Move over Australia’s Got Talent because Melbourne alone should have a show of its own. There are talented people on every street corner, literally. More specifically, this street corner is the one where QV rests, on the corner of Swanston and Lonsdale Streets.
February has been the month for music; local artists such as Monique Brumby, Jess McAvoy, Bonjah, Even, Michael Paynter, Husky, Ronnit and Bobby Flynn have put aside time on Friday, Saturday and Sundays all throughout the wonderful month in order to share their music with you, for free.
After seeing The Hello Morning perform on Saturday the 13th, I thought no-one could follow the two wonderful, polite and talented gentleman – without looking as if they didn’t belong on the quaint little stage. Time was blurred and all their songs melded together to become one beautiful piece filled with haunting vocals and funky guitar. I found myself leaning back on the red beanbag, closing my eyes and soaking in the beautiful music I could hear flowing from the speakers. The highlight was a cover of Wilson Pickett’s ‘70’s hit, ‘Don’t let the green grass fool you,’ as well as a funky original called ‘Don’t you wait’, that you couldn’t help but tap your feet to.
Then along came Ella Thompson and her incredible band. I was hooked, so much so that I bought her EP, Only of You and have been playing it on repeat since Saturday the 20th. As I sat and listened to Ella, my notebook in hand, I didn’t want to take my eyes away from the stage. I watched as she swayed back and forth, clutching the microphone stand and shaking her head. One of my favourite songs of the evening was ‘Ball ‘n’ Chain’, an Aretha Franklin cover. Dare I compare Miss Ella’s warm and smooth vocals to Miss Aretha herself? Yes, yes I do. A risky comparison but one I support nonetheless. An original song, ‘You never know’, also included on the EP, blew me away. The reggae and soul beats hung in the air and her voice lingered in my head long after the gig was over. I found myself humming the melody on the train home.
During a time where people would rather hit clubs than bars and listen to techno rather than pub rock, it’s good to know that QV is reminding us Melbournites what good music is and what such amazing talent we have right on our doorstep.
The final Summer Concert Series at QV is happening this weekend:
Friday, 26 February 5:30pm – 7:30pm: Matt Walker & Ashley Davies
Saturday, 27 February 2pm – 4pm: Ronit
Sunday, 28 February 2pm – 4pm: Bobby Flynn
