The temperature soared and the tempting smell of BBQ wafted around St Lukes Church on Saturday night. A steady flow of people entered the building attracted by the music, BBQ and the fact that they were supporting a worthy cause, the victims of the Pinery Fires that devastated areas North of The City the previous week.
St Lukes Church was a lucky discovery by ARBA. The ambience of the place and great acoustics make it an excellent choice for music concerts and those involved with the church are happy to support it.
Next was the auction with Steven Von Der Borch doing an excellent job as auctioneer and this raised $885 followed by the raffle draw which raised $374. Last but not least Snooks La Vie's Blues Bag featured Snooks on harp & vocals, Nick Kipridis on guitar, Dennis Kipridis on upright bass and Mick Garcia on drums. These guys play together in several different bands and are a really tight outfit! They gave us a smokin͛ set of blues standards beginning with an Albert Collins instrumental `Shiver ͚n Shake͛ featuring Nick on guitar. He really gets that Albert Collins tone happening! Snooks can really belt out a Little Walter tune and a nice boogie but is also adept at the swampy style of Slim Harpo. He showed he can play a cool mambo too with his rendition of `Cherry Pink Apple Blossom White͛ an old tune from 1950! To round out the night Sav joined the band on slide and they let it rip!
All in all it was a great night of local blues and $2402 was raised for the Pinery Bush Fire appeal.
Tess Coleman