C.W. Stoneking

Tonight I met Tash at Melbourne Zoo for the Earth Hour concert with C.W. Stoneking. She had won a double pass and kindly allowed me to come along with her. It's always a relaxed and family friendly setting at the zoo and the only gig where you get to hear lions roaring occasionally while musicians are playing. We found a spot on the lawn near the pavilion and listened to the opening act, New York blues singer Mamie Minch.

As darkness descended C.W. Stoneking and the Primitive Horn Orchestra took to the stage. He is a very unique artist and storyteller with a New Orleans jazz and blues sound. His accent is a strange mix of Aussie and Cajun. C.W. played songs from both of his albums and it was great to hear "Brave Son of America" (about General MacArthur), "Goin the Country," and "Talking Lion Blues." He brought out his wife to sing "Housebound Blues" and finished the night with the fantastic "The Love Me or Die."