21 minute read
Alistair Flower - In the Front Bar
FRONTin the BAR
with ALISTAIR FLOWER
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FLOWER HOTELS
CHRISSY
M c E W E N
WAUCHOPE’S HORSE LADY & COMMUNITY LEGEND
Chrissy, can you introduce
yourself for those that don’t know you?
G’day folks, I’m Chrissy, I operate Hastings River Horse Riding on the beautiful banks of the Hastings River at Wauchope. If you’ve been on one of our rides, you’ll know me as that guide that never stops talking!
Are you local to Wauchope? What brought your family to the area?
I was born and bred in the Snowy Mountains, and I’ve been residing in our beautiful region now for 10 years.
I spent six years in the Sydney (gee-whiz that was an awkward start for a country girl!) where I met Tony, a country boy at heart, and when the kids arrived there was no way they were going to miss out on what I had growing up! We had the choice of going back to my home roots or taking a gamble somewhere completely new. In 2011 off we settled here with our two boys and a beautiful home at Redbank, safe to say that gamble has paid off!
Tell us about your business? How did it start?
Well, that’s an interesting story! On 29th December 2019 I visited Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding – little did I know that Mark was closing down the business after almost two decades. I didn’t have any intentions of ever owning a trail riding business, but by 31st December 2019 I had five Bellrowan horses on my property and became the founder of Hastings River Horse Riding!
I’ll never forget the day my company business name certificate arrived in the mail, I had literally opened the envelope at the same moment we experienced the first drought breaking rain – a very emotional moment and a sign of good times to come.
Why are horses your passion? What gives you fulfilment in your business?
My parents bought me a little colt when I was a wee tacker and that was the start of something extraordinary. I never had any formal training, I was just given an unbroken pony and a ‘here you go’. I named him ‘Frisbee’ and our bond, connection and passion grew from there. At 13 I would pack up my pony and go bush for days on end, coming back when I had run out of food! A pretty good up-bringing really.
I love seeing happy customers, happy horses and happy staff. I’m also blessed to have the best team of guides working for HRHR. More often than not the girls will be teaching each other different skills in their downtime – it’s quite amazing to see! It’s not an easy gig, and it takes true grit to do what we do so well.
Aside from riding, where else can we find you? What else takes up your spare time?
Haha at the pub of course! Either the Beechwood or the Hastings, usually with a horse in tow!
The past couple of years have been tough for local business, and I assume it is no different for you. Covid, floods, it’s been a lot. How has your business survived?
Yes, look there’s a lot to look back and reflect on. Drought, fires, floods and the ongoing pandemic. The floods temporarily destroyed our signature river ride access so we had to diversify. Our operating costs were the same, the horses still required work to ensure they were ready for when we could open. I had a commitment to the crew that we would get through the tough times, no matter how hard it would be.
You are a huge supporter of the Hastings community, and other business within the community, what drives this?
I’m so chuffed to live and breathe the Hastings Valley and work alongside so many amazing businesses. In the 10 short years I’ve been here, I’ve seen the region grow from strength to strength, from innovative youngsters having a go at something to the long-time established organisations that have been here for generations. Everyone hooks in to support one another!
For me, I strive give back what the community has given me. I’ve been so humbled with the support of many friends, individuals and business people in our community, like yourself Flowery. People like Paul and Helen Mansfield were a godsend after the floods and I must mention my neighbours Geoff and Jen who have provided endless support and kept me on track when times have been tough.
Thanks Chrissy.
PORT AdVenture
Again, we have had uncertainty with regular entertainment cruises due to Covid and another flood threat. However, the feedback and bookings have been sensational with our regular Dolphin Spotting River cruises, small shared parties, and private functions. Fingers crossed that all the bad vibes are behind us, and from April 2022 we can all start to enjoy ourselves again without restrictions. We at Port AdVenture Cruises will continue our daily/weekly morning and sunset cruises, which includes the Easter school holiday period, catering for families to come on board and enjoy the best value family package with cruise, food and entertainment. Our highlight will be the return of the one and only BOB DOWNE, who “wowed” a sold out cruise in early November 2021. Bob is in the middle of a national tour with his ‘Viva BOB Vegas’ show. However, he has committed to 2 performances on our boat on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th April 2022. If you want 5-star entertainment, catering and beautiful scenery which changes on the Hastings River every 5 minutes, get your friends and book a table! Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May 2022 we are proud to present Australia’s #1 ABBA tribute show ‘Mamamia - A tribute to ABBA’ on the Rhythmboat for 3 shows. This band worked exclusively on Sydney Harbour for over 12 years performing an average of 80 shows per year. We have already pre-sold 50% of tickets. So, avoid disappointment and book now! We want to thank so many businesses and individuals for the wonderful positive feedback we receive when we present our cruises. Our Seniors Big Day Out cruises are popular and word is spreading for our much loved seniors to come on board, have a laugh, a sing along and enjoy first class catering.
READY TO REAWAKEN Slice? taste for your
After a two-year break, Slice of Haven is back. The region’s premier food and wine event will reawaken locals and visitors to the gourmet flavours of the Camden Haven food bowl on 29 May 2022. “In the past two years, more food venues have opened up in the region, and we hope by bringing our loyal following of locals and visitors back to the Camden Haven, they will be able to see how the menu of dining options has grown,” says event coordinator Lisa McPherson.
The event will proudly celebrate the finest local produce, chefs, cooks, brewers, roasters, winemakers and entertainment from the hinterland to the coast in the famous, laidback atmosphere that can only be found at the Slice of Haven.
“We’re all about supporting local businesses. It’s been a tough couple of years, and we’re keen to support more local businesses by encouraging them to be involved with Slice of Haven,” organising committee chair Robert Dwyer says. This year’s theme, ‘Reawaken your taste for Slice’, is about shaking off the last two years of uncertainty and reconnecting with great company over great food and entertainment from local musicians, including Ghost Road. Slice of Haven is on Sunday, May 29, 10am4pm. Follow @SliceEvents on Facebook and @Slice. of.Haven on Instagram. For more info visit sliceofhaven.com.au
focus_interview
JOSH N E E D S
Josh Needs is a singer/ songwriter who grew up locally and is now based in Sydney, recording and performing his music. He has collaborated with some big names in Australian music and featured at a number of festivals, and he has just released his latest single ‘Fault Line’ last month.
Hi Josh. Where did your love of music begin?
My love of music came from my parents. I grew up around a lot of 60’s and 70’s rock, Laurel Canyon singer/songwriters, including classical music, particularly from my Dad. Long road trips from South West Rocks to Sydney, back when it would take 8 hours, there would always be music playing on CD’s and I’d be in the backseat vibing along to Beatles, Eagles, Rolling Stones, Doors and Bob Dylan from a very early age.
How would you describe your style of music?
My music is heavily grounded by guitar riffs, while the lyrics and story are inspired from life experience intertwined with my love for poetry.
My style of music is influenced by what I heard growing up. In this EP there are elements of surf rock featuring some surfy, punchy drums courtesy of Brody Simpson.
There’s an indie rock singer/songwriter feel to it with bass player Rob Calder of Passenger, Angus & Julia Stone, Dope Lemon playing on the EP. I listen to grunge bands and singer/ songwriters. Some tracks are for those who have experienced a hard time after a breakup and need a voice for comfort, other tracks are on the more sensual side.
As well as being a singer you also play a number of instruments, can you tell us about what you play?
I consider myself a guitar player first before anything else. Although, I did play bass guitar in a little family trio with my other siblings… we never got our first gig. I love playing the drums. I used to ditch the guitar later in high school to play on the kit in the music room during lunchtime, eating off the snare drum. I play harmonica too, especially given the Dylan influence. I also play ukulele and piano.
You write a lot of your own music, what is the songwriting process usually like for you?
The songwriting process has its usual pillars of writing verses, choruses etc, yet I find it's different every time. I might come up with a guitar idea one day and play it whenever I pick up the guitar for the next couple months and then all of a sudden I’ve written some lyrics that would totally suit the guitar vibe. That’s an example of letting ideas breathe when writing. Similarly, I might have a bunch of lyrics in my notes floating around then one day I’ll pick up the guitar and start writing chords and a melody to fit the words. Other times I’m feeling a certain way and I need to get it out in song form. Those just pour out and are the rare ones. Right now I have a lot
My music is of jumbled ideas, bites
HEAVILY of lyrics and guitar grounded by guitar riffs just waiting to be riffs, WHILE THE songs. LYRICS AND STORY What would you say ARE INSPIRED are some of your FROM LIFE biggest influences? When I was 12, my EXPERIENCE first “guitar hero” INTERTWINED was Angus Young of WITH MY LOVE AC/DC. I’d copy the FOR POETRY. My moves, the licks, the style of music is cheeky school boy influenced by what I charisma. I love the heard growing up. energy of that band, especially their early live recordings. Tommy and Phil Emmanuel have been HUGE influences for me. I was obsessed with them, watching every live video I could, buying instructional DVD’s and learning the songs. To me, they were these two wise wizards of the guitar that had an extraordinary musicality and I wanted to play like they did.
How do you find the recording process?
Since I was 15, I’ve loved being in a studio or recording environment. Recording myself has been a great tool for inspiring growth as a musician. I nerd out over microphones and the software used to record the session. It’s basically spending a whole day in a room full of things that I love and am passionate about, so of course I’m going to have a good time. Although, when we’re rolling it’s sometimes hard to relax and get comfortable to ease the anxiety of recording and getting a good performance.
You have just released a new single ‘Fault Line’, can you tell us about the song and what inspired it?
I started writing ‘Fault Line’ around February 2021. I had been going through a breakup and during this time I felt stripped down of who I was, lacking motivation each day, and playing my guitar was the one of the few things that helped me hold it together I guess. I had written a melody and chords and playing it seemed to ease how I was feeling. These were the bones which became ‘Fault Line’.
Obviously the last few years have been extremely hard on the arts, but do you have any plans to start performing live a bit more again this year?
I do have plans to start performing live! I’ve put together a band specifically for this EP. We’ve already cut a live studio performance video of ‘Fault Line’ which you can watch on YouTube, with more of those in the works. We’d love to take it on the road and play some shows, festivals etc. Especially since the pandemic we are all aching to play in front of the crowds. Later in the year we’ll play an EP launch, maybe a small tour.
Where can people have a listen to your music and keep an eye on any upcoming gigs?
You can listen to my music wherever you stream, I’m on all the platforms. I have physical CD’s available through my website. Keep up to date with my music by subscribing to my mailing list via my website www.joshneeds.com I’m not on social media very often, however I use Instagram @joshneeds where you can see music updates as well.
Thanks Josh.
APRIL MARKETS
With a local focus on providing ‘market style’ events that embrace and enhance our community, Marketplace Events brings both monthly and special one-off market opportunities to your calendar.
FORESHORE
A vibrant marketplace for local artists, producers and artisans to showcase and market their talents in the Port Macquarie area. Unique handmade arts and crafts highlight the event with an eclectic mix of other stalls, from gourmet foods, locally grown produce and flowers, to vintage clothing and handmade jewellery and clothing.
TOWN SQUARE
Over 45 stallholders showcasing their wares. Bring the kids along to the craft tent to create something special to take home, and enjoy the live music on stage by local music legends Ruby Blunt.
WHAT’S ON IN APRIL
FORESHORE MARKET SATURDAY 9 APRIL 8AM - 1PM AT WESTPORT PARK TOWN SQUARE MARKET SUNDAY 10 APRIL 10AM - 2PM TOWN SQUARE MARKET THURSDAY 14 APRIL 10AM - 2PM TOWN SQUARE MARKET SUNDAY 24 APRIL 10AM - 2PM
Join us this April at one of our vibrant shopping experiences for our 2022 Easter School Holidays held centrally in the heart of the Port Macquarie CBD and Westport Park. Huge variety of stalls, Live music and kids activities and more.
fb.com/marketplaceeventspmq @marktplaceevents
marketplaceevents@outlook.com
The Dunghutti-Ngaku Aboriginal Art Gallery (DNAAG) showcases work by indigenous artists from the Macleay River valley and the broader Mid North Coast region of NSW. Situated in the Val Melville Centre in South Kempsey Park, the gallery is next door to the museum in the heritage listed building by architect Glenn Murcutt. There are beautiful artworks on show and for sale, demonstrating a wide range of traditional and contemporary styles. The Gallery is always has new works and our website (dnaag.com.au) has regular updates about exciting initiatives and coming events. DNAAG also stocks a wide variety of giftware including scarves, caps, table linen, coffee mugs, and tableware. We are open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Entry is free. Come in and chat with our friendly and knowledgeable staff.
TRIAL
B Y J U R Y
PLAYERS THEATRE
From The Players Theatre and the team that brought you the classic musical, Singin’ in the Rain, comes Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury. Director Lance Thompson and Musical Director Cate Storen have teamed up again to bring to life this one act operetta. This production will be two acts, and if you’ve never experienced Gilbert and Sullivan this will be the perfect introduction. Act one will be vaudeville style performances, containing songs from other well-known Gilbert and Sullivan productions such as ‘Three Little Maids’ and ‘Tit Willow’ from The Mikado, and ‘With Cat-Like Tread’ and ‘When a Felon’s Not Engaged in His Employment’ from Pirates of Penzance. When patrons return from interval they will be treated to the hilarious comedy Trial by Jury. Can you sue someone for breaking off an engagement? In this courtroom farce, it’s a very serious crime! The fickle and bigoted defendant, Bradley, has fallen in love with another woman and has jilted the plaintiff, the beautiful Angelina. Unfortunately for Bradley, all of the members of the jury (and the judge) have fallen for Angelina themselves. Bradley proposes that in order to solve the conflict, he “marry this lady today and the other tomorrow,” which, naturally, Angelina objects to. Ultimately, there is a resolution that pleases everyone, even judge! Hailed by theatre scholar Kurt Gänzl as “probably the most successful British one-act operetta of all time,” Trial by Jury is a bitesized portion of Gilbert and Sullivan’s signature witty lyrics, catchy tunes, and ridiculous plotlines. This production is the second show for The Players Theatre in their spectacular 60th season and will run from 14th to 29th May. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from The Players Theatre website, The Glasshouse or one hour prior to the show at the venue.
Sessions
NICKOLINA RIVER
Nickolina River please tell us
what The Jazz Sessions are all
about? “The Jazz Sessions” are a series of music performances around the Hastings region happening once a month that aim to promote Jazz music and foster excellence in improvisation and musicianship. They include a local professional core band bringing their own repertoire, guest artists and competent walk ups who sit in and bring charts for the band to follow and back the artist. The music will cover a broad spectrum of Jazz from the older classics to tunes from around the world to contemporary original pieces.
What inspired you to create this type
of show? I saw a gap in the live music that is available to listen to in this area and felt it was high time to bring back Jazz into the mix. We have some really great musicians in this area that deserve to be heard and gigging more than they are. We also have some exceptionally skilled students who could benefit from this type of forum. I have played many different genres of music in my life, but I have had a love of Jazz from my adolescence. I listened to it and studied it in my 20’s. I learned many Standards when studying music at Southern Cross Uni in the late 80’s and 90’s. In the last 2 1/2 years I’ve revisited all those standards as well as adding many Latin Bossanovas and French Swing to the repertoire. Jazz is the best form of music for a musician to develop their skill. And it’s fun!
What can our readers expect from
these shows? Some very pleasant listening in comfortable venues offering food and beverages while you are entertained. Some exciting performances full of surprises. The opportunity to support something uniquely local. facebook.com/thejazzsessions
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CALLING ALL JAZZ MUSICIANS & JAZZ AFICIONADOS A MONTHLY JAZZ SESSION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. THE JAZZSESSIONS KEEP YOUR CHOPS UP , HOAN YOUR SKILLS , ROTATING CORE BAND, FEATURED GUEST ARTISTS, LOW ENTRY FEE, DRINKS & FOOD AVAILABLE. PLAY OR BE THE AUDIENCE .
#1 Good Friday, April 15 Bonny Hills Beach Hotel 7pm. Free Core band, top musicians, guest artists. Walk ups bring charts.
Sign up to The Jazz Sessions Club. Call Nickolina on 0401 767 130 Sign up to The Jazz Sessions Club. Or Email: nickolinariver@bigpond.com Call Nickolina on 0401 767 130 Or PM:The Jazz Sessions@mncjazzsessions. Email: nickolinariver@bigpond.com
A SPECTACULAR CONCERT WITH THREE FAVOURITE AUSTRALIAN PERFORMING ARTISTS
Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Josh Piterman & Guy Noble
THRILL TO OPERA AND MUSICAL THEATRE DELIGHTS ‘Nessun dorma’, ‘Some Enchanted Evening’, ‘Music of the Night’, ‘Largo al factotum’, ‘I am a Pirate King’, Cole Porter’s ‘So in Love’, and much loved duets ‘The Pearl Fishers’, ‘Lily’s Eyes’, ‘You’ll never Walk Alone’
Bass baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes has sung with the world’s leading opera companies including The Metropolitan Opera in New York and Opera Australia, and performed many great roles including Escamillo (The Toreador) in Bizet’s Carmen, Scarpia in Puccini’s Tosca, and the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
An ARIA and Helpmann award winning artist, Teddy has also won legions of fans for his starring roles in the smash hit Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals South Pacific and The King and I.
Australia’s own “Phantom of the Opera”, tenor Josh Piterman starred in the title role in London’s East End from mid 2019. Later this year Josh heads to Sydney’s Opera House and Melbourne’s Arts Centre for “Phantom of the Opera” productions.
Josh is an established Australian musical theatre performer and classical crossover artist who has worked prolifically since he graduated from Federation University with a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) in 2006. Josh kicked off his career performing with the international pop opera group The Ten Tenors and then made his mark as Tony in the 2010 Australian production of West Side Story.
Other musical credits include the Australian productions of Cats and Beautiful - The Carole King Musical and the UK production of Hairspray. In 2018 his debut self-titled album went to number 1 on both the Aria and ITunes Charts (Classical Crossover) in Australia.
Pianist Guy Noble, renowned for his wit and engaging manner with audiences, is a sought after conductor and soloist, and has worked with Australia’s finest orchestras and leading international artists including Harry Connick Jr, Michael Bolton, Olivia Newton John, The Beach Boys, and soprano Sumi Jo.
Guy is a regular guest presenter on ABC Classic FM and writes a column for Limelight Magazine.
THIS EXCITING CONCERT IS ONE NIGHT ONLY IN PORT MACQUARIE – BOOK NOW!
Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Josh Piterman & Guy Noble in Concert 19 May 2022, 7.30pm - 8.45pm (no interval)
Bookings: Glasshouse Arts Centre, Port Macquarie, NSW (02) 6581 8888 | www.glasshouse.org.au
Program Enquiries: info@artsandhealth.org | 0416 641 482 | www.artsandhealth.org.au
Produced by Andrew McKinnon Presentations. Presented in association with Margret Meagher & The Australian Centre for Arts and Health (ACAH), Port Macquarie
Steph Lewis
