Singing beside the seaside - Airey's Inlet Music Festival

Because of interstate travel this week, I missed my vocal group's rehearsal. It was our last in preparation for two performances at the Airey's Inlet Open Mic Music Festival, taking place this weekend.

I'd been diligently recording all our rehearsals so that I could listen and go over my parts in my own time. I don't usually do this, because I have a piano and just rehearse that way, but I'm not usually booked into the hotel suite that comes equipped with a piano, so did it this way instead.

On the four hour flights to and from Perth I spent the time listening and rehearsing. I thought I was doing it in my head, until the man sitting next to me said nothing, but conveyed, with a look that said, "What the hell are you doing? Please stop bouncing around in your seat!" (This man also failed to respond to the humour being offered with the coffee by one of the flight attendants.)

Vocal Group rehearsal - the devices come out.
© 2015 divacultura

A beautiful day dawned. I stood out in the sunshine waiting for my lift to arrive with my music, doing some last minute reviews. As we snuck around the back of a cafe, right on the highway, to warm up, the passing traffic gave us some strange looks. A lone cyclist looked as though he was about to ride right off the road.

One of the songs we sang is "Waiting on an Angel" by Ben Harper. When rehearsing and thinking about this song I attached it to Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, the two Australian men awaiting execution in Indonesia. It was all I could do to get through without tears taking over.

If you can get to Airey's Inlet tomorrow, it's worth visiting. There are nine music venues, ranging from marquees in car parks to corners of cafes and gallery spaces. The festival culminates in a performance by a "mystery guest" whose identity is a closely guarded secret.

I was so pleased to be a part of Mood Swing's performance today. Our happy, relaxed vibe created a beautiful exchange with the audience. Singing with and for other people is such a special gift.

Clever marketing - another hat tale

I mentioned yesterday that I decided to succumb to the lure of the wildwest and buy a cowgirl hat when I was recently at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. It is irresistible, but also practical when you're walking down Peel Street in the blazing sun listening to buskers or acts performing on one of the many stages.

On the Friday before the Australia Day long weekend I met a friend for lunch in town and noticed a growing crowd and queue right near the post office.  I thought that there must have been someone very important and/or famous doing something remarkable, so walked around the corner to see why people were lining up. There was no country music star or even minor local politician or newsreader. People were queuing to get a hat!

The hat was nothing special, but had the right shape and the wide brim. Importantly it also carried the sponsor's logo on the hat band and could be had for a $2 donation to the McGrath Foundation. It struck me as a creative approach to marketing and fundraising all by giving the people what they want/need. Walking around the streets were heads promoting sponsor Toyota, people were protected from the sun and a charity had made some money and planted their name in the minds of people. Additionally, the hats were only available at certain times, so the notion of scarcity was created and the crowd and queues grew, drawing further attention to the various organisations. Brilliant!

Having made my discovery, I stepped back from the line. I was promptly asked by a couple passing by "who is there?"

I explained the people were queuing for a hat.

"A hat?!"

"Yes a hat," I explained the relationship to the McGrath Foundation.

"That's incredible!" exclaimed the man. "I never thought I'd see a queue like that for a hat! Must be a good sort of a hat!"

"Well see for yourself. There goes one now," I pointed.


And lastly, here are some more of my recent photographs taken while on holiday.

The ever-present Alfie - just hanging around.
© divacultura 2014

A magnificent pair of eucalypts stand against the brilliant cerulean sky.
© divacultura 2014

Afternoon by the dry creek bed.
© divacultura 2014

Have you seen the Hot Box yet?

If you're in Melbourne and have a pulse, you need to see Karin Danger's show "Hot Box" which is playing as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.    I don't say this lightly.

Karin is an incredibly talented comic performer.  She's funny and intelligent and sings the hell out of the songs.  Did I mention that she also wrote them?

I loved her song about the morning after blues.  Not once does she actually talk about what happened the night before and with references to "an Argentinian passport torn up in my bin" one can only wonder.  It's hilarious and well delivered.  Look out for the cracker Brownlow joke early in the show too.

Apart from the jokes, Karin has something to say and she puts herself on the line to say it.  Whether you agree with her message or not, I think the idea of doing this is something to be encouraged.

The show made me happy.  I delighted in every aspect of the show.  It's great to see a young talented woman making art like this so I just really want lots of people to be happy too.

"Hot Box" is playing until 21 April at the gorgeously kitsch (and now city-based) Butterfly Club which is worth a visit too.

24 Hours in Lapa

Last night I had the privilege of being in the audience for "24 Hours in Lapa" at the Melbourne Festival.  It was only on for one night.  I hope there will be a recording available.  You can hear a snippet on the link above and also read about the story that inspired the work - the death of a man in the streets of Lapa (a suburb of Rio de Janeiro)

I've long been a fan of the Raah Project's music and when I heard about this work, I knew I had to go.  Tamil Rogeon is the composer and he's amazing.  He also plays electric violin and conducts.

Last night's concert was in the magnificent Elisabeth Murdoch Hall at the Melbourne Recital Centre and featured Orchestra Victoria and a Brazilian samba rhythm section.  It was not possible for me to sit still for the duration of the concert.  The sound was incredible!  Every time I hear an orchestra play live, it reminds me of how inadequate recorded music really is.  It's so special to be in the place while the music is being made.

I had a wonderful view of the very hard-working percussionist and was pleased to discover how the authentic sounding dog yelp is made in sample.  (By scraping on the inside of a drum is the best way I can describe it.)  Seeing him also gave me a new appreciation of the technicalities of playing the triangle!

The only criticism I had was that I couldn't understand the two vocalists.  Their voices sounded wonderful, but I couldn't make out the words.  I'm not sure if it was a case of where I was sitting (seems unlikely in that magnificent hall) or poor diction.

That aside, I'm so glad I decided to go.  One of the things I love about the Melbourne Festival is that there are often shows like last night's that are only on for one night and haven't been performed before.  So being adventurous and taking a punt is the way to go.  I've only had wonderful experiences using this method.

My next Festival outing will include a performance of John Cage's "4'33''".  I wrote an assignment about this piece for senior music at high school but have never witnessed (or should I say "participated" in a performance?), so I'm pleased to have this opportunity.  Find out more here.

My favourite things - this week

It's that time of the week again where I reflect on things I've loved during this week and share them with you!

1. One of my favourite things this week is happening right now!  I'm giving stuff away.  There are two more winners of a double pass each to see the film "Hysteria".  Congratulations to Anonymous (I know who you are) and Merryn. The things they wished they'd invented are fantastic and would be better versions than those currently available.  Find details in the comments on this post.  I love having such inventive and witty readers!  (*** Merryn and Anonymous, please email me your mailing address and I'll send your passes.)  Mousicles also won a pass and saw the film today.  See what Mousicles had to say about the film in the comments too.

2. One of the truths in my life is that I know some amazing people.  This week I had some inspiring conversations which left me thinking and with fewer available pages in my notebook.  (Lucky I have a store of notebooks.) One of my favourite things from this week was the ability to spend time thinking and exchanging ideas with inspiring, thoughtful people.  I also had French toast and strawberries.

Breakfast to be inspired by.  It takes stamina!
(c) divacultura 2012

3. My new way of working, with its flexible work schedule, is one of my favourite things this week.  It's not that new in terms of years - I've been changing the way I work since 2008.  It's been over a year since I established my business (and it's divacultura's first birthday tomorrow!), but I had been working fulltime since 1991, so it still feels new.  Anyway, I love that I can schedule personal appointments during the day away from the after hours and weekend crush and that I have space to think and be creative.

4. It's festival season in Melbourne.  I have a wishlist of events already marked for the Melbourne Writer's Festival - one of the best events of the year.  It's affordable and thought provoking and it can take a little time or a lot.  I'm off to the Melbourne International Film Festival on Monday night courtesy of ABC Local Radio 774.  (I'll be seeing Beasts of the Southern Wild.)  There's an Israeli Film Festival.  The Melbourne Festival is coming.  Hamer Hall has reopened after its refurbishment.  I love that Melbourne doesn't let winter restrain her spirit!

5. The view from the seventh floor of the Myer store in Bourke Street.  With floor to ceiling glass panelling it's the perfect place to see interesting perspectives on the world outside.  Now that I always have a camera with me, I like to wander up there and take some photos.  I've been up there before and shared some photos.  Here are a few more.

Time wrap.
(c) divacultura 2012

 This is virtually the same photo as the first one in this post, but it's being refurbished now.  I like the real one better.

Rear windows.
(c) divacultura 2012

 Looking down from the seventh floor.  The diagonal black line is part of the Myer window I was looking through.

Glass reflections.
(c) divacultura 2012

Looking straight down from the seventh floor.  Interesting reflections from several layers of glass at different angles.

Water spout - Little Collins Street
(c) divacultura 2012

This one has nothing to do with anything I wrote above, but I really like this photo and wanted to share it with you.  Walking around in the rain in the city is not one of my favourite things.  Taking a photo like this makes it all worth while.  It was about 12noon today.

Emerging Writers & blogging masterclass.

I'm so excited!  I've enrolled in a masterclass being run as part of the Emerging Writer's Festival here in Melbourne.  With divacultura approaching its first anniversary and the blog being part of my daily work, I thought the opportunity to learn some professional skills and network with other writers was too good an opportunity to pass up.


The topics covered are wide ranging and relevant.  From the website:

• Blog to Where? – a blog’s success can lead to a variety of opportunities. See how they can be pursued
• Monetisation – tips and tricks to making money from your blog
• Content Creation – writing blog, podcasting, video blogging – how should you say what you want to say
• Strategic Planning – planning and forecasting for blogging success
• Audience Development – how to create and engage an audience for your blog

It will be interesting to think about some things that I haven't really thought about.  

I'm a great believer in thinking and exploring the world, including the things that I do regularly.  There's always more to learn.  I spend such a lot of time helping other people with their professional development, it's a luxury to be on the "other end", sitting in a room and being the receptacle, rather than the facilitator.  I've never participated in the Emerging Writer's Festival before either, so that's another aspect of interest.

I don't know what all of this will mean for my blog, or for me as a writer and a person.  We shall see.  Maybe you will too.  Meanwhile, I'd better start thinking about who should play me in the movie!

What investment have you made in your professional development lately?

Vocal exploration - a capella

Next Saturday afternoon, the vocal group I sing with is performing at an a capella festival.  I've been letting people know about it and discovered that not everyone knows what the term "a capella" means and not everyone has discovered its beauty, joy and versatility.  It means singing that is unaccompanied by any instrument and I have loved it for as long as I can remember.

I've performed all sorts of vocal music in choirs of various configurations.  I was first introduced to madrigals as part of the small choral group at high school.  The fun and fluff of lots of fa-la-la's was very exciting when everyone in the group arrived at the right place at the same time - especially in the ones with a fast tempo!  My favourite madrigal of all time is "All Creatures are Merry Minded", written in the 1500's by John Bennett.

I was hooked on the idea of people being able to come together and make music with nothing more than their bodies:  voices providing melody and hands, fingers and feet often providing rhythm.

For a while I sang in a small professional a capella group which specialised in early church music.  There were only 16 of us and we sang some sublime music.  One of  my favourites from that time was the "Miserere" by Allegri.  Written in the early 1600's, it would have originally been sung only by male voices.  The Company of Voices sang in cathedrals to take advantage of the glorious acoustics.

I remember performing a piece by Palestrina (I think) that was quite complex and in about 12 parts.  We knew the piece very well and so also knew very quickly that something had gone terribly wrong.  It was sounding different and it felt like we were somehow all in different places.  Fear can easily take hold in this situation but we managed to find a resting point within the music.  The conductor mouthed the page number and we took off again, made it through to the end intact and managed to smile in relief as the fear left our eyes.  There was power in the energy of the group and our ability to communicate through eye contact that saved us.  Still, I wouldn't want to be in that position again!

We also sang music by twentieth century composers in that group.  Things like "Hymn to St Cecilia" by Benjamin Britten.  The tonality is completely different from the older music and it is thrilling to sing for the different feeling it evokes.

Since that time, I've explored black gospel music and African music in various groups.  Listening to many of the old recordings of quartets and bigger groups, I love the energy and precision they bring to their singing.  Every word can be heard and their rhythm is tight!  Even many of the slower songs can suddenly pick up pace and go from solemn to joyous!

I learnt about black South African music not long after the end of apartheid when people were coming out to tell their stories of suppression.  Their songs held their history.  One particular artist with whom I worked in Brisbane had been in prison and suffered a lot.  Despite this, there was always singing.  In his culture singing was done by anyone who had a voice, not just musicians.

Many modern songs have also benefited from a capella arrangements.  Check out "Call your Girlfriend" by a female vocal trio called Erato.  The harmonies are bliss and I love their funky rhythms played on the kitchen table with empty margarine containers!

Paul Kelly's song "Come and Meet Me in the Middle of the Air" is sung a capella by Melbourne comic vocal trio Tripod and Eddie Perfect in this version.

I believe that human beings have a need to make and appreciate music and there is nothing better than the human voice joining with other human voices - the possibilities are endless.  Have a look and a listen to the Voca People - 8 people who sound like everything from an orchestra to a rock band!

These days you don't even need to be in the same place as other singers.  Eric Whitacre has created the ultimate virtual a capella choir.  Singers from around the world record their parts at home and submit the file digitally.  It's all then mixed to create a masterpiece like "Sleep".

If you're yet to experience the spine tingling joy of hearing the human voice singing with other human voices, the Get Vocal Festival is a great place to begin.  Tripod is performing at the opening night concert this Tuesday.  My group, Living Out Loud, is performing at the Saturday Matinee Showcase along with Mint 26, The Ice haloes, Key Change and Corisande.

Why not sample something different next weekend and support local music!

*Quote promotional code "Sue Johnson/Living Out Loud" when booking tickets to any event.*

Yarraville gets down.

Yarraville held its annual festival today.  The streets in the village are closed to cars and there are stages at the four points of the cross roads where music of all kinds is played throughout the day.  Local traders bring their wares onto the street and you can't walk a metre without coming across someone you know.

One of the main events of the day is the Pet Parade.  I made a special effort to be in the right place for the parade this year and could not believe what I was seeing.  There were dogs everywhere, often dressed in clothes to match their owner's outfit.  Yes, that is correct, the dogs and owners were in matching outfits. The first pair I saw parade were two girls, one dressed as a lady bird and one dressed as a bee, leading their small dogs dressed as, you guessed it, a lady bird and a bee. Next in line was a dog wearing a grass skirt and Hawaiian lei.  It was called "Hula Dog".  I decided that I had better leave before it started playing the ukulele.

The beginning of the parade was highlighted by the less than wondrous performance of Archie the Wonder Dog.  Archie was a non-compliant Jack Russell (is there any other kind?) who is probably in heavy contract negotiations right now as a result of his failure to perform any kind of trick at all.  He just stood on the stage and looked around really.  I may have seen him do a high-five, but I couldn't be sure.  He seemed to be receiving treats from the owner regardless, so I reckon he must be a pretty smart dog - smarter than the owner anyway.

While I was sitting waiting for the event, I witnessed something very bizarre.  Gus was a very placid and patient dog.  He looked like a Labradoodle.  His owner had two dogs, him and Sal which was some kind of standard looking black dog.  I watched as Gus and Sal were costumed by their owner.  Gus was put into a black dog suit and Sal was put into a grey poodle suit.  The children belonging to the owner were given matching grey dog hats to wear.

The suits were quite ingenious - lots of Velcro and elastic.  As the woman fitted Gus (the dog) into his (dog) suit, Gus stood there with a look on his face that said something along the lines of: "If I stand here still enough she'll be able to quickly get the suit on.  The quicker the suit goes on, the quicker I can get out of this thing.  I can't believe that I have to get dressed in the middle of the street.  I mean, who else is expected to do that?  You'd think I would be afforded the dignity of a dressing room.  Even someone holding up a blanket would be better than this.  Oh, that's right Sal, run away.  I reckon you've got the right idea.  I look ridiculous.  I hope I don't run into anyone I know. "

"At least no one can recognise me in this get up."
(c) divacultura 2012

After realising that the dogs were all obscured on stage by the fold back speakers, I decided that I'd seen enough.  I wandered around the rest of the festival.

As the day wore on, the kids were more sugared up on fairy floss and ice cream and the parents were sick to death of trying to manoeuvre their semi-trailer sized prams through the throng of people.  I caught some interesting snippets of conversation:

"Stop asking me for things!" This was a mother to a child who had obviously been doing nothing but asking for things.  The child looked to be about 5 years old.  It was unclear whether the instruction pertained only to the confines of the festival or applied for the term of his natural life.

"No Jason, you are not going on a ride until you've eaten all your ice cream!" The mother who said this looked normal enough.  Just looking at her, I wouldn't have thought she was some strange vomit fetishist who fills her children full of ice cream before attaching them to machinery which would spin them around at very high speeds.  Any appeal that side show alley may have held, quickly diminished.  I didn't fancy being covered in vomit, even if it was mint-choc chip.

As I walked by the kids' stage, a band of kids looked like they were about to start playing.  They looked to be about 10 - 12 years old and comprised a bass player (also the front man), guitarist, key board player, drummer and brass section with two saxophones and a trumpet.  They looked pretty good up there and I waited for them to play.  It took the sound guy about twenty minutes to get everyone plugged in and ready to go.  Suddenly they started playing the "Peter Gunn" theme.  They were pretty tight and were in tune which is a great start.  Then everyone would stop playing for a couple of bars of improvisation from various instruments. You really can't believe how much the whole rhythmic structure of a piece can completely fall apart in the space of four bars until you hear it happen.  The drummer would count them back in and they'd play again as a tight unit.  When they started playing and singing other contemporary pop songs, I decided it was time to go.

The pop up park got a work out and the astro turf is looking less than stellar.  I caught a couple of bands which I really enjoyed: The Junes were rocking in the IGA carpark and The Mercurials were a great way to finish the day outside the video shop.  Earlier in the day I had caught a little bit of  Rebecca Bernard and Amanda Testro.  They called for a volunteer from the crowd to turn pages for their final song.  A small girl clambered on stage.  She did her best, but it can be hard to wrangle several pieces of A4 paper in a high wind.  There was a pause of about 2 and a half minutes between pages.

That sums up the vibe: friendly, comfy and a little bit daggy.  Love it!