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7 - 13 february 2018
◆ MUSIC AND FUN: Karen Ritchens has embraced rockabilly music and style as vocalist for Miss Kitty and the Memphis Trio. PHOTO: Emma Hillier
by KYLIE WILSON GRAVITY defying hair, jangling guitar, colourful clothing, and infectious rhythms – all of these things come to mind when you think about rockabilly music and lifestyle. It is a way of life that Wangaratta’s Karen Ritchens has embraced since becoming part of local band, The Memphis Trio, in July 2016. Karen, who also sings with well known local band Cutest Little Monster, said she was invited to play and sing with the band at a rehearsal, and it went so well her involvement just grew from there. “It suits my voice, I relate to it well,” Karen said of rockabilly music. “It’s just high energy and it’s so much fun.” Karen said dressing up in the clothes of the era, and recreating vintage hair and makeup looks, is also a big part of what she enjoys about rockabilly performance. “It’s a lovely era,” she said. The band, whose members also include Greg Clarke, Frank Zaknich and Mark Griffiths, hail from across the North East, play a number of traditional rockabilly songs, although Karen said they often play some slower numbers, such as Patsy Cline’s classic Walking After Midnight.
vintage
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