'Rain in the Mountains: Songs from Henry Lawson'

This unique music and theatre performance of poems from Australia’s much loved poet Henry Lawson comes to you from Christine Wheeler & Friends.

Christine Wheeler – lead vocals, Irish flute, whistle, recorder, guitar
Leigh Birkett – harmony vocals, guitar, Irish bouzouki
Rebecca Daniel – harmony vocals, violin
Simon Watts – violin, bodhran
Michael Vidale –bass
John Robinson – oud, mandolin and percussion

Norma Hobbs - actress

Blue Mountains musician and singer Christine Wheeler has been the voice of Australian Celtic band Wheelers and Dealers for a decade. With this line up of distinguished acoustic musicians she presents a very special program combining lush, folk-leaning musical arrangements with Australian culture and history.

From country waltzes and Irish style slip jigs to exquisite, introspective airs, the group imprints its unique arrangements onto musical compositions by writers as diverse as country music icon Slim Dusty, Redgum’s John Schumann, jazz composer Ade Monsbourgh and folklorist Chris Kempster, as well as originals by Christine Wheeler.

These timeless lyrics in song are knitted together by the skills of talented actress Norma Hobbs. How does a tortured soul like Lawson, deaf, depressive and a drunkard in later life, conjure up words that will outlast him by 100 years and more? Holding a mirror up to Henry’s character, warts and all, Norma at different times during the performance takes on the character of Henry’s mother, his wife and daughter and his girlfriend, to offer some insights to this question.  

“I suspect this CD and the live shows which Christine is planning will become a landmark in the interpretation of Australian folk song. Highly recommended for any festival programmer.”
Graham McDonald, Recorded Sound Archivist, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

“The concert was a great success - a sold out event - and a fitting tribute to Mr Lawson, Australia's most loved and revered poet. A must see event, suitable for all ages.”Carol Hellmers, Director, Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium

http://www.christinewheeler.net.au/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3YGoGh-XwY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjAfqf8pysg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz24QAkb_-Y

Technical requirements:

4 vocal mics

3 instruments mics

4 DIs

1 radio mic

6 stage lights plus two profile spots.