Festival Previews Video Blog

Today we interview an immensely talented young artist, writer and musician whose Exhibition opens on Wednesday 4th March at the Grace Emily Hotel in Waymouth Street, Adelaide.  Joined by six local artists who play live music, Joelie takes you on a journey with her beautifully drawn visual stories as you explore her art in “Once Upon An Intrigue”…

1.    What inspired you to become an artist, musician and writer?

It’s all I know and all I have ever known in how to express myself in every way. It balances me completely when I create in all these areas.

2.    What’s your show about and what should the public expect from your show at the 2009 Adelaide Fringe?

ONCE UPON AN INTRIGUE is a show based upon the magic of storytelling through word, art and song. It’s a rare safe space where all three elements compliment and enhance each other. The public can expect to read into the artwork and songs and take from it what they need to at that time. It’s a very free space for interpretation.

3.    What was the last Fringe or Festival you performed at and what was it like?

My first and most recent Art Exhibition was at the Grace Emily Hotel for SALA Festival 2008. The show was called “She Wanted Flowers”.  It was a hugely encouraging experience. My most recent solo gig was at The Gov front bar in December 2008. Terrifying because I had never exposed my songs solo like that before but now the ice has well and truly been broken.

4.    What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?

At The Gov solo gig, I learnt a wonderful lesson… It’s perhaps not the best thing for a babbler like me to be put in front of a microphone with free range of topics to talk about between songs… I don’t think I got my foot out of my mouth for the entire hour….Kinda funny for those who know me as a babbler who doesn’t shut up! A valuable lesson for me to know when to!

5.    What’s the best and worst advice you have ever been given? And did you follow it?

The best advice I have been given is this: “It is your creation (whether it be art, writing or music) so it can’t actually be wrong. You can’t make mistakes.” I don’t think I’ve been given any bad advice yet… but I’d like to think I could be smart enough to see it a mile off and not follow it!

6.    What are you most proud of and what dreams or goals would you like to fulfill?

I’m most proud of that fact that I am actually doing this. It is a risky world to enter; one where your heart and wallet is mostly on your sleeve. I’m proud that I have the courage to know that I only feel completely balanced in my life when I’m creating and respect that fact by making sure it happens. My goals are to continue to do just this, but bigger and stronger.

7.    Which three famous people would you invite to dinner and why? And what culinary dish would you prepare?

Tori Amos, Ricky Gervais, Mozart.

Tori, just because I adore her and it would be a crime to have such a question and not include her. She would have to cop shit from Ricky though, who couldn’t tolerate her “songs being her children” and while Mozart tried to flirt with them both, she could add controversy to the convention of classical music by the depth of her modern talent. Hilarious evening that would undoubtedly end in tears… Especially after I serve a gluten and dairy free meal to accommodate for my needs!

8.    What is the best book or books you have read and why?

The Journey Home which is a Kryon Parable is a book that I think about daily since I read it. And The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle should be taught in schools for a basic understanding of how to function and thrive with ease in our material world.

9.    Tell us 5 interesting and unknown facts about yourself?

I’m a mother of two boys  (and I’m gay).   I have 30 children’s books published worldwide, in tons of languages.   I can play seven instruments: Violin, Piano, Harp, Bowed Psaultry, Bagpipes, Bass Guitar and Vocals.  I have mild Tourettes Syndrome, which these days really just allows me to be meticulous in my artwork and songwriting.  I have an uncanny ability to read people, “know” and  “See” things that aren’t quite from this world. That makes everyday rather interesting!

10.    If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

For humanity to have a basic understanding of why we are here and why things happen the way they do. An  awareness  that would change a lot of conflicts and outcomes.

We kick off our series of interviews with festival artists from the Adelaide Fringe today.  First into the spotlight is Sheela Langeberg whose show, Ndito The Masai Girl offers a rare glimpse into a fast disappearing culture.  Sheela’s show is a charming rendition of her book about a young Masai girl.   On for only one day, Tuesday 3rd March with three showings, the first at 10.00 am, the second at noon and the third at 2.00 pm;  this is clearly a show you can’t afford to miss.  So lets put our 10 Questions to Sheela…

1.    What inspired you to become an artist, performer, musician, dancer, writer, entertainer?

I just started to do one art form, and other art forms came. My grandfather on my mothers’ side was an incredible storyteller. My mother was a great chanter and dancer. My great grandmother had an incredible sense of humour. Every woman in the village hummed or sang to everything they did. These are the people who really inspired and continue to inspire me.

2.    What’s your show about and what should the public expect from your show at the 2009 Adelaide Fringe?

Ndito The Masai Girl, is an enchanting true story about courage, determination, and a little bit of attitude. It’s about a little girl living in very strict traditional values, who overcomes a mysterious illness and obstacles in her jungle quest, to meet her favourite birds the Flamingos, Marabou Storks and Peacocks. The show is educational, funny, energetic, musical and interactive. Ndito the Masai Girl, brings the real Africa to you. It gives a rare glimpse into a disappearing culture.

3.    What was the last Fringe or Festival you performed at and what was it like?

The past few years I’ve been touring in Europe performing at international conferences, universities, schools and co-operate functions.  I’ve been working really hard, and have had an incredible and great time as well. I’ve met a lot of great people, made friends, and built impressive business networks.

4.    What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?

About ten years ago, I was performing to packed house, at the Adelaide Festival Theatre. The drums played like madness, and I was doing a fertility dance on stage. Suddenly, a man seated at the front roll, started to moan aloud. Before long, he fell off the chair. A woman seated next to him, stood up, bent over him, and started to slap him across the face with her handbag. Then she grabbed him by the hand, and walked out. I never found out what that was all about, but thought it was very funny.  So far, I haven’t had my worst stage experience yet. Touch wood!

5.    What’s the best and worst advice you have ever been given? And did you follow it?

The best advice given to me, was from my mama who always told us children to be nice to people and to stay strong doesn’t matter what!

The worst advice given to me was from an agent in Adelaide, who refused to register me, even look at my portfolio. She did not believe a black woman in Australia had a chance to make it in the arts. “Another black woman entering my office. What Am I going to do with your portfolio? We have our own Aboriginal people that we can’t find work for. The few black clients we have on files, are Basketballers and we can only offer them a minimal commercial work” Said the agent as I walked to her reception for a planned interview a t 1PM. It was nineteen years ago. I had been in Australia only for two weeks. When I returned to the car, where my family waited, I took a pen, and a huge envelope that had my portfolio pictures in, and wrote a poem called “Don’t worry about me” That poem has been performed everywhere on earth.

A few months after that, I started my own African dance drama academy in Adelaide.  Today, I’ve written produced performed sixty solo stage plays, twelve poems and three dancetext productions and toured the globe. I’ve composed produced five music albums, written three books and counting. I’ve returned to the agency a few times, just to say hello and to thank them.

6.    What are you most proud of and what dreams or goals would you like to fulfill?

I’m very proud of my children and family, and the relationship we have together. I’m proud of how they’ve turned out, and of their chosen career paths. I’m proud of my own achievements as a person, mother and as an artist. I’m neither famous nor am I stinky rich, but I hope that my stories, music and personality would someday, change someone’s life for the better.

My future goals and dreams have no limits. At the moment I’m finishing off my autobiography “Under The Red Jacaranda” ready to sent off to publishers when it happens.

I’m also in the process of writing a screenplay and film music, and hopping to find producers. During Christmas time last year, I sat down and wrote a children’s play called “Water Magic2″. It’ll tour schools in South Australia in term four 2009. For few years now, I ‘ve been taking my new works to South Australian schools, as part of the Book Week month and this year is no exception.

I hope to be able to continue writing and performing for both stage and the screen. I love music and poetry so I hope to continue making albums as well. For more information check out my website.

7.    Which three famous people would you invite to dinner and why? And what culinary dish would you prepare?

I’d love to have Kerry Anne Kennelly, Barack Obama and Ellen De Generes to dinner. I believe we’d have a very good, constructive and conductive conversation, filled with humour, laughter, energy and heart.  I’d invite us for an international banquet dinner.

8.    What is the best book or books you have read and why?

I do not get time to read books, as much as I’d love to, but I really enjoy reading biographical, historical and geographical books. I enjoyed reading Nelson Mandela’s life. I also enjoy my own books. I don’t know why, but I think perhaps it’s because they are about true life stories of people that I know, love and respect very much.

9.    Tell us 5 interesting and unknown facts about yourself?

I don’t really have so much unknown about me. What you see is pretty much what you get. What I think may not be known about me would be:

I’m very romantic and passionate. When I love someone, and everything is really great, I go very deep. I believe in love.  People say I’m a workaholic. I agree!  I really dislike arguments and unnecessary misunderstandings.   I love huge crowds to perform to, but love one and one company when relaxing. I also prefer hosting and entertaining in my home to going out.  I’m terribly allergic to cigarettes, smoke and fur animals.

10.     If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

It’d be to bury the existence of fear, ignorance, greed, disrespect and selfishness under a flat stone. I believe that would make the world a better place to for all creatures to live.

Another great track from last Friday’s Tam White Concert.  Sit back and rock!

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To Edinburgh music fans the mere mention of Tam White brings to mind the legendary venues of The Preservation Hall and Platform One, alas sadly gone, and with it an era of pure nostalgia for 80’s Edinburgh.  While not performing as much these days, any opportunity to see one of Europe’s legendary Blues singers live is not to be missed and so it was when Malcolm MacFarlane contacted us, we jumped at the opportunity.

Kicking off at the classy, yet warmly intimate Queen’s Hall on Friday 20th February, Tam White introduced his new line up of three premier jazz musicians; Malcolm MacFarlane on guitar, Paul Harrison on Hammond organ and Tom Gordon on drums. From Willie Dixon to classic Broadway, with a touch of Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, Tam’s warm presence and deep smokey voice lulls you into a beautiful evening of cruz’en the blues.

With the Hammond Organ side on and letting the audience see this phenomenal instrument in play, Paul Harrison ’s mastery was a joy to watch as he raked and rolled those keys.   And while drummers seldom seem to hit the spotlight, it was impossible not to wow at Tom Gordon’s knock-out drumming at solo interludes to let us see this fine musician in full glory.

We saw Malcolm MacFarlane, a superb on guitarist, perform at the Edinburgh Fringe with the young Adam Bulley two years ago.  Malcolm is also a member of the contemporary music group,  The Scottish Guitar Quartet and their CD’s are an exquisite joy to listen to.

Next week Tam White & The Sermon Organ 3rio are heading off to Glasgow to perform at The Classic Grand in Jamaica Street on Saturday 28th February.  All power to them as this is a fantastic line up of real talent.  Fortune smiled on us and we were so lucky to film this talented foursome.  So here’s a wee taster to whet your appetite for more… ENJOY!  There’s a slight wobble to the video, the audience were enjoying it so much that the hall was shaking to the beat!

Adelaide is the fifth largest city in Australia and home to the second largest Fringe Festival in the World.  The Adelaide Fringe set up in 1960 but it was not until the 1970’s that the art scene in Adelaide really  took off.  It was during this period, when Don Dunstan was the Labour Premier of South Australia, that many legislative reforms were made to stimulate the artistic, social and cultural life of South Australia. This period has become known as the Dunstane Decade.

Aside from putting Adelaide on the artistic world map, Dunstan introduced land right for Aborigines, decriminalised homosexual acts, appointed a woman judge and introduced anti-discrimination legislation.   Without any doubt the charismatic and flamboyant Don Dunstan was an inspirational figure who put Adelaide’s art scene on the world stage.  Such as the politician he was his cookbook and MySpace web pages bear testament to a truly centered visionary.

And so from Dunstan’s Decade we turn to the Adelaide Fringe which is due to kick off on the 27th February with its superbly packed programme.  Festival Previews have set up Adelaide Fringe web pages and many artists and  performers have signed on to create their Virtual Flyers.  If you click the “List all the Previews” button you can check out many of the other Virtual Flyers currently in the process of being uploaded.

One venue which is particularly unique is The Garage International managed by Shakti.  She manages artists from all corners of the globe with highly diverse artistic genres that jump out at you as you scan the Adelaide programme.    Shakti is also Artistic Director of the Tokyo Fringe Festival and runs The Garage International venue at the Avignon Fringe in France.  Never one to sit still, Shakti is looking to expand her ventures, but I will leave that to Shakti to let you all know.

I have to confess that one of my favourite activities is interviewing the many talented artists and performers from around the world.  There is such a lot of talent out there it’s a real joy reading about their artistic journeys and what inspires their work.

Sheela Langeberg tells us about her show, Ndito the Masai Girl and the curshing remarks which she rose above to inspire her work.  From Brittany in France we’re fortunate enough to interview, Jean Lucas, founder of L’Institut Cie, a very successful juggling, clown and theatre group whose show Mr Wilson is a clown show with a difference.  Next we’re lucky enough to interview the charming, Darren Hassan whose show, Everynight, Everynight is based on the real life story of Pentridge inmate, Christopher Dale Flannery; a strong piece of theatre, not for the faint hearted.  Next the immensely funny commedian, Mark Butler grants us an amuzing insight into his work and life and tells us about his show “Lets talk about SEX”.   As so to the young talented artist, Joelie Croser whose exhibition, Once Upon An Intrigue is an interesting mix of visual art and music. If music be the food of love, we’re interviewing Yasmine Amber and Paul Hilton, the high-art-pop/electronic-folk rock duo who’ll tell us about their show, Orsino Nation.

So keep your eyes peeled, there’s some great reading  ahead.  We’ll be publishing their interviews and more to come during the Adelaide Fringe….