Freak out in the best possible way
PREPARE to party like it’s 1978 this weekend — freaky Melbourne eight-piece disco funk and dirty jazz band China Beach are visiting Hobart for the first time.
China Beach — Carl Lenny (vocals, guitar), Fabian Hunter (drums), Alex Bleakly (bass), Sean Sully (keyboard), Daniel Melo (percussion) and Raka Supriatna (sax), plus “Queen Diva” Isabelle Skye and “Prima Donna” Kimberley Eaton — only got together about a year ago, but have already built up some serious momentum.
Armed with a sense of flair, serious instrumental skills and “a desire to spread love”, China Beach write and perform funky old-school songs about “dancing, loving and getting freaky”, influenced by ’70s disco, “modern slackers and jangle guitarists”.
Playing live nearly every weekend since their formation, China Beach have appeared at events including the Sydney Rd Street Festival, Ninchfest and the Noosa Surf Fest, and supported like-minded acts such as Sugar Fed Leopards.
The band also sold out Melbourne’s Bar 303 in April for the launch of their latest single, My Mind.
China Beach are beginning to spread their wings beyond Melbourne, and are coming to Hobart for the first time this weekend to play two shows: at The Grand Poobah from 9pm tomorrow (with Baba Bruja and Creme Brulee); and at The Homestead from 8.30pm on Saturday (with EWAH, Feed Rick and Danika Smith). Tickets are $9 (plus booking fee) pre-sale from www.trybooking.com, or $12 at the door.