It's Cafe Culture Time - September 7th at 7pm

 A little time to get organised and enjoy a good night out and some great food. Book yourselves, organise a group, tell your friends, last resort, go on your own and in any event, enjoy great company and good music while enjoying the gastronomic delights at Albert & Co in Lakes Entrance. These opportunities are limited, and so is space, so make a booking, grab your tickets and turn up early so you can enjoy "Happy Hour" at Albert's bar with a few nibbles. Better still enjoy a meal beforehand with some local wines, there are Friday special menus available. Celebrate the start of Spring.


Dr Crask and His Swingin’ Elixir are playing at Albert & Co on Friday 7th September from 7pm.

There is nothing quite like the sound of swing music you get your feet tapping or even gliding across the dance floor. The next show in the Cafe Culture Series 2019 is all about swing. With “Just Shows To Go”celebrating its 20th birthday program, we have splashed out on the full sound of the seven piece band ‘Dr Crask & His Swingin’Elixir’. Playing swing tunes predominantly of the 30's and 40's, the Swingin' Elixir kicks out the dancing tunes with the originally American dance ‘Lindy Hop’ in mind. The Lindy Hop is a fusion of dance styles including jaz, tap, Charleston and swing.  I have to admit, you will not find me dancing  (two left feet) but foot tapping fine!

Arrangements are drawn from both original charts and by members of the group. The lush horn section and guitar that draws on early blues forms provides a splash of individuality, and some red-hot solos. The band have just finished recording their first CD which will be available at the live shows. You'll hear songs that were performed by the likes of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Prima just to name a few. 

Band leader, Gregory Craske formed this band initially to play his charity event called Swingin’ The Blues Away 2013; a swing dance event that raised money for an organization dealing with mental health issues in our community. A keen Lindy Hopper himself, his focus has been on playing the tunes of the Savoy Ballroom era, and to re-imagine the jumpin’ vibe of this iconic dance hall with a smaller and more portable ensemble. The result is a hot and vibrant three piece rhythm section, matched by the three piece horn section, together with the silky smooth vocals of Jen Salisbury, a timbre and delivery well matched to the era of choice, creating a luscious 'little big-band' sound.

Whilst on tour Gregory’s will share his love of dancing when he conducts a handful of one hour workshops to teach people how to do the Shim-Sham, a choreographed solo set dance from the 1940's. The dance is performed to the song "It aint what you do, it's the way that you do it.” which forms part of the repertoire for Dr Crask & His Swingin’ Elixer performance.  When the tune is played live by the band audience members will be invited to take to the dance floor to strut their stuff. Interested check online for detailswww.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/forgetheatre

Whatever ails you, a dose of Dr Crask and his Swingin' Elixir is guaranteed to get you on your feet. You can hear the full splendour of Dr Crask & His Swingin’Elixir live at an all new venue in 2018; the Albert & Co Function Centre, Bellevue on the Lakes, 201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance on Friday 7 September 2018 at 7pm.

You can purchase tickets for this show or consider a great value, discounted Seasons Ticket. Tickets and Seasons brochures are available at Lakes Entrance or Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centres or online at www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/forgetheatre. 

Café Culture Series is presented by East Gippsland Shire Council working in collaboration with Just Shows To Go and is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. Further information: Andrea Court - (03) 5153 9500 or 0408707543