Happy yess- right from the start
thought i better writre down whats been happenning, so you
know and i dont forget!
Opening night – Friday 2nd june 2006
After a crazy week of renovations and hasty advertising we
opened. The buzz was considerable, The Weathermen took to
the stage and played a set of raw post-punk guitar music.
This band encapsulates the whole idea of happy yess to me: it
gives local artists who make music that is too alternative for
Mitchell st somewhere to play. The place was at capacity for
the whole night, which is great, but a bit stressful if you are
the doorperson…I played a Blastcorp set which I was quite
happy with. There was an improvised jam on the footpath
outside with double bass and guitar and quite a lot of yelling!
Happy yess is GO!
Saturday 3rd June
Leah Flanagan opened proving she is a fine singer, guitarist
and songwriter. With Byron in town briefly, it seemed only
right that the Cinco Locos should take the stage. They rocked
the house of course and had the dancefloor moving. Still
working out the seating arrangements at this stage, the venue
has quite a blue light disco feel, with everyone sitting around
the edges…
Thursday 8th June
Black Bunny Sound System. It was my idea to get Colin
Simpson behind a dub mixing desk and give him space to go
wild. Unfortunately he cancelled, so the dub band of me, mark
smith, airi and phil, with Justin on the dub desk played some
nice impro dub reggae. It was fun even though hardly anyone
was there…
Friday 9th June
Matt Ryder played first, a guy with amazing talent. 2 sets of
uptempo roots music. Leroy played next, almost hiding away
in the corner with a strat and a vocal mike. He was still good
though. Then Francis arrives (we thought he was gonna play
solo) with a full gypsy band and fills the room with good
hearted and fun gypsy jazz. They continue to rock the house
till the lights come on.
Saturday 10th June
A mixed night indeed. Dave Flower was visiting from Brisbane
and played 2 nice sets of acoustic stuff. Then on stepped
Combat Wombat with their political dub- hop stylings. I was
mixing and had the pleasure of blowing the first of many
fuses in the PA speakers. The band continued regardless.
There was a some very nice rhythms and hence some good
vibes in the air too!
Thursday 15th June
Pru’s first poetry slam at happy yess was a success. With lots
of audience involvement it will be a regular event from here
on.
Friday 16th June
Karlheins, singer from (scr)emo rockers Test Theory, played a
beautiful set of songs on the piano. He has skills. Nira and Will
got on next and also proved they have plenty of talent. Shellie
morris then took the stage, played a couple of songs and then
put out a chilling ultimatum to the crowd. Shut up and listen
to me or get out. They crowd shut up and shellie played a very
intimate set of her songs, a very special set indeed. She even
made up a song on the spot, it really showed what an
amazing performer she is.
Sat 17th June
Rock and Roll. Scarlet Revenge are three school kids who play
sweet power pop. They were great, their banter between songs
was also very endearing. Again, this is why happy yess exists
for my money. Then it was the oldies turn. Horse Trank took
the stage. Their first set was pretty shaky, but they returned
for a secong go which was classic trank. The 15 minute
version of cyclone surf was the highlight. PA speakers were
blown up again, and a new record was set for both noise levels
and bar takings. Those old Darwin rockers and their crowd can
certainly drink!
Thursday 22nd June
Nothing really happened. A few videos, some chatting.
Friday 23rd June
Bomb a la ska played their first gig. They were amazing. Good
vibes, upbeat grooves and a four piece horn section to boot.
Oliver said someone should sign them ASAP! The place was
packed, we were turning people away at the door. The
Groovesmiths were up next and played a quite un-
groovesmiths set. This was more jazz than roots. Either way,
the crowd were up for it, which is what counts!
Saturday 24th June
The Steve Holliday Alternative take the stage for some country
influenced songs about whatever is in Steve’s head. They were
good, Kerry and Bill both singing too. Oliver said Quienten
Tarantino should use them for his next movie! Birdwave then
set up. No PA thanks, we’ll just use our amps. And they did.
The smoothest grooves yet to emerge from the yess. They
played two sets which were so understated, yet fully vibed.
Another great night.
