Homegrown Events - Upcoming Events

Concert Agenda

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Pencil these Dates in....

2010

Freshlyground (SA)

Blue King Band (Aus)

Tommy Emmanuel (AUS)

Cornerstone Roots (NZ)

Hannah Curwood (NZ)

Prime Circle (SA)

Plush (SA)

Johnny Clegg (SA)

Futuresound (SA)

Starseed (SA)

The Parlotones (SA)

King Kapisi (NZ)

Cat Empire (Aus) - 13/14 Oct

the Pheonix Foundation (NZ)

Katchafire (NZ)

David Fourier (SA)

Karma (SA)

Bok van Blerk (SA)

Mamaku Project (NZ)

Minuit (NZ)

Tommy Emmanuel - 12/04/10, Eindhoven

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel has a professional career that spans over four decades and continues to intersect with some of the finest musicians throughout the world. A household name in his native Australia, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Tommy's unique style - he calls it simply "finger style" - is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers.

Guitar legend Chet Atkins was one of the first to inspire Emmanuel to pick up the guitar as a child. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's biggest fans. In 1999, Chet honored Tommy Emmanuel with the title of "Certified Guitar Player" for his lifetime contribution to the instrument, a rare honor shared by only three other people in the world (Jerry Reed, Steve Warner and John Knowles). Atkins eventually recorded with Tommy in 1996 on "The Day the Finger Pickers Took Over the World", for which Emmanuel received his first Grammy award nomination. This was also Atkins last recording.

Emmanuel's music and life are legendary in Australia. He began playing guitar at age 4, by learning to play by ear without any formal instruction. Emmanuel and his older brother Phil were child prodigies, starting their professional career in the 1960s. By the age of six, Tommy was already working as a professional musician. Shortly after his father's death in 1966, the Emmanuel family was approached by Australian country music star Buddy Williams, who took the family on the road until they were forced by the Australian child welfare department to stop traveling. The Emmanuel children were then sent to a regular school. During these years, Tommy was playing in "The Trailblazers" (with siblings Chris on drums and Virginia on slide guitar) on weekends. He also taught guitar and made numerous television appearances in musical competitions. Emmanuel's first brush with fame came when The Trailblazers won two televised talent contests and produced an EP. He and his siblings worked hard to create the family's sole income for several years. In his early teens, Tommy left home and moved to Sydney to pursue a professional career as a guitarist. Playing in clubs all over the city, Emmanuel soon found himself in high demand as a session player for some of the era's most popular performers. During the mid 70s through the early '80s, he joined one of the decade's biggest, Dragon, recorded thousands of commercial "jingles" and played on recordings for Air Supply, Men at Work and dozens of other popular artists. In 1987, Dragon toured with Tina Turner on her "Break Every Rule" tour.

Other accolades include his 2007 Grammy nomination for "Gameshow Rag' from "The Mystery" CD, induction into the Thumb pickers Hall of Fame in Muhlenberg, Kentucky (the only non-American so honored), and Acoustic Guitar Magazine readers' poll for placing in the top 3 favorite artists. Emmanuel was voted Rolling Stone (Australia) Magazine's "Most Popular Guitarist" for two consecutive years. He has earned four Platinum and Gold albums, two consecutive "Golden Guitar" awards (2006, 2007) at the CMAA Awards in Australia. Another stellar career highlight was Tommy's performance (with his brother Phil) at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Closing Ceremonies, viewed by over 2 billion people around the world. Emmanuel has set sales records that have yet to be broken and performed with hundreds of musical legends including Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Keith Urban, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Tina Turner, Joe Walsh, Stevie Wonder, Nokie Edwards (of the Ventures), Hank Marvin, the Lexington (Kentucky) Philharmonic, the Dortmund (Germany) Symphony, and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Tommy hosts several annual "TommyFest" concerts, where other stellar internationally recognized musicians are invited to share in a four day all-out celebration of music.

As a solo performer, Tommy's dazzling performance, flawless guitar skills and voluminous repertoire never fail to amaze and engage his legions. From the wilds of Australia's outback to bustling major cities throughout the world, Emmanuel's flair and unforgettable showmanship have created an enviable fan base that continues to grow even larger every year.

www.tommyemmanuel.com

www.muziekcentrum.nl

aanv tijd: 20.15 uur

€ 35

tel kassa 040-244 2020

Queens Day 2010

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Orange Party boat for Party people. We have hired the same boat for the ast 6 years and it works a gem. Good tunes, sound system and like minded people make it a memorable day. Here are a couple of pictures to give you an idea.

Cornerstone Roots (NZ)

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Some Reveiws:

Cornerstone Roots: Forward Movement

By Mollie McGuigan

This release sums up everything The Corners are about. Recorded at Downbeat Studios in 2003 it brings together the intelligent lyrics of singer/songwriter Brian Ruawai and the natural rhythms of among others, Naomi Tuao and Boyd Dixon. The spiritual, positive energy that McMillan declares is crucial to his music is ever present in forward movement. Every track explores nature and life with the inspirational, forward thinking attitude which The Cornerstone Roots are becoming well known for. Forward Movement provides a cool introduction to the album, with Jabin Wards' sax rift drifting in and out of the following tracks. The remaining tracks combine the natural NZ roots sound with a definite hint of 1970's Jamaican inspired dub. There's a clear reference to Big Youth in the opening bars of New Generation, while you could be forgiven for thinking that Forward Dub, Generation Dub and Forward The Sax had been produced by King Tubby. The Cornerstone Roots are part of a wave of NZ roots outfits and are fast becoming one of the most interesting and inspirational. Their music is honest and unpretentious and the album brings together an array of artists including the aforementioned Ward and Michael Taylor on trumpet and Gary Clarkson on vocals.

Cornerstone Roots: Free Yourself

By Rachel Fallon

This is the third offering from Raglan-based roots-rock reggae five-piece Cornerstone Roots. After their fantastic first album 'Soul Revolution' and follow up EP 'Forward Movement' they have now excelled themselves with this rich, poignant live studio recording. Front man Brian Ruawai projects their political and spiritual message in his usual raw vocal style, perfectly suited to this genre. Add to this the family line up of Brian's partner Naomi Tuao on bass, and son Reiki on backing vocals and you have a warm Aotearoa family vibe. Since they formed in 2001 Brian and Naomi have also set up the Motherland Collective, functioning as both a music label and a vehicle to organise the annual Soundsplash reggae festival in Raglan's natural amphitheatre. The stand out track here is Jah, their most ska influenced featuring Jamaican dancehall vocalist Luciano, which I would love to see as a single. This work was recorded at Dudley Studios Hamilton with engineer Dan Howard in co-production with Brian, released by The Motherland Records and distributed in NZ by Rhythmethod.

NZ Herald. Scott Kara **** 4 Star Rating

Cornerstone Roots come skanking straight out of the small coastal Waikato town of Raglan but a glorious song like Freedom has a universal feel to it that applies just as much to kids at the local kohanga reo as it does to the Aborigines' plight in Australia.

The trio of Brian Ruawai (guitar/vocals), his wife Naomi Tuao (bass), and Boyd Dixon (drums) formed in 2001 after a jam session at the Raglan Musicians' Club. Two years later, with a number of guest musicians, they released debut Soul Revolution, a promising record, but like many debuts it lacked punch and penetration.

On follow up, Free Yourself, the band have done just that and while the solid reggae groove remains, it has a more diverse and self-assured sound.

A big score on the guest list is Jamaican roots reggae singer Luciano who added his soulful croon to Jah when he was here this year for the Raglan reggaefest.

Elsewhere, Forward Movement is soaked in soulful keys; Steppers is an echoing and ebbing instrumental track; and the highlight, Mankiller, is a simple reggae ditty that deals with a potent subject.

And yes, in typical Kiwi style, Home, the catchiest track, does have the barbecue reggae bounce of New Zealand acts like the Black Seeds, but Cornerstone Roots are more traditional and stripped back.

This isn't stylised roots rock reggae, this is the real thing and it's coming straight out of the tiny Raglan Town Hall for the whole world to hear.

Pull up a beer crate, brother.

Unity Pacific: Into the Dread  Label: EMI Verdict: These dreads are long, natty and uniquely New Zealand

Tommy Emmanuel - 13/04/10, Zaandam

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

www.tommyemmanuel.com

www.zaantheater.nl

aanv tijd: 20.15 uur

€ 49,00 + 3

tel kassa 0900-33 44 55 3

Tommy Emmanuel - 11/04/10, Venlo

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0200

www.tommyemmanuel.com

www.maaspoort.nl

aanv tijd: 20.15 uur

€ 37

tel kassa 077-320 7222

Starseed

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Blue King Brown

Sat, 15 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Bok van Blerk (SA)

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Bok van Blerk, born Louis Andreas Pepler on 30 March 1978, was born and raised in Pretoria. He matriculated at Hoërskool Die Wilgers and went to Rotterdam in the Netherlands to play rugby for nine monthes. After returning to South Africa, he studied building management. He worked in the building industry for seven years before he became a professional singer.

"I started playing guitar at school and always took my guitar along when we went camping," says Bok. In 2005 he was approached by Sean Else and Johan Vorster and became Mozi Records' first artist. The album, Bok van Blerk en die Mossies: Jy Praat Nog Steeds My Taal was released in March 2006. In October it was re-released but was renamed De la Rey because of the hit song on the album. It became one of the biggest sellers in 2007 and with sales of 198 000 it is one of the most successful Afrikaans debut albums of all times.

Bok wins the one award after the other in 2007 - three Tempo awards, five Vonk awards and the video of the song De la Rey wins the MK Music Video of the Year.

In 2007 Bok is part of Ons Vir Jou, an album of rugby songs that was released in time for the Rugby World Cup that was won by South Africa. The album is a huge success with sales of 90 000.

Music is not Bok's only love. He is a keen hunter and loves nature, he enjoys deep sea fishing and everything to do with motorcycles.

His second album will be released in March 2009 and promises to be as big a success as the first one. "There are number of new songs and I am sure people are going to enjoy it as much as my first album," says Bok.

Futuresound (SA)

Sat, 08 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Plush

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200

"The future is coming / picking up speed" implores Rory Eliot, lead singer of Plush. It is a line in the middle of the fifth song off the band's third and latest studio album, Rage On. It would be easy to miss, but for the resonating relevance. It explodes from the very heart of the album, an inspired eleven-track reflection on self-discovery, and succinctly sums up the state of one of South Africa's most celebrated bands.

Destiny is a theme so pronounced that it is the very spirit of the album, and destiny is where the compelling journey now seems sure to take the band. Through both remarkable success and numbing tragedy, the road has been anything but easy, but the release of their comeback album to widespread acclaim, sold-out shows and growing international interest indicates that their time is now.

Plush first flickered on the South African music map back in 2003. Alongside lead guitarist Chas Smit's creative flair, Eliot's songwriting ability and natural charisma merged seamlessly to produce songs such as Tainted, which hit No.1 on TuksFM, and Today and My Baby which received regular radio play, the latter getting airtime on MTV. Described as "so unbelievably tight that they sound as though they are one masterful musician, playing two guitars, with four arms and one almighty voice", Plush were known for their masterful live gigs, exhibitions of incredible musicianship, as well as a message that was simple, heartfelt and uplifting. Then the unthinkable, as their initial rocket ride ended tragically when Smit was killed by an alleged drunk driver when attempting to cross a street in Pietermaritzburg in September 2005.

Engulfed by grief, Eliot took a six month sabbatical before returning as a solo artist, determined to fulfill a promise he'd made to Smit that they would make it. His journey was one not meant to be undertaken alone, however, and soon Peters and Gassibe and then Wegelin pledged their future to ensuring that the promise and potential of Plush did not end in tragedy.

The group released their first single in two years, When Grace Grew Tall, in early 2007 and received an immediate response. In addition to charting and receiving high rotation on a number of radio stations, the song shot to No 1 on 5fm's Hi5@5, where it remained for four weeks and was downloaded thousands of times.

An increasing repertoire of new tracks saw sell-out crowds and packed venues all over Cape Town as word of Plush's return spread. Not content with their Mother City conquest, the band's comprehensive touring schedule saw them earn major followings in Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

The national effort went global in August of 2007 when the band embarked on a historic and highly successful tour of the United Kingdom in August of 2007. Focusing primarily on London, the band played nine shows in 10 days to sold-out venues of crowds comprising nostalgic South African expatriates as well as a whole new British audience. Reviews were gushing and interest in the band was sustained, to the extent that a return tour in July 2008 yielded a similar outcome.

Commercial interest has also been kindled. Partnerships with brands as diverse as Snatch 22 clothing, K-Swiss shoes and Apple computers have been notably successful, with the band's significant and growing appeal amongst young South Africans emerging from tertiary institutions ensuring a platform into a vital, multi-racial and economically mobile sector.

2008 has been an excellent year for Plush. In addition to selling thousands of albums, having two number 1 singles, touring nationally and internationally playing over 180 shows, they have signed a licence agreement with independent label, Sheer. On top of this already great setup, Rory Eliot has moved to Bath in The United Kingdom to take up a Bursary at Bath Spa University to study a Masters Degree in Songwriting. With a massive tour of South Africa scheduled for December 2008/January 2009, Plush shows no signs of slowing down.

The combination of emotion, passion and determination have fueled Plush's musical rebirth. The same combination has also meant it's always been more than just songs. For many, it is the soundtrack to their lives.

And that is why this is a band that does not have fans. This is a band that inspires a movement.

Are you in?

Katchafire

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200

Katchafire is New Zealand's Premier Reggae Band. Since 2002 they have recorded three full length albums, a dub remix album and a Live CD. With years of touring under their belt, the band is constantly in huge demand in New Zealand, Hawaii, Australia and around the world.