A night to remember...

What a weekend and what a night!

When, just two months ago, we brainstormed the idea of putting on a show to help send us off to Memphis, Tennessee (where we will be showcasing at the International Folk Alliance Conference in February 2010), we knew that if we could pull it off it would be a night to remember. And man, it was.

It was at one of our band meetings in Nth Fitzroy that we sat down and made a wish list of artists/friends who we would absolutely love to ask to special guest with us on the evening. At first, we asked a whole bunch of people who we have either met and partied with at past festivals, shared line-ups with in Melbourne and around OZ or who have been mentors and been so kind in offering knowledge and support. Thinking that at least half wouldn’t be able to do it or not want to, we crossed our fingers and put our request out there. Well blind me dead, they all said YES!

Wally De Backer (aka Goyte), Bonjah, Sophie Koh, Jordie Lane, Liz Stringer, Austin Busch, Ryan Meeking, Sal Kimber and Michael Barker were our all-star line-up for the special night. We either did covers of their songs, they did covers of ours or we did brand new covers all together. The week leading up to the show was full-on, with back to back rehearsals with everyone, trying to find free time between everyone's busy touring schedules. I have to say that is was such an enjoyable experience rehearsing with everyone. For how many times we have played our own songs and are half sick of them, it was so nice to learn and play new songs and hear ours done a different way.

Cliff Bowden opened the night for us with his beautiful voice and funky-arse trio. Check him out if you haven’t yet! Andrew McClelland compered the night, handing over Port Fairy and Queenscliff Music Festival tix for 2010 to very excited raffle winners. Jono Steer, the bloody legend behind the sound desk who we stupidly forgot to thank from stage at the end of the night, did a mighty job. Hannah and Adrian for running the merch desk all night. And Tom Harris, who took on so many different jobs its hard to keep track of them all.

It was a huge success, lots of smiling faces when I could see out into the audience, and a personal highlight for myself was Jordie, Austin and Ryan’s harmonica battle in the ‘Dear Daniel’ all in grand finale. After an epic day, it was time for an after party at the Night Cat to relax, have a dance and a drink ….maybe two.

Thank you from the bottom of our collective Stevie hearts to everyone who was involved and everyone who came out to support us on a school night. We feel extremely lucky to have friends like you and to have such a strong support team around us. We can proudly say that we made some $$$ which will send us to Memphis for Christmas!!
Beth