GiggySound

CROSSROAD BLUES

The Perth Blues Club, at The Charles Hotel, boasts a mighty fine line-up on Tuesday, May 3. Forged in the winter log fires of the Great Southern region of WA, The Pepperjacks bring together two duos that share a common interest in good time acoustic music. The Peppercorns and The Skipjacks ply their musical trade on the rugged granite coastline near Albany and Denmark presenting old-timey blues, ragtime, country ballads and folk. Rod Vervest (fingerstyle guitar), Craig Sinclair (slide guitar), Lara Norman (fiddle), and Bob Lipinski (harmonica) make up the quartet’s earthy and honest sound.

X-PRESSIONS

It’s back to the future… again. The WA opposition has once again renewed its call for the construction of a light rail network in Perth city, extending between East and West Perth. Outlined in a new Labor discussion paper, the proposed network would initially cover six kilometres from the Causeway to Thomas Street, running along both Hay and Murray Streets through the city centre. This follows Premier Colin Barnett’s assertion last year that Perth would have a light rail system within a decade; also connecting the city’s major universities. With both flanks of politics on side, it looks certain that the humble ol’ tram is coming to Perth.

Light rail has been the answer to traffic congestion amongst many global cities. From Melbourne to Lisbon, and Berlin to San Francisco, trams have not only decongested city streets, they have also injected some old world charm to CBDs austerely lorded over by steel towers and asphalt. And let’s be honest: there really is nothing quite like the allure of tram travel, as uncomplicated as it may be.

As perhaps only few readers would recall, Perth was itself a proud tram city once-upon-a-time. Tram and trolleybus tracks snaked through the city and beyond, connecting the CBD with suburbs as far as Osborne Park, Welshpool, Como and Claremont. Perth’s electric tram system hit its straps in the 1930s, operating across 35 routes covering 50 kilometres. The network was officially decommissioned in 1958, with the trolleybus network following with its closure in 1969, to be replaced by the beloved diesel bus. Nothin’ quite like the sweet smell of diesel to complement the morning fag and crumpet.

True, it would have been nigh on impossible for our forefathers to predict the rattly old tram would have its renaissance. But, as is often the experience with urban planning, sometimes it pays to think small to achieve big. Indeed, with the imminent return of the tram, the removal of the above ground train line for the Northbridge Link and the restoration of the Swan River to its natural water levels as part of the foreshore redevelopment, people could rightfully question whether Perth is in fact going backwards on a century of rapid development. But there’s nothing wrong with admitting defeat and heading back to the drawing board to start again. And who knows; maybe this time we may just get it right!

_JULIAN TOMPKIN

THE BIG O

On the back of his new album Roy – A Tribute To Roy Orbison, Australian Idol winner Damien Leith and an accompanying five-piece band are paying tribute to the great, great man. The tribute show, which is endorsed by Roy’s widow Barbara Orbison, will bring to life classics such as Pretty Woman and Crying at the Regal Theatre on Thursday, July 28. Not only will he perform the classic tunes, Leith will also share his experiences of making the album and honour Orbison in his 75th anniversary year. Tickets are available through Ticketek.

WHOLE LOTTA FUNNY

When you think of thrash metal bands, ‘comedian’ isn’t usually a word that springs to mind. But Steve Hughes has not only made a name for himself as drummer for Slaughter Lord, Mortal Sin and Nazxul, he’s also become one of Australia’s greatest comedy exports. Fresh from touring Europe and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Hughes brings his brand new show Conspiracy Realist to Perth. Featuring his observations and opinions delivered in his trademark laconic style, catch the show at the Astor Theatre on Saturday, May 14. Tickets through BOCS.

WAM BAM

Can’t wait for the WAMis? While some of the line-ups, including the Saturday Spectacular, are still under wraps, a teaser program has been announced! Punters can get a sneak peek at a few of the artists and seminars on offer, including the line-up for the opening party which includes Canyons, Abbe May, Upsurper Of Modern Medicine, Rabbit Island, Georgie Kay and Happy Flight.

ESKIMO GO

In anticipation of their fifth album, due out later this year, WA legends Eskimo Joe are performing five intimate acoustic gigs around Australia in May. As well as being amongst the first to hear the new songs, fans will also get to hear the tracks that Eskimo Joe are known and loved for, including Black Fingernails, Red Wine and Foreign Land. A portion of ticket sales will go to the Close The Gap campaign. Catch them for one very special show at the Fly By Night on Saturday, May 21.

JACKO A GO GO

It’s been almost two years since he passed on but Michael Jackson lives on at the Burswood Theatre on Friday, April 29. Kenny Wizz is named as one of the best Michael Jackson impersonators in the world, and he brings the show HIStory: This Is It to Australia to give fans the chance to witness the musical biography of the superstar. Telling the story of Jackson’s music from the Jackson 5 days right up until his last decade, Wizz uses his 25 years of experience in impersonating the King Of Pop to give the fans an unforgettable show. Tickets through Ticketek.

WONDERFULS’ WORLD

Melbourne boys The Wonderfuls are giving WA audiences a taste of their self-titled new album. Featuring Brighton-born Alex Legg on guitar and vocals and Melbourne’s Chris Pain on harmonica, the band blend blues, country and pop into infectious and, well, wonderful tunes. They’ll kick off their WA tour at the Fairbridge Festival on Friday, April 29; playing Perth Blues Club on Tuesday, May 3; Mojo’s on Wednesday, May 4; Kulcha on Friday, May 6; Freemason’s Hotel in Bridgetown on Saturday, May 7; and finishing in Margaret River at Settlers Tavern on Sunday, May 8.

MIDNIGHT MARATHON

Make the most of the five day weekend by going to a movie marathon at Event and Greater Union cinemas. Choose between Fast And The Furious 4, Fast And The Furious 5 and Paul; Arthur, Sucker Punch and Hall Pass; or Just Go With It, Battle: Los Angeles and The Green Hornet. There’ll be activities on the night including music by local band The Fall Of Man at Morley. The marathons will be showing on Monday, April 25, from 11pm at selected cinemas. For more information and to buy tickets, visit eventcinemas.com.au.

VIDEO HITZ

Back in the day, school holidays were more likely to include copious amounts of daytime TV and bumming around at the local park than animating a music video for local artists. Luckily for local 11 to 16 year olds, Scitech is holding a workshop on Monday, May 2, that allows aspiring young animators to try their hand at creating a music video for artists such as Pond, Li’l Leonie Lionheart, Jesse And The Sinking Ships, French Rockets, Ghost Drums, The Gulls, Furchick and Gilbert Fawn. The workshop costs $50 for Double Helix Science Club members and $60 for non members. To book a place call (08) 9215 0740.