A Brilliant Touring EventBe part of something so joyous, so ‘out there’, so creative that you’ll never think of a holiday the same way again. Over 9 days and 8 nights - Saturday to Sunday the following week - you

will be part of a “reincarnation” of the spirit of legendary Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band.

Yep, it’s CAPTAIN MATCHBOX’S OTHER WHOOPEE BAND. This is how it works.

After a dress rehearsal on the last night in Walhalla, we will hit the road in our luxury coach, touring through Bairnsdale, across the high country of Mt Hotham and the Dinner Plains to

Bright and then Beechworth, performing in small halls as we go, spreading the joy. Our final

performance will be in Wangaratta, the ‘spiritual home’ of the Captain Matchbox Whoopee

Band.

This tour gives you a chance to be part of a touring show that relives the spirit and madness of Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band. Its’ a chance to just explode with joy and abandonment.

Captain Matchbox’s OTHER Whoopee Band is a Bucket List thing you didn’t even know you

could tick off.

One Day One we depart Melbourne for Walhalla, a magnificent old heritage village in the

Gippsland. Over 3 days we work with Mic Conway, musicians Robbie Long and Don Hopkins

as well as Choirmistress Yani to literally get our act together. The show contains a mix of

Captain Matchbox songs and classics from the twenties, thirties, forties and fifties. Great stuff.

While Yani leads the choir, Mic will add some musical textures from ‘junk’ instruments

like the rubber glove bassoon, t-chest bass, spoons, washboard, jug, kazoos, tincan

banjo, gum-leaf, musical saw. There might even be some vaudeville/circus stage props

like dancing dolls,"mind reading”, ventriloquism, juggling, tap dancing etc. Bring your

ukes for a few songs under the directorship of Robbie Long. Yeah I know … it’s VERY

SILLY.

We intend to get a repertoire of about ten songs together. They will be classic old

tunes. The show will evoke a different time, delivered to country audiences with love.

Two great musicians - Robbie Long and Don Hopkins - will carry the melody while the

junk orchestra adds percussion and a bit of show biz while the choir backs Mic’s great

vocals. Yani will help those brave souls who wish to perform a solo.

All up this will be a great show. Remember we are singing to support a local charity

which means we can lay back, give it our all, make mistakes and have a brilliant time.

Walhalla to Wangaratta itinerary

The tour is a magnificent romp through the High Country of Victoria.

Starting in the beautiful town of Walhalla, we travel via Bairnsdale

across the high plains to Beechworth and Bright, before the final performance in

Wangaratta.

THE TEAM Mic Conway ARIA award-winning Mic Conway is a singer, actor, musician, song writer, fire eater, magician, tap dancer, juggler and more. But really Mic Conway is MIC CONWAY, the legendary foundation member of the equally legendary CAPTAIN MATCHBOX WHOOPEE BAND who became a cult phenomenon in the Seventies. Mic was born into a family of vaudeville theatre and opera. In his creative life he has been part of the Pram Factory where he created the Soapbox Circus which morphed into the world famous Circus Oz. Mic now heads up the National Junk Band and still tours the world’s creative festivals, delighting with his magnificent array of tricks. Mic will direct the orchestra made of hand made instruments , teach some magic tricks and front CAPTAIN MATCHBOX’S OTHER WHOOPEE BAND.

http://micconway.com

Yani ChoirMistress Yani will be our travelling vocal coach, working with people who want to perform solos during the Matchbox concerts or simply to improve their singing. Yani has experienced a very successful and eclectic career as a singer, performer, choir mistress and workshop facilitator. She is choir mistress for several choirs in (Australia and India) a private singing coach, a multi-disciplinary singing, voice, body percussion and confidence/performance workshop facilitator, an event producer and more. She helps people to overcome stage fright, fall in love with their own voice, and sing with true heart and emotion. She will be a brilliant addition to Captain Matchbox’s OTHER Whoopee Band. www.yaniworld.com

Robbie Long Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Robbie Long was awarded "National Flatpick Guitar Champion" 2008 and 2010 at the National Bluegrass Championships at Tamworth. He is long-time duo partner with Mic Conway. . Robbie is a multi-instrumentalist who has covered miles of styles in his weird & wonderful career. He has been a working man's musician since leaving school, walking the boards with countless acts on stages and in studios over the past thirty years in Australia, New Zealand, Europe.  www.funkylizardstudios.com

THE TEAM

Don Hopkins Don Hopkins is a vocalist, piano/keyboard player and songwriter whose music comes from the Blues & Roots (Folk, Country, Gospel, Jazz) traditions. In particular drawing from the rich vein of blues and jazz of the 1920s and '30s through to the R&B, soul and gospel sounds of the 1950s and '60s with an emphasis on the New Orleans, piano styles and songs. 

An influential part of Sydney’s Blues scene since the 1970s, Don was inducted into the Goulburn Blues Walk Of Fame in 2002. 

Don has been writing songs and playing since he was 11 years old, and is in demand at festivals, special events and venues. He also teaches blues, roots and popular piano from his studio near Newtown in Sydney.  He was a key member in "Jim Conway's Big Wheel" and in 2012, Don travelled to Memphis for the finals of the International Blues Challenge, where  "Dr Don's Double Dose" was awarded 2nd Prize! 

www.donhopkinsmusic.com

Raymond - Tour Leader Raymond Hawkins - aka The Electronic Swagman - has operated eclectic tours all over Australia for decades. Captain Matchbox’s OTHER Whoopee Band is the second in a new style of program that seeks to empower attendees to experience the thrill of being on the road in a touring show.

Raymond is perfectly placed for such a role. He toured with some of Australia greatest bands as tour manager and production manager. He has worked with the Opera Australia, The Sydney Dance Company and ran the Audio/Visual Department at the Sydney Opera House.

Raymond created the SOLD OUT Burra Gospel & Soul Festivale, now in its fourth year, designed the Backhouse and the Backroaders tours as well as operating walks and workshops throughout Australia.

www.electronicswagman.com.au

Itinerary The itinerary will develop over the next months like a superb wine. We will allow it to ripen and mature. The bones of the tour are already in place.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday - 7,8, 9 October - 2017 Depart Melbourne for Walhalla. Over 3 days we rehearse our repertoire and explore the gorgeous little town. Evening dress rehearsal on the final night. NO PRESSURE!

Tuesday - 10 October - 2017 Early morning rehearsal and depart for Bairnsdale. Gig to be arranged.

Wednesday - 11 October - 2017 Cross the beautiful High County and possible pop-up gig in Mt Hotham. Arrive in gorgeous town of Bright. Evening event but no gig that night. Accommodation by the river. Beautiful cafes and shops to wander through.

Thursday - 12 October - 2017 Morning rehearsal then local tour. Play Bright gig that night.

Friday - 13 October - 2017 Depart for Beechworth. Great accommodation. Explore local region. Dress rehearsal and play local gig that night.

Saturday - 14 October - 2017 Morning rehearsal then local tour. Travel to Wangaratta for dress rehearsal and performance.

Sunday - 15 October - 2017 Last morning rehearsal and depart for Melbourne. Pop-up gig along the way. Arrive Melbourne around 5pm.

What’s In and what’s Out!

The workshop INCLUDES:

• daily workshops and rehearsals with Mic

Conway

• professional musicians and choir directorship

•9 days/ 8 nights twin share accommodation

[see below for Accommodation Options]

• Individual tuition by Yani ChoirMistress for

vocal improvement and solo performances.

• 8 nights accommodation.

• all transport in Luxury Coach.

• all breakfasts and lunches.

• optional morning walks with Raymond.

• all side excursions, National Park fees.

• professionally promoted and stage managed

performances and concerts.

• surprises you will just have to take my word for.

It EXCLUDES:

• airfares to and from Melbourne.

• evening meals.

• alcohol.

NOTICEBOARD

CHOIR & GIG NOTES The tour is for people who want to sing, stomp their feet, be outrageous, have fun, share music and to be part of something wonderful. There is no requirement for people to be professional singers. The attitude of the Choir is an immensely supportive one where practiced choristers and novices sing happily side-by-side. The gigs will be on a donation-at-the-door basis and support a local community event. They will all be street posted and supported with radio and press. We want to fill the venues, share some music and have FUN!

ACCOMMODATION NOTES Accommodation will range from the quirky to the luxurious to the

comfortable. Twin share accommodation is standard with some single

supplements available.

FOOD NOTES There are great restaurants all along the way to which choristers will be transported and returned. Breakfast & lunch are supplied each day while we will transport you to restaurants each evening.

COACH & LUGGAGE NOTES

The coach is very comfortable, has huge windows and an onboard

toilet. While there is plenty of storage room we ask that you confine your

wardrobe to the practical side of lavish with a dress-up outfit for gigs.

BOOKING & PRICE OPTIONS

7-15 October - 2017

It is anticipated that this gig will sell out. It is therefore advised that you deposit early to avoid disappointment.

1. FULL PRICE - $2,800 p.p. Non-refundable deposit of $1000 2. EARLY BIRD PAYMENT BEFORE OCTOBER 31 - 2016 - $2,550 -

Secure with non-refundable deposit of $1000 3. LIMITED SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS AVAILABLE - $1,000 p.p. Please

call to discuss conditions applying to single supplement - Raymond 0414 929768

** Secure all places with a non-refundable deposit of $1000 p.p. ** LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE

BOOK HERE