HAT FITZ & CARA ROBINSON

The Legend of FitzMulholland

Our tale begins nearly 10 generations ago in a place once known as Eire. Twas in 1822 that Robert Fitzpatrick, the son of a poor but honest stonemason was sentenced to a life time of hard labour in recently colonised Sydney, Australia.

His crime, the theft of a duck. These were indeed desperate times.

Not only was he forced to leave his homeland but also the one great love of his life, a fair maiden from the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, Ruby Mulholland. Carrying only a small hessian sack and a lock of Ruby's long red hair he was lead away in chains to Belfast harbour and taken to London, eventually setting sail in October, 1822, bound for Botany Bay.

Records from that period are not clear as to what may have happened to him on that journey but, alas Robert did not arrive in New South Wales. Ruby knew in her heart of hearts however that one day they would be reunited and it is said that she never gave up hope of holding her man again.

Fast forward and the year is 2008, the setting, Larry Roddy's Castlebar Blues Festival in County Mayo, Ireland. Upon advice from his colleague Sinclair, Hat Fitz a regular performer at Byrne's bar makes his way to Cara Robinson's show at the TF hall and is instantly mesmerised. Likewise she also feels a strong connection although it would be many hours of deep conversation before they realise that destiny has brought them together again, for they are the descendants of Robert and Ruby, and as such the legend of the FitzMulholland is born.

A Celtic myth ? A true story ? You be the judge.

www.hatfitz.net/index.htm

VAN WALKER 'UNDERNEATH THE RADAR' ALBUM LAUNCH + LIZ STRINGER

In January and February 2012 Melbourne's best kept roots secret Van Walker will hit the road to commemorate the launch his latest album Underneath The Radar - which is out now through The Fuse Music Group. Van is set to bring to life the wonderful words and music that have made him a live favourite in his adopted home town of Melbourne and is sure to further cement his rightful place at the forefront of the Australian roots music. Van will be joined by very special guest Liz Stringer.

www.myspace.com/ramblinvanwalker

C.O.M.A. SUMMER SESSIONS

LEAPFROG + CHRIS MARTIN & DEREK PASCOE MEET SCHMOO

The legendary C.O.M.A Sessions have been a fixture at The Wheaty since 2005. Showcasing original music by local, interstate and sometimes international musicians in genres such as Jazz, Electronica and Contemporary Classical. Featuring 2 bands a night, come and see what all the fuss is about!

www.coma.net.au

SPINELESS WONDERS PRESENTS - A SHORT EVENING OF TALL STORIES

A Short Evening of Tall Stories was born out of a passionate desire to bring people together, connect actors with writers, give voice to words and to bring new, quality stories to Adelaide audiences.

The writers whose work is read are all published, Australian authors.

HOW IT WORKS…

A short evening of tall stories is a brief night of entertainment, in keeping with the spirit of short fiction. Perfect for a mid-week outing. Beginning at 7.30pm, stories are read over two sets. A local musician plays original songs between brackets. The night is finished by 9pm.

A short evening of tall stories is presented free of charge to the public. A donation plate is passed around for audience members to contribute a small amount as honorarium for actors.

You will be read to by Adelaide's finest actors including Craig Behena, Tamara Lee, Ashton Malcolm, Holly Myers and Hew Parham.

The stories are penned by some of Australia's most exciting contemporary authors: Tom Cho, Josephine Rowe, A.S. Patric, Kim Westwood and Susan McCreery.

We have special guest, Indigo Eli, and you'll hear some lovely tunes performed by Duncan Campbell and Felicity Davies.

spinelesswonderspresents.blogspot.com/

NICK & LEISL

Award-winning duo 'Nick and Liesl' have just returned from the Swedish winter & another European tour (including performances on French TV, Reeperbahn Festival & German national radio) to kick off this years summer touring with a bang, playing to packed venues at the Woodford Folk Festival. Their sound is a beautiful combination of earthy, life affirming lyrics, dreamy harmonies and a mixture of guitar and piano driven songs.

www.nickandliesl.com/

STOBIE SOUNDS 'FRANK THE POET' FUNDRAISER - FEAT. THE YEARLINGS + MAX SAVAGE

ALL TICKETS $15 - AVAILABLE FROM THE STOBIE WEBSITE BELOW.....

After 2 1/2 years of research, planning and elbow grease, Stobie Sounds are on the cusp of releasing thier next compilation album. 12 poems attributed to Irish convict Frank The Poet will form the theme for this year’s outing.

'As an Australian roots record label we thought it was timely that we go on a serious exploration of our own nation’s musical traditions. The dozen or so poems attributed to Frank The Poet are an immensely important body of early Australian literature and gives us an insight of life as a convict under the tyranny of the colonial system.

As a small not-for-profit organisation we don’t have a lot of cash to throw around so we’re doing a bit of fundraising to enable us to record some of the final tunes and get the album mastered.'

- Jacob, Stobie Sounds.

Help Stobie raise some cash to produce this album featuring a slew of local artists showcasing the poetry of one of Australia's earliest colonial poets - more information, tickets, and full line up of musicians available at the Stobie Sounds website:

www.stobiesounds.com/home/?page_id=1537

SUN THEORY (FORMERLY COW)

"COW have delivered their special blend of alt-country for 5 years now. After 3 studio albums and a multitude of gigs and festivals, the band's style has evolved into a more contemporary rock feel - while still paying homage to their love of roots music. Celebrate the release of their 4th album, evolving sound, and the new name 'SUN THEORY' at The Wheaty"

www.myspace.com/cowsounds

THE BON SCOTTS + SOUTHIE + EMILY DAVIS

The Bon Scotts defy notions of plain and normal, melding traditional folk instruments with an endearing and satirical voice. Laced with irony and hype, their unconventional hooks and distinct sound have put them at the forefront of the new folk revival. This eclectic mix of sounds and stories mean those toe tapping on the side to those dancing their hearts out will be entertained to no end. They give their all on stage, from the loud clatter of heavy percussion to the soft final note of the violin.

www.facebook.com/thebonscotts?sk=info

THE STEVE LENNOX BAND + BEN TIMBERS

Over the past couple of years, Steve has pulled together his latest band simply called the 'Steve Lennox Band'. A recording is in the works and will be released in 2011 through the quiet pop label.

If you're after a quality, passion-filled performer with the voice of an angel...look no further than Steve Lennox.

www.facebook.com/pages/Steve-Lennox-Music/141926132508736?sk=info

MAX SAVAGE & THE FALSE IDOLS + JESS RIBEIRO & THE BONE COLLECTORS

Returning to the Wheatsheaf for a Sunday session at the Wheatsheaf international, Max Savage and his False Idols enter 2012 with a swag of new songs, some special guests and the polish and finesse that people have come to expect from Adelaide's up and comers.

*****

Nu folk artists Jess Ribeiro and Rob Law formed The Bone Collectors in Darwin 2008 and since then, have been travelling around Australia playing remote and big smoke shows to audiences far and wide.

Their sound has a distinct raw energy that takes the listener on a journey through dark and dusty ballads that have been compared to the likes of Karen Dalton, Cat Power, Neil Young and Johnny Cash.

www.triplejunearthed.com/MaxSavageandtheFalseIdols

C.O.M.A SUMMER SESSIONS

LUKE HARRALD VS. ST PREUX ART ENSEMBLE + AKOUSTIC ODYSSEY

The legendary C.O.M.A Sessions have been a fixture at The Wheaty since 2005. Showcasing original music by local, interstate and sometimes international musicians in genres such as Jazz, Electronica and Contemporary Classical. Featuring 2 bands a night, come and see what all the fuss is about!

www.coma.net.au

ADELAIDE FRINGE FESTIVAL STARTS!

This year we have a cracking lineup planned for the 2012 Adelaide Fringe Festival - stay tuned for more info and full listings soon....

In the meantime, browse our venue listings and buy tickets at:

/www.adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/search

C.O.M.A SUMMER SESSIONS

MAX_MO + PEN ISLAND

The legendary C.O.M.A Sessions have been a fixture at The Wheaty since 2005. Showcasing original music by local, interstate and sometimes international musicians in genres such as Jazz, Electronica and Contemporary Classical. Featuring 2 bands a night, come and see what all the fuss is about!

www.coma.net.au