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FESTIVAL \ Van Dyke Parks epitomises the Adelaide Festival’s eclectic, inspiring and inventive program, MYKE BARTLETT here is something of the showman to Van Dyke Parks. Although the 70-year-old musician is hardly bombastic, his lively, original and carefully chosen phrases manage to evoke a circus ringleader or music-hall impresario. At times, such as when he’s singing the praises of the Adelaide Festival – at which Parks is starring – I’m not entirely sure what he means, but am too entranced to interject. “The Adelaide Festival is the laughing place,” Parks says. “It’s where Brer Rabbit wants to go. I know it sounds braggadocios, but I’m feeling very proud that I got their attention.” Showmanship aside, the spotlight is a new environment for Parks, having spent his life at the fringes of the showbiz world. He trained as a child actor, found work arranging film soundtracks, then released critically acclaimed albums that failed to set the charts on fire. For decades, however, he was best known as the producer responsible for the Beach Boys’ lost masterpiece, Smile. Deemed too weird by the band’s singer, Brian Wilson, it took 44 years for it to see release. Parks, however, seems to have enjoyed his time on the fringes. “It’s good to be on the edge, away from the spotlight,” he says. “There is truly no shelter in the arts. You must insist that you may fail to get somewhere that matters. And if you want to come up with something durable and tenable, you must take risks.” He laughs. “And, boy, have I taken some …” It isn’t hard to see why the Beach Boys, having found themselves a niche singing pop songs about girls and
heritage Tavern & Restaurant
Durable: Van Dyke Parks says “melody ... takes the elephants back to the graceyard”. (SUPPLIED)
wine dine enjoy functions The Heritage Tavern & Restaurant
Open 7 days Lunch & Dinner 11am until late. Frankston-Flinders Rd, Balnarring Phone: 5983 2597
New function Space Specialty functions available, book for a well serviced function indoors or outdoors to suit all budgets.
Family friendly with two acres of gardens and many dining options A deck and cafe menu is provided for inexpensive and tasty meals. Enjoy the atmosphere of an old fashioned beer garden with our garden bar operating on weekends.
Draught beer, local ciders and wines.
Friday night music on the deck Enjoy 2 bands with Sunday live music 3-9pm MOCK-N8ALC
24 The weekly review \ february 27, 2013