GiggySound

THE CAT’S

OUTTA THE BAG

Once known as Cat Stevens, Yusuf Islam is a singer-songwriter who has touched generations with his music – generations who will no doubt be pleased to hear that the enigmatic performer is finally breaking his 36 year touring drought of Australia. Responsible for favourites such as Moonshadow, Morning Has Broken and (Remember The Days Of The) Old School Yard, Islam will hit the road with legendary guitarist Alun Davies in tow this June to share his music with fans Australia wide. Catch Islam performing live on Thursday, June 10, at Challenge Stadium for what promises to be a powerful night of song and spirituality.

X-PRESSIONS

ScreenWest’s financial incentive to lure great drama to WA appears to paying dividends. With local productions Blame and Wasted On The Young currently in post production and busily securing international distribution, the debut series of The West Wing (G’Day From WA) is wrapping up on Parliament Hill.

Despite its low budget, this local adaptation of the multiple Emmy Award winning US franchise has got everything you’ve come to expect and more – lies, power, money, sex and danger! Lead protagonist, the Buzz (a kind of ocker version of the Fonz) is already being tipped as the frontrunner for this year’s Golden Fogie Award for his wrenching performance in episode three: Is The Grass Really Greener…? This follows stellar performances in the first two episodes of this triumphant mini-series, There’s A Chair In There and Snap.

Now seeking inspiration outside of the parliamentary box, the boy from Busso has accepted a mentoring roll in Playlovers’ new production of Bedroom Farce – coming to Hackett Hall in Floreat from May 7-22 (tickets on sale now through BOCS).

If that isn’t enough to keep you warm and fuzzy this winter, extra-marital dating site Gleeden has just announced its arrival onto the Australian market. Launched in Europe last December, gleeden.com has reportedly tempted more than 220,000 subscribers in its first four months alone.
Promising 100 per cent ‘real profiles’ and high security, Gleeden proudly proclaims it’s every man’s answer to blissful happiness and every woman’s perfect tool of revenge. But don’t forget the moral of The West Wing’s blockbuster third episode: just don’t use the company credit card.

_JULIAN TOMPKIN

SCALE TALE

Ex Full Scale members Ezekiel Ox, Crutey, Tristan Ross and Ben Brennan are getting back together this June with an updated moniker, Full Scale Revolution, and a slew of national tour dates. Fans of the ex-Perth noise-mongers can catch the lads on stage at The Foundry on Wednesday, June 2; The Prince Of Wales in Bunbury on Thursday, June 3; Players Bar on Friday, June 4; and Amplifier on Saturday, June 5. Support for all shows will come from Melbournites the Tim McMillan Band.

LA BOMBA

The multi-talented Nicky Bomba is now well cosied up in the ranks of The John Butler Trio, currently touring the globe in support of the band’s new release, April Uprising. However, he’s not one to rest on any laurels, with the first peek of his new solo project available now. The track, Rock Ya Mama, (co-written with long-time collaborators Alisha Brooks and Murat Yucel from 10-piece Middle Eastern boogie outfit Unified Geko, and more recently bOTTOMENd Empire) is available to download for free at his website. A new film clip for the song is also online. It’s all yours to check out at nickybomba.com.

SPICY SALSA

Puerto Rican superstar Julio Voltio will touch down in Perth on Thursday, May 6, for a celebration of salsa and reggae at the Fly By Night in Fremantle. Hailing from Santurce in Puerto Rico, Voltio is one of raggaeton’s biggest names, sporting a massive back catalogue of hits – including Pónmela, which featured on the Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack. Tickets are on sale now from flybynight.org.

MOSCOW! MOSCOW!

Melbourne’s Closure In Moscow recently wrapped up their Supreme Turbo Facilitator Tour, which stopped by Perth and won the band many new fans in the process. Barely having unpacked their suitcases, they’re set to hit the road again on the Singularity tour, a national run in the lead up to their inclusion on the Warped Tour in the US. Catch Closure In Moscow on Friday, May 29, at the Civic Hotel and at YMCA HQ on Saturday, May 30, (all-ages, 2-5pm). Hit up moshtix.com.au for tickets.

CZECH IT OUT

The West Australian Symphony Orchestra invites music fans to join them this June as they perform Antonin Dvorák’s Slavonic Dancers. Known for its bohemian rhythms and beautiful melodies, Slavonic Dancers will transport audience members to the Czech Republic; Dvorák’s homeland. Featuring 18 year old Maxwell Foster on piano, Slavonic Dancers will be performed at Perth Concert Hall on Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19. Bookings can be made through BOCS.