The Dukes of Shuffle are a band with a love of the 1950s music that swept away the staid elegance of the swing era and ushered in the freewheeling era of rock 'n' roll. Starting with the Jump Jive style of Louis Jordan, The Dukes of Shuffle rock their way through the raw energy of early Elvis & Chuck Berry, the rockabilly of Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis, the Kitsch of the Everly Brothers and on to the early Beatles and the British invasion groups like the Kinks and Rolling Stones. They also pay homage to the Hillbilly roots of rock 'n' roll with some driving Bluegrass banjo breakdowns. This is the music that post-war baby boomers cut their teeth on with uninhibited, expressive dancing hinting at the rebellion and the hedonism to follow in the 1960s.
The Dukes are: Andrew Ireland (bass, vocals), Andrew Russell (guitar, banjo, vocals) and Julia Day (drums) and one can feel their energy & enthusiasm when they perform: this music is FUN to play and it shows. In our gritty and jaded era, they offer a wee bit of escapism; a window back to a more optimistic and prosperous era.
Slack-Off Sundays:
It’s Sunday night, which means tomorrow is Monday. You could stay at home and iron a couple of long-sleeved shirts for the week ahead, but let's face it, you're gonna sit on the couch and watch TV and leave that chore to the morning. Forget that, head out to Aunty Jack's, grab a great meal and catch some of the best live music in NSW! 6:00-8:00 pm, family-friendly, free event. Slack-off this Sunday and make the weekend last a little longerl
Reservations:
Reservations are recommended for booth seating, however, please note that booths will only be reserved for patrons intending to enjoy a meal . . . but don't worry, if you're just coming along for a drink and/or a nibble, there are communal tables and bar stools on the lower level. Aunty Jack's offers full table service for diners.
What is Aunty Jacks?:
The best-est and most kitschi-est slice of retro Australiana this side of Paul Hogan throwing a prawn on the barbie! Put on your best 'thongs' (those are flip-flops, or 'flimsy sandals' for our non 'occa' speaking friends) and head to Katoomba's best 'underground' restaurant and bar (it's not a secret, it's literally under the ground in a basement - we'd keep it a secret but that's bad for business). Forget small servings of deconstructed dishes that you saw last night on Masterchef (who wants a meal out that requires assembly anyway), think 'chips, bits and gravy', 'chicken parma bites', 'meat & 3 veg', or a 'zucchini burger' for those who choose to make friends with salad. Whilst the food might remind you of a time when your grandmother used to make you a spam sandwich before you went outside to run under a sprinkler (the smartest thing kids had to play with before iPhones), the bar is all about the best beer, wine and cider you can get your hands on today . . . but don't worry - beer comes in 'tinnies' so you’ll feel right at home. If that doesn't take the lamington, Aunty Jack's is home to the best cocktails (and mocktails) in the Mountains. Long story short, the food is tasty, the bar is 'fully stocked' bro, and it’s family friendly . . . and your Aunty is welcome (even if she has a moustache).
Where is Aunty Jack’s?:
122 Katoomba street, Katoomba. If you're driving and hit Echo Point, Skippy or the Milkybar kid - turn around and ask for directions . . . unless you're a man, in which case you continue driving until you’re ready to admit you're lost.
. . . Who is Aunty Jack?:
There’s an Aunty Jack in every family. She’s the one who never had kids of her own, but knew that family was more important than anything; who travelled far and wide but always called Australia home; who wasn’t afraid to break from tradition, making new ones of her own along the way; who was unconventional and unpredictable, but always loyal and dependable; who collected trinkets wherever she went, but knew memories were the best souvenirs; who was the keeper of all the family recipes and secret ingredients; there’s an Aunty Jack in every family.