Jack Jones @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach

Saturday night saw me back at my musical happy place, Avoca Beach Theatre. Here in Darkinjung Country/Central Coast we are so blessed to have this intimate “barn,” as co-owner Beth Hunter calls it, where some of the country’s best and brightest play. And it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, things seem to be ramping up. I visited on Saturday night to see Jack Jones, but what I got was a whole lot more.

For the first time our evening started outside the theatre, where the venue is hosting summer sessions before the main gig. They’re free events that welcome all members of the community, including non-ticket holders and their furry friends. I’ve often enjoyed a glass of wine before the show in this lovely courtyard area, but adding live music to the mix takes the experience up a notch. It’s also such a great platform for emerging artists like the lovely folk singer who entertained us with her mix of original songs and classic covers. I just wish the artist was better advertised. A little sign saying her name or a reminder from the artist herself every now and again would have helped us all remember to support her in future.

The talent kept coming inside when Piper Butcher warmed up the stage. I’ve appreciated her music for a long time, but my admiration has gone up a notch after seeing her live. She has such a beautiful, warm personality that’s incredibly endearing. I loved hearing her stories about her career and where it might go next as she prepares to head to the United States for a month. Her music was also incredible. It takes a special something to capture an audience with predominantly original tracks they don’t know, but she held us all captivated. The only cover in her set – a bluesy take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” – hinted at what could have been had she stayed longer in the Australian Idol competition. Piper also treated us to a few yet-to-be-released songs she recorded with Australian country royalty, Kasey Chambers. If there’s any justice, they may just be the tracks to give her the mainstream attention she deserves.

I’ve seen Jack Jones perform solo a few times now, and I keep coming back because he always impresses. His voice is flawless and his songs bring back such beautiful memories. It’s hard to believe I was 10 years old when his band Southern Sons released their first album. It gave us so many smash singles Including the beautiful “Hold Me in Your Arms” which Jack opened the show with. It takes such confidence to play such a beloved song so early, but this beautiful number set the tone for this special night. I loved hearing it and watching Jack’s face light up as we sang a chorus for him so sweetly. I only wish our singing was as good on “Always and Ever.” It seems like less than half of us knew the words, and try as I might I couldn’t quite make up for those who had faded away.

The show wasn’t all about the hits though. I loved hearing favourite album tracks like “Something More” and “Wildest Love,” who he dedicated to his partner in the audience. He also treated us to some music from his time performing under his birth name, Irwin Thomas. I remember seeing him at that time supporting Matchbox Twenty and it wasn’t my thing. Hearing these songs stripped back though has helped me appreciate them all these years later. There were new songs too from an EP or album to come. That’s right readers; Jack Jones isn’t done creating music.

As with the last time I saw Jack, he regaled us with generous stories with many tangents. We heard all about his lock down experiences and the recent losses in his life which still bring tears to his eyes. He joked that chatting to us was like therapy; his walls were certainly down. I love when an artist lets us in like that and we get to see the human behind the music.

This was one of the longer concerts I’ve attended at Avoca Picture Theatre. Jack was so chatty that he had to ask whether there was a curfew because he understood his stories had taken up a lot of time. Thankfully there wasn’t and none of us had a better place to be. And so we all took our time, and yet it still felt like it wasn’t enough when Jack hit the opening notes of “Heart in Danger.” And yes, we all sang along.

Later this month Jack will start celebrating the 35th anniversary of Southern Sons with a string of shows around the country. Check back here for a review of the Darkinjung Country/Wyong gig after it happens. Tickets are limited so make sure you snap up yours soon.

31 January 2025 – Kings Theatre @ Event Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
1 February 2025 – Twin Towns Showroom, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
7 February 2025 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
8 February 2025 – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Boonwurrung Country/Wonthaggi
21 February 2025 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
22 February 2025 – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
28 February 2025 – The Art House Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
1 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
7 March 2025 – Yan Yean Theatre, Wurundjeri Balug and Wurundjeri Willam Country/South Morang
8 March 2025 – Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
14 March 2025 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
15 March 2025 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung/Bendigo
21 March 2025 – Country Club Showroom, Kanamaluka/Launceston
22 March 2025 – West Point Showroom, Nipaluna/Hobart
12 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
2 May 2025 – Alpine MDF Theatre WPACC, Bpangerang/Wangaratta
3 May 2025 – Palms at Crown, Naarm/Melbourne
19–26 October 2025 – Rock the Boat, leaving from Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Lyn Foreman and Lauren Katulka

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