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.