Blackhill Ramblers at the Gully. Sunday 27th July.

[Jazza]

Please read this bands biography (below). In away, the bio explains why Flanagan’s bar at the FTG Hotel are proud to present the Blackhill Ramblers. Next week … Flying Saucers.
The Ferntree Gully Hotel. 1130 Burwood HWY Ferntree Gully. 9758 6544. Melways map 74 C4. FREE entry. Drink specials. Ample parking. Tasty food available, friendly atmosphere. 3 to 7 pm. www.ferntreegullyhotel.com.au then click on the Flanagan’s page.
‘Rockin’ the Gully’ The southeast centre for rock & roll on Sunday afternoons.

The Blackhill Ramblers.
Although the BHR’s have had a few line-up changes over the years, this bio is of the current members.
Drummer Luke (the drifter) Callahan was inspired to beat the hell outta the skins by his older brother who is also a proficient drummer. Before his engine room duties with BHR’s, Luke played with bands such as ‘Blue Movie’, ‘Blue Suede Groove’ and ‘The Wizards of Oz’.

Fuel injected guitarist John (Johnny Rambler) Palmer was born in Victoria before his family moved to QLD. John spent his teenage years playing in a few different cover bands in the land of the bent banana. The last of John’s QLD bands played original material. To enhance their musical careers, the band uprooted & moved to Melbourne. They lasted for a while then drifted apart. John spent the next 10 years playing blues music. Melbourne bands included :- ‘The Nightstalkers’, John was a founding member of ‘The Flying Saucers’, as well as helping out with such bands as ‘The Hillbillistics’, ‘Straight 8’s’ and Jeannie Lush. But now, Johnny Rambler is part of the furniture in the house of BHR.

Newest member and Big Bull Fiddle player is 19 year old Phil Pellegrino. The accurate sound of Phil’s bass playing can be attributed to his study of music in high school and the teachings of former Blackhill Ramblers’ bass player in Simon Stuart who unfortunately retired from BHR’s due to ill health. Phil’s family are very musical. All his brothers either play guitars, accordions, drums etc. Phil’s whole family are also deeply into Country & Rockabilly. Phil’s father is currently building a 1934 Ford Coupe’ that he’s owned since he was 20. The BHR experience has undoubtedly been a huge learning curve for this young guy.

What could you say about Shane Conners apart from :- Family man, Tradesman Auto Trimmer, Apprentice Cadillac owner, Apprentice lollipop distributor and very much a Tradesman all round nice guy. Shane is also Rhythm guitarist, front man vocalist and super glue of the Blackhill Ramblers. Shane started a band called ‘Coolchange’ around 1994/5. Line-ups included guitarist Bruce Williams & drummer Greg Martin from the ‘Goanna Band’. After these 2 musos went on to form the ‘Diddley Daddies’, Shane re-grouped and changed the name to Blackhill Ramblers in 1999 and the passion still continues today.
In interview and e-mail … this is what Shane had to say about his BHR experience to date …
Quote : “I think I have had a ball mate. Made tons of friends. I have played with and met some of the BEST people you could ever know. I enjoy music, I love my family and l love my friends. I know that probably sounds corny, but that’s me”. : Unquote.
That may sound corny Shane, but more importantly … it sounds genuine. Thanx for the entertainment BHR’s.
Jazzman.