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oceangrovevoice.com
VM tribute wins out at Fishnets stage Continued from page 25 We were then treated to a medley of artists which included Ambrose Kenny-Smith from Sambrose Automobile, who played a mean blues harmonica alongside the legendary Chris Wilson on guitar and both were backed by the Yes Men. We then went over to the BrickHouse to take in a local youth contest entitled “Foot-in-theDoor”. Here we heard our own Hollie Joyce who played dark, acoustic numbers such as “Washed Up”, a love song “I Want To Be With You” and gave us her best slide guitar number, “So-Called Men”, a song about boy troubles! Her next song, “Unknown” was a great melodic tune about life, money and love and she closed with the gritty heartfelt “Keep Walking”. If her originality, individual style and passion for music did not convince the judges, the large group of people who turned out to support her most certainly would have chosen her to be the act for the day! My favourite set of the day at Fishnets, was the “Van Morrison Tribute” with an ensemble of local and other national and international musicians from all works of life. First in the line-up was Ella Thompson with “Baby Please Don’t Go”. Then came the dynamic Josh Owen and Daddy Cool/Mungo Rock legend Ross Wilson
covering a brilliant “Domino”, and other star acts such as the all-girl vocalists, Kaya performed an original and harmonic rendition of “Moondance”. The Little Stevies delivered a “There’ll Be Days Like This”, and The Wilson Pickers stomped out “Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile)”. It was then the turn of our local favorite Stephen McEwen and the Yes Men to take us “Into the Mystic”. We also had Loren with a humorous and original take on the classic “Brown Eyed Girl” (he managed to include the lyrics of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” into the song ), James Blundell and Paul Green doing a fantastic duet with “Wild Night”. A regular treat from Japan, The Bawdies, stepped up with a version of “Gloria” and the finale “I’ve Been Working” which was played by the whole ensemble of “Friends” led by Stephen McEwen gave a massive tribute to a phenomenal musician and an end to the show. This years festival was well organized, gave us much to sample and our local talents have made Ocean Grove proud with their professional and enthusiastic approach to their art. We will endeavor to support you, as always, no matter where you perform, and so please keep making us proud! By Shaun Mitten.
Holly Joyce.