Papa Pilko & The Binrats: This raucous band is like a swamp monster straight out of the deep American south and their live sets are a topsy turvy ride of blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll that conjures the spirit of sketchy old juke joints and stages behind chicken wire. The Sydney based group are launching their new EP Howlin and are set to spread their mayhem on an upcoming east coast tour.
Fri, March 1st, The Vanguard
Ball Park Music: The Brisbane five piece have been nominated for the J Awards twice. They snatched the prize once and lost the other time to Gotye. Not a bad effort and unsurprising considering how much they’ve endeared themselves to radio listeners for their catchy brand of indie-pop. Their 2012 release Museum was received feverishly by local music media and culminated with a Splendour in The Grass slot and a mammoth national tour.
Fri, March 1st, Manning Bar
Chris Gudu: The inspirational Zimbabwean singer-songwriter draws upon his heritage to bring the spiritual sounds of his homeland to local stages. Raised within a musical family Chris has performed his unique version of Afro-jazz at festivals around the world sharing stages with fine African artists such as Angelique Kidjo and Oliver Mtukudzi.
Sat, 2nd March, Camelot
Sirens Big Band: This 17-piece all-female big band are touring to promote their debut album release Kali and The Time Of Change. The group features some of the most talented local musicians weaving together big band jazz with exotic rhythms from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Sirens perform a host of music by contemporary jazz artists as well as a swag of originals that are sure to get the dancefloor pumping.
Sun, March 3rd, The Basement
Mulatu Astatke: The godfather of Ethio-jazz makes a welcome return to Australia after the resounding success of his 2011 tour. The Ethiopian percussionist is credited with combining jazz and traditional Ethiopian folk music during the 1970s once he’d completed his jazz studies in England. Astatke has collaborated with artists such as Duke Ellington and Mahmoud Ahmed and countless samples of his work feature in contemporary hip-hop and pop.
Sun, March 3rd, The Standard
Azealia Banks: The 21-year-old vocalist from New York has made waves ever since she topped NME magazine’s 2011 “Cool List” but the classically trained performer is living up to the hype with her provocative live performances and collaborations with artists such as Lady Gaga and Kanye West. The current tour precedes the release of her latest album Broke With Expensive Taste and is probably going to be the last chance that one will have to see her in a smallish venue before she truly blows up.
Wed, March 6th, Enmore Theatre
