ideological concerns of the present Government and the predominant concerns of public servants whose role is to support government by focussing only on the management issues of the agency concerned. There is little or no clarity about neither what happened nor information available about immediate or future developments, which could include complete abandonment of the approach, and this may indeed be its fate.
The termination of the approach would be a very great pity, as the program was intended to provide so much to enhance management competency and leadership skills for those managers not choosing to benefit from for example postgraduate training available from business schools, schools of public administration and public policy which have proven to be too big an ask for most supervisors and managers employed throughout Australia, identified originally in the Karpin report as signicantly under credentialed and under prepared for the competencies for leadership and success of their organisations.
The over emphasis on the private provision of the initiative leaves open the fundamental questions of access and equity (stemming from example of up front fees) which need consideration for the approach to have close connection to desirable ends such as improvements in Australian productivity, entrepreneurial and related aspects of management performance in key organisational settings and other areas of performance given the need identified in Karpin and many other reports. The scope of the initiative is considerable and has been identified in 2002 data, as having reached 25,000 individuals but there was still the challenge identified to get better coverage and penetration using the approach as intended and this now seems to have been largely put to one side, as a major initiative despite the desirability of the intended result and the strong evidence of benefits known to result.
The report (mentioned above) prepared for ANTA in 2002 by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research then an important source of public information and evaluation of FMI , but probably because of historical origins of ANTA and its connection to the Keating years, has not been taken seriously by Howard and later policy makers. The Report found repeated evidence of success of the program and continuing need for its implementation and monitoring, to ensure the continued relevance and quality of the approach. The report found evidence major spin offs stemming from improvements beyond simply improving managerial performance especially leadership, organisational learning and business growth.
A national FMI body was also suggested , as appropriate to support and encourage even more managers in the initiative but, this was probably considered as way over the top by the Howard Government and later, whose leave it to the market approach, means many issues concerning the rationalisation of course provision, especially over reliance on short courses also identified by Karpin, and other basic questions, such as to quality and the variety of training available from providers, simply may never happen.
David Karpin responded to the 2002 report and stated that the FMI is just one of many knowledge constructing tools that are available to enterprises. However, as the evidence in this report shows, FMI has the capability to extend managerial identity, develop organisational learning and contribute to business growth. Such management development is critical if we are to continue building an enterprising nation.”
Karpin’s stated belief, is an example of an optimist, seeking support from the Howard Government, for an initiative which he still strongly recognised as valid, despite the contestability (he must already know about) identified in some academic papers about the nature of the competencies specified in the FMI, a matter not considered fully in 2002 because of ample evidence of the overall robustness found of the competency approach of FMI clearly supported in the 2002 report.
The broader question of clarity and transparency about Australia’s training policies continues, and could be crucial, if there is to be informed evaluation and policy making that has electoral consequences, that the politicians will take notice off, and thus be better connected, to community understanding and their needs as to what is required to equip Australia to function effectively, and especially hold Government to account for important policy provisions, such as when choices are made at election time. The lack of public debate and resultant insight into the FMI, as argued here and indeed imperfect understanding by the community of the future of Australia’s training policy has been impaired, by what is a clear systemic failure to allow evidence to find an appropriate context which could correct the situation, an opportunity this article can in part provide and warn about.
The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise to the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act a new. We must disenthrall ourselves, and we shall save our country (Abraham Lincoln 1862).
Periodically all of us irrespective of religious belief whether it be Christian or non-Christian (and those who do not have a religious belief) need to stand back from the hurly burly of daily business, and other aspects of living to determine those leaderships skills which need rejuvenation if leaders can succeed in future circumstances. The approach of the Christmas and end of year is traditionally appropriate for this to be done.
For example Christian ideas have prevailed over a long history of social change but Christian ideas have never been relied on sufficiently as a principal source of enlightenment and therefore the competency of national leaders at the political level, in the corporations and small businesses, the trade unions and other critical areas such as the military.
Christianity has been relegated to a back seat for much the time because of the strong conviction of many of the need for a strong secular state and the poor record of Christians in persuading much society that Christian thinking should play a very strong part in adult leadership formation. Christians have found it very difficult to compete with the realists and pragmatic when it comes to influencing top-level leaders and this has been the situation for a very long time and may well continue if nothing is done.
Christians also have had in the past a sad history of denominationalism and discrimination. In recent years much more of an attempt has been made to improve tolerance and dialogue between the different groups of Christians as well as with non Christian religions and of course atheists and agnostics. The result has meant a great improvement for human progress and better understanding and tolerance. For some Christians this has meant a revolution in approach.
Nevertheless Christians still stumble over basic questions over unity. Much of the modern discussion concerning ecumenism has not led to significant changes in the number and divisions between the long established groups. This is a great disappointment for those seeking a more adult and permanent solution which if mature should also include many more examples of different groups joining together even using methods of governance that reflect the common nature of the beliefs when held by so many.
Too many have given priority to realists who are content to develop approaches, which only recognise for example immediate physical realities. Christians should be prepared to better equip their thinking to provide relevant inspired and orthodox ideas that can answer individual and community concerns.
Realism is not necessarily anti-Christian because it is a concern based on observation of nature that all Christians maintain was created by God. Christian leaders therefore need to take up such a challenge to better foster leadership in the community, which recognises the benefits of their inspired thinking.
Christians should not be prepared -to let others do their thinking this is the lazy way out. Christians can correct this for example through better continuing and resourcing of Christian think tanks Christian based universities and professional bodies.
As a further suggestion it might be a good idea that all Christian Clergy when being trained for their role in future be trained together for at least part of their training before going to serve the various groups which they believe they are called to. This could be achieved quite readily in some instances. The final emphasis on their training would be depth and tolerance (all desirable qualities for Christian clergy). Other aspects of the development of clergy also need support and encouragement.
In conclusion Christians could offer more discernment and be better suited to guidance of families and the nation if regular effort were made to rejuvenate and review the effectiveness of Christian inspired thinking and values to help individuals and society a long life’s pathways. The leadership skills of those of other religions and others of no particular religious belief may even be a source for Christians to be better leaders if such believers are tolerant and discerning and learn from other people’s approaches.
Everybody has somehting inside of them that is not known by anyone, not even themselves. These are traits that remain a mystery to everyone and a vast majority ramain like this even after they die. So of how much importance is it that we should know these hidden traits? Taking in reference an essay writing on the “Jo Harris Window” there are a lot of points that show how these traits are really present within us.
It basically consists of four windows. One is that of known by everybody. Another is known only to you and not by everyone else. The third is the opposite of the second, known by everybody except you and the last is known to nobody.
This theory pretty much has been the justification of the unexplained behavior that a lot of people show. Behavior which is not normally expected from them. The common line is “I really did not know what I was doing” or “It was like a black cloud came over me” and “I just blanked out”.
But can these be really the justification for the “raging bull” that just suddenly shows itself unexpected?
Can we just let people get away with this explanation even though they have showed extremely unacceptable behavior?
When it is put in that way, the only thing that people say is “Who can blame them?”
Can we?
If they say that they are not fully aware of their actions and that they did not want that to happen. Are they off the hook? Looking back on the Jo Harris Window essay, it did not say that people do not have control over these uknown traits. So what happens when the raging bull comes out is that the person lets the actions take over without resistance. No effort is given in order to cage in the unacceptable behavior. Its just like being drunk. A lot of people use this as an excuse for their behavior. A lot however do not buy it. When a person is drunk they completely know what they are doing, they just have a lot more confidence on their back. The reason why they are able to do things that they normally cannot do without the influence of alcohol. Still the awareness is there and an effort to resist may have done the trick to prevent the raging bull.
When it is put this way, they are really to blame.
Gen Y knows Marcia Hines as the rose between two thorns on pop culture TV talent show Australian Idol. Baby Boomers grew up with that ‘feisty little girl with the big voice’ that blew us away in Hair, The Musical, as Australia’s three-time Queen of Pop and as mother to beautiful daughter Deni (who clearly inherited her mother’s vocal chords and passion for music)—but her latest book reveals that she is much, much more than just a pop icon.
Hines’ latest offering is a concept album, DVD and book that weaves a tapestry of her music and her thoughts into a neat package full of insight and little wisdoms—a true revealing of the traditionally private Ms Hines.
Each chapter of the book Life—things to get you by is linked to the songs on her Life CD. Each song choice is a provocation for a part of her life that she unfolds in the book. (For those who enjoy their music on cyberspace, you can listen to the songs for each chapter for free at www.liberation.com.au.)
“You could say Life is a self-help album; a celebration of life”, says Hines.
“To me, knowledge that isn’t shared is knowledge that is wasted. I wanted to offer my perspective on life so that maybe someone somewhere could find it of some use. If I reach just one person then I would be so happy.”
In the book Hines shares her life from her earliest memories. Born in Boston, Massachusetts to West Indian parents, she knew at a very young age that she was destined to sing. Her mother Esme was a driving force in her life; the greatest gift she gave her child was to help her to see what she could become.
A painfully shy child, Marcia knew how it felt to be bullied because she was different—but it was through her singing that she realized that ‘being different rocked!’
The book tells of her early childhood in Boston (Donna Summer was her best friend’s big sister), her journey to Australia as a pregnant 16 year old in the cast of the then outlandish musical Hair. As a working single mother at 18 she hired a 23-year-old manager and recorded her very first album. It became the biggest selling record ever by an Australian female artist. The rest is history.
The book is an easy read – it meanders through her life, diverging off the path here and there to drop a snippet of insight on a broad range of issues. She is candid about the big moments in her life; married 4 times, she has found the other piece of her puzzle in her husband Christopher Morrissey, who, she says, is most patient when she ‘wakes up singing’.
An innately positive person (“I’m a self-confessed Faith Junkie”), Hines doesn’t pull back on sharing the low points of her life (the loss of her beloved brother Dwight to suicide, a career hiatus, the shock of discovering she has Type 1 Diabetes and the loss of her dear friend Belinda Emmett).
Life—things to get you by from Marcia Hines is available at leading retailers.
RRP: $24.95
HAYHOUSE Australia www.hayhouse.com.au
Following a string of live shows across Australia, the powerful songwriter and performer Rory Ellis has released his fourth studio album Two Feathers to much international critical acclaim.
Two Feathers includes poignant songs about regret and separation, new love, new chapters, as well as delving into his childhood hideaways on the tin roof of the old shed. Even the passing of his long-time stage cohort and the involvement of Australians in the Iraq conflict have been explored in Rory’s distinctive style.
Encompassing everything from blues, folk and country music, never has an artist offered so much. His fourth album is something of a masterpiece, both in terms of both song-writing and production. Fusing acoustic and electric instruments into a rich sounding album, true in tone, with a warmth that only embellishes the mood of this stunning piece of work, like a trip back to the old vinyls we knew and loved.
It is rare to find an artist who is truly one of a kind but Rory Ellis cannot be pigeon-holed, and music fans across Australia will embrace this exceptional performer.
Rory Ellis is currently performing a string of live dates across Australia, including a number of new dates just announced:
Saturday 7th November The Sandringham Hotel, Sandringham
Thursday 10th November Wickham Park Hotel
Wednesday 9th December Clarendon Guest House
Sunday 13th December Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga
Sunday 20th December Westernport Hotel, Hastings
Sunday 31st January Lennox Head Tavern
26th-28th March Apollo Music Festival
INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS OF RORY ELLIS: TWO FEATHERS
“…the essence of Two Feathers is that of a powerhouse performer, a keen-eyed observer and a conscience seeking a voice.” Berwick and Borders Gazette Review
“It showcases Rory Ellis’s songwriting and voice, and both are so powerful, that even if the music doesn’t grab you, his singing and writing will” www.music-critic.com
Two Feathers is to be released by Reign Records and distributed by MGM in November 2009.
After building themselves an underground fan base in the five years since they came together, Sydney based three-piece The Ride Ons are now releasing their debut LP through Reign Records.
This new 15 track album – Delinquents With Hot Rods – is classic rock & roll with touches of country & blues, all infused with the indomitable Ride Ons style.
Support slots with the likes of The Von Bondies and The Sleepy Jackson, as well as an Eastern state tour alongside The Screaming Jets, hints at the eclectic nature of the band’s style and set list, which draws diverse inspiration from AC/DC, Gram Parsons & the Beasts of Bourbon.
This album is sure to showcase an extraordinary level of musical talent due, no doubt, to the exceptional performance history of the individuals involved. Collectively members have performed in The Clouds, Plutonium Biscuits, The Sleepy Jackson, The Screaming Tribesmen, The Monarchs, The Hitmen and Radio Birdman.
Formed in Sydney, Australia in January 2004, The Ride Ons are:
Murray Shepard: Drums/Vox.
Ben Nightingale: Guitar/Vox.
Matty Stokes: Vocals/Guitar.
Delinquents With Hot Rods is released just as The Ride Ons hit the road for a string of live shows.
These include:
31 October 2009 Northern Star
21 November 2009 Beach Party 2009, Newcastle University
28 November 2009 Cambridge
8 January 2010 Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
Ride Ons: Delinquents With Hot Rods is released by Newcastle’s Reign Records and is available now via the Reign Records website www.reignrecords.com.au
