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It’s a rare night at MEMO Music Hall bringing together Australia’s two most original and electric, award-winning Blues’n’Roots acts Checkerboard Lounge and Opelousas.About Checkerboard Lounge
Inspirational front man Carl Pannuzzo (drums and vocals), revered as one of Australia’s greatest voices, master guitarist Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal, and ineffable bassist Zoë Frater are Checkerboard Lounge, breathing fire, virtuosity and improvisation into blues, classic soul and roots originals.
Their multi-award-winning, ARIA-nominated album ‘Sun Sessions’, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee, catapulted the band to nationwide recognition. Follow up release ‘Roller Coaster’ shot to the top 5 of several national charts, OZ and NZ tours and festivals and international reviews. Recent limited edition vinyl release ‘Live at Jazzlab’ with Australian Jazz and Blues pioneer Bob Sedergreen sold out within a month of its release.
As a live act, no video can really recreate the experience that gleans such ecstatic audience response. An undeniable powerhouse, world class musicianship, dynamic, passionate and playful, Checkerboard are the very essence of a live music experience.
“You got it boy, it’s in you” ~ Jimmy Smith
“You could run a small city off these guys” ~ Fiona Boyes
“Thanks for bringing Memphis back to Memphis” ~ Memphis local
“Carl Pannuzzo is Australia’s best soul singer” ~ Broderick Smith
“This is our last song before Checkerboard Lounge get up and tear you a new one” ~ Previous band on stage at Blues on Broadbeach 2022
“When Checkerboard Lounge play live, no two versions of anything are played the same twice. This is a supergroup of musicians who are able to play anything, and their collective interplay, co-creativity and cohesion is absolutely electric.” ~ Matt Frederick, PBSfm
About Opelousas
A powerful and multi-award-winning female-fronted collaboration. Opelousas have a unique and hauntingly hypnotic take on blues and rock that will leave you mesmerised.
Inspired by the Louisiana spice capital of the same name, the Melbourne-based trio was formed by Kerri Simpson in 2018, drawing on the trio’s mutual love for the music of the deep south.
Their second album Opelousafried, released in February 2024, was album of the week on both RRR and PBS radio, and was awarded Music Victoria’s Best Blues Album of 2024. Their debut album ‘Opelousified’ also won the prestigious award in 2019.
Their sound is a roux of Kerri Simpson’s dynamic vocals, electric guitar and baritone guitar, Alison Ferrier’s contagious guitar riffs, bucolic fiddle, and sultry vocal tones, seasoned with ARIA-award-winning Anthony “Shorty” Shortte’s expert swamp-soaked percussion. The rhythms of Opelousas seep right into your bloodstream and their powerful performances leave punters crying out for more.
“The album crackles with energy and vibrant interplay.” RRR FM
“A mastery of noise and feel. It ain’t pretty, but it sure is attractive.” Greg Phillips, AustralianMusician.com.au
“Opelousas have whipped up a gumbo of stripped-back raw blues, highly rhythmic and riff orientated, rollin’ and a-tumblin’ straight out of the swampy Mississippi Hill Country…Can’t compare it with any other Aussie band.” Helen Jennings, OAM, PBS FM
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Memo Music Hall, 88 Acland Street,Melbourne,VIC,Australia
Tickets
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