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Canvas Concerto is a concept born from a project that Lil’
Fi instigated in the Blues Venue at the Woodford Folk Festival
(Qld) over 7 years. The idea is to bring the visual arts and
aural arts to an audience that would not otherwise normally
be exposed to it. The feelgood music of Lil’ Fi and her
band is performed while visual artists Elli Schlunke & Heather
McCormack, clad in extravagant tafetta frocks, paint equally
extravagant canvas. The paint the artists use is flourescent,
with "black lights" (purple fluoro) mounted over the
canvas resulting in an
“amazing painted luminescent
light show while the music plays.” |
The overall effect of the two media melded into one creates
a wonderful experience for the audience. The general public
rarely gets to see the visual artist at work - it’s a rare
and precious treat. There is also an amazing dynamic created
between the musicians and the artists - an energy of something
completely different and exciting that spills over into the
audience.
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The Canvas Concerto was featured at 2 of the largest “Ladies
Sing the Blues” Festivals in Brisbane... five of the Woodford
Folk Festivals (1996 –2001)... a fund raiser for the Woomera
Refugees held at Eumundi (Qld) 2003... Mildura Arts Festival
2004... Judith Wright Centre, Brisbane 2004... Yagubi Folk Festival
2004
Lil’ Fi’s CANVAS CONCERTO is a marvellous evening
of music and art... a truly wonderful experience... |
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The Flanny's (as they are more affectionately known) formed
in 1993 at the suggestion of Lil' Fi after the inspirational
experience of seeing Sweet Honey in the Rock. Being an avid
Blues enthusiast, she wondered what it would be like to put
together a female a cappella ensemble, based on Blues and Gospel
music.
And so the Flannelettes legend began.
The line up of the Flannelettes has varied slightly over the
years, but the common thread that binds all who join is that
each woman is a performer of note in her own right, bringing
with her a wealth of diversity and experience from within the
professional performing arts industry.
The Flanny's are therefore no ordinary a cappella group, as
the blending of 10 distinctive voices and individual stagecraft
creates a sound and spectacle that defies description. Being
stylistically influenced by Blues and gospel, the arrangements
grow organically from, a basis of improvisation. The many classic
songs chosen by the group take on a whole new life, when given
the Flanny treatment. This mixed with the constantly growing
repertoire of original songs, proves the groups ability to transcend
musical stereotypes and create a unique and powerful sound.
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| The Flannelettes are a testament to the basic human need for
music as a sustenance for the soul. To be a Flannelette is to
experience a deeply loving relationship with the art of singing
and the joy that comes from sharing this passion. Whether it
be in the comfort of our rehearsal room or on stage in front
of a two thousand strong festival audience, the power of this
truly amazing ensemble lies in the ability these women have
to unite in celebration of music - the universal language of
love. |
FIONA BOYES – GUITAR, VOCALS |
LIL' FI – VOCALS, DRUMS | ALISON
PENNEY – PIANO, HAMMOND, VOCALS |
KAZ DALLA ROSA – HARMONICA, VOCALS |
SWEET FELICIA – FENDER BASS, VOCALS
| PAULA DOWSE - DRUMS
A breathtaking collaboration spanning three states of Australa
at the time of inception... the finest female musicians from
the eastern seaboard of Australia, all together on the same
stage. |
| The East Coast Queen Bees have all been seen individually
as regualars on the festival circuit in Australia. The group
performed at the 2003 East Coast Bues Festival and the 2003
Hyundai Gympie Music Muster. However getting this group of busy
musicians in the one place is a job in itself. The group hasn't
done any other shows since - certainly not through a lack of
want - just a very busy bunch of people. |
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The music is a collection of Blues, Soul and even Country
Blues - original compositions and a groove which really is
fantastic... Stay tuned for the next exciting adventure...
This group of highly talented award winning musicians are:
Fiona Boyes - winner of the International Blues Challenge
Award in Memphis, 2003. A guitarist of world renown!
Lil' Fi - Vocals/percussion, 5 times Female Artist
of the Year, Australian Blues Music Awards
Alison Penney - Piano and Hammond player for all of
the greats.
Kaz Dalla Rosa - Award winning harmonica player.
Sweet Felicia - Bass, Female Artist, Album and Band
Awards, QLD Blues Awards 2000.
Paula Dowse - Drummer to the stars, including Mojo's
(the longest running all female blues band in Australia)
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 Full
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