Aussie BBQ CMJ 2011 Showcase

by David Holland

When the last day of CMJ 2011 rolled around, I had 3 main purposes with 2 being show related & the other marketing related. The first purpose was to continue promoting the station as much as possible.The show purposes were to see Jeannine Hebb at Googie's (show review) at night & to attend the Aussie BBQ at The Delancey during the day.

The Aussie BBQ was strictly for Australian acts with some of the featured acts being The Grates, Guineafowl & Young Magic. My main intention of attending the BBQ was to once again see The Grates along with the fact I had a video interview lined up with them prior to their set. Unfortunately due to travel issues, the interview was not conducted. However I did not let this take away from what was a great showcase.

I arrived a few minutes before Young Magic hit the stage. I did not know what to expect from them as the only acts I knew of were Guineafowl & The Grates. However I was highly impressed with the 3 piece made up of Isaac Emmanuel, Melati Malay & Michael Italia. Their set had a very mesmerizing feel to it due to the dark green lighting which really was the perfect tone to match the dark & cosmic dreamy sounds they produce. My favorite song of their set was Night In The Ocean which had me from the very second it started. I see big things for them & I can't wait to see more of them especially Melati who just mesmerizes you with her presence while just standing there.

I felt they would be a tough act to follow but I knew that would be no problem since next up was The Grates. As Carolyn wrote about in review of their previous set, Patience once again showcased why she has some of the best stage presence in music right now. Her energy was off the charts surpassing what she did at Piano's the previous day which I thought would be impossible. The crowd which was packed from front to back throughout the BBQ, was treated to another amazing performance from everyone involved especially on my personal favorite song Change. I can go on & on about how amazing their set was. Seriously, if you have the chance to see them live do it! I guarantee that Patience & John will not disappoint.