In forming the Zāki Duo, emerging talents Isabel and Ariel wanted to explore their mutual love of music from different places and cultures and to bring to the "gigging space" something a bit different to your standard band or string group. Arranging Persian, Brazilian, Greek and Celtic pieces for guitar and violin, as well as timeless pop songs and classical pieces, this duo present a cool and quirky repertoire, perfect for a 'speakeasy' experience at Pigeon Lane. Book your tickets now to catch these amazing musicians in a one-of-a-kind Blue Mountains' music space.

ZÅKI DUO: LIVE @ PIGEON LANE // Saturday, 24 June 2023 // Doors 6:00 pm // Tickets: $54.50 ea incl. one-course meal

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

Ticket price includes a 1-course meal // 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'.

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

/ ZÅKI DUO /
In forming the Zāki Duo, classically-trained musicians Isabel and Ariel wanted to explore their mutual love of music from different places and cultures and to bring to the "gigging space" something a bit different to your standard band or string group. They set out arranging pieces from around the world for guitar and violin, as well as timeless pop songs and classical pieces, resulting in a cool and quirky repertoire.

Their performances traverse everything from music icons like Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, to jazz legends like George Gershwin and Django Reinhardt, the classical masters like Bach and Debussy, to film music and interesting selections of Persian, Brazilian and Spanish music, and much more. In saying that, Zāki Duo love to perform all the traditional and standard repertoire for weddings and events and are happy to tailor their music to any client’s requests.

Isabel is a versatile violinist with a special interest in Persian and Kurdish violin and kemanche music. Isabel’s mission is to bring the musical treasures of the Middle East to Western audiences, through her transcriptions and arrangements which feature prominently in her recitals. Isabel also performs in a range of intercultural ensembles including the Greek Band led by George Dukas, the Inlay Ensemble, Jad Al Masri, the Andalusa Arabic Choirs, Moein Sydney and Tarkan Entertainment to name a few. Isabel attained her Masters in Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, focusing her research on violin playing in an intercultural context. She has spent time abroad studying the traditional playing styles and techniques of different cultures, to inform and enhance her background in classical music.

Ariel is a classical guitarist based in Sydney. Ariel’s debut album of guitar duets Alchemy was released on ABC Classic, reached #2 on the ARIA classical music charts and features regularly on ABC Classic FM. Alchemy was described as “a ripper of an album … every bit as good as the Grigoryan Brothers” in The Daily Telegraph. Some of his recent performance highlights include a national tour with the Jose Carbo Trio and a guitar duo concert tour with Andrew Blanch across Australia and New Zealand. Ariel studied the guitar at Australia’s leading guitar department at the Australian National University, attaining a Bachelor of Music with first class honours in 2011. In joining forces with Isabel, the Zāki Duo brings together his love of exploring the unfamiliar and creating original arrangements for violin and guitar.

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

/ THE EXPERIENCE /

Whilst many events promise a 'speakeasy' experience, no other venue in the Blue Mountains does it quite like 'Pigeon Lane', Gallery ONE88's live music quarter. Why you ask? Well, you won't find the entrance to this space on Katoomba's main drag . . . you need to take a stroll down Katoomba's 'Art Street', aka Beverly Place, and with so much visual candy on display, you won't quite know where you're going. Walking past the ever-changing tapestry of street art, rated as one of the 'Top 10 Things to Do in Katoomba' according to TripAdvisor, you need to find a green door at the rear of the gallery. Don't expect a big neon sign or a grand entryway though - it helps to bring someone who has been here before and keep your eyes peeled. Once you cross the threshold, you will pass through a peculiar ticketing booth, a quirky corner bar (although the venue doesn't yet have a liquor licence - so it's BYO) and enter Pigeon Lane proper.

Like the eclectic underground venues of Paris or New York, this space has antique chandeliers, timber floors and exposed brick, a small stage framed with red velvet curtains, individual tables, and plenty of artwork and vintage curiosities everywhere to pique your roving interest. The acoustics in this space are divine and the vibe casual, which is the perfect storm for bringing out engaging and emotive performances out of every musician that graces this stage. With the likes of Steve Kilbey (The Church), Jak Housden (The Whitlams), Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges, Lloyd Swanton (The Necks), Sandy Evans (10 Part Invention), Paul Cutlan, Gary Daley, Trish Delaney-Brown (The Idea of North), George Washingmachine, James Greening and many more have played in this room, the quality of music is second to none. You won't want to miss a show here as there aren't many rooms like this.

>>> To find Pigeon Lane, walk down Beverly Place in Katoomba, aka Art Street, and look for the Green Door at the back of GalleryONE88 (don't worry, you'll find us 😁). There's some parking in the lane and you can drop your passengers off at the door if you're feeling chivalrous.

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

/ THE MEAL /

Victor Peralta is both a celebrated artist and an executive cook, who will be curating a dining experience like no other. Featuring one majestic and generous course, 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.

- Mains -

Mega Meat Balls & Spaghetti: Nothing beats a classic Italian country homestead meal. Cooked slow for 3 hours in a red wine & tomato au jus base, tossed in a traditional bolognese sauce, served on a bed of al dente pasta and sprinkled with shavings of matured parmesan and some dry chilli flakes on the side; or

Sweet Leek & Mushroom Carbonara (Vegetarian): In our version of this classic Italian dish, meaty mushrooms take the place of what is typically thick-cut ham. Add thinly sliced sweet leeks, a creamy sauce and serve on a bed of al dente pasta and you have a tasty twist on a classic. Sprinkled with shavings of matured parmesan and some dry chilli flakes on the side of course too.

>>> Dietary preferences and requirements can be catered for as long as noted at the time of booking. During checkout, there is an option to list each ticket holder's individual dietary preferences/requirements. Please note, however, should these preferences not be noted at the time of booking, Pigeon Lane cannot guarantee that these preferences/requirements will be catered for.

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

/ 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 from Blue Mountains Coffee Roasters. If you're in the mood for a little dessert, Pigeon Lane has also got you covered!

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

/ THE SCHEDULE /

Date: Saturday, 24 June 2023.

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

Doors Open: 6:00 pm

Meal Served: 6:30 pm

First Set: 7:00-7:45 pm

Intermission: 7:45 - 8:15 pm

Second Set: 8:15-9:00 pm

Tickets: $54.50 per person, including one-course meal

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

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;
2. ALL musicians are unable to perform due to feeling unwell or inability to reach the venue due to border closures or public health orders; or
3. The venue has significant staff absences due to being unwell and lacks the capability to staff the venue.
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 a 'change of mind' or failure to read the 'event description' fully.