I love the Rock & Roll scene in Australia – small and scattered but nonetheless vibrant. And I love to dance when I am travelling. Was in Canberra last week, so I was keen to expand my network of rockers and to program in some dancing whilst over there. A quick check of the ACT Rock & Roll Club’s website and a couple of phone calls later, I was there on Friday night at the Canberra Services Club to attend the club’s dance class & social night.
No live band on offer tonight except DJ music. Just like the Adelaide’s R&R club and the other small R & R clubs around Australia I have visited in the past, I understand live bands are available only occasionally because of the cost factor. The ACT rockers also told me they have very few 1950’s R&R or Rockabilly bands in Canberra so they tend to invite interstate bands from Melbourne and Sydney for their special gigs. Aren’t we bloody lucky and spoilt in Melbourne with the vast array of bands, talents and venues every weekend!
They then, very excitedly, told me they have invited a premier Rockabilly band from Melbourne – the Atomic Hi Tones, to perform for them at the Harmonie German Club in May. Would you believe that! Good on them, I say ………
It’s interesting that some of the punters there see their Club as “rockabilly”. Well, certainly some of them could dance rockabilly style with their distinctive feet swivel with no back steps. And the music on offer was a mixture of the 1950’s R&R and the relatively faster & heavier beat of the rockabilly/Brian Setzer style. Was hoping to see some rockabilly culture on display too but alas, no leather jackets, Hawaiian shirts, chain wallets & Pompadour or Betty Page hairstyles and fashions was in sight. But then again, they may very well be out in numbers when the Atomic Hi Tones play there in May!
The age profile is fairly similar to the R&R scene in Melbourne with a sprinkling of the youngies. Their dance style is also similar and I recognised many of the dance moves. I met new friends there and danced with them. The social finished early (before 11pm) so a group of us took ourselves to the Canberra Hellenic Club where a musical duo was playing 1970-80’s rock for more drinking and dancing till 1 am.
Next time in Canberra, I hope to join up with the Southside Rockers – another Canberra based R&R club.
Hey Jit
We had a similar thing happen to us late last year, we travelled up to Canberra for the Canberra Prom, they had 2 Bands playing, & as you said all dancing was pretty similar, and they talked a lot of Rockabilly, now we only travelled up there with one thing in mind, to again, dance to the "Room Blasting", Roof Vibrating", Bring the Building Down, Rock Bottom James & the DETONATORS, now I am not to sure if the Canberra people knew how the Det's perform.The Det's were second on, so all the ACT people, had a lovely little dance to their local band which might I say was very very good. Then as per usual the Det's blew most of them away,(Quite a few people literally left the venue) with their full on Rockabilly & Blues, this was a real highlight, we had never been to the Det's at a full blown Dance, and to top it off, on capitol hill. (we could see Parliment House from the front door)It was fantastic. All our encounters with the Det's was at some back ally, half dingy Pub, mind you we still go to dance, who gives a stuff about the venue.We did have a great time. Those ACT people are little hard to talk too what do you think.
Hey there gjo267! Thanks for sharing with us your Canberra experience ......glad you had a good time there as well.
As you would have already known, the Detonators are a regular in the Melbourne's live music scene and I have been very fortunate, on many occasions, to have danced to their incredible brand of "heaven & earth movin' and shakin' " music. "Rock Bottom" James himself is a complete package of entertainment with his theatrics on stage!
I was fortunate to have made a few Canberra rocker friends in my short time there. Just maybe you ran into some very "shy" ones whilst you were there. Next time there, say "Hi" to Harry, Sharon, Angie & Paul, Bev, Marlene, Sarah and Danni etc. I am sure they will make you feel more at home .......
Gjo267 - please come say hello if you are down Melbourne way, OK?
Hi Paul
I'm one of those Canberra people that you met up here a few weeks ago - Remember me!!?
You said some really nice things - we're not all that strange - a little stressed at times but what can you expect with so many politicians wandering the streets ey..
Some of us would love to get some 'culture' going on in Canberra - back in the days of the 80's and 90's the scene here was a little more 'hoppin' and we wore our great hair and clothes - but since returning in the last few years, it's not the same. Anyway, a few of us are dreaming up a comeback of the culture so I'll let you know how it goes.
Keep in touch and let us know when you're up this way again. We're really looking forward to the Atomic Hi-Tones - we're pretty starved for good bands up this way as you said.
Glad you dropped by on VicRock today. You guys are fantastic keeping Canberra rockin' every week ......... good luck to your dance class and social tomorrow. Say "Hi" to the guys for me - Harry, Sharon, Marlene, Sarah, Danni, Bev and your hubby, Paul etc
You will enjoy the Atomic Hi Tones in May - their Hi octane, rockin' & radioactive sounds will keep you hoppin' & boppin' all nite long. Just don't forget to bring along your radioactive protection suit .........LOL
Drop me a line if you and hubby are coming down Melbourne way, OK?
Canberra Rock!
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