NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND

Sydney music icon and former front man of The Whitlams, Tim Freedman, found himself in a shallow pool of hot water recently when venues were announced for his end-of-year tour.

The problem stemmed from the fact that Freedman, despite holding strong negative views about the social benefits of poker machines, had accepted shows in a couple of big pokie parlours.

Thankfully, no such hint of misjudgement pertains to his plan to play at The Basement on Wednesday, December 28. (The Basement, of course, is a proud and defiant pokie-free zone.)

Mr Freedman has done a post-Chrissie show at Circular Quay venue for each of the past five years, and the event has now become very much a December tradition.

The other shows scheduled for this month involve him and his new band banging out the songs which comprise his new album, Australian Idle. The Basement gig, however, is different – it’s just him and the Steinway, an intimate and leisurely journey through his extensive back catalogue, from The Whitlams’s first album onwards.

We have four double passes to the show to give away. To score one, call The Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours.

The following night – December 29 – another legend of the Australian music industry takes to the stage for what has become an annual concert. Australia’s undisputed first lady of soul, Renee Geyer, will give a scintillating performance, letting loose hits from her long and distinguished career.

Once again, we have four double passes to the show to give away. To score one, call The Basement box office on 9251 2797 during office hours.

For a full list of shows at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au

Contact the writer: amasterson@thebasement.net.au