Sandy Point Music

10/11/2024

A pair of couples entertained Sandy Point Music on Saturday November 10th with an evening of indie singer-songwriters.

First up was Maddy May with a beautiful mellow set who made the point of how in tune she felt with the vibes in the room.

She was joined by her partner Luke, who augmented Maddy’s delicate songs with some lovely guitar flourishes. It was only his third time on stage though any nerves were not apparent to the appreciative audience.

Maddy punctuated her songs with personal reflections and back stories which worked to provide an intimate atmosphere. ‘Habit’, ‘Wasting Time’ and ‘Butterflies’ were highlights but the entire set flowed into a cohesive whole.

Headliners were Saije, winners of the Folk Alliance Australia’s ‘Young Artist of the Year”. They were returning after many years away and obviously harboured fond memories of their time here.

Their setlist was heartfelt and varied, swinging between emotional ballads sung at a dying grandmother’s bedside and humorous banana-centred ditties in cod-French. Like Maddy, their graceful songs were informed by personal experience. To this the team of Jo and Shanteya added songs inspired by their travels around the globe.

Fresh from their extensive European and UK tour, we very much got the sense of wanderers returning home to the land they loved after stories of rainy days in the UK, France and Germany. For artists who aren’t Taylor Swift, life on the road is always a physical and financial struggle; there were tales of sleeping in the back of a van in a bed more like a coffin.

Soulful harmonies, dynamic guitar lines and percussive breakdowns allowed the audience to feel, as the band themselves put it, simultaneously transported and anchored. There was humour too. After criticism of the on-screen world, they pointed out the irony of asking us to access their music on Spotify and Facebook. As we should.

Another wonderful night out at Sandy Point Music.

Photography by https://www.donnakilleenphotography.com
Words by Ian Forth https://www.sombrerofallout.com/podcasts-1

17/10/2024

Next gig 🎶🎶 don't miss it, they're awesome!!

Get your tickets at Trybooking

https://www.trybooking.com/CTAQS

25/08/2024

Jordie Lane just released his album, Tropical Depression, on 16th August and has hit the road running right into Sandy Point. We were the second stop on his tour schedule that runs from 23rd August and ends in Madison USA on 6 October 2024.
Hitting No 1 on the ARIA charts this week might make the gruelling schedule worth it. Top that Keith Urban and Lee Kernaghan! https://www.jordielane.com

Annie Rose Maloney, singer songwriter started the night with her touching songs and showed us her full command over the guitar. Not usually a solo artist, we were fortunate to see her perform solo and learn more about her music.

The terrific night of music and entertainment continued as Jordie spills the stories that go with the life of being a musician. Like a punch up one night and an apology from the puncher upperer the next, just because Jordie wouldn’t play someone else music. The apologizer said he was emotionally touched by the music and Jordie nearly went to tears knowing that is why he makes music.

No violins required because underneath all the banter, laughs and mini strip show were sophisticated lyrics with sophisticated music including perfect harmonies with Clare Reynolds that rolled out to the packed audience for our absolute enjoyment. Over 90 minutes, Non-stop!

Jordie’s return with the band showed the talent of the musicians who seamlessly picked up the chords of songs they had never played before, the steel pedal was sweet, the drummer and the guitarist added to the success of the night.

Best wishes Jordie with the Album Tour. We loved ya!

Words and photography by Donna Killeen https://www.donnakilleenphotography.com

26/05/2024

Holy smokes the locals turned it on at SPM last night. Two local solo musicians, Meg Doherty and Jungle Jim Smith, a packed house full of locals including the sound team and the event was organized by the local committee. Local love all around.

Meg Doherty continues to re-invent herself and did an excellent job warming up the night with crisp vocals, notes, some covers, most of her own work and humor. We were on our feet at the first opportunity, lapping up her energy.

On the other hand, Jungle Jim Smith lowered the tone and set the night alight with grungy gritty electrifying stomp box tunes. We burned up the floor, in fact it was hard not to move to the blusey grooves. The cigar guitar was a hit so were the smoke effects and lighting.

Words and photography by www.donnakilleenphotography.com

29/04/2024

Another great Saturday night at the Sandy Point Community Centre with a full house turning up to hear some entertaining local tunes.

Turns out it was the biggest audience in attendance since COVID!

Drew Cassidy, Benny and Mapes opened up the night playing several of Drew’s original songs intertwined with some amazing covers. Sensational talented trio!

Nick Carver and the Mean Street Butchers then hit the stage and by the last song had half the hall dancing!

With the most animated bass guitarist to visit Sandy Point, and the enthusiastic and energetic drummer complimenting Nick, the crowd enjoyed themselves enormously.

Nick and the MSB absolutely pumped out many original rock and psychedelic blues tunes!

Thankyou to the crowd for supporting live music at Sandy Point.

17/03/2024

The return of Claire Anne Taylor with her band did not disappoint the crowd of Sandy Point Music goers.

Opening was Jethro Pickett. Solo artist, come sound technician,come multi talented musician. His Entertaining crooning tunes warmed us up.

Claire Annes voice was mesmerising with her gutsy vocal range of raw and real expression.
Her songs told stories and we were taken along for the ride.

On the road with their Australia wide tour,Sandy Point was around stop 27 with 17 to go. They've been promoting their "Giving It Away" tour, and we were gifted songs of the full album.
Accompanying Claire Anne Taylor on stage was Louie on bass,Jethro on all kinds of guitars and Beau on drums, giving some ripping solos and also a song to boot.

Support and family are dear to this team so was great meeting Claire Annes partner JB with young son Van.

Music to be remembered

12/03/2024

18/02/2024

Kerryn Fields and Matt Joe Gow, each award winning artists in their own right, but put them together and you get a powerhouse of music, entertainment and masterful songwriting. Kerboom!

Sometimes we were moved by the lyrics, then toe tapping to teetering on the border of playful camaraderie and outright childish behaviour that we absolutely loved. I mean who plays rock scissors or paper to choose the next song? It was delicious and refreshing.
In the end they played both the songs they were contesting for. Matt managed to get through the song he wrote for his mother without the lights going out and Kerryn nearly fell of her chair with the level humour dosed out over the night. Actually the audience did too at times.
A wonderful night of music from very talented artists.

words and photography https://www.donnakilleenphotography.com

21/01/2024

The first SPM gig for ‘24 was near full house!

Benny and Mapes (Andrew) kicked off the evening with a couple of original numbers that entertained the crowd and really set the scene for the event. Then Drew (another Andrew) joined in the set with his guitar and voice, with the group then humorously retitled Benny and the Drew’s, by keyboard player Mapes.

The trio played many funky covers from the 70s and 80s, with Benny switching from guitar to drums and these catchy beats had many up on the dance floor.

Several solos were performed through the set which highlighted the talent of each member.

After a short break, and 18 months since their last appearance at Sandy Point, Rise King Tide (RKT) came out and played two original amazing sets with songs from their two albums, and a couple from their upcoming third album.

Fish Creek local front man Daniel Crynes was perfect, singing his heart out, hitting the mark, and creating the energy that showcased the tracks at their best!

Tim on bass (and backing vocals) was casually doing his thing as usual, adding the deeper dimension to the band.

Angelo (guitar and backing vocals) pumped out epic guitar rock sounds (and moves!) which complimented Daniel and Tim brilliantly!

Daves presence was felt with his awesome drum playing. There were so many moments where the drummer had the spotlight. It was a pleasure to watch and hear Dave in action. In fact, there were so many moments of brilliance from all the RKT band members!

With a music video now out, RKT, a talented independent rock band,
are on the rise!
Check it out on you tube…https://youtu.be/0HL3wDWwm1U?si=58hMg8ix71JIcBVI

Other videos are there too!

03/12/2023

AlgoRhythm Trio didn’t waste too much time coaxing the folk to the floor with a liquorice allsorts of covers, over 3 sets.

The talented trio, Melanie Coleman, Matt Walker and Nathan Malin covered the classics so it was easy to get lost in the moment with cool foot moves, arm waving, air punching and hair swinging to the likes of April Sun, 500 Miles, ACDC, Riptide, Rhiannon, Summer of 69 and Nutbush. You name it, lots of fun. Emily takes the cake for leading the Nutbush moves.

Brilliant way to wrap up the Sandy Point Music calendar year.

Thanks to all you groovers and music fans who buy the tickets, come along and support the wonderful initiative that the SPM committee bring to the community.

Have a safe holiday season and see you in 2024.

04/11/2023

Wonderful evening of music last night with Miss Eileen and King Lear . The SPM community was out in full force with a packed house who showed their appreciation by applauding, dancing and gunning for an encore.

Alex Hamilton, singer songwriter opened the show with his music including a song about guru Dave. He ended his set by playing a magnificent harmonica finale. Its rare to see the harmonica as the main instrument for a complete song.

Then MEKL bounced on stage dressed in theme. Miss Eileen as a mermaid barbie and King Lear in a Sandy suit with pointy shoes. Boom Boom!

What a talent this duo is, singer songwriters, gifted instrument players and entertainers with their friendly digs at each other and responses to the crowd, The night ended with encore’s including one with the three artists for a Dylan number.

Words and photography by Donna Killeen

08/10/2023

This double bill was a sensation!

Ally Row returned to Sandy Point last night after 6 months, with new songs and another energetic performance. Banjo was more evident this time, which certainly kept the toes tapping for an hour. Featuring the extremely talented Alice (guitar, keyboard, vocals) and Rowan (guitar, banjo, vocals, cool foot stuff), we were also entertained by Toby joining in on backing vocals and trumpet. This added another layer of brilliance to the set! Thank you, ALLY ROW.👌
🏆 and here's your trophy for best dancers on the night💃🕺

Aunty Blue kept the energy going, with two amazing folk-rock sets. Kim's soulful voice led the occasion (also guitar), with epic tunes delivered by Harry (guitar), Tom (drummer ), and Nicola (bass guitar/vocals) the cool addition to AB. They are no strangers to Gippsland, having played at Fish Stock earlier in the year, where they caught the eye (and ear) of the SPM committee..... so glad they came to join in the fun after a 6 month break from performing. WOW, just WOW! Gratitude Aunty Blue🙏

Both talented and entertaining bands delivered beautiful harmonies.

And lastly our taste buds were also entertained.... By Big Ears Pizza thankyou to Michael and family 🍕

03/09/2023

Minnie Marks was mesmerising with her vocals, guitar skills, humor and entertaining with her story telling which informed her song-writing.

Then Kathleen and her band of three followed up after the break and treated us to a terrific evening of covers and their own music. Kathleen even trialled her new work on us and we loved it.

What do you get when you put Minnie Marks and Kathleen Halloran on stage together?
You get a powerhouse of an explosive duo!

So when Minnie joined Kathleen and the band, the collaboration, given they only met the night before, was stunning with two female guitarists complimenting each other whilst giving their all with full passion and talent.

Their cover of “While my guitar gently weeps” was moving.

All of the musicians were also stage performers so it was a visual and musical feast.

Kathleen said she felt privileged to be playing to a live audience.

The privilege was all ours.

01/09/2023

06/08/2023

Welcme back to SPM.
Kate Facey was the support for Darcy Spiller. Together they helped to kickstart the season with their own thoughtful songs.

28/05/2023

I think we all needed a night on the dance floor and who better to provide it than the Soultanas.

Just the tonic!

The 7 piece band from Gippsland got us on our feet quickly and even those not normally seen dancing joined the Ministry of silliness, on the dance floor.

Three sets later including tributes to Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury and a long list of hits that you would expect from talented musicians such as Uptown Funky Town and Shake a Tail Feather.

Between the Brass trio, the drums, bass, guitar and keyboard the guys kept us on the floor, except for Vicki who couldn’t help herself, and hopped onto the stage to bellow out a song and sidle up to the musicians, openly declaring that she is 50 and single. Her phone number is 0418…..
Anywasies a terrific night with a brilliant mastery of their instruments and music sets. Bravo to the Soultanas
Love that Sax!

Its winter, its cold and time to reset so see you all back on August 5th at Sandy Point Music for non other than Darcy Spiller & Kate Facey.