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My Roving Band’s Performance at the “Flavours of Mudgee” Festival

On Saturday, 28th September, 2024, my three-piece roving band performed at the Flavours of Mudgee Festival. We were hired by Mid-Western Regional Council. We were one of five music acts brought in to enrich the atmosphere of the festival.

Where is Mudgee?

Mudgee is approximately a four hour drive north-west of Sydney. It has become renowned as a wine growing region. The “Flavours of Mudgee” festival aims to showcase the region’s wines, craft beers and fine dining.

My Three Piece Roving Band

I am a singer and multi-instrumentalist with decades of experience. One of my numerous areas of expertise is being able to play while on the move. My three piece roving band is primarily based around my trombone playing. The trombone is acoustically a loud instrument. In addition, the moving slide of the trombone makes it visually captivating. These two factors make it the perfect instrument to grab people’s attention in an outdoor festival situation. To complete my three piece ensemble, I have a guitarist (with a compact, battery powered amplifier) plus a drummer. The three of us can either play on the move, or stop off for a mini-concert of two or three songs before moving on.

Baby Elephant Walk

Megaphone Singing

With my roving band, I mostly play the trombone, but I also do some singing through my old brass megaphone. Here is some footage that includes me singing through my megaphone.

Let’s Stick Together

Additional Footage of the Band Performing in Mudgee.

Here are two more clips of the band performing on the streets of Mudgee.

La Bamba

Sweet Georgia Brown

More About My Roving Band

I have a page on this website with more details about my roving band. This page includes more footage of my roving band performing live. Click on the button below to go to this page.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY ROVING BAND

Live Band Performance at 60th Birthday Party

Post author By slidemcbride
Post date May 30, 2024
Categories In Slide McBride

My email sign-off says, “Celebrate Being Alive”. This is because life is unpredictable. Adversity appears without notice. Bad things can happen at any time. So, we need to take time out to acknowledge that we are still here and celebrate being alive with the people we love.

During Easter, 2024, my band was booked to play at Jen’s 60th birthday party. Two things made this booking different to most. Firstly, it was out of Sydney in a small village called Taralga. Secondly, we were booked for two performances rather than one. Rather than a birthday “party”, this was a birthday “festival”!

Taralga is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney. It is directly north of Goulburn. Taralga is known for being close to the Wombeyan Caves and as a stop off on the road between Goulburn and Bathurst.

The Argyle Inn, Taralga, where we played on the second night

Boths nights were with my four-piece band. Our first performance was on the Thursday, (the night prior to Good Friday). This was in a marquee at the client’s property in Taralga. We played for five hours, starting off with jazz in their garden before launching into rock and pop and soul and funk in the marquee. Their property is quite large and many of their guests camped in tents or in camper vans. It was very much like a mini music festival.

“The Girl Can’t Help It”, performed on night one

Our second night’s performance was at a venue in the main street call The Argyle Inn. This was on the evening of Good Friday. This was another five hour performance, starting with two sets outside in the beer garden, followed by two long sets inside. We totally rocked the joint!

“Suspicious Minds”, from night two

Then, on the Saturday, we headed back to Sydney. Job done. Many new memories of celebrating being alive had been created. The job was done, and the people were happy.

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Trumpet Player to Play “The Last Post” on Anzac Day.

As a trumpet player, one of my highlights each year is to play “The Last Post” on Anzac Day. I love the composition, I relish the many fond memories it evokes, and I am appreciative of how it connects me with an ancestor who served in World War 1.

As a Piece of Music

The composition, “The Last Post” is written using five notes. It was written for the bugle (which is basically a trumpet with no valves). Even though the piece is based around only five notes, there is plenty of scope for expression, allowing me to add my own personal interpretation.

Military Band Connection

I had an association with The Royal Australian Navy Band in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. I did quite a few marches and ceremonies during this period, mostly as a reservist. Playing “The Last Post” brings back many fond memories of the time I spent with these bands.

Connection to My Great-Grandfather

My great-grandfather served with the A.I.F. in France during the First World War. He returned alive but deeply traumatised from his experiences. Playing “The Last Post” gives me an opportunity to connect with his legacy.

CLICK HERE TO GET WORDS FOR ‘THE ODE OF REMEMBRANCE’

The Challenges of Playing “The Last Post”

There are numerous challenges involved with playing “The Last Post”. Firstly, it is so well known that when playing it, you can’t afford to miss a note. Secondly, when playing it at a dawn service, there is minimal opportunity to warm up. The air temperature is generally on the cooler side. You need to be able to play through the piece note perfect on a cold instrument. This adds an element of psychological pressure when playing. Maintaining focus is imperative.

2023 Anzac Day March

Last year, as well as playing “The Last Post” at a dawn service in Breakfast Point, I marched in the City of Sydney Anzac Day Parade. I assisted the Christian Brothers Lewisham School Band. Here is footage from the day.

Anzac Day March, 2023

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Book a Live Band for your Christmas Party

Organising a Christmas Party is hard. There are many facets to making a party great. I have performed at literally thousands of parties and events, and from all my years of experience, I can summarise the three elements to make your Christmas Party (or any celebration) a success.

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The Three Elements That Will Make Your Party a Success.

Good Food

Plenty to Drink

Engaging Entertainment

Good Food and Plenty to Drink

Surprisingly, the space in which you hold your party will have a minimal influence on whether or not your party will be a success. Naturally, if you hire a venue to supply food and drinks, then this will be influential, but the actual space is of little consequence to your party being a success.

live band for your wedding party or corporate event

Engaging Entertainment

A high quality, fun band with a repertoire of classic pop and rock songs will tip your party from an event that staff feel obliged to attend, to a memorable night talked about in future years. Never underestimate the value of hiring a live band.

Here are some recent clips of Slide McBride performing live.

On a cold winter’s afternoon in Terrey Hills

Three-piece combo on the streets of Marrickville

Two-piece combo on the streets of Artarmon

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Wedding In Armidale

I took a long country drive to the New England region of New South Wales to play at a wedding reception. The wedding was in Armidale at Peterson’s Guesthouse and Winery. It was for Damien and Kellie.

How I Got The Gig

Damian had seen me play at a mate’s wedding in Sydney. He inquired whether I would make the trip to Armidale to perform at his wedding. I gave him some options. He took one of these options and the rest is now history.

Peterson’s Guesthouse and Winery

Peterson’s Guesthouse and Winery is about a ten minute drive out of Armidale. It has extensive gardens and lawns. There is a permanently erected marquee for wedding receptions and events.

November in Armidale

Armidale is renowned for it’s cold weather, but Kellie and Damien were lucky to get an absolutely stunning afternoon. The November skies were blue, the sun was moderately warm and evening (when it came) was mild. There were heaters inside the marquee, but they were not required.

Pre-dinner Drinks

I started with a solo set outdoors at the conclusion of the ceremony. For this I used my battery powered set up. I played for an hour while guests enjoyed canapes and pre-dinner drinks.

Three Piece Band

I played with my three-piece band for the rest of the reception. With me, I had James Haselwood on acoustic and electric bass, along with Ronny Rindo on the drums. In addition to singing, I switched between playing trombone, trumpet, ukulele and guitar.

What We Played

The wedding guests were very appreciative of the band. They enjoyed our jazz renditions during dinner. After dinner and speeches, we played two solid sets of dance music. Damien and Kellie requested John Farnham’s “The Voice” as the last song of the night. This turned into a massive singalong. It was a fantastic send off for the bride and the groom.

Long Drive for Success

It was a long drive to Armidale, but the success of Damien and Kellie’s wedding reception made the trip worthwhile.

Miss Celie’s – Live Music Venue in Ashfield

Sydney’s Inner West suburb of Ashfield is very lucky to have a superb live music venue. Miss Celie’s offers live music seven night per week. I performed there on Friday, 28th October, from 7pm – 10pm.

My performance at Miss Celie’s

I performed at Miss Celie’s with my three piece band. With me I had Mick Malouf on both acoustic and electric basses, along with Davo Fester on the drums. I sang and played trumpet, trombone, ukulele and guitar.

First Set

For the first set, I played from my jazz repertoire. In addition to my jazz vocals, this set featured my trumpet and trombone playing. During this set, Mick played his acoustic bass. Here’s a clip of a song from our first set.

Exactly Like You

Second and Third Sets

In the second and third sets, we switched musical style and played from my blues and classic soul repertoire. I mostly played guitar (to accompany my singing) but switched to ukulele for some songs. Mick swapped his acoustic bass for his electric bass.

About Miss Celie’s

Miss Celie’s opened in Ashfield in 2020, about a month before Covid hit. The venue is the ‘love child’ of Sydney musician Paul Blasi. His passion for live music and his solid background in the hospitality industry gives him the perfect qualifications to make Miss Celie’s a success. Paul regularly plays bass guitar with Shane Pacey, The Marvellous Hearts and Shane Flew. Paul has played on two albums with Shane Pacey and two albums with The Blue Tongues.

About Miss Celie’s Food and Drink

Miss Celie’s is all about supporting and promoting local breweries of Sydney’s Inner West. On tap are beers from within the local district. Miss Celie’s is also famous for their extensive selection of cocktails.

Miss Celie’s Food Choices

Miss Celie’s is famous for their pork ribs and slow cooked pork belly. But, there are many other choices available, depending upon how hungry you are, and your dietary restrictions. (CLICK HERE TO SEE MISS CELIE’S MENU). Gluten free and vegan options are available. Other offerings include their pasta of the day, burgers, substantial mains and various finger foods.

Ashfield is the New Hub for Sydney’s Musicians

Forget about Marrickville. Many musicians and artists used to live there ten years ago. Then the real estate industry used this factor to bump up prices. So now, Ashfield has become the hub for the Sydney arts community.

Notable Acts that have performed at Miss Celie’s

Miss Celie’s has had many notable performers grace its stage. Well known performers include Monica Trapaga, Eric Alexander (acclaimed saxophonist from New York), Continental Robert Suez and Pat Powell.

What’s Ahead For Miss Celie’s

Every Tuesday night, Miss Celie’s hosts jazz jam-sessions.

Every Wednesday is music trivia night.

Every Thursday is blues, funk and soul jam-session night.

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays has a changing roster of artists.

Starting in November, Monday night will feature well know solo artists.

Wedding at the Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a truly spectacular venue for a wedding reception. This is because Sydney Opera House is such an incredible and iconic piece of architecture. It is renowned throughout the world.

Since it was opened, in 1973, it has undergone various makeovers and refurbishments. In one of these “adjustments” from the original building, a section at the northern end has been turned into a dedicated function room.

Bridal Table with northern Opera House broadwalk behind

The Yallamundi Room

“Yallamundi” is an Aboriginal word meaning “storyteller”. The word is from the original inhabitants of the Sydney harbour region. The Yallamundi Room fronts onto the expansive outdoor space at the northern side of the Opera House. The use of this outdoor area is included in the hiring of this function room.

Sophie and Anthony’s Wedding Reception

Sophie and Anthony’s ceremony was in the Royal Botanic Gardens. After the ceremony, it was an easy walk for their guests to make their way to the Opera House. Pre-dinner drinks were supposed to be outside, but the wind blowing across the harbour was a bit too fresh, so guests had their pre-dinner drinks inside.

Three-quarters of the band playing during pre-dinner drinks

Previous Wedding For Sophie’s Sister

The band had previously played at Sophie’s sister Amy’s wedding. This had been about ten years ago at Royal Sydney Golf Club. The family enjoyed the band so much that they hired us again for Sophie and Anthony’s wedding.

Special Guest Singer

The band were privileged to have the Australian singing legend, Normie Rowe, join the band for a song. Between 1965 and 1968, Normie had a string of top 10 hit songs, including two that went to number one. His career as a pop singer was cut short upon his drafting into the Australian Army to go and fight in the Vietnam War. Normie sang Sophie and Anthony’s bridal dance song, “Unchained Melody”.

Australian singing legend sings “Unchained Melody” for the bridal dance

Dancing, Frivolities and Other “Guest” singers

The band generally has an open policy regarding guests who want to get up and sing. Sometimes, guests who put them selves forward to sing are incredibly accomplished performers. Other times, the people who want to sing with the band are highly spirited but may miss the pitch of a few notes. Regardless, if their friends and family are behind them, it’s all great fun and enhances the vibe of the occasion.

“Never Tear Us Apart” sung with the band by wedding guest

Backyard Birthday Party

Last Saturday night we played at a backyard birthday party. Yaron and Ruby were both celebrating their 50^th birthdays. The party was held in their backyard. The birthday party had a “M*A*S*H” theme (i.e. from the TV series from the 1970’s).

Theming For The Birthday Party

Marquees were erected in the backyard to simulate the set from M*A*S*H. Guests arrived at the birthday party dressed up for the theme. The band were given army uniforms to put on, so that we would be in keeping with the theme.

3 Piece Band

At this party, we performed as a three-piece band. I sang and played trombone, trumpet, ukulele and electric guitar. Along with me I had Nick on the bass and Luke on the drums. We commonly play together in this format. This band is very compact but extremely versatile.

The Band’s Performance – In 3 Stages

Yaron and Ruby requested that we start with swing style jazz. For this, I sang and played trombone and trumpet. We played crooning classics such as “Bye Bye Blackbird”, “Mack The Knife” and “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head”. This set a mellow, yet sophisticated mood while guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks.

Pre-dinner drinks set

Dinner Set and Switch To Ukulele

In the next set, we moved into some of my classic ukulele repertoire. This included songs such as “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, “What a Wonderful World” and “I Can See Clearly Now”. As the guests finished eating, they quickly moved into dancing. They were very responsive to the band’s music.

Dinner Set

Dancing To The Band

Next, I switched over to electric guitar. This crowd loved to dance, and the dancefloor was bustling throughout both of our extended dance sets. They loved our classic soul repertoire. They were very excited by our pop and rock selection and they totally got into the classic hip-hop music we played.

In Summary

Despite performing as a compact three piece band, this backyard birthday party was a complete success. Even though it was a cold and rainy night, the guests kept warm by dancing (and drinking).

Wedding at the Burrawang School of Arts Hall

Post author By slidemcbride
Post date October 3, 2022
Categories In Slide McBride Wedding Band

Last Saturday, the band played at the Burrawang School of Arts Hall for Laura and Daniel’s wedding reception. It was a cold and wet night in Burrawang, but lots of dancing warmed everyone up.

Wedding Ceremony at the Secret Garden in Burrawang

In addition to performing at the wedding reception with my band, I also performed as a solo artist at the ceremony. This was at The Secret Garden, about 5 a minute drive down the road. This was a very damp affair. There was a light rain falling throughout the ceremony.

Interestingly, the ceremony was performed by the bride’s sister. She had done a course which allowed her to conduct the ceremony provided that she was under the supervision of a registered marriage celebrant.

Pre-dinner Drinks

Pre-dinner drinks were back at the Burrawang School of Arts Hall, outside in the courtyard. For this part of the event, the band performed an acoustic jazz set. Being outdoors, it was quite chilly and I could see my breath when I sang.

Dinner and Dancing

The Burrawang School of Arts Hall is over one hundred years old. It is a classic, old style country hall. A unique aspect is that it has a properly elevated stage. This is where the band set up.

Inside the Burrawang School of Arts Hall

For the bridal dance, the band performed “I’m Yours”, which was originally recorded by Jason Mraz. There was also a “father-daughter” dance. For this, the band played one of the bride’s father’s favourite songs, which is “Banana Boat Song”, originally recorded by Harry Belafonte. The final song for the evening was “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, originally recorded by Frankie Valli.

Wedding guests dancing to the band

The guests were very responsive and appreciative of the band. We even had three guests (separately) get up and sing with us. This contributed in making this a very memorable wedding reception.

Guests busting their moves

Wedding at Robertson Public House

Last Saturday, my band and I played at a wedding at the Robertson Public House. The village of Robertson is in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands district. It’s approximately a one and three-quarter hour drive from Sydney.

Wedding Rescheduled Due To Covid

The wedding was for Monica and Damien. They had originally intended on getting married back in 2020. Unfortunately, due to the complications of the numerous Covid lock downs, the wedding was rescheduled three times.

The band rocking out for dancing

Robertson Public House

The venue was great for a wedding reception. The room was nice and warm. The acoustics were good for a live band. The access to the room was very easy. The woman from the hotel who was running the event was very easy to deal with. The staff were efficient. The food was good. Everything ran smoothly. I can completely endorse this venue for a wedding reception.

Last song of the night

Bridal Dance

For the bridal dance, we played the classic “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”