1920s Great Gatsby Jazz Band At Concrete Blonde

Sunday July 1: Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters played for Sunday Lunch at Concrete Blonde, Level 2, 33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point. Now, if you haven’t head of Concrete Blonde before, I want to tell you all about it a little later in this blog entry. Just to say now, if you’re in Sydney or visiting, it’s a must visit

But first, the Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters’ show. Here’s a snippet…

Warren Fahey AM, social historian, author, record producer, broadcaster and singer said about yesterday’s  Concrete Blonde show by Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters:

“Yesterday’s Jazz/Funk/Whatever Lunch at Concrete Blonde was another terrific day. Here’s Greg Poppleton and the Bakelite Broadcasters in action Greg sang all the top songs of the 1920s and 30s – many that I have grown up with. There were many happy faces in the audience and Greg’s interpretations, including dancing, swaying, staring and facial gymnastics made the music all the more interesting and amusing. They will be back!”

Concrete Blonde wrote on their Facebook page: “What a fantastic performance yesterday here! Love the bloke in the pinstripes and ……. phew, check out the size of that guy’s tuba”

Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters at Concrete Blonde

Now a few words about this great restaurant itself…

Concrete Blonde is one of those rare restaurants where the space makes you feel good (expansive, even!) the minute you walk in. It has both an indoor and outdoor area and the connection between these two spaces is remarkably seamless. As a space, its designers have successfully combined a sense of occasion and gathering with intimacy and privacy. Remarkable! (As I’ve just done). Part of the occasion is being able to see your dinner cooked. The kitchen is along one side of the space. There’s also a friendly and extensive bar. And a cellar behind glass in the dining area itself. Car parking is in the building, which makes it easy in busy Kings Cross. But I don’t drive. So there’s the 324 and 325 bus at the front door and the 311 bus and Kings Cross train station just around the corner! Plus there’s live music by name bands in jazz, funk, gypsy, folk and more. Free! Sunday lunch and Wednesday nights. As Symphony Sid used to say in between Charlie Parker/Miles Davis sets on his all-night, all-frantic WMCA bop show from the Royal Roost nightclub, New York – ‘what more could you want?’

I’ll tell you what more – the food and the friendly staff take your experience to a whole new level

And the menu is special

For Sunday lunch, the band chose the Beef with Yorkshire Pudding and the Duck. There was also a vegetarian choice that was very, very tempting. I’ve never had Yorkshire Pudding before, but I will be having it again. And our Mancunian drummer, Bob Gillespie, formerly musical director for Lovelace Watkins and drummer with Maynard Ferguson’s English Orchestra, and whose family makes Yorkshire Puddings at home, was mightily impressed. The beef just melted in my mouth. And despite the servings being generous, with two big serving boats of tasty roast potatoes and broccoli and carrots arriving at our table, nothing was left on anyone’s plate. In short, the chef made a Sunday Roast exciting – and delicious. That’s real skill and passion for food

As for the restaurant space being an event in itself, making you feel good, and making you want to be there, I found this quote which goes some way in explaining why I felt so good the way I did the moment I walked through the doors: “Concrete Blonde is very excited and proud to announce that we have been short-listed (from over 600 entries) for the finals of the International Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. This is the only concept of its kind in the world and is dedicated exclusively to hospitality design. The Awards invites and receives entries from the world’s top architects, designers and hospitality operators. The judges recognise and reward entrants from all over the world for design excellence. The winners will be announced at an innovative ceremony at the Royal Institute of British Architects, London, 66 Portland Place on the 6th September 2012”

So Concrete Blonde is indeed a very special place. It’s warm and friendly. You’ll feel comfortable no matter what your restaurant background – whether you’re local or visiting, whether you’re a gourmand or someone like me on a very low income who only goes to a restaurant on very special occasions.  And if you are someone like me, well you can guess from the tone of this review, that I reckon Concrete Blonde is one exciting place that’ll take your special occasion to a whole new level and you’ll be happy to splash out with the hard-earns

Here’s their YouTube promo…

Greg Poppleton @ Concrete Blonde 1 July

Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters play the songs of the 1920s for Sunday Jazz Lunch at Concrete Blonde, 33 Bayswater Road, Potts Point, 1 July, 1 – 4pm. Music rarely heard and never forgotten. Books advised: +61 2 9380 8307

Please visit Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters’ Official Website: www.bakelitejazz.com

Antiques and Collectibles Magazine Greg Poppleton Feature

Thought I’d let you in on the big secret that Antiques & Collectibles Magazine http://www.acpp.com.au have featured me in their ‘Final Word. 60 Seconds with…” interview page in their just released Winter 2012 Edition (Issue 45)

Antiques and Collectibles is a quarterly magazine published by Julie & Christine Carter in Coffs Harbour and available in newsagents across Australia. It’s great to read such a well-produced glossy, published not by the big multinationals, but by two dynamic sisters who are passionate about quality magazines and publishing. They also publish a bridal magazine: http://www.facebook.com/affordableweddingsmagazine

As I say, Antiques and Collectible can be bought in newsagents across Australia. But if it isn’t in yours, or it’s sold out, you can email A and C at info@acpp.com.au

Antiques & Collectibles is a quarterly glossy much respected in the industry and published by the dynamic Julie & Christine Carter from Coffs Harnbour

In the interview I answer questions like “what was the first record I ever bought?”, “the best book I’ve read so far?” and the “worst thing about TV?”. The answers give some background to The Phantom Dancer Radio Show (Swing and Jazz from live 1920s-60s Radio & TV) and Greg Poppleton’s 1920s-1930s Band.

In the Winter 2012 Edition of Antiques and Collectibles you can read articles on…
– History of Australian Telly
– Olympic Posters
– Beauty Through The Ages
– WWI Trench Art
– 20th Century Pewter
– Hermes Handbags
– Alarm Clocks
and plenty more, including a fascinating ‘Ask The Experts’ page where readers send in photos of their interesting antiques and curios for a bit of history and valuation

Enjoy!

Greg

The Lounge Bar Lotharios At The 2012 Winter Ball

Sydney’s newest, most exciting, authentic 1920s Dance Orchestra, The Lounge Bar Lotharios, played at the prestigious 2012 Winter Ball

Held in the newly revamped and reopened Fairmont Resort, Leura, the Orchestra played original 1920s arrangements for dancing. We can play for your 1920s event, too. Contact Tony

In the band were Greg Poppleton, Sydney’s only authentic 1920s singer, Geoff Power, first trumpet and musical director, Al Davey, trumpet, Ian Baker, trombone, Paul Furniss, Alan Solomon and Glenn Henrich, soprano, alto, tenor saxes and clarinet, Grahame Conlon, banjo, Peter Locke, piano, Rod Herbert, sousaphone, Adam Barnard, drums. Here are some photos…

The Lounge Bar Lotharios Winter Ball 2012

Sydney’s Newest 1920s Dance Orchestra

The Lounge Bar Lotharios Reeds and Horn Sections

To book The Lounge Bar Lotharios for your 1920s Great Gatsby event, Contact Tony

VE Day GI Dance With Greg Poppleton

Greg Poppleton, Australia’s only authentic 1920s – 30s singer and his Jazz Deco trio had the honour of playing for dancers at Elizabeth Bay House for the exclusive 2012 VE Day GI Dance.

Greg sang the songs popular in the early 1940s in his naturally true-to-the-era dance band singer style.

Some say his voice reminds them of Al Bowlly. Others say Ray Eberle.

And his small band is definitely 1940s Sydney when the majority of bands playing for dancers through the suburbs were trios to sextets. (Check out Greg Poppleton’s ABC Radio National documentary about Sydney’s 1942-45 Booker T Washington Club for U.S African-American service personnel. The band that played there was mainly a quartet.)

This fantastic evening celebrated the GI Dances held across Sydney in grand houses like Elizabeth Bay House during the Second World War.

Greg Poppleton Trio at the 2012 VE Day GI Dance

Over a hundred guests filled the historic mansion dressed in 1940s style, many in authentic 1940s uniforms.

They danced to Greg Poppleton playing A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, White Cliffs Of Dover, I’ve Heard That Song Before and many other pop songs of the early 1940s.

At the end of the night, the band lead the guests in singing We’ll Meet Again, Vera Lynn’s post-WWII hit Auf Wiedersehen, Sweetheart.

Guests calling for an encore spontaneously sang out two choruses of Bless Them All as a gloriously emotional end to the dancing!

Guests dressed in 1940s style dancing the Greg Poppleton’s Bakelite Broadcasters

Guests were also treated at the dance to period 1940s cuisine, swing dance classes, 1940s makeovers, live drawing classes, the very funny ‘1940s paperboy’ MC with prizes for the best-dressed

All guests were gloriously dressed in vintage style, with many in authentic clothes and uniforms from the era, as you can see in the photos.

Greg Poppleton is Australia’s only 1920s – 1930s style singer with duo to 6-piece band. He can also offer a 1920s Great Gatsby Orchestra and 1930s-40s Swing Orchestra playing Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.

Contact Greg through Tony Jex at OzManagement.

Greg Poppleton, dancers and festive VE Day bunting

 

Greg Poppleton played 1940s pop songs that had everyone dancing

 

Guests sang along with the band on the last two songs

 

Greg Poppleton filled the dance floor

Greg Poppleton bookings and enquiries

New 1920s Great Gatsby Dance Orchestra Launch

Saturday 28 April saw the successful launch of Sydney’s newest Great Gatsby 1920s Dance Orchestra – The Lounge Bar Lotharios…

The Lounge Bar Lotharios - Reeds & Brass Section. Front row soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxes and clarinets l-r Paul furniss, Ron Nairn, Alan Solomon. Back row trumpets and trombone l-r Ben Gurton, Geoff Power (musical director) Al Davey

The Lounge Bar Lotharios feature Sydney’s Top 10 Vintage Jazz Musicians playing authentic 1920s dance band arrangements fronted by Sydney’s only authentic 1920s jazz singer, Greg Poppleton, under the musical direction of Geoff Power

Geoff Power is a world-renowned classic jazz trumpeter who has toured the US nine times, played jazz festivals and clubs in New York, Los Angeles and throughout the US, recorded a CD in New Jersey with leading NYC musicians including Vince Giordano, and played with many leading US musicians

Penrith RSL witnessed its biggest crowd ever for any jazz show. The room was full. The slow 1920s numbers filled the dance floor and the hot dance tunes had everyone’s toes a-tappin’

I hope you enjoy the photos of the 1920s Orchestra launch I’ve posted for you below. You can see more photos on The Lounge Bar Lotharios’ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheLoungeBarLotharios. Please drop by. And while you’re there, Like us, too! Thank you

You can use the Facebook Page to book the Orchestra, as well: https://www.facebook.com/TheLoungeBarLotharios, simply by messaging me. Or get in touch via the Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters website. The Lounge Bar Lothario’s website will be up for you soon

Greg Poppleton, Sydney's only authentic 1920s singer with The Lounge Bar Lotharios

Geoff Power, Trumpet and Musical Director

Grahame Conlon on Banjo with Paul Furniss, Sax

Rod Herbert, Sousaphone with The Lounge Bar Lotharios 1920s Dance Orchestra

Peter Locke, piano, The Lounge Bar Lotharios

The Lounge Bar Lotharios are available now for your wedding, corporate event big or small and your Great Gatsby Party

To book the band, simply contact Greg Poppleton, band leader, via The Lotharios’ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheLoungeBarLotharios or via the Greg Poppleton and his Bakelite Broadcasters’ Website http://www.bakelitejazz.com. There’ll be a Lounge Bar Lotharios website for you to visit and enjoy very soon!

Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters at Fairfield Museum

At the end of March, Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters, played the hits of the 1920s for the Fairfield Museum Open Day to over 800 visitors. Here are a couple of action pics for you

With myself singing and Grahame Conlon (banjo), Geoff Power (sousaphone), Lawrie Thompson (1920s drums) Swing Patrol taught the gathered some jazz age dance steps including The Charleston

Greg Poppleton with the Bakelite Broadcasters at the Fairfield Regional Museum Open Day

Greg Poppleton and his 1920s Megaphone with Bakelite Broadcasters Grahame Conlon (banjo) Geoff Power (sousaphone) Lawrie Thompson (drums)

This Saturday, Greg Poppleton & Geoff Power, launch Sydney’s new 1920s Dance Orchestra, The Lounge Bar Lotharios

Come to Penrith RSL, 8 Tindale St, Penrith, 2 – 5pm, Sat 28 April 2012, to hear authentic 1920s arrangements played by the Top Ten vintage jazz musicians in Sydney (including Grahame Conlon on banjo and Lawrie Thompson, drums) for your listening, dancing and Charlestoning pleasure

And it’s FREE!

Glen Street Theatre Show

I have uploaded some band photos for you

These are from the 1920s and 1930s ‘Music At The Glen Show’ which Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters played on 20 March 2012. Lots of swinging tunes and laughs in between with virtuosic instrumental interludes by the band to keep the 90% full house entertained

It was an honour to be asked out of the blue to sing in a ‘Music At The Glen’ Concert. Other shows in the 2012 Glen Street Concert Series include Sydney Savoy legend, Christopher Hamilton, and renowned Sinatra singer, Tom Burlinson – so the standard of music at the Glen is very high with household names and internationally renowned acts. It was a thrill to be counted among them

Greg Poppleton and his Bakelite Broadcasters in concert at the Glen Street Theatre

Glen Street wrote about the Greg Poppleton and his Bakelite Broadcasters’ concert, “The concert was extremely well appreciated and we were delighted to have you at Glen Street”

Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters with Paul Furniss, tenor sax

I’ll be back for two shows at Glen Street in June to be radio announcer for an 18-piece swing band. And there is talk I may return with a smaller Bakelite Broadcasters dance band for you at Glen Street in August

Greg Poppleton singing through his trademark red 1920s megaphone. Greg is Sydney's only authentic 1920s and 1930s jazz singer

The Bakelite Broadcasters are the best in Sydney classic jazz. For the Glen Street show the band included…
– Greg Poppleton is Sydney’s only authentic 1920s and 1930s dance band singer. He is also an actor and voiceover artist and has appeared in the Hollywood movies Chronicles of Narnia Voyage of the Dawn Treader and Moulin Rouge.
– Al Davey, trumpet and trombone, is in huge demand across Australia as both a brass player and band leader
– Paul Furniss, alto and tenor saxes and clarinet, is described as one of Australia’s top jazz musicians on Wikipedia
– Monique Lysiak is one of Sydney’s foremost and most respected jazz pianists
– Darcy Wright was ranked by Rolling Stone in the World’s Top Ten Jazz Bassists
– Lawrie Thompson tours the world as a classic jazz drummer

You can have the trio to 6-piece Bakelite Broadcasters wow your guests at your wedding, corporate event and Great Gatsby party, too

Or, for big events, hire the new 10-piece authentic 1920s dance orchestra, the Lounge Bar Lotharios

Both bands can be booked on the Bakelite Broadcasters’ website: www.bakelitejazz.com

Photos Of Greg Poppleton & His Bakelite Broadcasters At The Blue Beat Jazz Club

Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters sang and played the music of the 1920s and 1930s at the Blue Beat Double Bay in February

Greg Poppleton now also leads the 11-piece authentic 1920s Dance Orchestra, The Lounge Bar Lotharios, with musical director Geoff Power & Sydney’s Top Ten Sydney vintage jazz musicians

We were invited to share a double bill with celebrated 1940s noir singer, Jimmy Vargas and his muse, Liliana Scarlatta, with their Black Dahlias Band. The Vargas show is a must-see where ever you can catch it. Jimmy and Liliana have a rare connection on stage. They are two distinct performers who spontaneously improvise through song, gesture and dance as if they share the one mind. It’s quite astonishing. Go see for yourself. Check out the Jimmy Vargas website

Greg Poppleton is Sydney’s only authentic 1920s and 1930s dance band singer. With him in the Broadcasters at the Blue Beat were Al Davey, trumpet and trombone; ARIA award-winning pianist, Tony Esterman; world top ten jazz double bassist, Darcy Wright; and internationally touring swing jazz drummer, Lawrie Thompson

Here are some pics of the night. The colour ones are stills from film I took. The black and white snaps are by photographer, Michael Kery. Enjoy!

Greg Poppleton singing with his Bakelite Broadcasters at the Blue Beat

Greg Poppleton with 1920s Megaphone. Photo by Michael Very

Al Davey, trumpet, with the Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters at the Blue Beat

Darcy Wright, double bass, with the Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters at the Blue Beat

Tony Esterman, piano with Darcy Wright, double bass and Lawrie Thompson, drums, with the Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters at the Blue Beat. Photo by Michael Kery

Lawrie Thompson, drums, with the Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters at the Blue Beat. Photo by Michael Kery

Greg Poppleton Bakelite Broadcasters at the Blue Beat. Photo by Michael Kery

Greg Poppleton, Sydney's only 1920s & 1930s Singer at the Blue Beat Jazz Club, Double Bay

Book Greg Poppleton & his duo, trio to 6-piece Bakelite Broadcasters for your 1920s – 1930s theme wedding, corporate function and Great Gatsby Party. Visit the Band’s Official Website www.bakelitejazz.com to make your booking, or just to hear our music. Happy Listening!

Hear US Radio Greg Poppleton Interview & Sydney Tour Dates

Greg Poppleton and his Bakelite Broadcasters were the subject for the Women’s View Radio Show on Wed 8 February 2012

Women’s View Radio discovered the band when another US vintage show sent them a link to Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters playing ‘Falling In Love Again‘ (Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuss auf Liebe eingestellt)

‘The Gals’, Louise DuMaurier and Deborah Bradley, interviewed me by phone from the KMRN Studios in Cameron, Missouri for their popular one hour show which goes out over 18 radio stations and online

I know their show is popular because while The Gals chatted to me about the band and our 1920s-30s jazz and swing, a lot of the time was taken up by the very generous online messages that came in from around the world

I’ve listened to a random minute and noticed that, curses, I’d misheard a really good question about my using a megaphone for some 1920s songs. Ah, well. The phone did drop out my end for split seconds from time to time, but that’s what you’d expect talking between St Joseph, Missouri and Sydney Australia

Here’s the show on the Women’s View Radio Blog. And if you like what you hear, join the band’s Facebook Page

Here are Greg Poppleton and his Bakelite Broadcasters’ latest Sydney Tour Dates:

Greg Poppleton & his Bakelite Broadcasters Tour Dates

Wed Feb 15
7:30pm Blue Beat Bar & Grill,
16 Cross St, Double Bay, NSW.
$15. Bookings Moshtix

Tues Mar 20
11am Glen Street Theatre,
Glen Street, Belrose, NSW.
$23. Bookings

Sat Mar 31
11:30am Fairfield Museum,
1920s Fair & Open Day,
632 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield NSW.
Free

Sat Apr 28
2pm Castle Lounge,
Penrith RSL,
8 Tindale St, Penrith NSW,
Launch NEW 11 piece 1920s Orchestra – more details soon!
Free

Hope you enjoy the show,
Greg!

Greg Poppleton with his Bakelite Broadcasters