A big one 4 March, 2008

Following a poetry workshop on Saturday, it was a lovely afternoon of strolling around Brisbane – Thai meal in the Valley, checking out what’s going on at The Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts (definitely not to be called “The Judy” I’m told) and the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Mum loves passing on newspaper articles related to things I might be interested in, and one of the latest ones was about a photographic exhibition going on at the Powerhouse, showing winning journalis-type photos. I wasn’t expecting to really get much out of it as I’m more interested in other types of photography, but I was moved by many of the pictures.

Some of the piccies showed physically impaired people in third world countries, a great shot of an ex-soldier who decided not to use an umbrella during a ceremony and had the rain bouncing of his medals, and a series of photos about a man who went to Zurich with his wife so he could end his life legally (this one made me cry).

While we were there at the Powerhouse, we checked out what else was going on. We could hear “Violinarum” going on, so entered the room. I would loved to have caught the expression on my face as I walked in to discover a violin much bigger than I expected…

Getting into the West End Groove 6 October, 2007

I thought I was getting ripped off when I paid $5 to get into the basement of Tongue N Groove for some music – the set finished after only hearing one song! (ok so we were maybe a bit late.)

The singer’s voice and style was a cross between Ani DiFranco and Alanis Morriset (although I really dislike her music, except for her song “Uninvited” from the City of Angels soundtrack). Anyway, I really liked this chic’s passion, message and talent on the keyboard. So even though I only heard one song, it was worth the $5. I should have bought her CD so at least I could tell you her name. She’s from Alice Springs.

Then Kahibaloo started up. I didn’t realise experimental, fusion, electronic, mixing, freestylin’, whatever you want to call it, could be so much fun! Two guys from the Phillipines with funky music and noises with an Asian influence. Cool. But what was even cooler was when their “MC” man got up and did his rapping thing to themes! They offered the small, intimate audience the opportunity to call out anything and this guy, with his fun, fuzzy black hair and arm bopping with his words and the beat, performed impromptu rap/hip-hop words to music that couldn’t be predicted. Backpackers, marbles, the environment.

It gave the room and its people such a fun and funky vibe that people got up and danced and were merry. Fun, wacky, interesting. There are some really talented people right on our doorstep.