New Acts, lots of variety.

Barnaby Smith, aka Telegraph Tower (pictured) was one of three new acts to grace the floor at TUF Friday March 14. His original tunes featured unusual chords, interesting melodies and thoughtful lyrics. His soaring tenor voice was complemented with finger picked and strummed guitar. 
The evening started with Greg Pimm  playing his soft versions of Dire Straits, Rolling Stones and Animals tunes. Lee Kingston's original set began with a love song "Something Beautiful has Passed." She followed with her tribute to hearing Paul Kelly "He played an old guitar… he's an ordinary man." Lee's last song was another love song "Touch My Heart." Beautiful voice, communicative lyrics and strong guitar playing. Tony Koellner did not disappoint his loyal followers with three hilarious poems, the highlight being one in which the occupants of flats 56 and 65 get mixed up and get delivered the wrong goods, one being the services of a prostitute!
A St Patrick's day singalong was led by Peter Lino with a rendition of "Stuck In The Middle With You" (Scotsman Gerry Raferty has an Irish name, and the song is about being under the influence, which may have some connection to the Irish ?) Then Followed U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", Van Morrison's "Wild Night" and the traditional "Whiskey In the Jar."
Following Barnaby Smith in the second half was James Webb playing Jackson Browne's "opening Farewell" accompanied by intricate finger picking  all the way up the neck of his guitar. Then followed two original bright love songs, one about the innocence of early love and a vampy, bluesy "Love Jumps Up and Bites you." Good fun. Danny Mortison, another new act to TUF, began with a couple of originals. the first was for his sister "You Can Be Proud," the second was for a drummer friend "Sleeping In The Back Of the Ute." Danny finished with "Stand By Me," his strong vocal complemented by jangling electric guitar. We finished the evening with an unbelievably boisterous performance from Howard Hughes of several Celtic Songs which had the audience clapping and foot tapping along. At a couple of points Howard had to pause to catch his breath!
The Fred Hollows Foundation was the recipient of $230 collected from the door and food proceeds.
There are photos in the gallery (more to come from our new photographer, Evan)
The next night is Friday April  11 and there is a good lineup of acts already. 
Check out the program.

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