Sydney's 'First Lady of Jazz, Susan Gai Dowling, is a passionate interpreter of time-honoured jazz classics from the likes of 'Billie Holiday' and 'Peggy Lee' - some well known and other rare gems. Dripping with nostalgia, Susan Gai performs songs of romance, good times and stories of hardship, all infused with Susan Gai's unique and expressive musical approach, giving a new lease on life and contemporary relevance to songs of yesteryear. Accompanied by one of Sydney's most exceptional and versatile guitarists, Carl Dewhurst, this duo promises to put a tune in your head, a smile on your lips and a flutter in your heart!

SUSAN GAI DOWLING & CARL DEWHURST // Saturday, May 29th, 2021 // Doors 6:00 pm // Tickets: $89.50 ea

Location: Pigeon Lane @ GalleryONE88, Katoomba. 186-188 Katoomba St, Katoomba

Ticket price includes a 2-course meal & event memorabilia // This is a seated performance // BYO alcohol // COVID-Safe Event. We recommend that you visit our good friends at Leura Cellars en route to GalleryONE88, who provide an exquisite selection of wines, beer, and spirits, including locally brewed beers from 'Mountain Culture' and ciders from 'Hillbilly'.

Please read the event information on this page very carefully, as information about COVID-19 restrictions, stage, menu, venue access, and 'Terms & Conditions', will be provided below.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

- SUSAN GAI DOWLING -

Susan Gai Dowling jumped back into music during the 1980s and has been in constant demand as a Jazz singer at major venues and festivals here in Australia and overseas ever since including, an appearance at New York’s Birdland. Soon after Susan Gai returned to the stage she realised a dream of promoting her passion for jazz by joining a community radio station as a presenter. She previously presented a show at Sydney's Fine Music 102.5fm and is now a beloved presented on EastSide 89.7fm.

Susan Gai has released five albums—“Rent Party”, ”Where’s Love Gone”, ”Yellow Daze” a compilation “Live at the Reservoir” and more recently “In Summer”. All feature the cream of Australian Jazz musicians including Bernie McGann, John Pochee, Carl Dewhurst, Lloyd Swanton, David Levy, Brett Hirst, James Hauptman, Greg Royal and Cameron Undy.

"..she milked a particular sepia seam of nostalgia that was like a childhood memory of autumn, compounded by her perfect diction."

- John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald.

"She and her collaborators could create an entire evening of music without even the slightest interference from the great satan of art: ego. So natural did it sound that it almost became jazz as folk music.

- John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald.

- CARL DEWHURST -

A leading figure in the jazz and improvised music scene, Carl can effortlessly slide across genres from pop to world music, rock to blues, blurring them at will.

Carl has led his own jazz trio and quartet and is co-leader of Showa 44, with drummer Simon Barker. He also led the genre-defying trio The Drip Hards and was a member of the legendary free-jazz quartet NUDE with Lisa Parrott, Cam Undy and Louis Burdett. He performed for many years with Undy’s 20th Century Dog and Numerology. He recorded with Parrott on her album “Round Tripper” which earned four stars in Downbeat magazine. He is a member of Korean/Australian ensemble Daorum, with whom he performed at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York and Simon Barker’s Trace Sphere. Carl also plays with Scott Tinkler’s power trio DRUB, Band of Five Names, and Stu Hunter’s Migration. He is a long time member of the Australian Art Orchestra and was a regular member of the James Morrison Quintet for over fifteen years. He has collaborated for nearly twenty years with vocalist Susan Gai Dowling.

His versatility and innate musicianship have seen Carl become a much sought-after collaborator, recording, performing and touring with an international roll-call of jazz, rock, pop and world artists including: Mike Nock, Tony Buck, Bernie McGann, Sandy Evans, Lisa Parrott, Jonathan Zwartz, Chris Abrahams, Julien Wilson, Lucie Thorne, Emma Pask, Michelle Nicolle, Dale Barlow, Steve Hunter, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Peter Scherr, Vince Jones, Jackie Orszacsky, Synergy Percussion, George Washingmachine, The Young Wagilak (Arnhem Land, NT), the Sruti Laya Ensemble (India), Paul Capsis, Opera Australia, Moscow Circus, Archie Roach, The Potbelleez, Paul Young, Wendy Matthews, Leo Sayer, Steve Clisby, Dan Barnett, The Catholics, Glenn Shorrock, Rick Springfield and many more.

“Dewhurst is an exceptional guitarist. He reinvents himself and his sound for different contexts, always playing with commitment, imagination and heart.”

- Sydney Morning Herald.

“..one of the warmest and most versatile jazz musicians to emerge here in the past decade”

-  Sydney Morning Herald.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE EXPERIENCE

Whilst some venues see COVID-19 restrictions as a challenge, Music in the Mountains and Pigeon Lane @ GalleryONE88 see this as an opportunity to create a truly VIP experience. No need to grab a meal on the way to the show - Pigeon Lane will be serving up something tasty and giving you time to savour every bite. Tickets will be sold in tables, meaning you can either have a romantic table for two, or invite a couple of friends along and make your table a par-tay (and with easing restrictions, we will even be able to offer some single tickets - yay!). And just like every VIP show - it's exclusive . . . restrictions might be easing but the room isn't getting any bigger. This will be a small intimate show offering you a one-of-a-kind experience to almost reach out and touch world-class musicians (well, not quite . . . it's still COVID 😉)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE STAGE & COVID-19 CONTINGENCIES

Pigeon Lane & GalleryONE88 are 'COVID-Safe' venues and contingency plans are already in place if there are changes to COVID-19 restrictions:

1) The performance is scheduled to take place at Pigeon Lane, underneath GalleryONE88. Due to the intimate size of the venue, however, Pigeon Lane must be subject to the '2 square metre rule', as directed by NSW Health, to seat an audience of 24 patrons. In this scenario, all attendees will have a direct view of the stage and every patron will be seated together in the same room

2) In the situation that the '4 square metre rule' is applied to the venue, as directed by NSW Health, the show will be moved upstairs into GalleryONE88. In this case, a stage will be setup in between the Gallery and the Cafe, and 10 patrons will be sat in the Gallery, and 10 patrons will be sat in the Cafe. Whilst this scenario isn't ideal, there have already been shows performed under this arrangement and the acoustics of the Gallery and Cafe are superb. The only downside of this setup is that only half of the stage will be visible for all patrons. Not to worry though, an intimate performance allows each of the artists to meet and greet all patrons, and you will be surrounded by Gallery ONE88's latest art exhibition.

In short, you can book knowing that this show will go ahead unless the Blue Mountains go into complete lockdown - and in that case, you will get a full refund without needing to ask!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE MEAL

Victor Peralta is both a celebrated artist and an executive cook, who will be curating a dining experience like no other. Featuring two majestic and generous courses, meals will be delivered to your table by alternate drop (one option for you and the other option for your partner) between sets. Dessert, tea, and coffee will also be available to purchase on the night.

- Example Menu: Menu to be updated prior to event -

Entrees

Platter of Mixed Pinchos: A traditional dish from the North of Spain closely resembling 'Tapas', 'Pinchos' are usually eaten in bars or taverns as a small snack while hanging out with friends or relatives. Thus, they have a strong socializing component and in the Basque country and Navarre, they are usually regarded as a cornerstone of local culture and society; or

Potato Gnocchi in House Pesto Sauce (Vegetarian): This gnocchi is served lightly tossed in our house-made fresh basil & pine nut pesto sauce, and sprinkled with shavings of matured parmesan.

Mains

Mega Meat Balls: Prime beef and spicy chorizo baked slow in a secret ONE88 herb and spiced tomato au jus until tender and mouth-watering. Served alongside al dente pasta and sprinkled with shavings of matured parmesan; or

Red Lentil & Cauliflower Dahl (Vegetarian): This curry is perfect for those nights where warmth and just a little spice is needed. Served alongside jasmine rice and naan bread.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REFRESHMENTS & LICENSING

Pigeon Lane is currently BYO only, however, has a dedicated cafe during the day and has an extensive range of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as fresh espresso coffee.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SCHEDULE

Dates: Saturday, 29 May 2021.

Venue: Pigeon Lane @ GalleryONE88, 186-188 Katoomba St. Katoomba

Doors Open: 6:00 pm

First Course Served: 6:30 pm

First Set: 7:00-7:50 pm

Second Course & Intermission: 7:50 - 8:40 pm

Second Set: 8:40-9:30 pm

Tickets: $89.50 per person including a 2-course meal & event memorabilia

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN CASE OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS CHANGES:

In the case of restrictions easing, we may allow additional seating within the venue, however, the intimate nature of the show will remain, and the experience of the show will not be compromised.
In the case of restrictions increasing, Pigeon Lane already has a contingency plan based on the 4-square-metre rule, and the show will go ahead upstairs in GalleryONE88.
In the case of restrictions increasing beyond the 4-square-metre rule, the show would likely be cancelled and each attendee would receive a full refund. Every effort will be taken to proceed with the show, however, and each attendee will be contacted with options.

In short: there is no risk in booking event tickets with Music in the Mountains. We're in this for the long-haul and are optimistic about the future of live music!

TERMS, CONDITIONS & CANCELLATIONS:

Tickets are non-refundable unless one of the following conditions are met:
1. Government COVID-19 restrictions prevent Gallery ONE88 from undertaking this kind of activity or force the closure venue as a whole; or
2. ALL musicians are unable to perform due to feeling unwell/sick.
In the event that COVID restrictions return to the 4-square-metre rule, the event shall be moved back upstairs to Gallery ONE88 and will proceed as initially planned prior to the easing of restrictions.
Special dietary requirements must be specified at the time of booking otherwise we cannot guarantee all requirements will be catered for.
Tickets will not be refunded due to 'change of mind' or failure to read the 'event description' in full.