SEPTEMBER 2020
Thursday, 3 September - Eaglehawk (private seniors concert)
Thursday, 17 September - Kangaroo Flat (private seniors concert)
Tuesday, 22 September - North Bendigo (private seniors concert)
Tuesday, 29 September - Golden Square (private seniors concert)
OCTOBER 2020
Thursday, 8 October - Strathdale (private seniors concert)
Tuesday, 13 October - North Bendigo (private seniors concert)
Thursday, 29 October - Kangaroo Flat (private seniors concert)
Friday, 30 October - Bendigo District RSL, Havilah Rd, Nth Bendigo, 7:30-9:30pm
NOVEMBER 2020
Sunday, 8 November - Solar City CMC, Shepparton Italian Social Club (KandL is Guest Artist) starts 12:00noon
Thursday, 12 November - Eaglehawk (private seniors concert)
Thursday, 19 November - Kangaroo Flat (private seniors concert)
Tuesday, 24 November - North Bendigo (private seniors concert)
DECEMBER 2020
Thursday, 10 December - Strathdale (private seniors Christmas concert)
Monday, 14 December - Golden Square (private seniors concert)
Tuesday, 15 December - North Bendigo (private seniors Christmas concert)
Wednesday, 16 December - Eaglehawk (private seniors Christmas concert)
Thursday, 17 December - Kangaroo Flat (private seniors Christmas concert)
Monday, 21 December - Strathdale (private seniors Christmas concert)
Tuesday, 22 December - North Bendigo (private seniors Christmas concert)
Wednesday, 23 December - Kangaroo Flat (private seniors Christmas concert)
News - what's KandL up to?
Wednesday, 19 August..... Been a while yet again - and the COVID-19 pandemic still has our world in a very firm grip. In Victoria, where we live, the second wave has been quite dramatic. The numbers of cases and fatalities are not as high as in some parts of the world, but the lifestyle impact has been profound. There will be many businesses that simply won't survive the current lockdown in Victoria - particularly metropolitan Melbourne - and will not re-open once the crisis is over. For us, as working musicians, it's been very difficult, too. Obviously, all public performances were cancelled and we, like many of our contemporaries, have had to content ourselves with online shows, which still mean a lot of work for us, but no income. The positive is that we are still healthy and we're fortunate because we enjoy each other's company.
We've been recording quite a bit; mostly covers, and a couple of our earlier originals revamped. There'll be enough for a couple of CD releases once we get moving again; there's not much point in putting new material out at present, as our audience tends to buy CDs at live gigs, but seldom via the internet. That's the nature of the mature country music public.
Our NEWS/SCHEDULE page still displays a list of bookings for September through to the end of the year, but even those are in doubt, certainly September's. We'll just wait and keep updating the list as time goes by.
Monday, 1 June..... Been too long since our last update on here - in the meantime, the world has become a very different place to the one we knew last year. We, along with every other working artist, lost a large number of engagements, some of them what we would call 'breakthrough' gigs, gateways to new and bigger opportunities. But that's life - lost gigs are a far smaller price than some people have had to pay. It's caused us all to look at other ways of doing what we do best and, for most, that has evolved into the online concert/show phenomenon that is the new worldwide normal. It's great when it comes to moving equipment - the workload is so much less - but we definitely miss the dynamics that are in play with a live audience. For the viewers, they've never had it so good; on any given day, there's a choice of great artists performing and they can watch for free, even jumping back and forth between concerts! It's been good to experience the mutual recognition, respect and support between artists as well - a real sense of "we're in this together".
For us, it's been a time of recording new material, trying out new ideas, watching some good Netflix series, gardening, walking, feeding the cat, reading and generally getting on with life. Fortunately, we're not only marriage partners but really good friends, so we have no problem being constantly at close quarters. We're gradually working on recording songs for the gospel album we mentioned a while ago. There are some songs that we wrote a while ago that will get a makeover, along with a couple of favourite hymns and some country gospel standards. We're excited at what it could sound like once we're done. The repertoire is constantly growing and the 'to-do' list is shrinking ever so slowly.....
So until we can get together in the country music clubs and other gigs, this is life in 2020 and we'll keep adapting and trying new things. God bless you all.
Tuesday, 19 November..... Well, KandL take a deep breath as we approach December. As you can see from the list of engagements above, it's going to be busy. As we occasionally sing, 'One day at a time'...... This year has been a significant step forward for us, as we've made some big strides in every way and made some great new friends and become more widely known around Victoria and beyond. Next year is looking like it'll be more of the same as our hard work begins to produce results. We have some goals, yet to be transformed into plans, involving the rest of Victoria, regional NSW, Tasmania and South Australia. We have more recording to do and, hopefully, it could include some of the original songs we've got queued up and the gospel album we've wanted to do for quite a while. Lee is developing a widespread reputation as a fine singer and entertainer - her renditions of Patsy Cline songs being of particular note. We look forward to a possible follow-up to our "KandL remembers Patsy Cline" album, and maybe some themed shows featuring the songs. Lots of possibilities - roll on 2020 and all that it has in store!
Wednesday, 4 September..... Where do we start..... got more guest artist invitations for both 2019 and 2020, as well as more private gigs - very exciting. Gearing up for a very busy run to the end of the year. We're off to Tooleybuc Country Music Festival next week for three days of full on activity - KandL performing several times, Lee acting as a compere for part of the program, and Keith on lead guitar duties with the backing band.
We're also excited to release our new CD of Patsy Cline covers - "KandL remembers Patsy Cline". We love her music and acknowledge the important contribution she made during her short life. We're launching it at St Arnaud Country Music Club on September 8, during our guest artist appearance.
We had a really enjoyable interview with Diane Hunter of Power Country FM in Leitchville, Victoria on Saturday 31 August, and we have another coming up on Monday 16 September with Nigel Jones of TygaFM in Derwent Valley, Tasmania. KandL is busy lighting little fires in many places......
Tuesday, 18 June..... KandL's life is getting busier - we've travelled pretty much every weekend to a country music club to do walk-ups, and it's certainly reaping dividends in terms of engagements. That's in addition to meeting so many great people, of course! One benefit of making the effort is that we can now put faces and voices to so many who were formerly Facebook friends only. We'd like to thank the core group of local people who support us so faithfully, showing up at most of our local gigs and sometimes even travelling when we're out of town. Every artist knows the value of the friendship of people like this - we couldn't do what we do without them.
We've kept up this schedule even though we're moving house in less than a fortnight, so things are VERY busy. At our new abode, we'll be able to spread out a bit more and have a dedicated music room, allowing us to be even better organised. We're not moving far; only about 6-7 minutes from where we currently live. We did explore the possibility of an interstate move, but we have too much here in Victoria that we've worked for and built up over several years. It's really starting to produce the fruit now, so we won't cut the tree down!
Our recording output has taken a slight hit with all the travelling (and packing), but once we're settled in, we'll get back to normal and get the next couple of projects sorted. We've got lots of songs for a new country covers album, and may even do an album of Patsy Cline songs, which we love. Original songs are still taking a back seat, but we'll get into that groove again one day in the future. There are several originals from earlier albums that we may revisit and give fresh life, because some of them are, in our humble opinion, worth listening to. That's a project for the future, however; right now, country covers is our main focus. It's an interesting thought, though - people at the country clubs mainly want to hear their favourite songs they know well and love, but..... even those songs were brand new and unheard of once upon a time.......
We've been recording quite a bit; mostly covers, and a couple of our earlier originals revamped. There'll be enough for a couple of CD releases once we get moving again; there's not much point in putting new material out at present, as our audience tends to buy CDs at live gigs, but seldom via the internet. That's the nature of the mature country music public.
Our NEWS/SCHEDULE page still displays a list of bookings for September through to the end of the year, but even those are in doubt, certainly September's. We'll just wait and keep updating the list as time goes by.
Monday, 1 June..... Been too long since our last update on here - in the meantime, the world has become a very different place to the one we knew last year. We, along with every other working artist, lost a large number of engagements, some of them what we would call 'breakthrough' gigs, gateways to new and bigger opportunities. But that's life - lost gigs are a far smaller price than some people have had to pay. It's caused us all to look at other ways of doing what we do best and, for most, that has evolved into the online concert/show phenomenon that is the new worldwide normal. It's great when it comes to moving equipment - the workload is so much less - but we definitely miss the dynamics that are in play with a live audience. For the viewers, they've never had it so good; on any given day, there's a choice of great artists performing and they can watch for free, even jumping back and forth between concerts! It's been good to experience the mutual recognition, respect and support between artists as well - a real sense of "we're in this together".
For us, it's been a time of recording new material, trying out new ideas, watching some good Netflix series, gardening, walking, feeding the cat, reading and generally getting on with life. Fortunately, we're not only marriage partners but really good friends, so we have no problem being constantly at close quarters. We're gradually working on recording songs for the gospel album we mentioned a while ago. There are some songs that we wrote a while ago that will get a makeover, along with a couple of favourite hymns and some country gospel standards. We're excited at what it could sound like once we're done. The repertoire is constantly growing and the 'to-do' list is shrinking ever so slowly.....
So until we can get together in the country music clubs and other gigs, this is life in 2020 and we'll keep adapting and trying new things. God bless you all.
Tuesday, 19 November..... Well, KandL take a deep breath as we approach December. As you can see from the list of engagements above, it's going to be busy. As we occasionally sing, 'One day at a time'...... This year has been a significant step forward for us, as we've made some big strides in every way and made some great new friends and become more widely known around Victoria and beyond. Next year is looking like it'll be more of the same as our hard work begins to produce results. We have some goals, yet to be transformed into plans, involving the rest of Victoria, regional NSW, Tasmania and South Australia. We have more recording to do and, hopefully, it could include some of the original songs we've got queued up and the gospel album we've wanted to do for quite a while. Lee is developing a widespread reputation as a fine singer and entertainer - her renditions of Patsy Cline songs being of particular note. We look forward to a possible follow-up to our "KandL remembers Patsy Cline" album, and maybe some themed shows featuring the songs. Lots of possibilities - roll on 2020 and all that it has in store!
Wednesday, 4 September..... Where do we start..... got more guest artist invitations for both 2019 and 2020, as well as more private gigs - very exciting. Gearing up for a very busy run to the end of the year. We're off to Tooleybuc Country Music Festival next week for three days of full on activity - KandL performing several times, Lee acting as a compere for part of the program, and Keith on lead guitar duties with the backing band.
We're also excited to release our new CD of Patsy Cline covers - "KandL remembers Patsy Cline". We love her music and acknowledge the important contribution she made during her short life. We're launching it at St Arnaud Country Music Club on September 8, during our guest artist appearance.
We had a really enjoyable interview with Diane Hunter of Power Country FM in Leitchville, Victoria on Saturday 31 August, and we have another coming up on Monday 16 September with Nigel Jones of TygaFM in Derwent Valley, Tasmania. KandL is busy lighting little fires in many places......
Tuesday, 18 June..... KandL's life is getting busier - we've travelled pretty much every weekend to a country music club to do walk-ups, and it's certainly reaping dividends in terms of engagements. That's in addition to meeting so many great people, of course! One benefit of making the effort is that we can now put faces and voices to so many who were formerly Facebook friends only. We'd like to thank the core group of local people who support us so faithfully, showing up at most of our local gigs and sometimes even travelling when we're out of town. Every artist knows the value of the friendship of people like this - we couldn't do what we do without them.
We've kept up this schedule even though we're moving house in less than a fortnight, so things are VERY busy. At our new abode, we'll be able to spread out a bit more and have a dedicated music room, allowing us to be even better organised. We're not moving far; only about 6-7 minutes from where we currently live. We did explore the possibility of an interstate move, but we have too much here in Victoria that we've worked for and built up over several years. It's really starting to produce the fruit now, so we won't cut the tree down!
Our recording output has taken a slight hit with all the travelling (and packing), but once we're settled in, we'll get back to normal and get the next couple of projects sorted. We've got lots of songs for a new country covers album, and may even do an album of Patsy Cline songs, which we love. Original songs are still taking a back seat, but we'll get into that groove again one day in the future. There are several originals from earlier albums that we may revisit and give fresh life, because some of them are, in our humble opinion, worth listening to. That's a project for the future, however; right now, country covers is our main focus. It's an interesting thought, though - people at the country clubs mainly want to hear their favourite songs they know well and love, but..... even those songs were brand new and unheard of once upon a time.......
Friday, 19 April..... KandL's walk-up campaign is going well; from five visits to country music clubs, we've been given four guest artist invitations - and made heaps of new friends and met some great musicians! We love the atmosphere in the clubs - a very warm and embracing culture. This Sunday (Easter Sunday), we're off to Warrnambool as guest artist. We have played there previously and were very warmly welcomed as a walk-up. We're excited to be going again - they're lovely people and they have a great backing band. We'll be doing two sets, the first with the band and the second using our backing tracks.
Other news centres around some more health stuff; Keith went for a routine skin check and ended up being summoned back to the doctor a few days later to be told he had a melanoma. It's been removed (only four days ago) and is not expected to be any further problem. Exciting life we lead......
We have also released our new album, "Play me the waltz". It's got 15 tracks, all well-known country hits and is being well received thus far. We're planning to update some of our earlier original songs and release a completely original album as well.
Wednesday, 6 March..... KandL have decided to embark on a walk-up campaign - we're going to get around regional Victoria over the next few months, going to a different country club meeting each week we're free to do so. Most of these meetings are on Sundays and we've tentatively scheduled as follows:
Sunday, 17 March - Bendigo Country Talent, Kangaroo Flat Sporting Club, 6:00pm
Sunday, 24 March - GV Hotel, Shepparton, 12:00 noon
Sunday, 31 March - Mooroopna CMC, Football Club Rooms, 12:00 noon
Sunday, 7 April - Kyabram Bocce Club, 12:00 noon
Sunday, 14 April - St Arnaud CMC, St Arnaud Sporting Club, 6:00pm
Sunday, 21 April - GUEST ARTISTS, Warrnambool CMC, City Memorial Bowls Club, 12 noon
Sunday, 28 April - Ballarat CMC, Midlands Golf Club, 4:00pm
Sunday, 5 May - Maryborough CMC, Highlands Society, 6:00pm
We'll see what happens after that, but keep adding to or subtracting from the list as circumstances change......
Other news centres around some more health stuff; Keith went for a routine skin check and ended up being summoned back to the doctor a few days later to be told he had a melanoma. It's been removed (only four days ago) and is not expected to be any further problem. Exciting life we lead......
We have also released our new album, "Play me the waltz". It's got 15 tracks, all well-known country hits and is being well received thus far. We're planning to update some of our earlier original songs and release a completely original album as well.
Wednesday, 6 March..... KandL have decided to embark on a walk-up campaign - we're going to get around regional Victoria over the next few months, going to a different country club meeting each week we're free to do so. Most of these meetings are on Sundays and we've tentatively scheduled as follows:
Sunday, 17 March - Bendigo Country Talent, Kangaroo Flat Sporting Club, 6:00pm
Sunday, 24 March - GV Hotel, Shepparton, 12:00 noon
Sunday, 31 March - Mooroopna CMC, Football Club Rooms, 12:00 noon
Sunday, 7 April - Kyabram Bocce Club, 12:00 noon
Sunday, 14 April - St Arnaud CMC, St Arnaud Sporting Club, 6:00pm
Sunday, 21 April - GUEST ARTISTS, Warrnambool CMC, City Memorial Bowls Club, 12 noon
Sunday, 28 April - Ballarat CMC, Midlands Golf Club, 4:00pm
Sunday, 5 May - Maryborough CMC, Highlands Society, 6:00pm
We'll see what happens after that, but keep adding to or subtracting from the list as circumstances change......
Sunday, 3 March..... Yes, and it's been even longer this time since our last update. Once again, life has intervened with its various happenings. We got through a very busy December and then spent a week in Mackay visiting family for Christmas. We got back late on New Year's Eve and settled into 2019. We had a wonderful time on Australia Day at the Bendigo RSL, and we had the first of what is now a monthly lunchtime gig at the Manchester Arms Hotel. In between, of course, are our regular concerts for seniors and country club days. Now, we're into March and life has taken an interesting little twist. Keith had a heart attack at some point in January or February; we're unsure because it wasn't one of those collapse/ambulance with wailing siren affairs - just a realisation that all was not well. Burning mild pain in the upper chest, breathlessness and sweating when walking uphill or shifting music equipment eventually led us to the emergency department and the ICU, where he spent five days and then came home with two stents in his heart and medication for life! Apparently an artery was 95% blocked, so there was a ticking time bomb in there. We're kinda glad it was detected in time. With exercise, slight diet adjustment (we do eat a healthy diet) and medication, there's no reason why we can't look forward to another twenty or thirty years of doing what we love! And all this time, Lee the Rock was by his side, watching over him - the most amazing woman ever born....
All this has driven us to learn new songs and look for performing opportunities like never before. If working harder, but resting more isn't an oxymoron, that's what we're doing!
Our website has been a problem for the last three years or so because we've been unable to upload video to it. It was very frustrating and Weebly didn't have any answers for us, just blaming our internet provider. Well, nothing's changed at this end, but suddenly I've been able upload to several videos this morning. Hopefully it's permanent. The outcome is that there's a lot of live performance material available in one place.
We're heading off to Maryborough this afternoon to play a couple of songs as walk-up artists; we'll be doing that quite a bit at various places in order to meet new people and, hopefully, activate more opportunities to perform as guests or at other gigs.
All this has driven us to learn new songs and look for performing opportunities like never before. If working harder, but resting more isn't an oxymoron, that's what we're doing!
Our website has been a problem for the last three years or so because we've been unable to upload video to it. It was very frustrating and Weebly didn't have any answers for us, just blaming our internet provider. Well, nothing's changed at this end, but suddenly I've been able upload to several videos this morning. Hopefully it's permanent. The outcome is that there's a lot of live performance material available in one place.
We're heading off to Maryborough this afternoon to play a couple of songs as walk-up artists; we'll be doing that quite a bit at various places in order to meet new people and, hopefully, activate more opportunities to perform as guests or at other gigs.
Thursday, 22 November..... Yeah, yeah, we know... it's been so long since we updated our news. We have been incredibly busy, although that's no excuse. Really, it's probably just a matter of ignoring the need for a little rest during a busy life and simply doing it! September and October were extremely busy months, with roughly 35 gigs as well as the Tooleybuc Country Music festival. November's given us an opportunity to check over equipment and record more backing tracks, which are all produced by us - all instruments and voices are produced by KandL. There's a constant flow of new material - some heard on radio, some suggested by our many supporters; lots of sources.
We've had some equipment improvements over the last while, the most significant being our Bose sound system - the L1B1 model, which is ideal for most venues we play in, including large RSL clubs. Its major advantages are light weight, ease of set-up (no speaker cables), compact size, even sound distribution meaning lower overall volume, along with the ability to play without foldback speakers as it's placed behind the artist/s. Keith was the delighted recipient of a spectacular birthday present on Halloween - a new black Fender Telecaster, something he's longed for over a few decades! He's also gone wireless, meaning he can now desert the stage to give patrons a bit of cheek occasionally, and he's drastically reduced the chances of maiming himself and anyone else close by through tangling his feet in guitar cables - something he was really good at.....
Heading into December, there are about twenty gigs lined up, so we're gearing up for a busy time and brushing up on the carols and Christmas songs.
One rather wonderful thing that happened recently was the connection with Bridge Strings from Bridgend in the UK. https://www.facebook.com/bridgestrings/ They heard and arranged an instrumental that we wrote and recorded quite a few years ago - it's called "The Vow" and was part of our own wedding ceremony in March 2015. We loved hearing their rendition of it on their facebook page; since then, we know of other people that have used it, or intend to use it in their weddings. It's very special to know that something we've created is being used far and wide.
2019 will be our year; we convinced of that. We've got some definite goals that we are determined to achieve, personally and musically (although those categories are so overlapped they're the same....) We'll keep you posted as it all unfolds. we're very grateful to our friends and supporters all over Australia and beyond - THANK YOU!!
We've had some equipment improvements over the last while, the most significant being our Bose sound system - the L1B1 model, which is ideal for most venues we play in, including large RSL clubs. Its major advantages are light weight, ease of set-up (no speaker cables), compact size, even sound distribution meaning lower overall volume, along with the ability to play without foldback speakers as it's placed behind the artist/s. Keith was the delighted recipient of a spectacular birthday present on Halloween - a new black Fender Telecaster, something he's longed for over a few decades! He's also gone wireless, meaning he can now desert the stage to give patrons a bit of cheek occasionally, and he's drastically reduced the chances of maiming himself and anyone else close by through tangling his feet in guitar cables - something he was really good at.....
Heading into December, there are about twenty gigs lined up, so we're gearing up for a busy time and brushing up on the carols and Christmas songs.
One rather wonderful thing that happened recently was the connection with Bridge Strings from Bridgend in the UK. https://www.facebook.com/bridgestrings/ They heard and arranged an instrumental that we wrote and recorded quite a few years ago - it's called "The Vow" and was part of our own wedding ceremony in March 2015. We loved hearing their rendition of it on their facebook page; since then, we know of other people that have used it, or intend to use it in their weddings. It's very special to know that something we've created is being used far and wide.
2019 will be our year; we convinced of that. We've got some definite goals that we are determined to achieve, personally and musically (although those categories are so overlapped they're the same....) We'll keep you posted as it all unfolds. we're very grateful to our friends and supporters all over Australia and beyond - THANK YOU!!
Friday, 31 August..... Last day of winter, and it's been a pretty turbulent journey this year! Springtime tomorrow, however, and we head into probably our busiest month ever. We've got all our usual seniors gigs, every Wednesday at the Manchester Arms, a private Saturday birthday party, a Sunday afternoon at Tylden, a township near Kyneton, the Tooleybuc Country and Bluegrass Festival, and the Bendigo RSL Morning Melodies.... plenty to go on with! We've had some difficulties with our website, but it seems to be behaving itself now, so we've uploaded a heap more video and audio - let's hope it continues to play ball!
We've been adding to our country repertoire rapidly, recording backing tracks for many songs. This is always to the detriment of our original songs - the list of melodies, lyrics and ideas is growing all the time. One day we'll decide to spend some time on the originals and get another album out..... but for now, country is where the progress is being made. There are some marvellous songs out there, old and new, and we're finding new material to record all the time. Our 'to-do' list numbers about 120 at present!!!
We're very keen to play at country music clubs in other towns so, as time permits, we intend to catch some nearby monthly club nights and sing a couple of songs as walk-up artists and get to know the people. Country music club people are invariably some of the nicest you could hope to meet. We're also promoting the idea of house concerts - this is a great way of getting your favourite music to come to your own home; just invite your friends around with an affordable cover charge and it covers an artist's fee while providing great entertainment in an intimate environment. We love doing these - they're a wonderfully warm way to enjoy music together.
Our music is continuing to gather airplay around Australia and we're keen to see it continue to develop. We just love doing what we do and want to do as much of it as we can in the years ahead.....
We've been adding to our country repertoire rapidly, recording backing tracks for many songs. This is always to the detriment of our original songs - the list of melodies, lyrics and ideas is growing all the time. One day we'll decide to spend some time on the originals and get another album out..... but for now, country is where the progress is being made. There are some marvellous songs out there, old and new, and we're finding new material to record all the time. Our 'to-do' list numbers about 120 at present!!!
We're very keen to play at country music clubs in other towns so, as time permits, we intend to catch some nearby monthly club nights and sing a couple of songs as walk-up artists and get to know the people. Country music club people are invariably some of the nicest you could hope to meet. We're also promoting the idea of house concerts - this is a great way of getting your favourite music to come to your own home; just invite your friends around with an affordable cover charge and it covers an artist's fee while providing great entertainment in an intimate environment. We love doing these - they're a wonderfully warm way to enjoy music together.
Our music is continuing to gather airplay around Australia and we're keen to see it continue to develop. We just love doing what we do and want to do as much of it as we can in the years ahead.....
Monday, 2 July..... All happening here in KandL Land! We expressed our interest in participating in the Seniors Festival this year to the Bendigo City Council. As a result, so far we're booked for a concert for baby boomers/seniors in Spring Gully and a lunchtime entertainment gig (each day of the festival) at the local Manchester Arms Hotel, just around the corner from our place. In addition, the Manchester Arms have decided to make the lunchtime for seniors a regular thing, so we're booked every Wednesday from now to Seniors Week! This is the kind of thing we've been wanting to see in Bendigo for a long time, and we often get asked, at places like the RSL, if there's anything regular for people who like music from the 50s to the 70s. We've looked at the logistics of establishing it ourselves a few times, but always come to the conclusion that it would be a bit much to take on if we were also the entertainers.
Lee is making good progress in her recovery and will be back singing this month, though probably not quite as interactively as people are used to just yet. We can see the wisdom and benefit of recently downsizing (and upgrading) our sound system - the physical effort of setting up and transporting is considerably less these days. Keith has played two or three solo gigs while Lee's been convalescing; while it's not the way he likes it, he's done a fair enough job and people have enjoyed it. But - they, like Keith, can't wait for Lee to be back! She's definitely the flame that keeps KandL burning - so many people have said she brings sunshine into a room just by being there.
We're eyeing things further afield, too. There's a big market out there that we fit into perfectly - RSL, country and sporting clubs, retirement villages and baby boomer/seniors clubs, music festivals and weekend markets, wineries and restaurants, house concerts; the list goes on and on. We're more than willing to travel to other parts of the country to do what we love doing.
Lessons learned by what we've been through during the last five weeks.... (1) You're not indestructible - make music as much as you can! (2) You're not immortal - make music as much as you can! (3) The gifts you have are just that - gifts, to be shared with others - make music as much as you can! (4) Your money and resources are best put into the things you're most effective at - make music as much as you can! (5) The purpose of life is not a search for happiness - happiness comes as you give away what you've been given - make music as much as you can! We are so blessed to have crossed each other's paths unexpectedly a few years ago and found new energy, purpose and love. Life is pretty good....
Lee is making good progress in her recovery and will be back singing this month, though probably not quite as interactively as people are used to just yet. We can see the wisdom and benefit of recently downsizing (and upgrading) our sound system - the physical effort of setting up and transporting is considerably less these days. Keith has played two or three solo gigs while Lee's been convalescing; while it's not the way he likes it, he's done a fair enough job and people have enjoyed it. But - they, like Keith, can't wait for Lee to be back! She's definitely the flame that keeps KandL burning - so many people have said she brings sunshine into a room just by being there.
We're eyeing things further afield, too. There's a big market out there that we fit into perfectly - RSL, country and sporting clubs, retirement villages and baby boomer/seniors clubs, music festivals and weekend markets, wineries and restaurants, house concerts; the list goes on and on. We're more than willing to travel to other parts of the country to do what we love doing.
Lessons learned by what we've been through during the last five weeks.... (1) You're not indestructible - make music as much as you can! (2) You're not immortal - make music as much as you can! (3) The gifts you have are just that - gifts, to be shared with others - make music as much as you can! (4) Your money and resources are best put into the things you're most effective at - make music as much as you can! (5) The purpose of life is not a search for happiness - happiness comes as you give away what you've been given - make music as much as you can! We are so blessed to have crossed each other's paths unexpectedly a few years ago and found new energy, purpose and love. Life is pretty good....
Thursday, 14 June..... So much has happened in the last few weeks. We've had some great gigs and been over to Warrnambool to visit just as walk-up artists. We received a great welcome and really enjoyed ourselves. We've been doing lots more backing tracks and learning fresh songs; our original backlog keeps growing and that's something we need to get to one day soon.
At the time of writing, however, we have an entirely different situation on our hands, one we certainly couldn't have anticipated but, now it's here, we'll work through it and get back on track. Lee has begun her recovery from a serious spinal operation following two weeks of absolute agony and five trips to the emergency department, culminating in an ambulance journey to Melbourne where she was operated on the same night. After four days, she was discharged and the convalescence began. It'll be some time before she can get back in action, and even then it'll be a while before she'll be burning at her KandL brightest.
Some interesting bits and pieces emerged during the stay in hospital, however; there was a small chance that her vocal cords might be damaged during the operation - her singing in the recovery room immediately afterwards strongly suggested that all was well in that department!! Then there was the decision by the marketing/PR arm of the St Vincent's private hospital to feature her (and KandL) in the next edition of their magazine, which comes out about October. We have a delightful story, really, about how we met and how KandL came to be, and they were really interested by it all.
I took an acoustic guitar into the hospital, as we believe music has powerful therapeutic power, intending to just play quietly for Lee. It ended up as a series of quiet rehearsals, with Lee in great form in the middle of her pain. Apparently it was heard quite easily in nearby rooms and by the staff, and we had lots of positive comments about it. At one point I played a pleasant little chord sequence/riff thingy - and Lee sat up with that creative gleam in her eye that I know so well. We recorded the ideas for a new song on my phone - we'll get to it in its time....
So - KandL lying low for a little bit; there are some gigs for seniors that Keith can do solo, and then by our RSL gig on July 13, Lee will hopefully be mobile enough to perform, even sitting. We'll see how the land lies then. All this has come upon us in a quiet period in our usually very busy calendar.
We're excited to be on the program for the Tooleybuc Country and Bluegrass Festival on September 21-23; it'll be great to catch up with some of the folks we met last time and to make some new friends as well. KandL will be playing some spots every day and Keith will be on lead guitar duty as needed for other artists.
Our network of friends in this great musical family just keeps on growing - we're grateful for the chance to interact with like-minded people every day. We all learn from each other and we have amazing opportunities to change people's lives with what we do. There's such diversity of expression, but the mutual respect and regard for each other is so encouraging in a world where such things are sometimes difficult to find.
I will endeavour to be more frequent with these KandL updates - it's just that, sometimes, three months pass by during a week......,..
At the time of writing, however, we have an entirely different situation on our hands, one we certainly couldn't have anticipated but, now it's here, we'll work through it and get back on track. Lee has begun her recovery from a serious spinal operation following two weeks of absolute agony and five trips to the emergency department, culminating in an ambulance journey to Melbourne where she was operated on the same night. After four days, she was discharged and the convalescence began. It'll be some time before she can get back in action, and even then it'll be a while before she'll be burning at her KandL brightest.
Some interesting bits and pieces emerged during the stay in hospital, however; there was a small chance that her vocal cords might be damaged during the operation - her singing in the recovery room immediately afterwards strongly suggested that all was well in that department!! Then there was the decision by the marketing/PR arm of the St Vincent's private hospital to feature her (and KandL) in the next edition of their magazine, which comes out about October. We have a delightful story, really, about how we met and how KandL came to be, and they were really interested by it all.
I took an acoustic guitar into the hospital, as we believe music has powerful therapeutic power, intending to just play quietly for Lee. It ended up as a series of quiet rehearsals, with Lee in great form in the middle of her pain. Apparently it was heard quite easily in nearby rooms and by the staff, and we had lots of positive comments about it. At one point I played a pleasant little chord sequence/riff thingy - and Lee sat up with that creative gleam in her eye that I know so well. We recorded the ideas for a new song on my phone - we'll get to it in its time....
So - KandL lying low for a little bit; there are some gigs for seniors that Keith can do solo, and then by our RSL gig on July 13, Lee will hopefully be mobile enough to perform, even sitting. We'll see how the land lies then. All this has come upon us in a quiet period in our usually very busy calendar.
We're excited to be on the program for the Tooleybuc Country and Bluegrass Festival on September 21-23; it'll be great to catch up with some of the folks we met last time and to make some new friends as well. KandL will be playing some spots every day and Keith will be on lead guitar duty as needed for other artists.
Our network of friends in this great musical family just keeps on growing - we're grateful for the chance to interact with like-minded people every day. We all learn from each other and we have amazing opportunities to change people's lives with what we do. There's such diversity of expression, but the mutual respect and regard for each other is so encouraging in a world where such things are sometimes difficult to find.
I will endeavour to be more frequent with these KandL updates - it's just that, sometimes, three months pass by during a week......,..
Monday, 26 March.... March is nearly done, and it's been possibly our busiest month ever, The highlights were in the weekend just gone; we played for the Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival Deb Ball on Friday 23rd and then Kyneton RSL on the 24th. Both gigs were fantastic! I guess the Deb Ball emphasised our versatility, because we had to play a lot of strict tempo dance music, while the Kyneton RSL was simply full of folks who wanted to have a good time and hit the dance floor from the very first song. Just a couple more gigs for seniors to go and March is done. Word is spreading, however, and everywhere we go, people take cards and talk to us about our availability. The engagements keep on coming in and the rest of 2018 is becoming progressively more full.
We're looking at purchasing a much more up-market sound system now; interested in the new Bose models which are extremely compact, lightweight and put out a much more evenly distributed sound than our current systems. They've served us very well, but the time has come to take a step up and to reduce the workload on ourselves - we're convinced our gear has gained weight over the years!
As usual, we're busy tracking and recording, always expanding our playlist. With the possibility of a little old time dance club work, we're looking at material suitable for that. It'll take Keith back to his roots, playing for ballroom dances and cabarets in the sixties! So many great songs that could be given new treatment while retaining their authenticity....
Another notable achievement, we believe, was that we probably became the first band ever to follow "Funky town" (Pseudo Echo style) with "Tennessee waltz" (Patti Page style). This groundbreaking event took place at Kyneton RSL, where everything was greeted with enthusiasm!
Tuesday, 20 February.... The year is off to a relatively slow start for KandL, but that's been our choice. We've taken a bit of time out for other things and to record tracks, and a couple of short breaks away. Next month, however, we get back down to business with 17 engagements for the month. We're always very happy to visit other places in Victoria and interstate - RSLs, Country music clubs, Rock n' roll clubs and so on. And private parties and house concerts, of course. We also love entertaining seniors wherever we find them - in retirement villages, aged care facilities and so on. Our versatility is our key - we can rock, boot scoot, croon, reminisce or blend into the background as required, with the best of them!!
We've still got a long list of 'to-do' songs, both original and covers. Among recent ones we've completed backing tracks for are "The time of my life" from the movie "Dirty dancing", a great country number "Love is just a two-step away" and a golden oldie that was a hit for various people including Connie Francis - "My happiness". Variety is what we do......
To those who read this far, we'd love you to go to our PLAYLISTS page and check out the various lists, and leave us a suggestion in the comments box at the top. We've gathered some great songs over the years as a result of other people's ideas. If you've heard us live, or like what you hear on Facebook or other media, we'd love you to say so on the ABOUT/REVIEWS page - there's a comments box there as well. Looking forward to hearing from you......
We're looking at purchasing a much more up-market sound system now; interested in the new Bose models which are extremely compact, lightweight and put out a much more evenly distributed sound than our current systems. They've served us very well, but the time has come to take a step up and to reduce the workload on ourselves - we're convinced our gear has gained weight over the years!
As usual, we're busy tracking and recording, always expanding our playlist. With the possibility of a little old time dance club work, we're looking at material suitable for that. It'll take Keith back to his roots, playing for ballroom dances and cabarets in the sixties! So many great songs that could be given new treatment while retaining their authenticity....
Another notable achievement, we believe, was that we probably became the first band ever to follow "Funky town" (Pseudo Echo style) with "Tennessee waltz" (Patti Page style). This groundbreaking event took place at Kyneton RSL, where everything was greeted with enthusiasm!
Tuesday, 20 February.... The year is off to a relatively slow start for KandL, but that's been our choice. We've taken a bit of time out for other things and to record tracks, and a couple of short breaks away. Next month, however, we get back down to business with 17 engagements for the month. We're always very happy to visit other places in Victoria and interstate - RSLs, Country music clubs, Rock n' roll clubs and so on. And private parties and house concerts, of course. We also love entertaining seniors wherever we find them - in retirement villages, aged care facilities and so on. Our versatility is our key - we can rock, boot scoot, croon, reminisce or blend into the background as required, with the best of them!!
We've still got a long list of 'to-do' songs, both original and covers. Among recent ones we've completed backing tracks for are "The time of my life" from the movie "Dirty dancing", a great country number "Love is just a two-step away" and a golden oldie that was a hit for various people including Connie Francis - "My happiness". Variety is what we do......
To those who read this far, we'd love you to go to our PLAYLISTS page and check out the various lists, and leave us a suggestion in the comments box at the top. We've gathered some great songs over the years as a result of other people's ideas. If you've heard us live, or like what you hear on Facebook or other media, we'd love you to say so on the ABOUT/REVIEWS page - there's a comments box there as well. Looking forward to hearing from you......
Wednesday, 22 November.... The end of the year is very close now (not telling anybody anything new there!). Lots of things happening - got some exciting potential gigs awaiting confirmation; we'll just wait and see. We've had some calls and chance meetings that resulted in bookings for 2018, so we're pretty happy with how it's all looking. We now have 83 confirmed bookings for next year, and there are still plenty of approaches waiting for a response.
Lee was really sick for several days recently with a repeat bout of bronchitis - with a long period of warm weather ahead, we'll no doubt get that well and truly under control. Keith had to do one solo two hour show while she was ill - it went pretty well, all things considered :)
Being so busy has meant we haven't been able to spend much time at the local country music gatherings, so we hope we'll get an occasional opportunity to spend time with our friends at these monthly events. We've made some good friends there and developed a following at our regular gigs. Always very happy (and humbled) to see our friends supporting us. We have a few days before our next outing, which is at the Market on Sunday 26th - we'll see what we can have ready for that!
We will add to our blog before Christmas, but we'll wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a safe, prosperous new year now and then again in December!
Wednesday, 8 November.... Just updated our gig list (above) and we already have sixty shows booked for 2018. There are still some of our regulars to follow up and book in, and many 'hot prospects' on the horizon, some definite and some promising. It's going to be a busy year, by the look of things. This year isn't over, either - there are still some likely additions to our workload before New Year's Eve.
One of the problems of having lived through a few music decades - and I may have mentioned this before, so please humour me - is that you tend to build up a massive database or remembered songs. If your taste is quite eclectic - as ours is - the potential for being driven insane by the desire to perform too many songs is reasonably high. We are forever hearing songs on radio, Facebook, TV - wherever - and saying, "I love that! We must learn that one!" The resulting Excel file of "Songs to learn" is, therefore, much longer than we could realistically add to our repertoire in this or our next lifetime (if reincarnation was our reality, which it isn't ....). Just started on recording tracks for Dusty's "Wishin' and hopin'", which will suit us pretty well. Giving it a smoother flowing treatment than the original.
There's also a backlog of original songs/ideas (also previously mentioned) awaiting attention, perhaps quietly humming "Our day will come" to themselves! (There's another great song!) We will attend to them eventually.....
I mentioned on Facebook the kindness and unselfishness of good friends. the other day, while attending to some routine computer cleanup via a service we've been with for a while, the technician, controlling our computer remotely while cleaning up excess and dead content, decided Cakewalk (Music Creator 6) was superfluous to our needs and uninstalled it before I could stop him! He made a couple of half-hearted attempts to do something about it, but was clearly out of his depth. "Do you use that software?" "It's only the most vital program on the computer!!!!" Long story short - after leaving an email message for Cakewalk support, we had a brainwave and called up a friend who is very knowledgeable when it comes to computer music stuff.
He spent three hours with me that night - the entire Cakewalk software - and expansion VST software purchased since (a total of 5.3 Gb) - had to be reloaded and then tinkered with to get it working again. It's humbling to have people around you that are willing to help when serious stuff happens. As a result, we've had only a short hiatus from our recording schedule. The company that handles our security and PC maintenance were very apologetic.
Anyway, off to bed now - another gig tomorrow, then a couple of days off before another big week. We'd love to hear some feedback on our various website comment boxes - how about dropping in and saying hi?
Monday, 30 October.... We have reached the end of October already - how did that happen??? 2017 has been a crazy, crazy year, but a very satisfying one to date. KandL have made great strides in every way, and we're looking forward to even better things in 2018. December has hardly a gigless day, so we're gathering our strength from here on.
Later this week, we'll update the website with gigs booked so far for 2018 - it's around 60 so far, and they just keep on coming in. Lots of capacity for more, though!
We're grateful to those who respond to our videos and audio clips on Facebook - the live videos definitely (and probably understandably) get the best response! We'll be putting more of them on in weeks ahead. One thing about our live videos, of course - Lee is so interactive with her audience that she often disappears off-screen as she gets them involved! If anyone wants to offer their services as a camera person for a gig, you'd be most welcome!
Currently, we're assessing 2018 and what we want to achieve. For a little KandL, we have Olympic Torch-sized ambition.... lots of things we aim to have a crack at, lots of people we want to meet and perform with, lots of places we want to go. And we will do it, too.....
Friday, 6 October.... Updated our list of gigs for the rest of the year; there's been a bit of an influx of calls as people make last-minute plans for the year's end. We like getting those calls, because it means more opportunities to do what we love doing most - making music and making people happy. Had a funny experience yesterday - wasn't a gig as such, but Keith was volunteering some time for a singalong at an aged care facility. Among the usual requests for favourite songs - 'Daisy, Daisy', 'Two little girls in blue', 'It's a sin to tell a lie' - came a sudden call for 'Number of the beast' being, of course, a well-known track by heavy metal band, Iron Maiden! Aged care music is changing a bit......
We're playing for the Victorian Aids Council (in conjunction with the City of Greater Bendigo Council) during Seniors Week next week, at a function being held at the Bendigo Bank Theatre (part of the Capital Theatre complex). Another great opportunity to meet new people.
We still have some dates available from November through January for anyone making late plans - parties of any kind, end of year functions, Christmas celebrations, house concerts - we can do them all. Give us a call on 0412 348 254 or email keith.white70@gmail.com. Other ways to get in touch include right here on the website http://www.kandlmusic.com.au/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kandlmusic/. Love to hear from you!
Lee was really sick for several days recently with a repeat bout of bronchitis - with a long period of warm weather ahead, we'll no doubt get that well and truly under control. Keith had to do one solo two hour show while she was ill - it went pretty well, all things considered :)
Being so busy has meant we haven't been able to spend much time at the local country music gatherings, so we hope we'll get an occasional opportunity to spend time with our friends at these monthly events. We've made some good friends there and developed a following at our regular gigs. Always very happy (and humbled) to see our friends supporting us. We have a few days before our next outing, which is at the Market on Sunday 26th - we'll see what we can have ready for that!
We will add to our blog before Christmas, but we'll wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a safe, prosperous new year now and then again in December!
Wednesday, 8 November.... Just updated our gig list (above) and we already have sixty shows booked for 2018. There are still some of our regulars to follow up and book in, and many 'hot prospects' on the horizon, some definite and some promising. It's going to be a busy year, by the look of things. This year isn't over, either - there are still some likely additions to our workload before New Year's Eve.
One of the problems of having lived through a few music decades - and I may have mentioned this before, so please humour me - is that you tend to build up a massive database or remembered songs. If your taste is quite eclectic - as ours is - the potential for being driven insane by the desire to perform too many songs is reasonably high. We are forever hearing songs on radio, Facebook, TV - wherever - and saying, "I love that! We must learn that one!" The resulting Excel file of "Songs to learn" is, therefore, much longer than we could realistically add to our repertoire in this or our next lifetime (if reincarnation was our reality, which it isn't ....). Just started on recording tracks for Dusty's "Wishin' and hopin'", which will suit us pretty well. Giving it a smoother flowing treatment than the original.
There's also a backlog of original songs/ideas (also previously mentioned) awaiting attention, perhaps quietly humming "Our day will come" to themselves! (There's another great song!) We will attend to them eventually.....
I mentioned on Facebook the kindness and unselfishness of good friends. the other day, while attending to some routine computer cleanup via a service we've been with for a while, the technician, controlling our computer remotely while cleaning up excess and dead content, decided Cakewalk (Music Creator 6) was superfluous to our needs and uninstalled it before I could stop him! He made a couple of half-hearted attempts to do something about it, but was clearly out of his depth. "Do you use that software?" "It's only the most vital program on the computer!!!!" Long story short - after leaving an email message for Cakewalk support, we had a brainwave and called up a friend who is very knowledgeable when it comes to computer music stuff.
He spent three hours with me that night - the entire Cakewalk software - and expansion VST software purchased since (a total of 5.3 Gb) - had to be reloaded and then tinkered with to get it working again. It's humbling to have people around you that are willing to help when serious stuff happens. As a result, we've had only a short hiatus from our recording schedule. The company that handles our security and PC maintenance were very apologetic.
Anyway, off to bed now - another gig tomorrow, then a couple of days off before another big week. We'd love to hear some feedback on our various website comment boxes - how about dropping in and saying hi?
Monday, 30 October.... We have reached the end of October already - how did that happen??? 2017 has been a crazy, crazy year, but a very satisfying one to date. KandL have made great strides in every way, and we're looking forward to even better things in 2018. December has hardly a gigless day, so we're gathering our strength from here on.
Later this week, we'll update the website with gigs booked so far for 2018 - it's around 60 so far, and they just keep on coming in. Lots of capacity for more, though!
We're grateful to those who respond to our videos and audio clips on Facebook - the live videos definitely (and probably understandably) get the best response! We'll be putting more of them on in weeks ahead. One thing about our live videos, of course - Lee is so interactive with her audience that she often disappears off-screen as she gets them involved! If anyone wants to offer their services as a camera person for a gig, you'd be most welcome!
Currently, we're assessing 2018 and what we want to achieve. For a little KandL, we have Olympic Torch-sized ambition.... lots of things we aim to have a crack at, lots of people we want to meet and perform with, lots of places we want to go. And we will do it, too.....
Friday, 6 October.... Updated our list of gigs for the rest of the year; there's been a bit of an influx of calls as people make last-minute plans for the year's end. We like getting those calls, because it means more opportunities to do what we love doing most - making music and making people happy. Had a funny experience yesterday - wasn't a gig as such, but Keith was volunteering some time for a singalong at an aged care facility. Among the usual requests for favourite songs - 'Daisy, Daisy', 'Two little girls in blue', 'It's a sin to tell a lie' - came a sudden call for 'Number of the beast' being, of course, a well-known track by heavy metal band, Iron Maiden! Aged care music is changing a bit......
We're playing for the Victorian Aids Council (in conjunction with the City of Greater Bendigo Council) during Seniors Week next week, at a function being held at the Bendigo Bank Theatre (part of the Capital Theatre complex). Another great opportunity to meet new people.
We still have some dates available from November through January for anyone making late plans - parties of any kind, end of year functions, Christmas celebrations, house concerts - we can do them all. Give us a call on 0412 348 254 or email keith.white70@gmail.com. Other ways to get in touch include right here on the website http://www.kandlmusic.com.au/ or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kandlmusic/. Love to hear from you!
Monday, 11 September.... KandL answered a call for help tonight; the result is that we'll be playing some spots at the Tooleybuc Sporting Festival of Country, Celtic and Bluegrass this weekend - Friday to Sunday, September 15-17. Great opportunity for us, and Keith will also be filling in on lead guitar with the festival backing band. We played at the fundraising event hosted by Bendigo's 'Two Country Divas', Floreena Forbes and Olive Bice last Friday, but had to depart early and also missed our Sunday market gig due to illness. All on the mend now, however. Springtime is unfolding here in Central Victoria with its accompanying masses of blossom - the state is very green and beautiful right now, if still a bit cool. Just the other day snow was down to low levels in some areas - such is the Victorian way! We're planning on running a house concert or two at our place this summer; our yard has some delightful spots, and lends itself to that kind of activity. We'll see what we can put together. As we mentioned in our last update, we're now a registered duo with House Concerts Australia and will no doubt get moving with some concerts in people's homes as the weather warms up.
Friday, 1 September.... Springtime! Winter hasn't been too bad, all things considered. We even kept up with the monthly market gigs without freezing. We've been kept really busy with music, study and 'day jobs', but always up for more. We're now registered as an available artist with House Concerts Australia - an exciting way to perform and to listen to live music. Check out their website here - https://www.houseconcertsaustralia.com/ There are lots of hosts registered in Victoria and NSW close by, so we're looking forward to some concerts once the warmer weather kicks in. We're getting more active in the country music scene; it's a genre that suits us very well, although we're more than capable of providing whatever is needed musically, be it rock n' roll, good ol' sweaty pub rock or laid back dinner music!
Couple of special gigs coming up - 'Bendigo's Two Country Divas', a concert to raise funds for Pick's Disease, is happening in Bendigo on Friday, September 8th and we're part of a talented and well-known lineup for that. Check it out here - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1960977790839471&set=a.1462152030722052.1073741828.100007818079243&type=3&theater
The other one we'd like to highlight is Friday, December 8th - we're at the Bendigo District RSL from 5-8:30pm, performing during their Twilight Market. Should be a lot of fun, and we'll meet lots of new people, no doubt! You can see the details for that one here - https://www.facebook.com/events/1642905702421566/?__xt__=33.%7B%22logging_data%22%3A%7B%22profile_id%22%3A1642905702421566%2C%22event_type%22%3A%22clicked_view_profile%22%2C%22impression_info%22%3A%22eyJmIjp7InN0eWxlIjoiMzUiLCJwYWdlX2lkIjoiMTA0NzM0Nzk2MjI3NTc3IiwicmVxdWVzdF9pZCI6Ik56STVOakl4T1RZMkxUQXVOelkyTnprNU1EQWdNVFV3TkRJd09ERXpNQzB4TXprME9UWTROamN4In19%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22www_pages_home%22%2C%22interacted_story_type%22%3A%22509240112603598%22%2C%22session_id%22%3A%225ad32aedc53435a2611eeef6f0bdc53d%22%7D%7D (that's an oversized link!)
With summer just around the corner, we're looking forward to being out and about, and maybe even hosting some concerts ourselves, at our place. We have a lovely area in our back yard with a deck and fishpond and shade - we spend lots of time down there in the warm weather. Typing this at 5:40am..... busy day ahead :)
Couple of special gigs coming up - 'Bendigo's Two Country Divas', a concert to raise funds for Pick's Disease, is happening in Bendigo on Friday, September 8th and we're part of a talented and well-known lineup for that. Check it out here - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1960977790839471&set=a.1462152030722052.1073741828.100007818079243&type=3&theater
The other one we'd like to highlight is Friday, December 8th - we're at the Bendigo District RSL from 5-8:30pm, performing during their Twilight Market. Should be a lot of fun, and we'll meet lots of new people, no doubt! You can see the details for that one here - https://www.facebook.com/events/1642905702421566/?__xt__=33.%7B%22logging_data%22%3A%7B%22profile_id%22%3A1642905702421566%2C%22event_type%22%3A%22clicked_view_profile%22%2C%22impression_info%22%3A%22eyJmIjp7InN0eWxlIjoiMzUiLCJwYWdlX2lkIjoiMTA0NzM0Nzk2MjI3NTc3IiwicmVxdWVzdF9pZCI6Ik56STVOakl4T1RZMkxUQXVOelkyTnprNU1EQWdNVFV3TkRJd09ERXpNQzB4TXprME9UWTROamN4In19%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22www_pages_home%22%2C%22interacted_story_type%22%3A%22509240112603598%22%2C%22session_id%22%3A%225ad32aedc53435a2611eeef6f0bdc53d%22%7D%7D (that's an oversized link!)
With summer just around the corner, we're looking forward to being out and about, and maybe even hosting some concerts ourselves, at our place. We have a lovely area in our back yard with a deck and fishpond and shade - we spend lots of time down there in the warm weather. Typing this at 5:40am..... busy day ahead :)
Monday, 10 July.... Well, what a blast playing for St Arnaud Country Music Club last night! The warm and enthusiastic reception from the people, the hospitality, the great walk-up... artists - and the Roadhouse Band - all made a night to remember. Thanks to Leo Tellefson, Peter, Steve and Sammy for getting us through all our songs with a lot of fun and skill. Even my penchant for evil jazz chords didn't faze them a bit - all in a day's work apparently :) . And as for the sensational Lee White - well, I did warn the crowd that, with her wireless mic, nobody was safe. She did make it back to stage a few times, though!! Thanks, St Arnaud - we'd love to see you again!
Thursday, 29 June.... Nearly the end of June - half the year gone. It's only a few days until we hit St Arnaud Country Music Club, and we're really looking forward to that one! It'll be great to play with the Roadhouse band that we've heard so much about. We've also been asked to consider a country music festival later in the year in NSW, so it would seem that people are noticing us and hearing our music. We simply love doing what we do and want to do as much of it as possible in as many places as we can....
We're getting regular radio play here in Bendigo, and we know that several other stations in various states are also playing our songs. We're planning on another album, which will feature the best of our original country songs from the last five years; we believe we've got some good songs that didn't get much exposure back then, and now could be their time. It's exciting to watch some of our fellow country artists getting noticed, getting into the charts and getting invited to major events - KandL's turn is on the way.
Winter in Bendigo has been relatively benign so far, but there's a bit of an Antarctic blast about to hit Victoria and NSW over the next few days. It'll be a good opportunity to hide away and look at some of the new songs we've got sitting here in embryo form. So many ideas, but so few blocks of time that we can really devote to pulling them together. There are some really promising lyrics and melodies - they'll show up in due course after a few pieces of screwed up paper are in the bin, voice recordings are made and listened to, melodies are tweaked and the various tracks are finally recorded.... we absolutely love the process! I love the magic that exists between us; there's something that makes me understand intuitively where Lee's heading musically and allows me to come up with the backing that she "hears" when she's writing.
We're getting regular radio play here in Bendigo, and we know that several other stations in various states are also playing our songs. We're planning on another album, which will feature the best of our original country songs from the last five years; we believe we've got some good songs that didn't get much exposure back then, and now could be their time. It's exciting to watch some of our fellow country artists getting noticed, getting into the charts and getting invited to major events - KandL's turn is on the way.
Winter in Bendigo has been relatively benign so far, but there's a bit of an Antarctic blast about to hit Victoria and NSW over the next few days. It'll be a good opportunity to hide away and look at some of the new songs we've got sitting here in embryo form. So many ideas, but so few blocks of time that we can really devote to pulling them together. There are some really promising lyrics and melodies - they'll show up in due course after a few pieces of screwed up paper are in the bin, voice recordings are made and listened to, melodies are tweaked and the various tracks are finally recorded.... we absolutely love the process! I love the magic that exists between us; there's something that makes me understand intuitively where Lee's heading musically and allows me to come up with the backing that she "hears" when she's writing.
Wednesday, 7 June..... We've made a lot of new friends on Facebook and we hope to strengthen some of those relationships and maybe even meet and perform together - the country music community in this country is huge and very warm-hearted. The number of events constantly in progress is staggering, and I'm sure we only see a small part of the picture. The skill level of many of the singers and musicians is outstanding, and we look forward to hearing many of them as time goes by.
We do hope to upload some of the new recordings to the website soon - we are having some technical problems with our website that need ironing out, and we're getting advice on that.
In the midst of all this, of course, we have family and work to consider. We recently took a quick trip to Mackay, where some of our family reside, and had a great time. Other family live in Melbourne and Western Australia - it's a big territory to cover in order to see them all.... very grateful for modern communications.
We do hope to upload some of the new recordings to the website soon - we are having some technical problems with our website that need ironing out, and we're getting advice on that.
In the midst of all this, of course, we have family and work to consider. We recently took a quick trip to Mackay, where some of our family reside, and had a great time. Other family live in Melbourne and Western Australia - it's a big territory to cover in order to see them all.... very grateful for modern communications.
Monday, 3 April..... We hit April Fool's Day without being any more foolish than usual, working hard recording songs old and new. We've developed a real love for the songs of Don Williams, so we've recorded three covers of those now. Our involvement in the country music field is escalating, with an interview on Phoenix FM 106.7 here in Bendigo, and a booking for the prestigious St Arnaud's Country Music Club. This, of course, doesn't mean we're not doing our usual variety of music - we're still up for anything! Bookings for next year have started, too.
We also had a listen to some of our older original songs and felt there's a lot of potential in many of them. So, we're remixing or re-recording some of the ones we really want to breathe new life into.
Music is an incredible journey to be on - that's what it is, a journey. It's always changing, taking you in new directions, always surprising. Perhaps the best part about it is the capacity music has to tap into memories and emotions and change someone's day for the better. We see it so often, particularly when we're with older people. There's no other life we'd want to live than the one we have right now.
We also had a listen to some of our older original songs and felt there's a lot of potential in many of them. So, we're remixing or re-recording some of the ones we really want to breathe new life into.
Music is an incredible journey to be on - that's what it is, a journey. It's always changing, taking you in new directions, always surprising. Perhaps the best part about it is the capacity music has to tap into memories and emotions and change someone's day for the better. We see it so often, particularly when we're with older people. There's no other life we'd want to live than the one we have right now.
Thursday, 9 March..... March has been marching on. We're still very busy, and focussing quite a bit on 'getting our music out there', spending a bit of energy on social media networking. We've recorded another new song which we really like - "Time stood still". It has lots of guitar tracks and features a beautiful, emotive vocal performance by Lee. It began as a chord sequence one morning on the shore of Lake Weeroona, then all came in a creative flurry yesterday!
We're getting quite involved with the country music gatherings in Bendigo lately, too - it's a genre we like a lot and which we're capable of writing and performing really well. Many of our songs over the last five years fit comfortably in the country category. We've been getting a bit of airplay on a local radio station, and we'd like to see that expanded to other stations and increase. We'd also like to make it to Tamworth for the next country music festival there. So, as you can see, there's quite a bit happening.
We're getting quite involved with the country music gatherings in Bendigo lately, too - it's a genre we like a lot and which we're capable of writing and performing really well. Many of our songs over the last five years fit comfortably in the country category. We've been getting a bit of airplay on a local radio station, and we'd like to see that expanded to other stations and increase. We'd also like to make it to Tamworth for the next country music festival there. So, as you can see, there's quite a bit happening.
Friday, 17 February..... 2017 is well under way; we definitely hit the ground running and have played a lot of gigs already. We're on a bit of a recording and songwriting spree that has brought some great results. We're really pleased with our latest original track "It's your arms I'm comin' home to tonight", a song from the perspective of a performer who faces all sorts of temptations on the road, but remains faithful to his one and only love back at home. Our new songs can be found on our home page. Some of the other new tracks include some great country songs. We'd love to hear your feedback about our songs and performances; you can do this either in the comments sections on the Home, About/Reviews, Contact and Playlist pages right here on the website or on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/kandlmusic/?fref=ts
Friday, 25 November..... It's been a while since we updated here; lots has happened since the last update. Some more gigs have been added for December and we've secured a regular spot at the Bendigo RSL for next year. We're at the Golden Square Pool's opening day tomorrow; looking forward to that one. We also just recorded over the last couple of days a tribute song for the late Glenn Frey, a song that has its origins on the day after his death. The rest of it has taken a bit longer to appear....
Sunday, 30 October...... We played at the Sebastian Bazaar today - turned out brilliantly fine after a cloudy, rainy start.
The attached URL will take you to a brief video clip of us there today: https://www.facebook.com/sebastiananddistrict/videos/1782193988723335/?pnref=story
Wednesday, 19 October...... KandL have three public community gigs over the next little while; on Sunday, October 30 we'll be out at Sebastian for the Re-Inaugural Annual Bazaar. Check out their Facebook page for an idea of what it's all about - it'll be a brilliant day! https://www.facebook.com/sebastiananddistrict/?fref=ts Then, on Sunday, November 6th, we'll be part of the Ironbark Gully Friends' Shindig event - check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/IronbarkGullyFriends/?fref=ts The third one is on Saturday, November 19th, when we're playing for the opening day at Golden Square Pool. You can read all about this here: https://www.facebook.com/goldensquarepoolinc/?fref=ts We're very excited to be part of these community gatherings, and we're looking forward to meeting lots of new people.
Friday 2 September - KandL at Bendigo RSL, Havilah Rd, Bendigo, 7-9pm
What an absolutely SENSATIONAL night at the RSL - along with the regular diners, there was a very large birthday group there and, as we sometimes say, it just went off! People were up dancing from song 1, and for two hours they all had a ball, with a mix of country (including a touch of boot-scootin'), a few ballads, and plenty of rock n' roll. Looking forward to getting back to the RSL again..... watch the video below.
Sunday, 30 October...... We played at the Sebastian Bazaar today - turned out brilliantly fine after a cloudy, rainy start.
The attached URL will take you to a brief video clip of us there today: https://www.facebook.com/sebastiananddistrict/videos/1782193988723335/?pnref=story
Wednesday, 19 October...... KandL have three public community gigs over the next little while; on Sunday, October 30 we'll be out at Sebastian for the Re-Inaugural Annual Bazaar. Check out their Facebook page for an idea of what it's all about - it'll be a brilliant day! https://www.facebook.com/sebastiananddistrict/?fref=ts Then, on Sunday, November 6th, we'll be part of the Ironbark Gully Friends' Shindig event - check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/IronbarkGullyFriends/?fref=ts The third one is on Saturday, November 19th, when we're playing for the opening day at Golden Square Pool. You can read all about this here: https://www.facebook.com/goldensquarepoolinc/?fref=ts We're very excited to be part of these community gatherings, and we're looking forward to meeting lots of new people.
Friday 2 September - KandL at Bendigo RSL, Havilah Rd, Bendigo, 7-9pm
What an absolutely SENSATIONAL night at the RSL - along with the regular diners, there was a very large birthday group there and, as we sometimes say, it just went off! People were up dancing from song 1, and for two hours they all had a ball, with a mix of country (including a touch of boot-scootin'), a few ballads, and plenty of rock n' roll. Looking forward to getting back to the RSL again..... watch the video below.
Wednesday, 31 August..... Fathers' Day weekend coming up; we're playing at Vision Australia today, at Bendigo RSL on Friday night - which promises to be a fantastic gig as it's doubling as a friend's 60th birthday party - then at the Bendigo Showgrounds Market on Sunday. There should be a great crowd at the market, so we're hoping to meet lots of new people. We've been doing lots of recording, the most recent being a departure from our usual style with the sacred and nostalgic "Whispering hope", a song made famous by Jo Stafford and Gordon McCrae way back in the late 40s. I think every baby boomer would remember it from their parents' record collection.
Tuesday, 9 August..... Showgrounds Market did happen this time (August 7) - we had a great time! Lots of interest, a new booking and a few CDs sold; those things are what the Market gigs are all about. Played one of our aged care concerts today - there's a definite shift happening in aged care entertainment; a lot more baby boomer songs finding their way into the list and fewer of the old 'war songs'. I guess this is inevitable as people pass on and slightly younger people come into the aged care facilities. We also have another KandL original taking shape; it'll definitely be a bit rockier than the last one!
Monday, 25 July..... yesterday's appearance at the Showgrounds Market didn't eventuate because of weather constraints; bit sad, but Bendigo does that at inopportune moments. Never mind, we're there again in two weeks. Today, we finished recording a cover of Bonnie Raitt's "Something to talk about", with lots of harmonies, grungy guitars and a great vocal performance from Lee. It was so much fun putting it all together!
Thursday, 14 July..... been a busy couple of weeks. We have a strong commitment to the elderly in our community, and we've been playing at several aged care homes each month. July is no different, and we've been busy singing oldies (and a few newies as well) to entertain these fabulous people - a very rewarding experience. We also play at Vision Australia and similar organisations, so we're kept well and truly occupied! There is, of course, still a growing influx of private engagements coming in.
Tuesday, 9 August..... Showgrounds Market did happen this time (August 7) - we had a great time! Lots of interest, a new booking and a few CDs sold; those things are what the Market gigs are all about. Played one of our aged care concerts today - there's a definite shift happening in aged care entertainment; a lot more baby boomer songs finding their way into the list and fewer of the old 'war songs'. I guess this is inevitable as people pass on and slightly younger people come into the aged care facilities. We also have another KandL original taking shape; it'll definitely be a bit rockier than the last one!
Monday, 25 July..... yesterday's appearance at the Showgrounds Market didn't eventuate because of weather constraints; bit sad, but Bendigo does that at inopportune moments. Never mind, we're there again in two weeks. Today, we finished recording a cover of Bonnie Raitt's "Something to talk about", with lots of harmonies, grungy guitars and a great vocal performance from Lee. It was so much fun putting it all together!
Thursday, 14 July..... been a busy couple of weeks. We have a strong commitment to the elderly in our community, and we've been playing at several aged care homes each month. July is no different, and we've been busy singing oldies (and a few newies as well) to entertain these fabulous people - a very rewarding experience. We also play at Vision Australia and similar organisations, so we're kept well and truly occupied! There is, of course, still a growing influx of private engagements coming in.
Friday 17 June - KandL at private function, Werribee
Sunday 5th June - KandL at Bendigo Showgrounds Market, Holmes Rd, Bendigo, starting about 8:30am
Sunday 29 May - KandL in concert at Nara Dreaming Festival, 1023 Calder Alt. Highway, Lockwood
Also there will be Marc Leon, a prodigiously talented performer whom we know well, as well as our friend Anne Conway, widely respected country singer and media personality.
Our new banner and business cards have arrived. We're absolutely delighted with them - we've been waiting to order them while we got kandlmusic.com.au sorted out. Now, it's all systems go! Biggest photo we've ever seen of ourselves......
The banner will make its debut tomorrow when we entertain at two local aged care facilities, then it'll hit the Raywood Hotel on Saturday night.
The banner will make its debut tomorrow when we entertain at two local aged care facilities, then it'll hit the Raywood Hotel on Saturday night.
Tuesday, 24 May .... Been a busy day, playing at two aged care homes - but this was aged care with a difference! We might put up some video of the second one because, as the saying goes, it really went off! The sight of several octogenarians (and beyond) on the floor for song after song of rock n' roll does the heart good (and probably gave them a great aerobic workout!). We love this part of KandL's work - growing old doesn't mean hibernation.....
Saturday 28 May - KandL at the Raywood Hotel, Victoria, starting 8:30pm
Friday, 20 May...... This week has been what's becoming a normal week for us; three gigs, lots of recording, planning and admin-type tasks; ordered our new banner and business cards and got our website changed over to our own domain name. We had a couple of phone calls from out of town to make bookings - it's all happening!!
Saturday 28 May - KandL at the Raywood Hotel, Victoria, starting 8:30pm
Friday, 20 May...... This week has been what's becoming a normal week for us; three gigs, lots of recording, planning and admin-type tasks; ordered our new banner and business cards and got our website changed over to our own domain name. We had a couple of phone calls from out of town to make bookings - it's all happening!!