This Sunday the 6th of May I’ll be playing at the Stradbroke Island markets near Point lookout at 10am till 12noon. There will be lots on offer at the markets which will be at the new hall. Later that day I’ll be playing at the Surf Club (pictured below) from 3- 6pm. After writing that, as an Irish man who used to watch Home and Away (in the early 90′s Okay!), I am convinced Alf Stewart is going to be there. I’m going to get him upset enough to call me a ‘flamin Gallah’. Fingers crossed!

Needless to say I am very excited so if you are out and about on Straddie for the long weekend near Point Lookout, do drop in and say hi! The markets are great to get a bite to eat and the surf club has the most amazing view. It’s a full moon again that weekend which means you can watch the moon rise over the ocean from the deck with a beer in your hand. It’s quite spectacular. Hopefully Alf will have calmed down by then and not thrown me off it.

My old school mate Hugh Hamill recently got married and as a belated wedding gift I offered to record a song of his choosing. He aptly picked White Wedding by Billy Idol to the style of Chris Isaak. I’m not sure if I nailed the last part so much as I went down a bit of a different path. There is a sprinkling of Wicked Game if you listen out a bit. Enjoy

I haven’t done an Aussie band cover yet so I thought I’d quickly do a cover of this Gyroscope song that has been on the airwaves for the last couple of years. It’s a nice simple song that I think works well acoustically. It’s a hot day again so you are all lucky the video just took my upper half. Yes, you guessed it. I was wearing mismatched shorts. Oh the shame!

Next cover coming up is ‘White Wedding’ by Billy Idol. It’s a request from a friend who recently got married back home in Ireland so it’s pretty apt. I’ll have it up in the next week or so.

Last night I played at The Retro Bar in Kenmore, which is about 10k from Brisbane CBD. First off I have to say that Peter the owner has done a great job in recreating the Retro vibe. It’s quite intimate and beautifully decorated with nice subtle lighting. It would be great for a James Bond night or something. It has a rear entry from the car park that makes it feel more intimate.

Patrick Gundersen organises the open mic night every Thursday from 7. He’s done a great job with the sound and is also a great guitarist in his own right, getting up to jam with other performers.  My set went pretty well and managed to get in for a bit of a Jam at the end. Sorcha was very good being the designated driver so I indulged a bit. Thanks to Larry and Gaynor for dropping round to see me play. Also thanks to their friends whose names I forget. ‘Thanks’ to Grolsch helping me forget.

Peter invited me back for a Friday gig sometime in the future so I’ll post up the date when I know when. In the meantime take a look at some of the pics from last night. Next time I’ll take some better shots. Some great talent showed up. I’ll be back…

Just a quick one to let you know I’m playing a short set at Retro Bar in Kenmore, Brisbane this coming Thursday. I’ve never played there yet but it looks cool. It’s a bit out of town but if you are around do drop in. I’m not sure what time I’ll be on yet; tt looks like any time after 7.30 but if I get a more accurate time I’ll post it up!