With both CherryFest 2013 and inaugural Cherry Awards, fast approaching, Cherry Bar owner and rock ‘n’ roll aficionado James Young talks us through the importance of encouraging local musicians as well as his favourite Melbourne acts.
“The Melbourne music scene is so fantastic ‘cos there are so many talented artists, so many committed live music venues, so many passionate music fans and there exists wonderful community radio and spirited local media to bring them all together.
And Melbourne has James Young.
I think the most important channel of all is live music. That’s where the most worthy bands hone their craft.
We must fight to protect existing live music venues from the threat of residential development and we must encourage and incentivise more live music venues. Late night ones in particular. Restricting late night liquor licences to 1am shits me. The creative community is a late night community. We don’t all live in Brighton and walk big dogs. And we need more James Youngs.”
The Powder Monkeys
One of my all time favourite Bands. Tough rock n roll. Ten years ago we lost lead singer/songwriter and bass player Tim Hemensley and many of us thought we’d never see the band again, but thankfully guitarist John Nolan and original drummer Timmy Jack Ray have agreed to reform and play together one last time. Pretty much a dream come true for you. Their Smashed On A Knee album sits beside AC/DC and Rose Tattoo for mine in the parthenon of untouchable Oz Pub Rock.
Chris Wilson’s Crown Of Thorns
Been some 20 years since we’ve seen the ‘Hendrix of Harmonica’ Chris Wilson play with Barb Waters, Ash Davies and Chris Rogers, the original Crown of Thorns. Blues roots rock n roll from deep within.
Money For Rope
It all started for these guys at Cherry Bar. This band takes 30-seconds to become your new favourite live band. Two drummers and a soulful garage surf rock energy that is truly world class. Watch them playing live at Cherry Bar ‘Common Man’ above.
Legends Of Motorsport
These guys are special, both in a retarded and unique way. There’s an organ up front and it’s kind of art meets punk at an underground music festival hosted in a Psych Ward. Listen to ‘Mess It Up’ above.
HOSS
Joel Silbersher wrote ‘My Pal’ when he was in God and was 14-years-old. His hard rocking big riffing band HOSS is better than God and is seen live less than the Big Guy too. Check out ‘Tiredest Man Awake’
The Sweethearts
25-piece all-girl all-teen soul act from Motor City, Geetroit. Soul is supposed to be sung by teenage female voices. Vince ‘The Prince’ Peach told me that.
CherryFest 2013 Set Times
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CherryFest 2013 Dates & Tickets
Sunday 24 November 12noon- 9.30pm
Cherry Bar and AC/DC Lane, Melbourne
13 acts, 2 stages
18+ event
Tickets $64 only from www.cherrybar.com.au
Strictly limited to 800 patrons
