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F O C U S I N T E RV I E W S G L E N N, A DA M , W E N DY A N D GA RY, A L O C A L B A N D S E N S AT I O N A N D A R M I DA L E I C O N I C “ T H E J U G ADDICTS”. THE JUGGIES TELL U S A L L A B O U T W H AT T H E Y H AV E B E E N D O I N G OV E R T H E PA S T 14 Y E A R S …
W
ho and what are the Jug Addicts? The Jug Addicts are an Armidale based band which has been
Whoopee Band during the seventies.
Most recently, Wendy has been seen lurking
band is on stage. There are intricate details
Tell us, who are The Jug Addicts?
around The Armidale Club on Friday evenings
and subtleties in our music that could only
Gary Jenkins - vocals, percussion,
playing jazz with local musician, Warwick Dunham.
hatbox, cow bells, wood blocks, hubcap, kazoos, washboard, dog toys and anything else
Jug music has been constantly ho ut redefined throug ith w y ur nt ce the last eskin Kw m Ji of es the lik ies xt si e Jug Band in th n ow ’s ia and Austral chbox The Captain Mat ring du Whoopee Band s.” ie nt ve se e th
“
Tell us about your history ...
entertaining the masses for over 14 years.
he’s picked up from the
What sort of music do you play?
tip on his way to a gig.
Appealing to all ages with our high energy,
Glenn Manion -
quirky and visual feast of musical pleasure,
Resonator guitar,
The Jug Addicts take eccentricity to a new
archtop guitar, ukulele
level with our weird and wacky interpretation
and vocals.
of your favourite songs … (or your grandma’s
Adam Cafarella - guitar,
favourite songs).
mandolin, jug, kazumpet,
As the name suggests, The Jug Addicts is a
teapot, gargling and vocals.
Jug Band.
Wendy Griffiths - double bass
How would you describe “Jug Music”?
and vocals.
Jug music has been around since the late
Phil James - sound guy, roadie, bringer
1800s. Defined as “a group that uses
of beer/water/coffee for thirst quenching
unconventional or improvised instruments,
emergencies.
conditioner function and over 30 weddings.
such as jugs, kazoos, and washboards”, jug
Are you part of any other bands?
2001, that’s a long time ...
bands traditionally play a delicious melting
Like many local musicians, you may recognise
Fourteen years and still with the original four
pot of jazz, blues and folk music, often
Gary, Glenn, Adam and Wendy from our past
band members! Fourteen years of catching
adding word play and crazy antics to create a
or current musical ventures such as The Big
up once a week to play some tunes, tell bad
novelty/vaudeville edge.
Hairy Bush Dance Band, Jazz Pump, Loon
jokes, drink coffee and solve the world’s
Jug music has been constantly redefined
Garden, Bound for Trouble, Funk Sway, Name
problems. Fourteen years and still going
throughout the last century with the likes
of a Dog, Dr Jug, The Boogaloos, and … (for
strong!
of Jim Kweskin Jug Band in the sixties and
something completely different) the Armidale
Australia’s own The Captain Matchbox
Symphony Orchestra.
The years of camaraderie, connection and devotion is obviously present when the
14 new england focus.
October 2001 saw the first public gig for The Jug Addicts, playing 10 songs at The Armidale Club on a Thursday evening. Since then we’ve come a long way, travelling the state and
playing at fabulously festive events such as grand openings, balls, Christmas parties, an air-
be possible between people who have the understanding and familiarity that the four of us share. What can people expect on stage? Visually, lyrically and musically, The Juggies (as we’re affectionately known) never cease to amaze with our individual take on music favourites. Irving Berlin to Led Zepplin. The Monkees to The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. With water gargling, paper ripping, musical teapots and of course, a plethora of musical jugs, The Jug Addicts appeal to all ages and all tastes of music. Guaranteed to amaze, shock and captivate - a night with The Juggies is a night to remember. Check out The Jug Addicts on Facebook and YouTube.
the plug! For the full “Jug Addict Experience”, come on down to The Armidale Club, 91 Beardy Street, on Saturday 22nd August.