This weekend was busier than most for me; I saw George Michael live on Friday and on Saturday I caught Josh Pyke wrapping up his acoustic tour. While George Michael is at home entertaining the masses in a stadium, Josh Pyke seems made for intimate gigs like that I witnessed at Lizotte’s in Kincumber.
Before Josh even graced the stage I was in a good mood. While the busy restaurants at Sydney’s Fox Studios saw me grabbing a lukewarm pie at the football stadium on Friday, Lizotte’s treated us to a feast. Good wine was paired with delicious dishes like prawn and lobster tail ravioli and chicken breast supreme. I was already grinning from ear to ear when support act Russell Crawford began his set. I liked him instantly, a quirky singer songwriter delivering tunes on keyboards. Think Ben Folds without the angst. His music wasn’t especially challenging, but it was easy on the ear.
But Josh Pyke was the real attraction. When he stepped up the quiet chatter stopped and the room was transfixed. It’s always a treat to see a performer at Lizotte’s, a venue which holds no more than 100 lucky music fans. It takes intimacy to a new level, feeling more like a jam session amongst friends than a concert. Seeing Josh Pyke live makes you realise just how many hits he’s had. While he was still spruiking his latest disc Chimney’s Afire, his set also drew heavily from his breakthrough debut LP Memories & Dust. There were a couple of new tracks too, a hint at what’s next to come. He chatted easily with the crowd, joking with the girls singing along enthusiastically down the front and explaining the inspiration behind many of his songs.
I could not have asked to attend more different concerts this weekend; one a superstar performing on a grand scale, the other a more modest show in a stunning location. Just as I was glad to see George doing his thing on Friday, I am thrilled to have experienced Josh Pyke up close and acoustic at my favourite venue.
Image source: own photos