AUGUST 2014
What’s open in town? Some of our businesses are taking a break over late winter; others are open for business as usual.
Forrest Brewery Closed for a quick break Monday 18th August - Wednesday 3rd September. Re-opening on Thursday 4th September in time for Father’s Day on Sunday 7th.
Forrest Guesthouse Closed for the month of August for a family break and further renovations. Re-opening Monday September 1, 10-4 daily with dinner Friday and Saturday nights.
The Corner Store Friday Saturday 9am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 3pm
Wonky Donkey Open 7 days for lunch and dinner.
Mini musos!
Local talent shone at the recent Colac Eisteddfod, with seven children competing on the piano. Broomfield boys, Kai and Joe, won their categories while Jarrah Ashton received a Highly Commended award. Kai also received the John Radcliff Award for overall primary school winner. He has been invited to perform at Da Capo at COPACC on
August 2014
Smith Street records in Station Street There was music pumping down Station Street in July, as Melbourne’s The Smith Street Band put together their third album. Lead singer Wil Wagner said their original plan was to record on a beach in Vietnam, but when they found the Otway Loft on the internet it seemed perfect. ‘This is such a relaxing way to do what normally adds ten years to your life,’ said Wil. ‘If it starts getting a bit tense inside you just go out on the deck and think, “Yeah what stress?”’
Above, Wil Wagner waits to take the stage at the Wonky Donkey
Melbourne,’ laughed Wil.
‘Doing it here takes it back to friends hanging out together and playing music, which is what it’s all about,’ added producer Jeff Rosenstock.
is so much natural wood, so many cool spaces to record.’
Who would have thought that a Forrest holiday house would be an ideal recording studio?
‘We did some guitar work down the passage of the train and it added a cool echo,’ he said.
‘We wanted a wider sound, to challenge ourselves – more than guitar, guitar, bass and drums,’ said Wil. ‘Everything in the house is resonating. There
Listen closely and you will hear rain on the roof and the fire crackling on some tracks. ‘Jeff had to scare a cockatoo away while we were recording, which is much better than a tram in
30th August (7pm), an event showcasing Colac and district musicians. All seven competitors have been taking piano lessons through the Forrest Primary School on a Friday afternoon. The Eisteddfod is an annual event, but it was a first appearance for the Forrest children. Indi Ashton, Lily and Claudia Schumann and
Kai Broomfield accepts his award from Sokoka Miyake
Kohima Sprunt also played wonderful pieces, indicating a bright musical future for Forrest.
The music is a mix of folk, punk and rock and their songs tell stories with energy and passion. ‘All my songs are about emotion,’ Wil told the crowded bar at the Wonky Donkey on Friday the 25th to cheers and fist pumps. The boys are friendly and genuine and have engaged with the locals over recent weeks. A gig at the Wonky Donkey was a good way to thank the town for having them. A Facebook tip off drew fans from Melbourne, Warrnambool and Geelong. Mark Watson drove 4 hours from Morwell. ‘This was a great chance to see Wil play up close and mix with the band afterwards,’ he said. The album, ‘Throw Me in the River’ (shh it’s a secret!), is released internationally in October. The boys head from Forrest to Philadelphia and will be touring when it comes out.
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