Melanie, Miki & Denis Trio next CD cover
Erin's new movie
Monday, 19 May 2008
What a night!
Thanks again everyone for being part of what turned out to be an amazing party. You all looked devine (so now I can think of more than one adjective!) and really cut a rug on the dance floor. Please forward any photos you may have - unless you've already posted them - as I'd like to compile a one stop web album for all to see.
Cheers! Claire
Sunday, 18 May 2008
More party pictures
Excelent party Claire we all enjoyed outselves as we time warped back to the roaring 20's.
The link to the pictures is here
http://picasaweb.google.com/BlizWizz/2008ClaireSBirthdayParty
The link to the pictures is here
http://picasaweb.google.com/BlizWizz/2008ClaireSBirthdayParty
Friday, 16 May 2008
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Publicity/Recruiting Opportunity
Brisbane City Council is co-ordinating an event on 21 June called "Fete de la Musique" - if you go to the Brisbane City Council website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and click on the "Fete de la Musique" logo, you will see all the details.
It's an event started in the 80s in France, where any musical group can register, and take part in playing at venues around their city. It apparently happens each year all around the world, but this is the first time the event has been staged in Brisbane. Some of the venues in Brisbane will be Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Plaza, Chinatown. And there's a finale concert at Brisbane Plaza.
At our meeting last year where we workshopped what our future direction would be, one issue that was identified was to publicise our group and try to attract new players. I think an event like this would be a great opportunity to do this.
We could really be proactive and produce flyers to hand out to the crowd as they watched our performance. I'm not thinking fancy (expensive) pamphlets with photos etc. I'm thinking simple flyers we could compose and print ourselves - we could have a working-bee one weekend afternoon to produce them. I'd be happy to contribute to the cost of paper - thinking pink or green paper. We could make them of a size where you could get three flyers out of a sheet of A4 paper.
We could make our gig part performance/part workshop, to get the audience involved.
What does everyone think of this idea? Can we make it fly? Do we want to do it?
NOTE: If we do want to do it, we have to register BY 6 JUNE.
It's an event started in the 80s in France, where any musical group can register, and take part in playing at venues around their city. It apparently happens each year all around the world, but this is the first time the event has been staged in Brisbane. Some of the venues in Brisbane will be Queen Street Mall, Brisbane Plaza, Chinatown. And there's a finale concert at Brisbane Plaza.
At our meeting last year where we workshopped what our future direction would be, one issue that was identified was to publicise our group and try to attract new players. I think an event like this would be a great opportunity to do this.
We could really be proactive and produce flyers to hand out to the crowd as they watched our performance. I'm not thinking fancy (expensive) pamphlets with photos etc. I'm thinking simple flyers we could compose and print ourselves - we could have a working-bee one weekend afternoon to produce them. I'd be happy to contribute to the cost of paper - thinking pink or green paper. We could make them of a size where you could get three flyers out of a sheet of A4 paper.
We could make our gig part performance/part workshop, to get the audience involved.
What does everyone think of this idea? Can we make it fly? Do we want to do it?
NOTE: If we do want to do it, we have to register BY 6 JUNE.
Monday, 12 May 2008
Well done everyone!
I enjoyed watching you guys play in Logan this Saturday. It looked like a real show, with only a few little mistakes that probably only I picked up. It was great to see the enthusiasm of the whole group. Well done everyone.
Of course a very special mention for Erin, leading the group for the first public performance (that of course does not include the great work during Uncharted).
Will could you please post the pictures of the gig, or email them to me?
I look forward to taking the group to a new level on my return in a couple of weeks or so. We started this year with a few new things, in particular playing real songs, and this opens real possibilities going forward. However, this will require a bit more dedication from all of us, in particular around practicing at home and listening to Brazilian music.
Of course a very special mention for Erin, leading the group for the first public performance (that of course does not include the great work during Uncharted).
Will could you please post the pictures of the gig, or email them to me?
I look forward to taking the group to a new level on my return in a couple of weeks or so. We started this year with a few new things, in particular playing real songs, and this opens real possibilities going forward. However, this will require a bit more dedication from all of us, in particular around practicing at home and listening to Brazilian music.
Friday, 9 May 2008
GIG - GRAND FIESTA - Saturday 1pm
HI everyone, hope you are all energised and ready for a high octane performance. Just to reiterate....
Meeting Place: back car park (loading dock) -Logan Entertainment Centre,
which is the building behind Logan City Council, accessed from Wembley Road, Woodridge. (If you do not see pink and green, you are probably in the wrong place: )
Meeting Time: 1pm (for warm up)
Performance site: Logan Gardens, Logan and Albert Stage
Playing time: 2:20pm
What to Wear: Full uniform, green and pink tunic, white pants with side stripes, white tshirt underneath. (Shakers - please wear Maracatu skirt outfits, and please bring any spare uniforms with you if possible)
One can also enter the Logan Gardens from Civic Parade, off Jacaranda Avenue, but unsure of what parking would be available, especially if one is running late. For those who need to use pubic transport, Woodridge train station is rather close by.
I will have instruments with me there (except for snares) but bring whatever you usually bring. We shall aim to have a warm up before we get over there. We can then walk through the back to the Logan Gardens.
Lynne, I am thinking that if you are getting there later due to work commitments, you might want to meet us nearer the stage, which is the Albert and Logan News Stage, particularly if you arrive closer to 2pm. I will probably encourage us to travel over towards the stage at about 1:30pm so the organisers don't worry if we have all turned up. I will meet the stage manager at about 12:30 earlier to confirm our attendance, so I will be around somewhere earlier as well. Lynne you may wish to find parking closer to the Civic Parade entrance if you can for quick access, but the event organiser could not really tell me exactly where in the gardens the stages would be. The event starts at 12 so you should hear something happening..
If there are any issues at all, I would rather know sooner than later, so can you please phone or text me on 0407 730 569 if there are any problems, or if you are running late.
I will arrange to have some spare uniforms (could shakers please wear Maracatu outfits and , however if you can please wear white t-shirts for under the tunic that is usually helpful, plus white pants and sandals/white shoes or thongs if you have them look best with our fashion-forward outfits, (for those who don't yet know the joys of pink and green Primavera style).
I am looking forward to the gig, and I reckon we will kick butt. Thanks very much for your comitment, and I'll see you on Saturday for some Grand Fiesta! Yeehah!
Meeting Place: back car park (loading dock) -Logan Entertainment Centre,
which is the building behind Logan City Council, accessed from Wembley Road, Woodridge. (If you do not see pink and green, you are probably in the wrong place: )
Meeting Time: 1pm (for warm up)
Performance site: Logan Gardens, Logan and Albert Stage
Playing time: 2:20pm
What to Wear: Full uniform, green and pink tunic, white pants with side stripes, white tshirt underneath. (Shakers - please wear Maracatu skirt outfits, and please bring any spare uniforms with you if possible)
One can also enter the Logan Gardens from Civic Parade, off Jacaranda Avenue, but unsure of what parking would be available, especially if one is running late. For those who need to use pubic transport, Woodridge train station is rather close by.
I will have instruments with me there (except for snares) but bring whatever you usually bring. We shall aim to have a warm up before we get over there. We can then walk through the back to the Logan Gardens.
Lynne, I am thinking that if you are getting there later due to work commitments, you might want to meet us nearer the stage, which is the Albert and Logan News Stage, particularly if you arrive closer to 2pm. I will probably encourage us to travel over towards the stage at about 1:30pm so the organisers don't worry if we have all turned up. I will meet the stage manager at about 12:30 earlier to confirm our attendance, so I will be around somewhere earlier as well. Lynne you may wish to find parking closer to the Civic Parade entrance if you can for quick access, but the event organiser could not really tell me exactly where in the gardens the stages would be. The event starts at 12 so you should hear something happening..
If there are any issues at all, I would rather know sooner than later, so can you please phone or text me on 0407 730 569 if there are any problems, or if you are running late.
I will arrange to have some spare uniforms (could shakers please wear Maracatu outfits and , however if you can please wear white t-shirts for under the tunic that is usually helpful, plus white pants and sandals/white shoes or thongs if you have them look best with our fashion-forward outfits, (for those who don't yet know the joys of pink and green Primavera style).
I am looking forward to the gig, and I reckon we will kick butt. Thanks very much for your comitment, and I'll see you on Saturday for some Grand Fiesta! Yeehah!
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
My (not so happy) Big Mash Meal
Since I've had braces, my colleagues at work always poke fun at me when I'm eating a burger. You can't bite into anything when you have braces, so you have to chop it up with knife and fork and eat it like you're in some high upper class restaurant. Not the Aussie way, according to my colleagues.
Since the operation, I can't chew anything, and after a lot of soup I felt like something different. Nicki had already successfully used the blender to mash up things like nasi goreng and pasta, so today when I felt like a burger I thought it was time for a little experiment.
Almost there now...
Ordering took some time, as I am not really that clear with my jaws held together with elastic bands. And that's on top of my Dutch accent!
I paid the lady and received my change
Then I collected my meal from the friendly staff
This is what it looked like before, with the tool of choice visible in the background...
The fries ready to be mashed
And this is what mashed fries look like!
A Big Mac...
... and a Big Mash!
The whole Big Mash Meal fully prepared.
Here we go!
Since the operation, I can't chew anything, and after a lot of soup I felt like something different. Nicki had already successfully used the blender to mash up things like nasi goreng and pasta, so today when I felt like a burger I thought it was time for a little experiment.
Almost there now...
Ordering took some time, as I am not really that clear with my jaws held together with elastic bands. And that's on top of my Dutch accent!
I paid the lady and received my change
Then I collected my meal from the friendly staff
This is what it looked like before, with the tool of choice visible in the background...
The fries ready to be mashed
And this is what mashed fries look like!
A Big Mac...
... and a Big Mash!
The whole Big Mash Meal fully prepared.
Here we go!I have to admit that a Big Mac meal is certainly not my favourite food, and it's some time since I had one. But this was definitely worse...
I'll try a Chicken Vindaloo tomorrow!
I'll try a Chicken Vindaloo tomorrow!
Monday, 5 May 2008
I'm back...
... kind of. Got out of hospital on Saturday, one day later than planned. I'm recovering but it didn't all go as well as I hoped for as my wisdom teeth are now in the way and I can't close my mouth at all. Tomorrow back to the specialist who will probably try to file off the wisdom teeth so I can close my mouth again. Because of this I can hardly eat but I can assure you nasi goreng still tastes nice after a minute in the blender.
Thanks for your kind SMS and voice mail messages, and even one visit in hospital. Please note I can hardly speak so I won't answer any phone calls. I'll try to answer emails but are still spending most of the time in bed.
Good luck with the preparations for the gig on Saturday!
Sunday, 4 May 2008
In response to Mel's comment on post below..
Actually, by full costume I mean the old uniform - white pants with side stripes, tunic, silver sash if you have it. If you want to wear something under tunic, please wear a white t-shirt. Hope everyone is okay with this, but because of the kind of gig it is, both Remko and I feel the uniform would look a bit more professional. We will be up on a stage and everything, so I imagine an overall uniform look might be more effective as they may not be able to see the details of our crazier outfits or get the full impact of them. (The more important part I think is coming across as groovin', excited and physically energetic). If everyone had colour-matching and equally crazy outfits we might be able to make it work, but we aren't really there yet. Hope everyone is ok with this.
Love the Fame anecdote though, and the picture in the paper of you Mel at International Women's Day was definately groovy! Pity they never seem to put the darned band's name in with it. (A bit of free advertising wouldn't go astray.)
Last Thursday was great, thanks for coming for those who made it. Everyone played really well and so I felt much more confident about playing this role and about us kicking arse at this next gig. YEEHAH!! I totally want everyone to have fun with it on the day - it really comes through - and so maybe we can work on our presentation a little bit while we play this week?? If this is not as new for us all with me being/not being Remko, then we might be able to relax a little more without letting our playing quality fall, and work the showmanship. I look forward to seeing you all this Thursday.
Cheerio sambistas!
Love the Fame anecdote though, and the picture in the paper of you Mel at International Women's Day was definately groovy! Pity they never seem to put the darned band's name in with it. (A bit of free advertising wouldn't go astray.)
Last Thursday was great, thanks for coming for those who made it. Everyone played really well and so I felt much more confident about playing this role and about us kicking arse at this next gig. YEEHAH!! I totally want everyone to have fun with it on the day - it really comes through - and so maybe we can work on our presentation a little bit while we play this week?? If this is not as new for us all with me being/not being Remko, then we might be able to relax a little more without letting our playing quality fall, and work the showmanship. I look forward to seeing you all this Thursday.
Cheerio sambistas!
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Grand Fiesta Gig - Saturday 10th May
Hi everyone! I hope you're all geared up and happening for the next gig, which is on Saturday 10th May at Logan Gardens, behind the Logan Entertainment Centre for those who were involved in Uncharted. Let's kick off the year with a good one.
We are to play for 20 minutes in full costume (pull out the fluoro tunics people), and I may very well be leading if Remko is still in recovery mode, therefore I would be extreeeemely appreciative if those who can attend the gig can try to come both of the next two Thursday nights. Not only do I need to build my confidence, but you may feel you need to get used to my own nuances in trying to lead, which differ from Remko's style.
Logistics
Meeting time: 1:30pm
Meeting place: behind Logan Entertainment Centre, carpark, near the loading zone for Logan Entertainment Centre, in costume if possible
Performance time: 2:20 pm
Location: Albert and Logan News stage (one of two stages), 8m x 6.3m
I am hoping we can have a warm up before hand so please don't come late
For those who can pay with real money instead of tickets the next two Thursday nights, I will only request $8 instead of $10 towards room hire in rehearsals, so that it works out the same value as a ticket.
Thanks! See you on Thursday hopefully :)
We are to play for 20 minutes in full costume (pull out the fluoro tunics people), and I may very well be leading if Remko is still in recovery mode, therefore I would be extreeeemely appreciative if those who can attend the gig can try to come both of the next two Thursday nights. Not only do I need to build my confidence, but you may feel you need to get used to my own nuances in trying to lead, which differ from Remko's style.
Logistics
Meeting time: 1:30pm
Meeting place: behind Logan Entertainment Centre, carpark, near the loading zone for Logan Entertainment Centre, in costume if possible
Performance time: 2:20 pm
Location: Albert and Logan News stage (one of two stages), 8m x 6.3m
I am hoping we can have a warm up before hand so please don't come late
For those who can pay with real money instead of tickets the next two Thursday nights, I will only request $8 instead of $10 towards room hire in rehearsals, so that it works out the same value as a ticket.
Thanks! See you on Thursday hopefully :)
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Award for Brian
Brian just won the award for most lousy excuse not to attend class tonight: "I have to pack my bag for a djembe weekend in the Gold Coast".
Congratulations Brian!
Congratulations Brian!
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Rehearsals next few weeks
As some of you already know, I'm going in for an operation on 1 May and will be recovering from that for 2 to 4 weeks. I'll have my lower jaw broken and extended so I have no idea how I'll feel and if I'll able to play during that time. Fortunately, our great Erin has agreed to take the classes while I'm away, so you don't have to go without your weekly samba!
This Thursday April the 24th will therefore be my last samba rehearsal for a few weeks - I really hope to see all of you then! We'll rehearse a few songs as well as some rhythms. Mel and Cedric could you please bring the microphone and amp etc.
Also, we are close to agreeing a gig on Saturday afternoon 10 May in Logan. Erin will more than likely lead this gig! Please keep an eye on the blog for further details.
This Thursday April the 24th will therefore be my last samba rehearsal for a few weeks - I really hope to see all of you then! We'll rehearse a few songs as well as some rhythms. Mel and Cedric could you please bring the microphone and amp etc.
Also, we are close to agreeing a gig on Saturday afternoon 10 May in Logan. Erin will more than likely lead this gig! Please keep an eye on the blog for further details.
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Steph's birthday Confirmation!!
ADDRESS: 7 OAKMONT GROVE, KARANA DOWNS
TIME: 6.30-7PM
U CAN BRING: A DRINK OF SOME KIND?
I forgot the picture I wanted to post but it will be available for private viewing at my place on Saturday...
All sambistas!
Saturday night is now confirmed as THE date so get your coconut bras and grass skirts ready (I've got to get mine out and clean-up the dust... I'll post a picture to prove it tomorrow...)
Marcel, you are so cheap... Not even flying across the world for this
Ciao!
TIME: 6.30-7PM
U CAN BRING: A DRINK OF SOME KIND?
I forgot the picture I wanted to post but it will be available for private viewing at my place on Saturday...
All sambistas!
Saturday night is now confirmed as THE date so get your coconut bras and grass skirts ready (I've got to get mine out and clean-up the dust... I'll post a picture to prove it tomorrow...)
Marcel, you are so cheap... Not even flying across the world for this
Ciao!
Monday, 14 April 2008
Stephanie's birthday!!
I know this sounds familiar, but I'm organising a birthday party for Stephanie (yes, she's turning 21 like Remko, how lucky is this?).
Here is the deal....
When: this Saturday night (still to be confirmed)
Where: at our new home in Karana Downs (still 1/2hr from Brisbane)
Theme: YES - TAHITI AND THE ISLANDS
Here is the deal....
When: this Saturday night (still to be confirmed)
Where: at our new home in Karana Downs (still 1/2hr from Brisbane)
Theme: YES - TAHITI AND THE ISLANDS
Relax, fancy dressing is not an obligation... Actually, running naked around the house drinking lots of MaiTai would still do it...
Anyway, we'll supply some food, some Tahitian cocktail and heaps of traditional music. Despite this being her birthday, I might even get Stephanie to work and dance some nice Tamure for us while I drink my cocktail... (typical Tahitian male actually).
I would really like you guys to provide me some quick feedback on your availability. I know it's short notice and I'm trying to figure out whether that's gonna fly...
Cheers
Cedric
By the way, Marcel you are welcome...
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