Musician, actor and comedian extraordinaire, GEORGE WASHINGMACHINE, is returning to the Blue Mountains to perform alongside virtuoso classical and flamenco guitarist, JIM PENNELL. Violin and guitar combine to make a wonderful string section, alongside luscious vocals and the rich vein of jazz classics from the last century. This show is sure to thrill, so book your tickets now!
GEORGE WASHINGMACHINE & JIM PENNELL // Saturday, 7 May 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'.
Please read the event information on this page very carefully, as information about COVID-19 restrictions, menu and 'Terms & Conditions', will be provided below.
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/ ABOUT THE ARTISTS /
- GEORGE WASHINGMACHINE -
Singing and fiddling aside, George is a multi-instrumentalist – proficient on double bass, guitar or anything with strings! George is also a sought after MC – and has hosted 'Jazz in the Domain' several times, as well as 'The Darling Harbour Jazz Festival' and presented concerts at 'The Thredbo Jazz Festival' and the 'Taronga Park Zoo New Year’s Eve Party'. George has also worked in TV and radio. You may have heard George as the voice behind the recent Banana Boat campaign, or his fiddle playing & scatting on the Uncle Toby’s campaign. George is also a composer in his own right.
He recently composed the music for the Qantas Business Class Lounge commercial and has written everything from Rock and Roll Nursery rhymes for Mr Squiggle to music for the Bell Shakespeare Company. George’s acting gigs include guest roles on TV shows like Chances and A Country Practice. He also worked in theatre, playing Guildenstern in Neil Armfield’s production of Hamlet – where he shared the stage with Richard Roxborough, Geoffrey Rush, David Wenham, Jacqueline McKenzie, and a host of other acting luminaries.
Many moons ago, George even took over the role of Jake Blues from Russell Crowe in the official tribute to the Blues Brothers, produced by Paul Dainty.
But of course, you're here for the music. As a child he trained for 7 years as a classical violinist, however, left all that behind when he formed his rhythm & blues band, The Dead Wringers in which he played the guitar and sang. In 1984, George moved to Sydney and started playing jazz fiddle with The Conway Brothers Hiccup Orchestra. In the same year, he performed with Graham Bond in the stage show "Captain Bloody".
In 1985 he worked with Circus Oz and did some featured extra work in the film Bliss and the television mini-series "Shout! The Johnny O'Keefe Story". A foray into Shakespeare followed with Hamlet in 1986 for The Adelaide Arts Festival. In the same year, he toured to the UK and Edinburgh Festival with The Hiccups Orchestra and was musical director and acted for The Sydney Theatre Company’s production of "The King Of Country".
In 1987 George and guitarist Ian Date formed Sweet Atmosphere, a string jazz quartet. They released their debut self-titled album in 1989. George continued acting over the next few years with the Canberra Theatre Company, Jigsaw Theatre Company, the Storytellers Theatre Company and the Darwin Theatre Company. In 1990 he formed Jalousie with Ignatious Jones. He also composed music for such notable productions as Mr Squiggle and the Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company.
In 1991 he played the lead role of Cookie in the musical, "Return To The Forbidden Planet", which toured to Melbourne in 1992 and Brisbane in 1993. In 1992 he performed as an alien grub in the television series "Miraculous Mellops", acted the part of a drunk in "Miss Julie" for the Sydney Theatre Company and accompanied Wendy Harmer on a national tour of "Please Send More Money".
He also played a guest role in one of the final episodes of "Chances", and in "A Country Practice". In 1993 George performed the role of Jake, in "The Official Tribute To The Blues Brothers Show". 1994 saw George appear as Guildenstern in "Hamlet" for Company B at Belvoir St, Crook Finger Jack in "The Threepenny Opera" for the STC; Bush Band Member in the film "On Our Selection" and started 1995 appearing as Lord Chamberlain in "Cinderella".
- JIM PENNELL -
Jim Pennell has a background in classical guitar, then traditional jazz, swingin’ jazz, Brazilian and South American guitar styles, gypsy jazz and big band. Jim has worked with many of Australia’s jazz greats over 35 years including Bob Barnard, James Morrison and Don Burrows. He has worked with singers Tom Burlinson, Mari Wilson, Janet Seidel, Rhonda Birchmore and Anthony Warlow. He also appeared as featured soloist in the 2014 production of “Strictly Ballroom” and with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2011.
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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.
- Please Note: Menu to be updated closer to event -
- 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 /
Dates: Saturday, 7 May 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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