Stereo Stories was privileged to perform at The High Ground (Wurdi Youang) at the Geelong Library on Sunday 7 February.

An audience of close to 200, most of them new to the emotional pendulum of Stereo Stories, thoroughly enjoyed the weaving of personal story and popular song: laughter, tears, lovely music. Four of the stories were about growing up in Geelong.

Smokie Dawson reading about the song that ended a relationship: Paul Kelly's Before Too Long.

Smokie Dawson and the song that ended a relationship: Paul Kelly’s Before Too Long.

At intermission the audience took in the gorgeous views from the balcony of the venue, located on the fifth floor of the spectacular new Geelong Library.

The set list for the 90 minute show was State Trooper, Before Too Long, Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You, The Mercy Seat, Caravan/Way Young Lovers Do, Senses Working Overtime, Solid Rock, A Good Year For The Roses, Jackson and the finale, Forever Young. Stephen Andrew, Jack Gramski and Peter Maskell each performed a solo song of their own.

The writers were Vin Maskell (MC), Darren ‘Smokie’ Dawson, Stephen Andrew, Rijn Collins and Zoe Krupka.

The band was Peter Maskell (vocal, guitars), Anthony Shortte (drums, percussion), Stephen Andrew (vocals, guitars), Jack Gramski (vocals, guitar), plus a cameo from Zoe Krupka (duet-vocals on Jackson).

Many thanks to staff of Geelong Regional Library Corporation and PRD Music Services.

Many thanks to Eric Algra, photographer.

Vin Maskell and Jack Gramski opening the show with the starkness of State Trooper.

Vin Maskell and Jack Gramski opening the show with the starkness of State Trooper.

 

Rijn Collins reading about her obsessin with Berlin and The Mercy Seat by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.

Rijn Collins: in love with Berlin and The Mercy Seat by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.

 

Zoe Krupka singing on Jackson, Rijn Collins' story of an almost empty weekend in, yes, Jackson.

Zoe Krupka singing on Jackson, Rijn Collins’ story of an almost empty weekend in, yes, Jackson.

 

That's all there is. Til next time. Thanks.

That’s all there is. Til next time. Thanks.

 

Editor: Vin Maskell Assistant editor: Louise Maskell Web legend: James Demetrie, of DISKMANdotNET