*** PLEASE NOTE, THIS GIG IS NOW SOLD OUT ***
Semi-finalists at the 2020 International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, recording at the legendary SUN Studio and a new incredible live CD to launch, word keeps spreading about this formidable act.
Playful and unyielding, Pannuzzo is joined on stage by guitar master Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal, and inimitable bassist Amos Sheehan. The current line-up features world-class musicianship, unbridled passion inspired by the moment and an almost telepathic ability to create; a powerhouse to be reckoned with.
From deep within the veins of Melbourne’s music scene, Checkerboard Lounge has become a cult-like underground institution. The brainchild of renowned singer and drummer Carl Pannuzzo, the band has evolved over thirty years; breathing fire, virtuosity and improvisation into classic soul and roots originals.
From standing ovations at Wangaratta Jazz Festival to crammed inner Melbourne pubs, no two shows are the same. Vibrant and unforgettable, Checkerboard are a tour-de-force demanding honesty, integrity and truthful musicianship; the very essence of a live music experience.
Check out Checkerboard Lounge in action below:
Live at the MBAS 2019 - 'You Got A Way On You'
Ever since their famed seven-year residency at the Great Britain Hotel in the early 90s, many budding young musicians have cut their blues teeth with the uncompromising fire of this band's energy. Checkerboard has inspired the development of some of Australia's finest musicians and bands (Powderfinger, Dirty Three, Clare Bowditch, Jet, Spoonful/Rocket Science, Kylie Auldist to name a few). Checkerboard's point of difference had always been playing with different musicians and throwing them into an improvisational hot-seat.
Over the years, band members have included Australia's best blues exponents, such as Rev. Mick O’Connor, Ian Collard, Jeff Lang, Broderick Smith, Steve Teacle, Richard Tankard, Andrew Ogburn, Garrett Costigan, Nigel MacLean and Dave Boyle (USA).
Thirty years on, Checkerboard continues to leave musicians and audiences, both national and international, enthralled by the single-minded creativity of a rhythm section-led roots band. Arguably the band’s strongest ever line up; the spirit of the blues is palpable throughout their performances, all the while through an almost childlike sense of play.
“You got it boy, it’s in you” ~ Jimmy Smith
"You could run a small city off these guys" ~ Fiona Boyes
"Some real happening blues" ~ Bob Sedergreen
This is a limited entry ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased below:
See you there!