Note: Our Website is temporarily located at: http://www.harmonyrow.com.au rather than .com. Come & have a look at it.

Somewhere around the year 1999 Andrew Pattison, live music doyen and owner of the famous Troubadour Music Cafe of the 80s, got together with banker Dennis Cartwright for lunch, and over a bottle or three of excellent Pinot they decided that Melbourne should have a wine and music venue dedicated to good acoustic, blues, roots and country live music and well as the production of first class wine. A dream had begun. A suitable site was sought and found about 12 kilometers East of Kyneton. It was, and is, a beautiful property with great views and breathtaking sunsets. It was named Loxley Vineyard after the Loxley of Sherwood Forest, which in the UK was East of Kineton. About 20 music devotees & wine buffs kicked in the money needed to commence acquisition of a suitable venue.

Andrew moved on not long after that, and Dennis has been the driving force for the vineyard and music venue both before and since that time. Six years later, after a struggle, a major re-birth and restructure, Loxley Vineyard was renamed Harmony Row, still of course devoted to the staging of world class live music and excellent wines. Dennis & his lovely partner Alison manage Harmony Row and are making it possibly the best live acoustic & roots music venues in Australia whilst developing a range of excellent wines including the flagship 2003 Pinot.

Have a look at http://www.harmonyrow.com where you will find directions in a website under construction. The vineyard is surrounded by accommodation B&Bs etc, and the venue is an all-weather fully enclosed venue with a fine stage & great sound system.

The music programme is a continuous work in progress and takes into account alternative country, blues, roots, acoustic, folk, jazz, classical and similar genres. There is, as they say, something for everyone. Past performers have included Janis Ian, the Searchers, Kieran Kane & Kevin Welch, The Flood, Dan Crary & Beppe Gambetta, Kinky Freedman, Eric Bogle, Chris While & Julie Matthews, Judy Small, Kavisha Mazzella, Kristina Olsen to name a few. The difference between Harmony Row and many other venues is that we love the music & the musicians. We look after them and they look after us. The atmosphere is relaxed, performers leave the stage buzzing with “the vibe”, and everyone senses they are amongst friends. It’s non threatening, personal, relaxed, pure enjoyment.

With the outrageous cost of petrol at the moment, one has to justify the cost everytime they leave the city. We try to keep the ticket prices down, but most importantly the enjoyment of the music and the “vibe” it generates makes the trip worthwhile. Harmony Row is also a valuable asset for the Macedon Region because it is a place local residents can come to easily & quickly for an afternoon of pure enjoyment.

Come up and see us sometime.

AT THE PORT LOUNGE – ALBERT PARK YACHT CLUB FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND – COST $20. BOOKINGS TO CLIFF ELLERY taxman@bigpond.net.au or 96901233 or 0418179411. Turkish Bread & Dips on arrival and finger food in the break all provided at no extra charge. Drinks available from Bar at reaonable prices. 

Rose Bygrave started her musical career with the Goanna Band in the 1980s as singer, songwriter and keyboard player with Shane and Marcia Howard.

As a band they toured remote parts of Australia and forged personal and professional bonds with the indigenous communities in the outback, who had largely been ignored by the mainstream circuit. Their songs were instrumental in raising awareness of land rights issues in the wider community.

Since the early 90s she has written and produced three solo albums. Over the years she has performed with local and international artists including James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Allison Moyet, Seamus Begley, Carlos Santana, Richard Clapton, Rory McCloud, Yothu Yindi, Luka Bloom and Liam O'Maonlai.

What really shines through in Bygrave’s songs is her social conscience which leads to songs such as ‘Mission Yard’, about the very sad scenes she witnessed at Hermannsberg Mission in Central Australia during a recent visit and ‘Tread Lightly’, a plea for the environment and our responsibility to it.

SUNDAY 17th SEPTEMBER AT HARMONY ROW

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES TO DENNIS OR ALI ON harmonyrowvineyard@bigpond.com or 0407 343074 or 03 54235286  SHOW ONLY (2;30PM)  $25, LUNCH & SHOW (12 NOON) $50
 

www.ragadolls.com.au

 Under the direction of violinist/composer David Osborne, best known for his work with the classical crossover quartet Raga Dolls and featuring the amazing talents of former Opera Australia soprano Lisa Jobson may we introduce Australia’s newest and most accessible Orchestra! This fifteen piece ensemble specialises in recreating the swirling sounds heard so often in  the ballrooms of high society at the start of the last century- a dazzling mix of Viennese Operetta, Gypsy Mazurkas,  Argentinean Tango and the popular classics of the day. They have performed live on Radio National’s ‘The Music Show’, Evenings with Derek Guille on ABC local radio as well as  TV Arts program ‘Coast to Coast’, and most recently featured in the Melbourne International Arts Festival …’A plateau of passion; laced with gypsy bravado’…
-John Shand, The Sydney Morning Herald

I first saw David’s ensemble in February of this year. They are true to their publicity. A very classy act and appropriate to the wonderful setting of the vineyard and like great food, best enjoyed with a glass of wine in your hand.

POSTPONED WHILST BROD TOURS – NEW DATE TO BE ADVISED

BOOKINGS TO DENNIS or ALI  harmonyrowvineyard@bigpond.com or 0407 343074 or 03 54235286

Broderick Smith is a local lad these days but with one of the finest records of any Australian musician. Broderick sings and plays harmonica, guitar and banjo. He writes his own material and performs other songwriter’s material as well. His stage and TV experience enables him to communicate with any audience. He prefers to work with local regional musicians in his shows, as everybody gets to learn from each other and it builds a strong rapport with each area he visits rather than being just the strangers in town, not that he is a stranger in the Macedon Region at all.

Broderick’s musical history begins in 1962 when he left school and joined joined legendary Blues outfit the Adderley Smith Blues Band. In 1970 he helped form a country roots act called Sundown. His first commercially recorded work was in 1972 with Carson, a boogie and blues band. This was his first real taste of travelling the country and playing music. Then in 1973 he helped form The Dingoes, a legendary country rock group that is a main inspiration behind the modern country rock explosion. Funnily enough the Dingoes main aim in life was to carry on the great work done by another band called Country Radio and further explore the possibilities of blending Bush music with R’n'B. The Dingoes were signed up to American management in 1976 and went over there to live and work until the end of 1978. These two years would fill a book and in this context would sound somewhat fantastic, so we will leave it for another time. Broderick eventually came back home and formed the Big Combo. He’s released twelve albums to date, six under his own name, recording both here and in Canada and the US. He has recorded with Cat Stevens, Jimmy Barnes, Steve Cropper, The Memphis Horns, Buffy Saint Marie, Phil Ochs, Tommy and Phil Emmanuel. The list goes on and on.

THE ULTIMATE  IN AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY/BLUES/ROOTS

THE TOP PERFORMERS IN AUSTRALIA TODAY

SUNDAY OCTOBER 1ST 2006 -  BOOKINGS TO DENNIS or ALI  harmonyrowvineyard@bigpond.com or 0407 343074 or 03 54235286 - EARLY START FOR THIS SPECTACULAR - LUNCH FROM 11:30AM, SHOW STARTS 1:30PM  

SHOW & LUNCH $64, SHOW ONLY $39 – FOR FIVE ACTS

The Flood

 Famous rock’n'roll critic and historian Lenny Kaye (who happens to be Patti Smith’s guitarist) once wrote of 60′s punk legends The Remains that, “at any given time or in any place, I consider them the greatest rock’n'roll band on the planet”. History and hindsight tell us that The Remains weren’t necessarily the best band on the planet – but for a time and place their fans thought they were. And hey, what’s wrong with that?

I have no hesitation in echoing Kaye’s sentiments when it comes to Kevin Bennett and The Flood who, on any given night can sound as wonderfully awesome as any band imaginable. Hey, you got to be a fan to feel that way – but fandom comes pretty easy after you’ve seen The Flood. Here’s a band who effortlessly segue through a huge swag of original material along with affectionate and heartfelt nods to many of their musical heroes ‘n’ influences – folks like Bob Dylan, Creedence, The Stones, Tim Buckley, Leonard Cohen and John Prine.

The Flood are a 4 piece band and have been together for around five years and have an impressive set of credentials. The Flood are Kevin Bennett (vocals and guitar), James Gillard (bass, Guitar, Vocals), Steve Fearnley (drums) and Tim Wedde (vocals, keyboards and accordian). Here’s a band who know their rock’n'roll and country history backwards and have managed to assimilate all these influences into something fresh and distinctive.

The Flood are from Sydney, Australia but listen to their music alongside that of The Jayhawks, Wilco, Calexico, Son Volt, Sparklehorse, Whiskeytown, The Scud Mountain Boys – the leading lights in the so-called ‘Americana’ sound, and you’ll find a similar international sound and appeal. 

Bill Chambers

 Bill Chambers has plenty to smile about, and not just because he’s one of Australia’s most respected and well-liked musicians. His daughter, Kasey Chambers, is the hottest act in Australia and things are warming up for her in the States too.  His son Nash Chambers is Kasey’s manager and one of Australia’s most in-demand producers.  Bill has a shelf filled with ARIA awards, Mo Awards, CMAA Golden Guitars and accolades from around the world. Bill Chambers’ own musical journey started with his boyhood bands ‘The Deerstalkers’ and ‘The Ramblers’, to leading a life on the road with his family as the ‘Dead Ringer Band’, then ‘Bill & Audrey’ with Audrey Auld, with whom he established the independent label Reckless Records.   Whilst still occasionally working with Audrey Auld Mezera, Bill is a permanent member of the Kasey Chambers’ Band. As he says, ‘I’ve got the best job in the world!  I’m employed by my daughter who can’t fire me!’  With the release of “Sleeping With The Blues” Bill now headlines his own shows, often performing solo.  “All my life I’ve thought the greatest buzz as a musician was to play with great musicians. I’ve discovered there’s an even greater buzz, and that is performing my own songs stripped down with just an acoustic guitar. Just a voice and lyrics presenting the songs the way they were written in the first place.”  “Everything I know about music I learnt from my dad.  He brought me up on Hank Williams and Emmylou Harris from when I was born.  He has been my biggest influence and I would never have been able to make the music I do without him. 
I am his biggest fan.”  ~ Kasey Chambers ‘Bill is the most inspirational and passionate musician.  He really cares about music. It’s his life.  He’s my catalyst and musical soul-mate.’  ~ Audrey Auld  

Audrey Auld Mezera

Is an Australian singer/songwriter in the ‘Americ-kinda’ style. “Music with the dirt left on” is how she describes her music. “Closer to being organic, than something that’s been manufactured.” Whether humorous or poignant, Audrey’s songs carry the ring of truth.

Audrey is an engaging entertainer who writes and performs with passion, humor and insight.  Her love of contemporary roots music is evident, as are the influences of traditional country music.

“The beauty of Audrey’s work is that she understands the power of simplicity. Whether it be in a traditional country setting or on the more edgy tracks her voice stays honest and true.” ~ Kieran Kane

Audrey tours regularly & has shared the stage with Buddy Miller, Kim Ritchie, Jim Lauderdale, Fred Eaglesmith, Bill & Kasey Chambers, Tom Russell and Charlie Louvin, opened for Keb Mo, Junior Brown, Paul Kelly, Vic Chesnutt, Chris Hillman/Herb Pederson, recorded with Nina Gerber, Kimmie Rhodes, Carrie Rodriguez, Fred Eaglesmith, Kieran Kane, Mary Gauthier and Dale Watson.

“Audrey Auld is one of my favourite Songwriters. Not only does she have a way of telling it straight with passion, she’s totally fearless. She reminds me of Steve Earl. Scary! Audrey’s the real deal.” ~ Bill Chambers, Producer/Artist

SAM SEE & GLYN MASON

Sherbet, Rebels, Chain, Flying Circus, Copperwine, Fraternity, Ariel, Country Radio, Goanna, John Farnham Band, Stockley, See and Mason. Sounds like a history of Australian rock music, but describes the musical journeys of Sam See & Glyn Mason.

This brilliant pair’s song list comprises originals, both current and historical and a vast range of their favourite songs. They have been amazing audiences with their great arrangements and unique vocal blend.

BRENT PARLANE

Brent Parlane has probably played with every top Australian Country act in his time. Kasey Chambers for one. I have been a great fan of his since hearing him at the Troubadour 25 years ago. With a number of CDs to his credit and a great outlook on life, not to mention a new kidney, Brent remains one of the best musicians in Australia, despite his NZ origins.

BLUES LEGEND FINIS TASBY

(EX JOHN LEE HOOKER BAND)

LUNCH & SHOW $45 – COMMENCING 12 NOON.  SHOW ONLY $20– COMMENCING 2:30PM

BOOKINGS – CONTACT DENNIS ON 03 54235286 OR EMAIL harmonyrowvineyard@bigpond.com 

Powerhouse blues vocalist, Finis Tasby, was born in Dallas Texas in 1940 and grew up immersed in the vital Texas Blues tradition. He played with the likes of John Lee Hooker, Freddie King, BB King, Percy Mayfield, Big Mama Thornton and others. Hear the warm, soulful voice of Finis Tasby backed by the energetic Chris Mawer band. Chris Mawer on bass, Adam Pringle on guitar,                George Brugmans on drums

In his early twenties, Finis formed the band The Thunderbirds, but switched from drums to bass. “I got tired of sitting in the back as a drummer, I wanted to be out front doing stuff.” For almost ten years, until the band broke up in 1970, The Thunderbirds were popular as headliners in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and they also backed up touring blues stars such as Freddie King, Fulson, McCracklin, Solomon Burke, and others. The Thunderbirds’ vocalist was Z.Z. Hill, who became a major southern soul star in the 1980s, and when he left in the late sixties his place was taken by Joe Simon, who also went to become a soul singer of some renown.

This is Finis Tasby`s third tour and he is rapidly expanding his fan base Down Under and hugely popular on the festival circuit.

” The most real lowdown R + B show of the year …….. the type of voice I haven`t heard in years…….. he jumped, shimmied and juked onstage as he belted out 50s grindn` tunes by Bobby Blues Band, BB King, Jimmy Reed and Little RIchard.” …….. Ralph Parker, Moneterey, CA, USA.

A HATFUL OF

UNCLES

http://www.theuglyuncles.com/ 

SUNDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2006 

LUNCH & SHOW $45 – COMMENCING 12 NOON

SHOW ONLY $20 – COMMENCING 2:30PM

BOOKINGS – CONTACT DENNIS ON 03 54235286 OR EMAIL harmonyrowvineyard@bigpond.com   

This will be the Central Victorian Launch of The Uncles new CD, “A Hatful of Uncles” 

A favourite in the Macedon, Bendigo & Ballarat regions. The local lads at play. The Ugly Uncles was born out of a desire, shared by a disparate (and dissolute) number of professional and amateur musicians, to see if it was possible to have as much fun on stage as audiences could have off. Despite the handicap of being made up of a jigs and reels fiddle player, a classical composer who owns a piano accordian, a multi-stringed instrumentalist with a hat fetish, a left-handed trumpet player, the owner of the first metal body ukulele made in Australia, a boogie woogie tin whistlist, a retired guardsman and some bloke who hits things, The Ugly Uncles has been entertaining audiences for eight years. Remarkably, the band’s first CD “The Good, The Bad and The Uncles” sold out almost as quickly as Barnaby Joyce, but is now available again after being out of print for almost two years. Featuring:  

Uncle Mark Walters, on fiddle and backing vocals.

Uncle James Rigby, on guitars, banjo, mandolin and lead and backing vocals.

Uncle Derek Guille , on snare, rhythmn guitar, kazoo, toys and lead and backing vocals.

Uncle Valentine Sawenko, on guitar, piano accordian and backing vocals.

Uncle Tony Allan, on ukulele, guitar, mandolin, kazoo, percussion and lead and backing vocals.

Uncle Steven Edward, on piano and whistle.

Uncle Pip Avent , on tuba, bass guitar and lead and backing vocals.

Uncle Mo Jackson, on trumpet, uglyphone, guitar and lead and backing vocals.

DETAILS OF THIS GIG WILL BE ADVISED ASAP 

Slava Grigoryan is simply the best classical guitarist in Australia today and one of the best in the world. Slava was born in 1976 in Khazakstan and immigrated with his family to Australia in 1981. He began studying guitar with his father, a professional violinist at the age of 7.As a major prize winner at the Tokyo International Classical Guitar Competition, Slava was signed by Sony Music Entertainment in 1995. He released four solo albums under the Sony Classical Label.

In 1995, Slava began a touring career which has taken him all over Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and of course his home continent of Australia.

Since 2001, Slava has recorded for ABC Classics in Australia. This relationship has seen the release of another three recordings. A solo album, a debut duo recording with his younger brother Leonard and the first recording of Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet.

In 1998, he was awarded the Young Australian of the Year for the Arts, and the ‘MO’ award for Instrumentalist of the Year in 2001. Slava also won the ARIA for Best Classical Album in 2002 and 2003

One Tuesday Night per month, the first or the second depending on the month, a wonderful gathering takes place in Melbourne. February’s Mango DIY Music Night will be on Tuesday February 13th. Hidden in the city, at 21 Bond Street which runs off Flinders Street just up from Queen Street towards Elizabeth St, is a gem yet to be discovered. Mango Cafe. As you enter the cafe from the street, you walk down the stairs into a cosy but spacious cavern with a warm welcoming feel and a bar immediately to your right. Host Tina Le welcomes you with a drink of your choice and you settle in on a comfy couch and greet your friends (old and new). As the evening progresses many of those friends play guitars and other instruments, and sing songs, travelling around the circle as it were but with the opportunity to “jam” if others know or can follow the song. Participation is welcome but entirely voluntary. Audiences are welcome too. It is one night’s relief from the working month, a getaway into a musical world where you can relax and be amongst friends. Host Tina Le serves food which is nothing short of fantastic. Vietnamese and other Asian influences permeate the menu which is varied and imaginative and certainly not run of the mill. These dishes may be complemented with a wide variety of Asian and other beers, or some excellent wines. The meals are not expensive, and not compulsory. If you just want to come along and sing or play or listen and enjoy a few drinks that too is fine. You can call Tina Le on 03 96142036 or email me at taxman@bigpond.net.au for more information or with any questions. Bookings are not strictly necessary but it may pay to ring Tina and tell her you are coming. The sessions over the last three months have been growing as people come to realize what a great place it is to relax, listen, strut your stuff if you want to, and just chill out for a few hours. We have had a lovely time and you can too.