Connie's Newsletter September 2009

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Dateline: September 2009 - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Welcome rabid Ryanians to our special, fashionably late, RR Spring Tour Edition verbose newsletter!

With the Spring Tour already underway and under a semblance of control, I'm presently poolside in Port Moresby at the Airways Hotel where, about a week ago, Ross completed a successful concert season at the luxury tropical resort's celebrated Bacchus Room.

With venues like the Airways-Bacchus - I make a point of arranging a personal "follow-up" visit. Typically I'll fly in after the event and spend a few casual days or more acquainting myself with the surrounds before debriefing management and staff and discussing Ross's shows.

But enough about my workload!

As for Ross - he had a terrific time! Much thanks to Airways and to all hotel staff for their professionalism and warm hospitality throughout his stay in Papua New Guinea. Special greetings to Norrie, Vanessa, Sharon, the Bacchus team and of course Mr Yaxley.

Check out: Ross's PNG Snaps

Ross Ryan Spring Tour 2009 - Update Part 1: Campaspe Downs

The Ryan Spring Touring Season kicked off at the end of August with Ross's appearance at the Troubadour 31 Concert & Party Weekend at Campaspe Downs,

These weekends are run by music and wine impresario Andrew Pattison to celebrate the birthday of Andrew's greatest legacy - Melbourne's legendary Troubadour - a venue that was always supportive to a wide range of concert musicians and their audiences. Throughout the year Andrew also runs various other festivals such as Newstead Live! and at his own winery, The Burke & Wills Folk Festival.
See www.wineandmusic.net for more details.

This year Ross shared the bill with a varied group of performers including Damian Howard & The Ploughboys, Hayward Williams, Andy Baylor's Cajun Combo, Liz Frencham and Brent Parlane.

As an extra bonus, Brent's trio also featured longtime Ryan pal Stephen Blackburn - not only famous for his work with Tim & Debbie, The Dodgy Bros & Fast Forward - but as celebrity keyboardist for Ross Ryan Dot Combo.

In addition to two solo spots, Ross's duties over the weekend included discussing his 'Desert Island Discs', running an auction and being part of a Round-Robin called 'First Songs'; where various performers played the songs that inspired them plus their own earliest compositions.

Our thanks to Andrew and Heather. A splendid time was had by all!

Ross's Desert Island Discs (incl B-sides)

1. Like A Rolling Stone / Huck's Tune - Bob Dylan
2. I Wanna Hold Your Hand / Happiness Is A Warm Gun
- The Beatles
3. Tower of Song / I'm Your Man - Leonard Cohen
4. Rednecks / I'll Be Home - Randy Newman
5. Pancho & Lefty / Crazy - Willie Nelson
6. What's So Funny About Peace Love & Understanding?
/ American Without Tears - Elvis Costello
7. Death Of A Clown / Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks

Brent Parlane Trio

Two Tinas. Blackburn & Ryan

Comedy's embittered man.
Stephen Blackburn considers his options

Campaspe audience smiling for the camera

Ross Ryan Spring Tour 2009 - Update Part 2: Upcoming Western Australia Gigs

Friday Sept 25

Friends Restaurant - Perth

Hyatt Centre 20 Terrace Road
Perth WA 6004

Bookings: (08) 9221 0885

Links :

Web site
Google Map

Clyde & Lesley Bevan's Friends Restaurant is one of Ross's favorite gigs. Great audiences, fabulous food and wine. Bookings essential.

Saturday Sept 26

Ryan's Premier Hotel - Albany

208 York Street
Albany WA 6330

Bookings:(08) 9841 1544

Remember that creepy guy you went to high school with who never shut up and who everyone thought was a total drop-kick? Well wander on down to the Premier after the Grand Final and say hello - he hasn't changed one bit!

In 2005, the last time Ross played his home town, he performed at the legendary Albany Town Hall. This time around he's opted for a more casual and intimate setting where it's easier to catch up with old friends. And what better place than the aptly named Ryan's Premier Hotel? Attention to detail is everything.

Sunday Sept 27

Harvey Dickson's Country Music Weekend - Boyup Brook

5 Kms out of Boyup Brook on the Arthur River Road
Boyup Brook WA 6244

Ross & Ken Stephenson - onstage at the Bunyip Shed 5.00pm

Phone: (08) 9765 1125
Email: harveydickson@westnet.com.au
Web: www.harveydickson.com.au

Mark your calendars with this one and let history well note!

This is because Ross's performance (27-09-09) at Harvey's Music Weekend will be the first time he has ever officially performed at a country music festival. No really! Hard to believe isn't it? What with his name and all ...

Needless to say, both Ross & Ken are looking forward to the gig and the opportunity to strut their country chops. For those seeking an overview, allow me to recommend a visit to Harvey's web site.

(See Gig Guide for practical details of all shows)

So there you have it - our special running report on RR Spring Tour '09 - with the WA shows yet to come (we expect to see you Sandgropers turning out in droves)!

But as the hour draws near for my masseuse appointment followed by lunch and lawn quoits, I bid you farewell - but not before sending out special greetings to all our recent and now possibly confused newsletter subscribers. Welcome aboard!

Also a reminder for those of you so inclined, that you can now find me, Connie Person, on Facebook. Help swell my friends list!

And a last thought.

Often it only takes something as simple as a lavishingly catered, tropical and preferably poolside environment to remind you that - "it's not just about the music".

Cheers,

Connie Person
Still at the Paris end of the coal-face
Coathanger Productions PNG
constance@coathanger.com.au

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