AWARD-winning artists Mic Conway and Matthew Fagan will bring their “unusual” talents to the Bellarine in a once-only show at the Potato Shed this month.
The 20 April show is part of pair’s “Street of Dreams” tour, featuring music from Mic’s early band, Captain Matchbox.
It also feature’s swag of Conway’s later songs, including “Jug Band Man” (featured on Spicks and Specks in 2011).
Stripped back, irreverent and shameless, Mic and Matthew play idiosyncratic tunes that make jaws drop, toes tap and sides split.
Some classic tin-pan melodies and some bizarre originals, “Street of Dreams” is surreal vaudeville with a sense of humour. Croon to melt your ears.
Mic Conway is an ARIA award-winning singer, musician, songwriter, fire eater, magician, tap dancer, actor, juggler, latex mask maker, props builder and puppeteer.
He was born into a family of vaudeville theatre and opera.
In the 1970s he and his brother, Jim Conway founded the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band.
To their surprise it became a cult phenomenon, recording seven records, two of which achieved gold status.
Mic also joined the legendary Pram Factory Theatre in Melbourne, creating Soapbox Circus, where he was ringmaster, musician, juggler and acrobat.
In 1978 Soapbox became the now world famous Circus Oz of which Mic was a founding member.
Mic has toured across Australia, Britain, USA, New Zealand and Asia delighting audiences of all ages.
His current outfit, Mic Conway’s National Junk Band is successfully touring and recording the most unique music and entertainment that defies categorisation.
Matthew Fagan, who will open the show, has toured with Natalie Cole, The Original Buena Vista Social Club, Michael Crawford, Shirley Bassey and Billy Connolly.
At the end of a 53-night tour, Billy Connolly presented him with a prized banjo saying “Matthew is the best guest artist I have ever toured with”.
Matthew takes you on a vibrant musical journey with a magical repertoire that crosses from Spanish Flamenco, Celtic, Bluegrass and Blues with highlights from CD “One Day in Nashville”, Virtuoso – A Homage to My Ancestors and Ukuleleland.
A highlight of Matthew’s was is his virtuosic hit rendition of J.S Bach’s Toccata on Celtic Steel String Guitar which featured in ABC’s Television Production “A Moody Christmas“ in 2012.
Matthew founded a gypsy jazz, celtic world music group Gypsy Fire 1997.
Gypsy Fire pioneered the Australian manouche gypsy jazz stage with fiery performances at festivals around Victoria.
Their original album “Indigo Moon” still receives regular airplay on ABC FM.
Matthew plays 10 string Spanish and gypsy guitar for the group, which features some of Australia’s leading gypsy jazz musicians.
Starts 7.30pm, 20 April. Tickets: Adult $30, concession $25 and under-16 $20. Door sale tickets available for $5 extra.
Call the Potato Shed on 5251 1998 or email potatoshed@geelongcity.vic.gov.au to book tickets.
