I’ve always felt pretty lucky to have Avoca Beach Picture Theatre in my local area. It’s the kind of movie theatre that has just one screen and favours independent films of quality to the big blockbusters. You can buy wine and local arts and crafts in the foyer, and at one point a cat would wander around the cinema and sit on the lap of chosen guests. It’s the kind of place that is becoming all too rare. But now that they’re welcoming some of Australia’s best musicians to their intimate space, I’m even more thrilled. You might remember me catching The Whitlams Black Stump Band there recently, and last night I was back again for Mahalia Barnes.
To say her pal Bek Jensen warmed up the stage would be an understatement. Her voice is red hot, bluesy and soulful. She’s got a real warmth about her that draws you in. Captivating an audience for a set of originals isn’t easy, but she made it look effortless. Apparently, she’s recently moved to the coast, so I look forward to seeing a lot more of her. Incredible.
I’ve seen Mahalia Barnes a few times before, but I’ve never seen a set quite like this. She let us know this was a by-request show, with heckling encouraged, with a big smile on her face. Without a set list, this show had a real spontaneity which made it so much fun. Mahalia was also surrounded by her “chosen family,” long-term band members The Soul Mates and gal pals Bek and Karen Lee Andrews (who you might remember as Miss Murphy from The Voice). Supported by musicians and vocalists she trusted, she told us they could do anything so long as one or two of them knew the song. That certainly seemed to be the case. Mahalia’s admiration over Bec’s whistling in her supporting slot naturally led to an impromptu cover of “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay.” A throwaway line to Karen as she exited the stage was an easy segue into “I Will Survive”. Mahalia insisted she wouldn’t do it, but couldn’t refuse as the band carried her away.
The audience was kind, mostly suggesting soulful hits like “Proud Mary” and “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Not like Bowral, who apparently insisted she try out a little Metallica! Of course, there were the inevitable requests for music from her famous dad’s back catalogue, but her takes on “When Something is Wrong With My Baby” and “Flame Trees” showed she was up to the challenge. Her version of “Heading in the Right Direction,” a tribute to the late great Renee Geyer, who Mahalia credited for paving the way for artists like herself, was another real highlight.
I’ve always enjoyed Mahalia’s original material so I was glad that some of those songs bookended this set. However, watching her play with originals so joyfully was a real treat. Her voice is one of the best in the business, and she has such a presence on stage. I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out to her incredible band too. Watching Lachy Doley attack the keys, Franco Raggatt deliver blistering guitar solos, and Mahalia and crew so wrapped up in appreciating their contributions, was magic. I love a good jam, and this show really delivered on that score.
Mahalia insisted she’d be back, and I hope she’ll stay true to her word. To see an artist of her calibre, backed by such a quality band, in an intimate venue like Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, is too good to pass up. Mahalia has a few more of these shows to go. If you’re local, you don’t want to miss them:
24 February 2023 – The Great Club, Bulanaming/Marrickville
25 February 2023 – Centro, Woolyungah/Wollongong
5 March 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundungurra Country/Southern Highlands
12 March 2023 – Brighter Days Festival, Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang Country/Bright
Image used with permission from Ferries Davies PRM