The best Tintenbar Up Front yet?

Last Friday could easily lay claim to being the best TUF yet.

The Fry Babies kicked off with finely honed harmonies, great guitar and heaps of pizzaz. Their showmanship was infectious enough to get the audience belting out Abba's Fernando. Gregory Pimm performed his quiet renditions of well known American classics and Aussie bush ballads, accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica. The Headliners Chorus (not "choir", as there is no "I" in chorus) were the headline act and wowed the audience with beautifully realised vocal arrangements, showing verve, humour and emotion in full measure. Like a huge flock of birds making exquisite patterns in the sky without ever colliding, their music was interwoven magic.
Chris Cook concluded the first half, by telling the audience about  our charity of the month, Sailability, its purpose and how it operates.

Bernadette McWhinnie  Began the second half solo and a cappella, singing soulfully and beautifully. Peter Lino, accompanied by Paul Francis sang an original composition with acoustic and electric guitars.
Fiddlesticks are a pair of teenage violinists (tin whistle appeared as well) who played toe tapping Irish reels and jigs with their father on guitar and vocals. The hall itself appreciated such old time tunes. They were flawless.
Mim O'Grady sang some stunning versions of newer Australain song and was joined by "hithchhiker" Kat for a couple more, including a beautifully harmonised version of Claire Bowditch's "Between the tea and the toast,"  which included a flute solo. Sunrise Sessions, comprising Col Peak on guitar and Roly Pearce on bass and mandolin were joined by "Mandarin Jam Man", Bob Terrill on uke and harmonica for a trio of fabulous tunes including The Stones' "Out of time," and Johnny Rivers' "Mountain of Love" done boogy woogie style. Fantastic. Suckers For Punishment (Guitars, double bass, cajon and percussion)finished the evening with  to die for finger picked Latin grooves.

The evening was marvellous for its variety, the standard of musicianship, the large appreciative audience and raising over $700 for Sailability. Thanks to everyone involved for another successful community event. Special thanks to Ballina Headlands Leisure Park for donating two night's accommodation for our fund-raising raffle.

Check out the photos in the Gallery.

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