Xanadu Rollerdisco @ Morley Rollerdrome

Concerts, Music, Perth, Western Australia, Photography, Venues No Comments »

Xanadu Rollerdisco @ Morley Rollerdrome

Tomas Ford… uh… straddles another photographer to a whimsical backdrop.

Gig date: Saturday 5th July, 2009

When was the last time you went rollerskating? I didn’t go to the Morley Rollerdrome often enough to remember what the place looked like, even though I live down the road from it. It would have been almost 20 years since I wore skates and there was a time I rollerbladded too- the blades are still in my closet!

Nevertheless, when I had heard about these monthly events at the Rollerdrome hosted by the Perth Roller Derby, I had to go check it out! The feeling of nostalgia and the chance to take photos for a “different” kind of event really urged me to get out there. The most recent event was the Xanadu Rollerdisco, complete with disco balls and rainbow-coloured lights as people, young and old, skated around the rink.

Xanadu Rollerdisco @ Morley Rollerdrome

Gennaia Febbraio from Brash & Sassy zooms around the rink!

I haven’t been taking photos much lately for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s Winter and that means the cold is making me lazy. Also, a lot of bands don’t seem to turn up until midway through Winter for the Splendour In The Grass festival over in Byron Bay, NSW. Well, that’s not necessarily true since there is always something happening each weekend. Secondly, I’ve wanted something as “different” as this event to keep my photography fresh and exciting. Bands are “kinda” getting boring to shoot, unless it’s a band I really want to see. The Rollerdisco night was perfect to try some new techniques and to challenge myself.

Xanadu Rollerdisco @ Morley Rollerdrome

Surprisingly enough, there was a pretty decent turnout. Not bad for only the third time this kind of event has been organised. Everyone seemed to have fun with live entertainment as people wobbled around trying to keep balance. Did I skate? Of course! I was so eager to get back into it that I had to confidence to skate and take photos AT THE SAME TIME. But no, I didn’t. It was too risky! So, when I got the chance, I put my camera gear away and wobbled around on the rink myself.

Xanadu Rollerdisco @ Morley Rollerdrome

Those who frequent the local music scene will definitely be familiar with Tomas Ford and his on-stage antics. He’s just the performer we need to sexy things up with the crowd. I liken him to Perth’s own version of Dan Deacon, with his electronic setup and nutty crowd interaction. A bit of a shame that most were busy skating to really be “touched” by his performance, but his character is so “out there” that it’s always fun to be a part of. Just look at the top photo and see how much FUN they’re having!

I look forward to more of these nights. Hopefully bring some friends and just have a gay old time. You know, in that retro kind-of way.

Check out the full gallery of photos at the FasterLouder gallery or a few more snaps on my Flickr photostream.

The Basics @ ARTBAR, Art Gallery of Western Australia

ARTBAR, Music, Perth, Western Australia, Photography, Venues No Comments »

The Basics @ ARTBAR, Art Gallery Of WA

ARTBAR - the very first in a new series of events held after-hours at the Art Gallery of Western Australia for the Winter season, with Melbourne indie-pop band The Basics opening the sold-out show! I quite like the idea of having a concert inside an art gallery… it makes sense, doesn’t it?

The Basics @ ARTBAR, Art Gallery Of WA

Ever since the announcement of the ARTBAR series, I had always wondered how it was going to be set up. When I arrived, the stage was set up in the lobby of the Art Gallery with one gallery space open for the featured exhibition THING beware the material world. Everyone had a clear view of the stage with plenty of space to watch upstairs too. It did sound a bit echoey though, due to the layout of the lobby and there cuold have been better lighting on the stage, but overall it was a pleasant experience and a charming crowd. Nice and early too with a 9:30pm close time.

The Basics @ ARTBAR, Art Gallery Of WA

I guess you can’t have a The Basics show without seeing Gotye aka Wally de Backer singing and on the drums, so here’s a special treat for ya.

I really look forward to the rest of the ARTBAR series. Next month is comedian Wil Anderson performing a one-night-only show. SOLD OUT, Damn it! And the following two months is Tim Rogers and Katie Noonan.

There are a couple more photos on my Flickr photostream, so check them out.

Pick up Drum Media Perth next Thursday for a full review too!

Eskimo Joe @ The Astor Theatre, Mt. Lawley

Concerts, Music, Perth, Western Australia, Photography No Comments »

Eskimo Joe @ The Astor Theatre, Mt. Lawley

Gig date: Friday 29th May, 2009

Tonight was a night for firsts - it was a special, invite-only listening party to celebrate the release of Eskimo Joe’s newest album Inshalla. But more importantly (hah!), it was the first official concert of the reopening of The Astor Theatre right in the heart of trendy Mt. Lawley!

Eskimo Joe @ The Astor Theatre, Mt. Lawley

What was once a full-time movie theatre for… hmm, God knows how long, The Astor had closed its doors last year as it was hardly profitable in this day and age. Built in 1911, renovated to its iconic art-deco interior styling in 1939, the place was listed on the State Register of Heritage Places almost exactly 10 years ago. I’m glad I found this out recently as I was afraid that the place would disappear. Read More »