The Stereo Stories Band in full swing during the finale of Rijn Collins' story about the Johnny Cash-June Carter classic, Jackson.

The Stereo Stories Band in full swing during the finale of Rijn Collins’ story about the Johnny Cash-June Carter classic, Jackson. All photos by Peter Charlesworth.

 

Stereo Stories’ first foray interstate was the Write Around the Murray Festival in Albury on Saturday 10 September. We did a two-hour dinner show at Albury LibraryMuseum: three half-hour brackets of stories inspired by songs and then a chance for the band to really stretch out and flex its muscles. (And for the audience to hit the dance floor).

“Write Around The Murray is a very open-hearted festival,” said WAM Festival Coordinator Ann-maree Ellis, “and we certainly felt that with the personal stories entrusted to us at the extraordinary Stereo Stories night of music and memoir.”

Anthony Shortte (percussion), Chris Mangan (bass) and Luke R Davies (harmonica).

Into the groove: Anthony Shortte (percussion), Chris Mangan (bass) and Luke R Davies (harmonica) playing the blues.

 

Rijn Collins' reading her Jackson story (Peter Maskell background)

Rijn Collins’ reading her entertaining tale of looking for action in Jackson.

 

Debra Oswald's story about writing scripts for Bananas In Pyjamas concluded with a singalong of the famous theme song.

Debra Oswald’s story about writing scripts for Bananas In Pyjamas concluded with a singalong of the famous theme song.

 

Anson Cameron ponders the fate of a friendship while Jack Gramski sings The Kill Devil Hills song Words From Robin To Batman.

Anson Cameron ponders the fate of a friendship while Jack Gramski sings The Kill Devil Hills song Words From Robin To Batman.

 

Young Philly raps about a tough childhood and the revelation of hearing, at the age of six, Tupac's Keep Your Head Up.

Young Philly raps about a tough childhood and the revelation of hearing, at the age of six, Tupac’s Keep Your Head Up.

 

Anthony Shortte steps out from the drumkit to narrate Darren 'Smokie' Dawson's amusing yarn of young love lost, inspired by Before Too Long.

Anthony Shortte steps out from the drumkit to narrate Darren ‘Smokie’ Dawson’s amusing yarn of young love lost, inspired by Before Too Long.

 

Julie Merritt channels June Carter during Jackson.

Julie Merritt channels June Carter during Jackson.

 

Jane Harrison's poignant story of stillbirth (with references to Evie parts 1,2, and 3) brought members of the audience to tears.

Jane Harrison’s poignant story of stillbirth (with references to Evie parts 1,2, and 3) brought members of the audience to tears.

 

Peter Maskell captures the sadness and tenderness of Evie, part 2, during Jane Harrison's story.

Peter Maskell captures the sadness and tenderness of Evie, part 2, during Jane Harrison’s story.

 

Vin Maskell ponders the darkness of Springsteen's State Trooper.

Vin Maskell ponders the darkness of Springsteen’s State Trooper.

 

Luke R Davies, the Wangaratta maestro.

Luke R Davies, the Wangaratta maestro.

 

Many thanks to the Write Around the Murray Festival, guest writers, Professional Audio Services Wodonga and photographer Peter Charlesworth.

 

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