Sydeny Blues Society
International Blues Music Day
Marrickville Bowling Club (Marrickville, NSW)
Saturday, 3 August 2024 6:00 PM
Frank Sultana – 6:30pm to 7:15pm
It’s been quite a year for Sydney-based blues artist Frank Sultana. Beginning with his win at the International Blues Challenge finals in Memphis in the solo/duo category, to acclaimed appearances at Port Fairy Folk Festival and his upcoming shows at Bluesfest Byron Bay and Bluesfest Melbourne, the world is finally catching on to Frank’s brand of authentic blues guitar tones and character-filled, heartfelt vocals.Since his first release, ‘Blues From the Lost Motel’ in 2011, he now has seven albums and four EPs under his belt, with hundreds of performances a year to add to the impressive resume. If you’re itchin’ to learn more about his music, one of the finest examples of Frank Sultana’s talent is his 2020 album, Live at The Way Out West Music Club with much-loved Melbourne-based rhythm section Blues Roulette. Next up is The Ghosts of Sun, a 12 track album he recorded at the famous Sun Studios at the end of his triumphant trip to Memphis this year.
Steph Marchant & Her Monster Band - 7:45pm-8:45pm
Stephanie started singing at open mic nights around Surry Hills in 1999 and has been performing live since. She became a prominent name in the Sydney blues scene when she joined Bridie and the Boogie Kings in 2000, performing their legendary weekly residency gigs at the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle.In 2013 she and Vito Portolesi (Mighty Reapers) formed Stephanie Marchant and the Monster Band with Illya Szwec (Continental Blues Party, Pat Powell, Irie Man) on Guitar and George Brugman (Ray Beadle Band) on Drums and started to perform regularly at the Merton Hotel, a residency now in its 11th year. Stephanie has performed at major blues festivals around the country and venues around NSW and Victoria with Bridie and the Boogie Kings and Harmony Queens, Mavis and her China Pigs, the Ugly Truth and the Stephanie Marchant Band.
Jo Fabro Band with Pat Powell - 9pm-10pm
Fabro, a fixture in the vibrant Sydney live music scene, has captivated audiences with her soulful renditions, particularly those inclined towards blues and soul music. For over a decade, her commanding presence and resonant vocals have graced stages and festivals throughout Australia, earning her a devoted following. Standing tall at 6’1”, Fabro's voice is her most arresting attribute, possessing both immense power and delicate sensitivity. With each performance, she effortlessly oscillates between raw, emotive intensity and ethereal grace, leading her listeners on an unpredictable yet enchanting journey. In 2022, Fabro unveiled her latest musical endeavor, "Don’t Make A Liar Out Of Me," showcasing her prowess not only in contemporary soul and blues but also in captivating songwriting that resonates across diverse audiences. Backed by her talented band comprising Adam Pringle on guitar, Jerry Craib on bass, and James Hauptmann on drums, Fabro invites audiences to groove along to her infectious rhythms and heartfelt melodies. Critics have hailed Fabro as a true talent, transcending genres and leaving an indelible mark on listeners. John Shand of the Sydney Morning Herald praises her ability to elevate her original compositions beyond conventional boundaries, akin to icons like Tom Waits and Cassandra Wilson. Likewise, John Clare acknowledges Fabro's authenticity. The band are joined for this gig by special guest and long-time collaborator; the ARIA award winning Pat Powell.
The Mighty Reapers- 10:15pm-11:30pm
The Mighty Reapers were formed by Robert Susz in the late 80s after the split of the Dynamic Hepnotics and have carried on a fine tradition of very funky soul and blues - the type that immediately draws you to the dancefloor. Over the following decades they have recorded a number of much sought after albums, appeared at numerous festivals and on TV shows and opened for international artists such as Gatemouth Brown, B.B. King and
Buddy Guy - to name just a few. They also became the band of choice for visiting artists such as Margie Evans, Big Jay McNeely and Bobby Radcliff, touring up and down the East Coast with them. With guitarist Dave Brewer now living in Perth, it's been difficult to get the band together for Sydney shows, so appearances have been rare over the past few years. Dave is flying in especially for this date and that's just one of the reasons why the coming show should not be missed by anybody looking for a 'funky good time', plus extra special guest Ray Beadle on bass…
It’s been quite a year for Sydney-based blues artist Frank Sultana. Beginning with his win at the International Blues Challenge finals in Memphis in the solo/duo category, to acclaimed appearances at Port Fairy Folk Festival and his upcoming shows at Bluesfest Byron Bay and Bluesfest Melbourne, the world is finally catching on to Frank’s brand of authentic blues guitar tones and character-filled, heartfelt vocals.Since his first release, ‘Blues From the Lost Motel’ in 2011, he now has seven albums and four EPs under his belt, with hundreds of performances a year to add to the impressive resume. If you’re itchin’ to learn more about his music, one of the finest examples of Frank Sultana’s talent is his 2020 album, Live at The Way Out West Music Club with much-loved Melbourne-based rhythm section Blues Roulette. Next up is The Ghosts of Sun, a 12 track album he recorded at the famous Sun Studios at the end of his triumphant trip to Memphis this year.
Steph Marchant & Her Monster Band - 7:45pm-8:45pm
Stephanie started singing at open mic nights around Surry Hills in 1999 and has been performing live since. She became a prominent name in the Sydney blues scene when she joined Bridie and the Boogie Kings in 2000, performing their legendary weekly residency gigs at the Bridge Hotel in Rozelle.In 2013 she and Vito Portolesi (Mighty Reapers) formed Stephanie Marchant and the Monster Band with Illya Szwec (Continental Blues Party, Pat Powell, Irie Man) on Guitar and George Brugman (Ray Beadle Band) on Drums and started to perform regularly at the Merton Hotel, a residency now in its 11th year. Stephanie has performed at major blues festivals around the country and venues around NSW and Victoria with Bridie and the Boogie Kings and Harmony Queens, Mavis and her China Pigs, the Ugly Truth and the Stephanie Marchant Band.
Jo Fabro Band with Pat Powell - 9pm-10pm
Fabro, a fixture in the vibrant Sydney live music scene, has captivated audiences with her soulful renditions, particularly those inclined towards blues and soul music. For over a decade, her commanding presence and resonant vocals have graced stages and festivals throughout Australia, earning her a devoted following. Standing tall at 6’1”, Fabro's voice is her most arresting attribute, possessing both immense power and delicate sensitivity. With each performance, she effortlessly oscillates between raw, emotive intensity and ethereal grace, leading her listeners on an unpredictable yet enchanting journey. In 2022, Fabro unveiled her latest musical endeavor, "Don’t Make A Liar Out Of Me," showcasing her prowess not only in contemporary soul and blues but also in captivating songwriting that resonates across diverse audiences. Backed by her talented band comprising Adam Pringle on guitar, Jerry Craib on bass, and James Hauptmann on drums, Fabro invites audiences to groove along to her infectious rhythms and heartfelt melodies. Critics have hailed Fabro as a true talent, transcending genres and leaving an indelible mark on listeners. John Shand of the Sydney Morning Herald praises her ability to elevate her original compositions beyond conventional boundaries, akin to icons like Tom Waits and Cassandra Wilson. Likewise, John Clare acknowledges Fabro's authenticity. The band are joined for this gig by special guest and long-time collaborator; the ARIA award winning Pat Powell.
The Mighty Reapers- 10:15pm-11:30pm
The Mighty Reapers were formed by Robert Susz in the late 80s after the split of the Dynamic Hepnotics and have carried on a fine tradition of very funky soul and blues - the type that immediately draws you to the dancefloor. Over the following decades they have recorded a number of much sought after albums, appeared at numerous festivals and on TV shows and opened for international artists such as Gatemouth Brown, B.B. King and
Buddy Guy - to name just a few. They also became the band of choice for visiting artists such as Margie Evans, Big Jay McNeely and Bobby Radcliff, touring up and down the East Coast with them. With guitarist Dave Brewer now living in Perth, it's been difficult to get the band together for Sydney shows, so appearances have been rare over the past few years. Dave is flying in especially for this date and that's just one of the reasons why the coming show should not be missed by anybody looking for a 'funky good time', plus extra special guest Ray Beadle on bass…