That time of year again, time for Café Culture

20 years since Café Culture commenced, still managed by Mary Souness of Just Shows to Go, it specialises in small specialty shows in out and about places. The shows may be small, the entry fees also small, but the talent is entirely another matter. Take your pick from this season’s selection or as it is said “Do yourself a favour” and grab a bargain season ticket.

This season commences on Friday March 16^th at 7pm. (Doors open at 6pm) also at a new venue the Albert & Co Function Centre at Bellevue on the Lakes and with an old Café Culture friend Matt O’Donnell supplying tasty treats and tantalising tipples from his well-loved Albert & Co selection.

Ok this is not all about food, it’s about an evening of entertainment, a bit of fun and exploring culture and music of years gone by, the 1940’s (No, I am not that old), but it is a genera which has maintained its popularity now for over 60 years, must be good then. Yes, it is good and when performed by multi (5) World Championship Gold Medal winners The Pacific Belles, it will be a very popular opening night. 

The Pacific Belles are a hot retro style singing trio inspired by music fashion and glamour of the era. Betty, Dot and Mabel will take you on a journey to experience the days of the Andrews Sisters, and Doris Day they will revive some classics including “Boogie Woogie”, “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree” and who can forget “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”.  Salute a bygone era.

Anyone who is a devotee of the M*A*S*H series (Yes I am hooked) will know the style of music when the USO visits the 4077th and Hawkeye falls for one of the players after removing her appendix, as you do!, or Radar playing the drums as apparently he did very well in real life.

Three part harmonies feature well in this performance and when accompanied by a little big band the sound will be amazing, this all payed out with Betty on a boat from Blighty and her love Bert from the Blitz, Dot fooling around under that apple tree, and finally Mabel (like the table) who lives in a dream of Broadway, while her hubby is away at war.  A few story lines to be performed there.

So make it a night Friday 16^th March 7pm at Bellevue on the Lakes hear the The Pacific Belles.

The season continues on Friday May 11^th 7pm again at Bellevue on the Lakes with Red Dress and the Sugar Man, a cabaret show with the evocative music of Tom Waites and showcasing strong smokey singing creating a world of desire doubt temptation and desperation. This is all performed by Marisa Quigley and her multi-talented band.

Continuing the season on Friday September 7^th Bellevue on the Lakes Dr. Crask & his Swinging Elixir will cure what ails you with a dose of swing dance tunes from the 30’s and 40’s. Remembering Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and who could forget Ella Fitzgerald, they are all featured with silky smooth vocals and the big band sound of the era.

Finally the season concludes on Friday November 30^th 7pm as usual and at Bellevue on the Lakes, but this time we turn to Bollywood. A colourful, graceful, effortless, exotic end to the season as Parvyn Singh performs dance and song in this most unique style. Listen to traditional Indian music with the Tabla and Sitar and watch the intricate moves of the dance. Matt will have to provide some curry puffs samosas and poppadums that night!

Café Culture has come a long way in 20 years and so has its music, but for value you just cannot beat it. Season Tickets are just $80 for all 4 shows saving $40 for the season. Now that is great value Individual show tickets $25 if pre purchased or at the door $30. Tickets from Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centres and at Shire Service Centres. Also on line at www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/forgetheatre

                               Supported by Creative Gippsland - Just Shows to Go - East Gippsland Shire - Albert& Co                               Images: Wikipedia Just Shows to Go