New Orleans Jazz legends, trumpeter, GEOFF BULL, and clarinet & saxophonist, PAUL FURNISS, have been invited up to Katoomba for an intimate performance with virtuosic 'stride' pianist, ROBBIE MANN at The Blue Mountains' own speakeasy live music haunt, Pigeon Lane. Join Geoff, Paul and Robbie in a celebration of early jazz, swing, ragtime and blues classics from the likes of Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Sidney Bechet and more. It's a rare privilege to catch 3 early jazz specialists in one lineup, so book now to catch two music legends pass on the spirit of early jazz to the next generation of Australian jazz.
GEOFF BULL, PAUL FURNISS & ROBBIE MANN // Saturday, February 26 2022 // Doors 6:00 pm // Tickets: $94.50 ea
Location: Pigeon Lane @ GalleryONE88, Katoomba. 186-188 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Ticket price includes a 2-course meal // This is a seated performance // BYO alcohol // COVID-Safe Event. We recommend that you visit our good friends at Leura Cellars en route to GalleryONE88, who provide an exquisite selection of wines, beer, and spirits, including locally brewed beers from 'Mountain Culture' and ciders from 'Hillbilly'.
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/ ABOUT THE ARTISTS /
- GEOFF BULL -
Arguably the best New Orleans Style Jazz trumpeter produced in Australia Geoff Bull has sought and received his recognition on the world stage. A descendant of Norwegian genius, violinist Ole Bull who toured the world in the mid 19th century and played with Liszt & Greig, Geoff brings some of that genius to the trumpet. Geoff Bull played with the Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band in the 1960s before forming his own group, the Olympia Jazz Band in Sydney.
50 years on, and many New Orleans stints later, and Geoff is still jumpin' with his highly acclaimed outfit, 'The Finer Cuts'. Keeping New Orleans Jazz traditional tunes alive, as well as adding many new compositions of his own, Geoff is known for his large and excitingly diverse repertoire, bringing listeners a high energy jumpin’ performance alongside some of Australia's legendary and emerging musicians.
- PAUL FURNISS -
One of the most highly regarded reeds players in Australia, Paul has been part of Australia’s jazz scene since the 1960s. Besides leading the San Francisco Jazz Band since the late 1970s, Paul has been part of, and recorded, with numerous elite bands and musicians such as Graeme Bell, Tom Baker, John Sangster, Brad Child, Café Society, Howler’s Cotton Club, The Ozcats and many more. Paul's virtuosity has made him a welcome addition to countless jazz festivals around the world and is Australia's go-to early jazz reeds specialist.
- ROBBIE MANN -
Robbie Mann is an exciting young piano virtuoso who specialises in an early jazz piano idiom known as 'Stride'. While it used to be the norm, the secrets of this manner of playing have been lost to time and very few masters exist in the world today. It is a technically demanding and dazzling piano style, with the pianist expected to undertake the role of a rhythm section in the left hand alone!
Robbie is a Blue Mountains local and released his debut solo album, recorded in Wentworth Falls at Underwood Studios, at the end of 2019. He has studied classical piano at the Australian National University, played with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, conducted musicals, performed with comedy, cabaret and burlesque acts, whilst regularly working with the finest early jazz musicians around the country.
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/ THE EXPERIENCE /
Whilst many events promise a 'speakeasy' experience, no other venue in the Blue Mountains does it quite like 'Pigeon Lane', Gallery ONE88's live music quarter. Why you ask? Well, you won't find the entrance to this space on Katoomba's main drag . . . you need to take a stroll down Katoomba's 'Art Street', aka Beverly Place, and with so much visual candy on display, you won't quite know where you're going. Walking past the ever-changing tapestry of street art, rated as one of the 'Top 10 Things to Do in Katoomba' according to TripAdvisor, you need to find a green door at the rear of the gallery. Don't expect a big neon sign or a grand entryway though - it helps to bring someone who has been here before and keep your eyes peeled. Once you cross the threshold, you will pass through a peculiar ticketing booth, a quirky corner bar (although the venue doesn't yet have a liquor licence - so it's BYO) and enter Pigeon Lane proper.
Just like the eclectic underground venues of Paris or New York, this space has antique chandeliers, timber floors and exposed brick, a small stage framed with red velvet curtains, individual tables, and plenty of artwork and vintage curiosities everywhere to pique your roving interest. The acoustics in this space are divine and the vibe casual, which is the perfect storm for bringing out engaging and emotive performances out of every musician that graces this stage. With the likes of Steve Kilbey (The Church), Jak Housden (The Whitlams), Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges, Lloyd Swanton (The Necks), Sandy Evans (10 Part Invention), Paul Cutlan, Gary Daley, Trish Delaney-Brown (The Idea of North), George Washingmachine, James Greening and many more having played in this room, the quality of music is second to none. You won't want to miss a show here as there aren't many rooms like this.
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/ COVID-19 CONTINGENCIES /
Pigeon Lane & GalleryONE88 are both 'COVID-Safe' spaces and have contingencies in place in the event COVID-19 restrictions are increased. This means that this event is going ahead unless NSW Health prevents this sort of activity from taking place, or ALL performers are unable to attend. And not to worry, in the case of the event being cancelled, every patron will get a full refund without needing to ask. We know that many events have given their patrons a credit when an event has been postponed - we won't do that, so you've got no reason not to book 😀.
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/ THE MEAL /
Victor Peralta is both a celebrated artist and an executive cook, who will be curating a dining experience like no other. Featuring two majestic and generous courses, meals will be delivered to your table by alternate drop (one option for you and the other option for your partner) between sets. Dessert, tea, and coffee will also be available to purchase on the night.
- Entrees -
Platter of Mixed Pinchos: A traditional dish from the North of Spain closely resembling 'Tapas', 'Pinchos' are usually eaten in bars or taverns as a small snack while hanging out with friends or relatives. Thus, they have a strong socializing component and in the Basque country and Navarre, they are usually regarded as a cornerstone of local culture and society; or
Potato Gnocchi in House Pesto Sauce (Vegetarian): This gnocchi is served lightly tossed in our house-made fresh basil & pine nut pesto sauce, and sprinkled with shavings of matured parmesan.
- Mains -
Mega Meat Balls: Prime beef and spicy chorizo baked slow in a secret ONE88 herb and spiced tomato au jus until tender and mouth-watering. Served alongside al dente pasta and sprinkled with shavings of matured parmesan; or
Red Lentil & Cauliflower Dahl (Vegetarian): This curry is perfect for those nights where warmth and just a little spice is needed. Served alongside jasmine rice and naan bread.
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/ REFRESHMENTS & LICENSING /
Pigeon Lane is currently BYO only, however, has a dedicated cafe during the day and has an extensive range of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as fresh espresso coffee.
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/ THE SCHEDULE /
Date: Saturday, 26 February 2022.
Venue: Pigeon Lane @ GalleryONE88, 186-188 Katoomba St. Katoomba
Doors Open: 6:00 pm
First Course Served: 6:30 pm
First Set: 7:00-7:45 pm
Second Course & Intermission: 7:45 - 8:45 pm
Second Set: 8:45-9:30 pm
Tickets: $94.50 per person including a 2-course meal
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Proudly presented by MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
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