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Wesley Anne History

Italian Film Festival

Northern Exposure

Puta Madre Brothers

High Noon Festival

Local Music Teachers

Red Rockets of BorneoViva La Musica

northcote

Welcome!

To the second issue of harriet. Our theme this issue is Music and Sound and this time we’re bringing you some tasty aural delights from all different corners of the diverse community that makes up Northcote!

It’s a great issue, with a super team of contributors. Some of your favourites are still on board from issue one, and we’ve collected a handful of interesting new people with very exceptional talents to bring you the best of what’s happening in your Northcote.

So kick back and have a read, support your local community and enjoy some local harriet-flavoured music and sounds.

We want to thank the traders of Northcote for their continuing support - without them harriet wouldn’t be possible! Thanks also to all the contributors and other collaborators who helped make issue two a reality.

As always we welcome all feedback, so if you’ve got something to say, please contact us at info@whoisharriet.com.au.

REGULAR09 OUR PEOPLE Red Rockets Of Borneo

18 NEW ON HIGH Art Stretchers Co. Grandfather’s Axe The Espresso Room Shappere

20 REVIEW Puta Madre Brothers

25 FASHION BY 5 Soft Noise

32 LOCAL WORD Andrew Mansfield

40 HIGH ST HISTORY Wesley Anne

43 ON THE STREET

44 GIMME GIMME Music skewed product

FEATURE06 Cover Story Viva La Musica

10 Herbal Flu Busters

12 High Noon

16 Northern Exposure

22 Music Venues & Gig Guide

34 NIFFTY

38 HARRIETS FAV Coffee Spots

46 Music Education

contentsISSUE 2Publisher Severe Studio Yandell Walton & Tamara Coles

Contact Us info@whoisharriet.com.au Ph: 8677 7706

Guest Editor Isabelle Sinclair

Photographic Contributors Kirra Jayde Clare Hassett Yandell Walton

Editorial Contributors Carrie Webster Chris Mason Heath Bernhardt Brad Axiak Lucy Elliott Brad Stephensen Andrew Mansfield Sian Pascale Juliet Jefferys Stephanie Riddel Pantha Jay Hoolio Jones Christoph Bohr

Viva La Musica!Viva La Musica!words: CARRIE WEBSTER

Open Studio - 204 High StreetBefore accidentally opening a bar in 2006, clarinettist and co-proprietor Taegen was busy playing in gypsy band Tzigas and having wild house parties with musicians playing and swaying on the roof. Her business partner Eloise was running speakeasies from under the Merri bridge, replete with tables, chandelier and performances. Tzigas would come down to the bridge and play after a 303 residency on Sundays, and so set the scene for Open Studio’s birth, a mix of gypsy music and joie de vivre. With no money or fittings, drinks were cooled on ice, and on opening night they used glasses and furniture from home. The speakeasy/house party atmosphere is still obvious, and while they book all kinds of folk, jazz, and world music acts, there’s a strong focus on Balkan and gypsy. The tiny stage is almost in the audience, and on a Friday night the joint explodes. Swing by for a crepe expertly prepared by the bar darlinks, have a mulled wine or, if you’re feeling dangerous in a Yugoslavian kind of way, a shot of medicinal shljivovitz, and wait and see what happens. Warning: may lead to Balkan folk dancing.

I wondered how to honour this invitation to contribute as a musician and citizen of the Independent Republic of Northcote - a recent convert to this fair and pleasant land, I once fell for the charms of Edinburgh Gardens, and dallied with sexy Sydney Road bakeries. Gigs were in Fitzroy, Brunswick, and North? Fitzroy, the words ‘High Street’ a distant rumour. Slowly, though, something drew me up the hill, until I found that three quarters of all the gigs I played at or went to happened in High Street, and I had moved to a house a stone’s throw away. And there were trees! I was confused, it was all just so... nice. Healthy hippy-to-hipster ratio, a tram to somewhere useful, gosh, even the air was sweeter. Music was everywhere, the streets filthy with musicians. I got so used to doing gigs five minutes’ walk around the corner that I felt inconvenienced going to Fitzroy. We played in small intimate places with appreciative audiences that rarely asked if they could have a go on your instrument. There were heaving dance floors, and unexpected cameos by musicians in the audience. I came to the conclusion that this thriving scene was the result of a) more local musicians than you could poke a drumstick at, supported by b) a community of discerning gig-goers, neither of which would exist if c) the proprietors of the small live music bars shut up shop. So this one’s for the guys and gals who bravely put their money where their mouths are. They provide access to free or low-cost music in a kaleidoscope of flavours, and give musicians a place to be heard. Here’s three of the best, bless their cotton socks.

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Bar Nancy - 61 High StreetEstablished in 2002, Bar Nancy is a feast for the senses. Proprietor Laodan MacCana maintains the same philosophy throughout each aspect of the bar, kitchen, and music: local, quality ingredients, perfectly mixed to taste each element. This focus on quality extends to venue acoustics. Bringing her musical nous from Ireland, she noticed musicians battling poor sound quality in Australian venues, degrading the experience for both audience and performer. Her solution was to create a purpose built acoustic environment, with full technical support, leaving the artist to perform and the audience to enjoy. (As an amateur PA wrangler, I cannot convey the panic at having to work out what is feeding back in the middle of a song, so hat’s off, Laodan, everyone’s a winner.) She books all genres, featuring both established and emerging artists. You can befriend Bar Nancy on facebook, or you could be old fashioned and pop in for a cocktail and a surprise. Maybe you’ll see a cabaret performer dancing on the bar, or nattily-dressed men singing like angels. Or maybe you’ll even see Lars Ulrich, who once dropped in for a few beers. If it’s good enough for Lars, it’s good enough for me.

303 - 303 High StreetWhen 303 first plugged in its amps in 2000, High Street was a frontier town. Proprietor Jack Moynihan showed true grit and stayed faithful to his vision of creating a nurturing environment for independent music. An artist himself, he transformed an idiosyncratic building into a sloping, cavernous band room at the rear, and a smaller, more intimate stage in the front window. 303 has since become a High Street staple, known as an unpretentious place to see good live music, seven nights a week. It’s also a breeding ground for bigger things: as well as hosting the first High Vibes festival, they’d booked now well-known musicians such as The Cat Empire and Clare Bowditch when they were emerging from the primordial music swamp. Eclectic programming swings towards roots, (jazz, soul groove, funk), but you’ll also find indie, folk, gypsy, and hip-hop. Although the space is a little limited for larger acts, it makes for a warm, relaxed vibe. Recently a beautiful vintage 1960s Hammond B3 organ and mighty ‘Leslie’ rotary speaker were installed in the front bar, so check out some of Australia’s finest Hammond players and surprise guest musicians on Thursday nights.

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The Red Rockets of Borneo have been rattling the windows of Northcote’s residents for some time with their driving guitar-based rock. Jean Philippe, the lead singer, describes their sound as a mix between The White Stripes and The Cramps, and listening to their debut, self-titled album, it’s easy to hear traces of Sonic Youth and The Loved Ones in there aswell.

It was the 2006 “High Vibes” festival that saw Jean Philippe make his mark on Melbourne’s indie music scene. Playing in a band called “Big Shot Manoeuvre”, Jean Philippe started his career belting out his tunes at Kick Gallery, and then the following year at what is now the Willow Bar.

Festivals are still in the sightlines for Jean Philippe, with a hope to secure a place for the Red Rockets of Borneo on any of this summer’s festival line-ups. They certainly wouldn’t be out of place playing the sunset slot at Meredith, emulating another of the band’s heroes of the industry – The Dirty Three. In the meantime, they’d be happy with a gig at The Northcote Social Club. I’d go see them there!

If you’ve seen the Red Rockets, you’ll understand what I mean. They put on a wild show, jumping around the stage in their unofficial dress code of black and red, hammering out short, punchy tunes, and entertaining not just with their songs, but with their potent energy.

We certainly don’t need another song about the 86 tram, but given a choice, the band may look at other Northcote landmarks for song inspiration. Watching the sunrise from the hill in All Nations Park, looking

out towards the Dandenongs, is one idea Jean Philippe had. Not the most ‘punk’ of settings, but then this punk-rock band is not afraid of pushing the limits when it comes to ideas. Take a listen to their song “Victim of Fashion” – two minutes of energetic mayhem – and you’ll see what I mean.

200 people watched them play in June at the Reclink Community Cup in Elsternwick, south of the river, and You Am I’s Tim Rogers lauded their performance. If you haven’t seen them yet, I urge you to get along to one of their upcoming gigs. They’re supporting a lot of bands at the moment, but it won’t be long until they start headlining their own shows. Maybe we can get them along to the next “Rock ‘n Bowl” at the Thornbury Bowls Club? Until then, you can download their album on iTunes.

words: CHRIS MASON

RED ROCKETS OF BORNEO

OUR PEOPLE

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Also known as ‘King of Bitters’, Andrographis modulates the immune system to help kill viral and bacterial infections internally. Great for use in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

With its potent immune boosting action, Echinacea is the herb of choice for viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Studies have shown Echinacea can reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu.

Visit The Fruit Pedallers today to receive expert advice from our qualified in-store naturopaths. Our liquid herbal dispensing service is available to all customers with a mini consultation included. Feel well again!

AndrographisEchinacea Elder flower

HERBAL FLU BUSTERS

presents the

LIFF_hp_MIFF_ad.indd 1 28/06/11 5:35 PM

The oh so seductive charms of Italy are set to beguile us once again at Palace Westgarth during the 12th annual LAVAZZA Italian Film Festival.

A feast of cinematic treats direct from Italy will arrive in Melbourne’s inner north on September 14, kicking off with LAVAZZA Mocha Martinis and a screening of Welcome To The South from 6pm.

Always an event of lingering passion and vibrant emotion, this year’s program features an outstanding collection of films, many which have screened at the world’s most prestigious film festivals including Cannes, Berlin, Toronto, Sundance, Rome and Venice.

This year’s highlights include the winner of Best New Director at the 2011 Italian Academy Awards

for further information, festival updates and the full program visit: www.italianfilmfestival.com.au

Surrender to the language of love at PalaceWestgarthBasilicata Coast To Coast; Marco Bellocchio’s Sorelle Mai; the hilarious box office hit Welcome To The South; the brilliantly witty We Have A Pope, directed by and starring Nanni Moretti; along with four films which star highly acclaimed actor Toni Servillo: A Quiet Life, Gorbaciof, The Jewel and the award winning, star studded epic We Believed.

Audiences will be captivated by the on-screen pairing of the legend Robert de Niro and luscious Monica Bellucci in The Ages Of Love, the third installment in the wildly popular Manual Of Love series.

The festival’s not to be missed closing night special event is a screening of John Turturro’s exuberant tribute to the music of Naples: Passione.

From the half-ripened age of fourteen, the number 86 tram from Bundoora was my ticket out of industrial suburbia and into the faster paced, sometimes bohemian lands of inner city Melbourne. As the 86 bumped and rattled down Plenty Road, I would force down one of the perpetually jammed windows and poke my head halfway out. It was not until Plenty Road intersected with High Street that I felt emancipated from the life I grew up in and set free in an exciting new world. I would always start a days’ exploration by disembarking just before the Westgarth Theatre and rambling slowly along High Street, stopping from time to time to check out some new street art, or look through a window at a piece of Melbourne-designed jewellery or clothing. This baptism into inner city life stayed with me and forged a relationship that has never broken down. Even though I now live in Eltham, driving down High Street still makes my stomach churn with excitement. High Street goes beyond the expectations of most shopping strips. It is enchanted by the amazing array of retail outlets, and by the characters who run them. What better way to celebrate this Mecca of art and culture than with a day long festival aptly named ‘High Noon’, to be held in September this year. You might be thinking, ‘Yeah, we’ve been to the High Street Festival before!’, but that was High Vibes. High Noon is an event that aims to be more interactive, safer for the public and boasts more intimate events and more of them.

words: HEATH BERNHARDT

HIGHNOON2011NOT HIGH VIBES

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I spoke to Ben Mastwyck, President of the Northcote Business Association (NBA) and owner of ‘I Dream a Highway’, and he seemed very excited about the new festival. He said “the key is to get people there early”, which is why High Noon will start in the morning with a ‘High Breakfast’ that will kickstart the day. Last year would have been the tenth year of the High Vibes party, but after careful consideration, the NBA along with local council and police decided to rest the festival for a year. Ben explained: “…the festival originally started off small, with a couple of thousand people and then it grew and grew.” With no official closing time he said that “drunk people were roaming the streets after dark and although there were no serious incidents, with the size that High Vibes had become, we didn’t want to risk it”. For these reasons, High Noon will shut down as the sun sets and those punters who want to kick on will have the pick of any one of the many bars, pubs and restaurants that line High Street. “You want to be there by noon for the parade,” Ben said. He said that it would be “playful, unintrusive and maybe a bit tongue in cheek”. Rumours have it that there is to be a battle of the marching bands. High Noon will move away from the big rock stages of High Vibes and promises to have smaller stages, but more of them. Event organisers have named these ‘Stagettes’ and believe that they are a bit more personal and interactive, and hope people will be encouraged to move about the festival, taking in all that is on offer. With many of Melbourne’s festivals turning into ‘money-making juggernauts’, It’s awesome to see art and culture clawing their way back onto the stage.

I have seen High Street change and stores come and go over the past eighteen years, but the essence has remained. The number 86 tram continues to run from Bundoora and as it careers down the hill at Westgarth, wide-eyed teens still stare, with newly ripened eyes and fresh ideas, at what it has to offer. High Noon will be held on the 18th September this year. Look out for the program yet to be announced at highstreetnorthcote.com.au

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*conditions apply - winners drawn and notified on our facebook page Sep 6th

Music is a language and language to many, is full of music!

Both share the elements which create the whole that we are going to use to express ourselves. Letters of the alphabet represent basic sounds, like notes of music. Put a few together and we have words - in music, chords or motifs. A group of words makes a phrase or sentence and we see this in melodies and phrases, the length of which is often determined by what a human can sing in one breath. Phrases of music grouped together become statements, propositions, questions, answers, declarations – just like in language!

The Spanish language sounds great, and can be learned very easily. It also has the bonus that a lot of Hispanic culture is based on music, which makes a great tool for learning.

El Patio in Westgarth recognises that music and whimsy are part of the basis for engaging learning. Check out the superb sequence of Spanish courses from Elementary 1 to Proficient, or the short Spanish for Travel, grammatical and conversational courses.

El Patio’s formula: Great courses + Enjoyment = Learn well.

WIN AN ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL PRIZE PACKAGEThere are two packages to be won, each valued over $55Both prizes contain a double movie pass for any general festival session at the Lavazza Italian Film Festival* two hand made Connoisseur choc tops and a healthy choice popcorn cooked in olive oil.

To be in the draw: find Harriet of Northcote on facebook, like us and post on our wall the name of your all time favourite Italian movie.

There’s a bona fide, sagacious resolve in her eyes - as if life has served her an ample share of adversity, a fistful of hard-earned victories and a few near misses to boot. It’s a look of grit. But within a few moments, Liz will have you drawn to her piquant charm and before too long you realise that you’re surrounded by a chorus of easy vibrations.

From her garage rehearsal days, deep in the suburbs of Newcastle, to the more recently refined performances in the heartland of live music, Northcote. Liz has

lived the pragmatic life of a rock music artisan - the kind of existence where music remains firmly at the centre of everything and from where everything else must revolve. So when the opportunity arose to cultivate a livelihood by supporting local artists of another variety, the decision became an instinctive progression.

The Shellac Print Gallery is Liz’s latest musical enterprise and has been unapologetically flying the rock art flag in Northcote since mid-June. Shellac houses some of Melbourne’s most celebrated contemporary rock posters, from the likes of Joe Whyte, Rhys Cooper and the progressive hand-drawn designs of artist Ken Taylor.

With the convenience of hindsight, Liz concedes that her attempts of designing posters and flyers for her own bands may have been the catalyst for Shellac. Although her own scrawlings and photocopier-made montages are a far cry from the sublime designs she now trades, the significance and manifestation are one and the same - keeping true to art and community. Keeping to her own beat.

words: BRAD AXIAK

NORTHERN EXPOSUREYou may have noticed that Northcote’s High street was recently transformed into an artistic hub known as Northern Exposure. From mid June to early July many of the High street shop windows became havens for works of art. For the last seven years gallery spaces and small businesses have combined forces to bring art to the everyday shopper, the passer by, and the art lover. Divided into three aspects, High Events, High Views and Small Works, Small Spaces there was something for everyone with an artistic bent.

words: LUCY ELLIOTT

The creative and vibrant aspects of Northcote came to the fore on the opening night as the street bustled with people enjoying music and artworks that literally spilled out from the shops and galleries into the street. Much of the work could be called installation art, art that uses a stunning diversity of materials and practices to engage with the composite character of contemporary experience. Many pieces were site specific and/or works that were ephemeral in nature lasting minutes, hours or sometimes days.

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The temporary nature of some of the smaller works was fascinating to learn about on the art street tour that ran twice during the festival. Walking down High street a stick with the word ‘Art’ attached to it was used to draw attention to some hidden gems that were part of the Small Works, Small Spaces component. It was quite magical to discover all manner of art when looking up to the sky, to the side of a window, under an awning, in the crack of a door or perched in a plant pot. There were squeals of delight from tour participants when a small sculpture surfaced from a footpath or someone discovered a canvas in a phone box.

Discovering Northern Exposure was for me one of the most fun, engaging and whimsical art experiences I’ve had. Make sure you put this annual Visual Arts Festival in your calendar next year. It’s a great way to experience the creative and supportive community of Northcote traders, locals and of course artists.

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Grandfather’s AxeThe guys from Grandfather’s Axe don’t just sell vintage furniture, they believe in it. Their self-confessed penchant for 20th Century Danish pieces is unmistakable. Louis Poulsen pendant lamps, Borge Morgensen chairs and Severin Hansen coffee tables all make up part of this amazing collection of retro must-haves.

All pieces are lovingly restored using their own upholsterer and fabrics high-end suppliers, such as Warwick, Zepel and Wortley. To ensure their precious cargo end’s up safely where it’s going, they have a delivery service that is surprisingly affordable.

This is one vintage furniture outlet that seems not to be afflicted with the need to bolster the prices of their pieces to ridiculous proportions. Their furniture is timeless, beautiful and really reasonably priced.

171 High Street, Northcote www.grandfathersaxe.com.au

ShappereThis stalwart of vintage clothing in Melbourne made its debut on Chapel Street seven years ago. After opening a number of extremely successful outlets around Melbourne, they have recently come to grace High Street with their presence.

Stepping into this boutique will set any Obsessive Compulsive’s heart a-flutter. True to style, the beautifully hand-picked array of pre-loved fashion items have been categorised and laid out in perfect chromatic sequence. Their range of classic leather handbags and man-bags are artfully suspended from the ceiling.

This is recycled clothing at its absolute best. Every item, men or women’s, from flannelette to leather has been sourced from around the globe and chosen for its classic timelessness.

246 High Street, Northcote Ph: 9486 6337

words: BRAD STEPHENSEN

NEW ON HIGH

Art Stretchers Co.Recently moved into High Street is the Art Stretchers Shop. While the location and products are new, the service certainly is not. Originally located in Carlton, they have been supplying Melbourne’s art scene with their professionally made canvases since the 1950’s when they began as a co-op.

This is anything but a supply chain. This is a company that lives art. Part of original company went on to manufacture the Art Spectrum range of supplies that is still 100% Australian owned and made in nearby Brunswick.

Even for those of us, for whom art is not a great strength, we are sure to be inspired by the array of top end materials on display. Go on run out and indulge your inner-Boyd or Streeton.

The Espresso RoomThe most amazing thing about the newly opened Espresso Room café on High Street, is not necessarily the delicious range of Mediterranean / Australian delights on the menu. It’s not even the eclectic range of recycled furniture and fittings. As the name suggests, the most amazing thing at Espresso is the coffee.

Taking pride of place in the café filled with recycled table tops that use to be the Northcote Bowls club, French cast iron table legs and light fittings made from old stained glass, is a vintage coffee roaster that has been carted all the way from Italy. A very worthwhile effort, indeed, as with every sip, there is no mistaking that this coffee has been lovingly roasted that very day.

This place is bound to become every serious coffee-lovers favorite local.

321 High Street, Northcote Ph: 9486 4446

Shop 1, 410 High Street, Northcote Ph: 9489 4000

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It takes a lot of talent to sound this loose. The three lads are seated in front of bass drums and crash cymbals, guitars in hand, playing everything at once. They’re like a three-piece one-man band, each taking a turn on lead vocals while the others try to outdo each other on their instruments, smashing the headstocks of their guitars into the cymbals.

Their songs make no sense and complete sense all at once. “Grandes Pantalones” is a two-minute spooky stomp. Another number that was introduced as being ‘about a boy, who might be a boy, or maybe he’s a girl’ sounded like your drunk uncle trying to sing “La Bamba” at your wedding and not knowing a single lyric. It was madness and sanity together in the one song.

Are they for real? Probably not. Does it matter? They’re fun, and they bring the party, as well as their own pathetic firework pyrotechnics in the form of cactus-shaped balloons. Go and see them soon, order a Corona with a slice of lemon and leave your pretentious Mexican traveller friend at home to play with his authentic ‘Day of the Dead’ figurines.

You know that friend of yours who just came back from Mexico and has turned into a Mexican culture snob? Insists that tacos should only be in soft tortillas, not those corn chip shells from a box? That tequila is actually quite smooth when it’s real tequila? That Speedy Gonzales is an insult to Mexicans everywhere? Yeah, we all know how boring that person is. And they’d hate The Puta Madre Brothers.

I love Taco Bill in Clifton Hill on a Tuesday night, oversized sombreros, and cheap, slam-it-down tequila from the bottom shelf. And I love the Puta Madre Brothers. You won’t find these guys queuing up for a table at Mamasita. You’d be more likely to stumble across them in some dirty bar in some cactus-blown, two-horse town on the road out of Mexico City on the way to peyote-town.

The Puta Madre Brothers are three mariachi-mangling mistfits who are starting to build a real following. I was lucky enough to see them at The Forum supporting The Wagons, and ay caramba, did they put on a show. By the end of their hour-long set of dirty-faced gringo funk, they had the crowd dancing and cheering, even though we couldn’t understand a word they were singing.

words: CHRIS MASON

REVIEW

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words: ANDREW MANSFIELDNorthcote Social Club

LOCAL WORDPubs are an amazing microcosm of the area they serve, part general watering hole and part extended lounge room for the people who choose them as their local. It’s more than the sum of their parts that comes together to create a space that garners a place in peoples’ affections and keeps them ticking along over time.

It’s the thing that keeps me energised about coming into work at the Social Club every day - that mix of people and stories and life experiences all converging in one place for brief periods that add up to an environment that’s always engaging, sometimes challenging but never, ever dull.

Over time I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing people; the staff who choose to give up chunks of their lives to define the entity that is the pub, the regulars without whom you’d be dead in the water and the musicians and gig-supporting crowds whose passion for live music keeps the whole thing together.

It’s all these people, all at different stages of their own lives, bringing their own unique perspective to the business, that keep the place vibrant, contemporary and interesting.

So to all those people who have ever seen a show, had a meal, hoisted a drink or in any other way supported the Northcote Social Club over the last seven years, thanks. Northcote and its surrounds remain to my mind one of those amazing inner city areas where the sense of community is still palpable and the desire to maintain it incredibly strong. In a time where so much of life is defined by text, email, twitter and facebook, more than ever I relish being able to turn on a bar stool and say, “My round or yours?” Cheers to that.

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59 High Street, NorthcotePh: 9481 8034

www.catherinemanuelldesign.com

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The retail space at Northcote Natural Therapies reflects our philosophy that good health requires an holistic approach involving not only our bodies, but the environment in which we live. Products are purchased with this as a primary consideration. Our products have been thoroughly researched to ensure they are produced both ethically and with environmental sustainability in mind. We consider travel miles when purchasing, only using imported products when a high quality local alternative is not available.

Our products reflect the belief that what you put into your body through your mouth, (food, drink) nose (perfumes, fumes from chemicals) and skin (soap, shampoo, cleaning products) can impact your health which is why we stock baby products containing no BPA, personal care products containing the finest virgin oils and botanical ingredients and organic, handmade therapeutic herbal teas.

Come in and tantalise your senses, have a relaxing cup of herbal tea, and try out the many products we have to offer. Or simply call or email us to make a booking with our Naturopath, Massage Therapist or EFT specialist.

Good health - naturally

Note: You can make a pre-porridge mix to have on hand, containing the oats, nuts and sultanas. Just add it after the quinoa has cooked for10 minutes.

Produced by local mums Sonia Orchard and Martine Corompt, In the Garden is a colourful and entertaining animation that introduces toddlers and pre-schoolers to the world of animals and plants in the Australian suburban backyard.

Set to a cute and quirky musical soundtrack and using real animal sounds, In the Garden includes many of the plants, trees, birds and bugs that toddlers are likely to encounter each day outside their backdoor, as well as a night scene, with the animals that come out into the garden at night.

Each DVD comes with 18 fun, sturdy flashcards, with information about each plant and animal, designed to encourage parents or teachers to provide a commentary to the animation, and help make watching In the Garden a fascinating and interactive learning experience. The flashcards also include questions, indoor and outdoor activities that relate to the animals and plants in the garden, to help young children engage with and learn about some of the wonders in the Australian outdoors.

Available at Small Dreams, 255 High St, Northcote.

discounted prices) from High Street shops. That means no models, no jaunty walks down a runway, no size 6 waists - just readily available beautiful clothes on rockin’ kids with talent. Each performer will be styled by NIFFTY coordinator and fashion stylist Solange Mardones. Mardones’ bold and colourful aesthetic is perfect for bringing together the eclectic mix of designs found on High Street, curating them into one thoughtful show with many different styles.

A fashion festival with attitude and personality, NIFFTY will be held during October at with the venue yet to be announced.

Fashion and music. It can’t be denied that the love affair between the two has always been hot and heavy. Whether it’s the rock star/model marriage a la Mick and Jerry or the twenty-plus costume changes at a Kylie Minogue concert, music and fashion seem to combine the perfect amount of glamour and dirty rock to capture the public imagination, and very often, the zeitgeist.

While music should be a primarily aural experience, one cannot deny that the visuals play a crucial role. A musician’s get-up is very often equally weighted with their musical ability. This truth is not due to the superficiality of the music industry, but rather because of fashion’s innate power to create and uphold a musical identity. Look at The Beatles, their move from clean cut mod-rock to psychedelic hippy sound could be just as easily tracked in their hairstyles and clothing as it could be in their albums. From the bohemian goddess chic of Stevie Nicks to Kurt Cobain’s greasy grunge, musicians have the ability to inspire the look of a generation.

The organisers of the Northcote Independent Fashion Festival are well aware of a rock star’s ability to set a fashion tone - and they are using it to their advantage. They have created NIFFTY, a music and fashion festival which links big name musicians with High Street retailers in an effort to transform the traditional fashion parade into something a little more interesting. Eleven separate acts will be performing two songs each, all the while rocking it out in clothes that can be found (and bought at

words: SIAN PASCALE

imag

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Food from a Loving Home.Is the title of a new vegetarian cookbook, written by local resident Lauren Burns, who is best known for winning an Olympic gold medal in taekwondo at the Sydney 2000 Games. Now a qualified naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist, motivational speaker, author and mother.

This book is a project of love produced together by Lauren and her friend and designer Sarah Rudledge. It represents handcrafted food and design and aims to encompass the pleasure and beauty of cooking and sharing food.

This new book contains 100 mouth-watering vegetarian recipes that have been tried, tested and enjoyed in her own home. From breakfast dishes to desserts, through soups, salads and small treats, the recipes are healthy, accessible and imaginative.

Whole organic foods and food preparation bring Lauren much joy, she is always happy in the kitchen preparing home cooked meals for friends and family.

Hot Oat and Quinoa Porridge - Serves 2Kick-start the morning with this great breakfast. Oats are an excellentsource of fibre and are brilliant for the nervous system, and quinoa is an excellent source of protein.

Ingredients3 cups water, ¼ cup red or white quinoa1 cup oats, handful of sultanas,handful of almonds and walnuts, roughly choppedpure maple syrup or raw honey,pepitas

Pour the water into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the quinoa and boil for 10 minutes over a high heat. Stir in the oats, sultanas and nuts, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes or until the water has been absorbed and the mixture is at your desired consistency. You may need to add a little more water. Serve drizzled with maple syrup or honey and sprinkled with pepitas.

WIN! Two copies of Food from a Loving Home RRP $29.95 are being given away to two of our lucky readers. To be in the draw: find Harriet of Northcote on facebook, like us and post on our wall before October 15th what home cooking means to you. Winners notified on our facebook page on Oct16th

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Sew One on One

www.sewoneonone.com Call Allison on 0418 567 099 or 9481 1301

Personalised sewing classes for beginners

Learn sewing basics in a personalised, creative and free flowing style.

Sew, design and create one off pieces in a nurturing environment.

Only one or two students in each class and no set terms.

www.pawsandre�ect.org

Pet Funeral Services

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words: STEPHANIE RIDDEL

It’s getting ridiculous. Coffee culture I mean. Our collective addiction to its dark aromas has propelled the expectation of perfection. One café in Northcote is making it difficult for others.

At Foxy Brown each cup comes a standard double shot. There’s no ambiguity. You know you’re drinking coffee. The baristas are easily excitable. Ask about the beans or the blend and they’ll wax lyrical about such things as nuts and cocoa tones, citrus kicks and infused flavours. They’ll make reference to your palate. Not to mention the altitude of the beans grown, the estate grown speciality coffee, or the particulars of the roasting process. These are some serious coffee nuts, I mean, beans.

In the ‘flight of coffee’ experience, one is served several small tastes of coffee made from single origin, with intervals in between to allow for you to absorb and reflect… on how it all came to this. It’s. Just. Coffee. Right? I’m afraid not. Not in brown town.

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100% organic, roasted in-house, huge range of single origins, Foxy Brown is also kid-friendly, and the down-home gorgeous food kicks your ass. Rated in Melbourne’s various bean-bibles, don’t leave the almighty Brown off your list.

Open Mon to Sun: 7.30am-5pm 31 South Crescent. T 9481 4454 www.foxybrown.com.au

Foxy Brown

RHFS is now serving the smooth, rich and full bodied blend that made atomica coffee a giant. Enjoy a seriously good coffee with a store made treat including their now famous belgian chocolate brownie or sample the largest range of exquisite specialty cheeses in the area

Open Mon to Fri: 8am-6.30pm, Sat 8am-4pm 339 High St. T 8673 5030 www.ruckershillfoodstore.com.au

Ruckers Hill Food Store

As the name suggests this place is great for breakfast because they open early and have a menu with a comfy homely feel. The cafe space is pretty tiny but it’s large in atmosphere. Their coffee is superb and their locale makes this little gemstone the perfect option when you want coffee closer to the 112 tram.

Open Tue to Fri: 7.30am-3.00pm, Sun & Sun 9am-3pm 206 St Georges Rd.

The Breakfast Club

harriet’s favourite coffee spots

Ten years ago the uniformed waitresses at Northcote Bowl used the espresso machine as an oversized kettle to make cups of International Roast coffee in gigantic suburban mugs. Really! Tenpin bowling has vacated Northcote, but Melbourne’s coffee revolution is most definitely in the ‘hood, brewing up a perfect storm of expertly extracted flavor, crema, and caffeine.

From 100% organic beans roasted in-house at concept cafes dedicated to the integrity of the bean, through to fast, hot, thick lattes perfect for sipping while shopping at a hearty deli, Northcote offers it all. Northcote’s passionate baristas are logistical magicians, juggling cutting edge technology with a refined human touch to serve hundreds of perfect cups daily. Faster extractions showcase fruity flavor profiles of single-origins to cater to a Northcote population with an increasingly demanding palate.

To drink coffee in Northcote is to understand why Melburnians are establishing vanguard cafes from Brooklyn to Barcelona, from Berlin to Copenhagen so check it out:

After 17 years as a Northcote classic, ABC are moving into Z future with a new coffee supplier Trombetta approved by their customers. Let Mark and Lara make you a quality robusta-oriented heavy, caramel espresso. Enjoy their homestyle cooking in the leafy courtyard.

Open Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri & Sat: 10am-9.30pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm, Wed closed, 98-100 High St. T 9482 3833

Alphabet City Cafe

Barista Iggy personally roasts the amazing house blend at Mailing Room, decides whether you need a bright, fruity espresso of the single origin or a perfectly cupped latte, and sends it out with the knowing smile of a mad connoisseur. Go here. Drink coffee.

Open Mon to Fri: 7am-4pm, Sat, Sun & Public Holidays 8am-4pm 70 Mitchell St. T 9489 8040 www.reddoorcornerstore.com.au

Red Door Corner Store

The Mazzer grinder and La Marzocco machine announce Palomino’s gallop into gourmet coffee with a new Sensory Lab Chompy blend offering 100% arabica complexity and a host of single origins to come. And did you know they do catering? Ride the gorgeous horse home, baby!

Open Mon to Sat: 8am-4.30pm, Sun & Public Hols 9am-4.30pm 236 High St. T 9481 0699 www.palominocafe.com

Palomino

words: PANTHA JAY

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550 pounds to construct, it became the principal public building in Northcote for over three decades.2

Many of the important decisions and developments of the borough were deliberated on and made within its bluestone walls. Mr Richard Tobin was the principal teacher and an important public figure. He later went on to help establish the Northcote State School in 1874, relieving the Wesleyan of its schooling responsibilities. Upon opening, the Northcote State School was plagued with vandalism. According to historian Andrew Lemon, the school committee reported “larrikins from Collingwood” to be the culprits, claiming the semi-rural freedoms of Northcote to be a haven for the “aimless youths that inhabited the growing industrial suburb of Collingwood”.3

Melbourne saw hard times in the late 1860s. While other districts recovered quickly, Northcote did not. Shady operators moved in. Historians theorise they were seeking to exploit Northcote’s precarious financial position and geographical and social isolation. These enterprises quite literally soiled the borough’s reputation and Northcote began to emit a terrible stench.

In 1871 the Royal Commission on Noxious Trades condemned the state of Melbourne’s dirty industries and decreed greater vigilance needed to be taken by health authorities.4

Butchers, piggeries, boiling down works, and other noxious trades, possibly seeking anonymity from prying government eyes, relocated to secluded spots in Northcote, many at the bottom of Bastings, Mitchell and Clarke streets.5

On entering the Wesley Anne on High Street Northcote, the weight of history can be felt in the air as if the very atmosphere is heavy, laden with stories. If these blue stone walls could talk.

In 1854, around the time wealthy merchants were establishing Ruckers Hill as a prestigious address, brothers Horace and Edwin Bastings - rumoured to be made rich by gold - built a general store and a hotel, establishing High Street as a central precinct.

“Horse and bullock drawn carts and wagons and the more stylish equipages of the new Northcote gentry rumbled or rattled up the hill,” and by late 1854, when the post was being delivered twice a week, another building stood tall and proud: the local Wesleyan Methodists’ church and school.1 Costing

WESLEY ANNE

Weslyan, still with it’s spire. Circa unknown

words: STEPHANIE RIDDEL

In 1875 Cr Dennis described a “great accumulation of filth.”6 Carts and lorries carried rotting meat, offal, bones and ‘other abominations’ through the streets at all hours, ‘releasing a sickening, nauseous effluvium.” 7

By 1878 the smells reached the nostrils of Melbourne’s papers with one correspondent reporting seeing upwards of “100 black and scrofulous looking hogs in a place almost inconceivably filthy.”8 A hundred yards beyond the piggery was a ditch where Collingwood factories dumped their waste, along with nightsoil. Northcote was, quite literally, a stinking cesspit.

It was reported that one piggery owner fed hospital waste to his pigs – which sometimes included “poultices, liniments and vermin infested meat.”9 A worker reported removing bandages from the pigs’ feed. Perhaps this implies that even body parts were consumed.

The stories spread of rancid odours and foul-smelling stench, spelling financial and reputable ruin. On March 5, 1883 schoolteacher Mr Richard Tobin stood in the room in which he had taught for so many years at the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Tired of inaction he urged the gathered local assembly to join him in his quest to transform Northcote into an officially separate, independent, sweet-smelling borough, with the freedom to govern and police local matters such as the slaughter of animals and the disposal of waste.

He succeeded. On May 25, 1883, the council of Northcote was officially born, with Edwin Bastings elected as the first Mayor.10

Women were not yet allowed a say in the council elections. First they had to fight for their vote. Which they did: the Northcote Branch of the Suffrage League held their very first meeting in1895 at the Wesleyan schoolroom.

Today, Wesley Anne still serves as a gathering place: to drink to the past, to ponder and wonder.

1 Lemon Andrew.(1983) The Northcote Side of the River, Melbourne: Hargreen Publishing, 46 2 ibid 46, 3 ibid 63, 4 ibid 67, 5 ibid 67, 6 ibid 67, 7 ibid 68, 8 ibid 70, 9 ibid 70, 10 ibid 75 Historical image courtesy of Darebin historical encyclopedia

HIGH ST HISTORY

Inside Wesley Anne. 2011

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ON THE STREET

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words: HOOLIO JONES

I heart Flashback and if I could I would make all my clothes out of their fabrics and me and my friends would read F Scott Fitzgerald and lounge in the park sipping Pimms. The sun would kiss our upturned faces and our lipstick would never smudge

These earrings are made from recycled piano key ivory and yellow gold and they are the type of thing you’d buy for someone if you wanted to prove your adoration but were unable to afford the horn of a unicorn or say, the sun.

1 2 3

This is one of those fantastic little albums that keeps on giving with every listen. It doesn’t always give me exactly what I want but that’s what keeps me coming back. Music that challenges me will always be preferable to music that bores me.

I like music. I like music a lot. You could even say that I love music and you would not be exaggerating. I won’t say that it runs in my blood because haemoglobin and semiquavers do not mix but it definitely keeps the rhythm in my heart. One of the things I like most about music is how there are so many different varieties and how we as humans interpret them. What one person may call unlistenable garbage another might call shoe-gaze or minimal electronica or The Top 40.

When I hear music that I truly love if affects me like nothing else. It makes me happy, it makes me sad, it makes me feel things that I couldn’t feel otherwise. Sometimes it makes me feel like my whole body has been submerged in warm honey and all I can do is absorb it. This is when I am at my happiest, when my ears are busy taking sound in and my brain is busy appreciating the hell out it.

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GIMME GIMME

Children love these because are easy to use and sort of hypnotic, adults love them because they can use them to re-enact the final scene of Karate Kid 2 and everybody loves a pop culture reference.

4 5

1 TITLE Ph 9481 1315

2 Black Finch Ph 9077 1319

3 Flashback fabrics Ph 9482 1899

4 Big Dreams Ph 9489 2193

5 Tombo Ph 9489 3953

6 Shellac Print Gallery Ph 9481 5731

STOCKISTS

ENTER TO WIN! WIN this framed print from Shellac Print Gallery worth $200.To enter find us on facebook ‘Harriet of Northcote, like us and post to our wall, some images or words that describe one of your favourite music experiences, enter by Oct 20th, winners posted next day on our wall. No facebook? Email to: info@whoisharriet.com.au.

When I listen to music I often see things in my minds eye. I see shapes, colours and patterns, sometimes I see entire abstract scenarios played out and I wonder where they came from, I guess it’s just my mind taking elements of what it is receiving and trying to make them into something cohesive. The part I have difficulty with though is then relating those images to other people. There is only so many times that I can say ‘And then the swirly thing comes back in’ before people start backing away and wishing that they had sat elsewhere on the tram. That’s why I really appreciate people who do band art because it means I can hold up their art and say ‘This, this is what I’m talking about’ and people can nod in understanding and not just fear.

This is a children’s toy which is based on the Japanese instrument the taisho’ goto. Instead of having notes the keys have numbers on them. If you have children you should buy them one of these, purely because when they grow up they might get an electronic version and run it through some filters to create the type of experimental electronic music that I really like

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Many people underestimate music education, however music education is extremely important and so are the teachers.

In tertiary degrees, music education is one of the largest, most dense programs. Teachers have to learn general education materials, psychology, and technique. They must learn music history, music theory, composition and quite a lot more.

In turn music students also learn of music history, through understanding the historical events that were taking place when the music they play was written. They learn where the music was used for example was it sung, an opera, for festivities, for peasants or royalty. So much of our culture is integrated in music and has been for centuries.

Music helps with math and science, students learn to count, keep a steady rhythm, and how to multiply and divide. Students also learn a lot about languages, many choral songs are written in languages other than English some even being written in ancient languages. Students have to learn to translate these works to understand what they are singing about.

Students learn an incredible amount of coordination through music, it can be compared to being an athlete, as students must use fine and gross motor skills in order to play their instrument. Singers and wind players must learn breath control.

Music education brings higher thinking to people

as it allows the individual to understand complex patterns. Students have to be absolutely conscious of what every other musician is doing at all times so in that way, it fosters cooperation, as well. When playing in a group or band no musician is independent of that group, yet each musician is a part of that group, with a unique part and sound.

Music is very important in our lives. It is frequently underestimated and thought of as easy but it’s not that at all, to play well requires dedication, practice and time to build up skill. Students frequently appear to be having a great time while they are making music this is because music is fun. Music can illustrate any mood, and it takes a special, interested person in order to make it well.

Music is indeed very important to education.

The importance of music in education.

Bon

nie

Smith

words: CHRISTOPH BOHR

Rhythm of Life African DrummingExperience the rich and vibrant culture of West Africa through African drumming! Guinean master drummer Mohamed Camara teaches a range of traditional West African arrangements, offering students an in-depth understanding of rhythm and pulse. All classes are accompanied by Anna Camara on the dun duns. A great way to socialise, relieve stress and have fun while learning some exciting new skills!

Phone: 9459 4472 Email: info@rhythmoflife.com.au Website: www.rhythmoflife.com.au

Bonnie Smith - Vocals/PianoBonnie Smith is an accomplished and versatile vocalist. She has formally studied voice in Australia, Canada and the United States, specializing in jazz/improvisation. In her experience, she has also lived in South America and sings in Spanish, French and English. She is the leader, director and composer of original world Latin jazz ensemble “Reflejos”. She currently teaches contemporary styles in voice and piano.

Phone: 0408 037 627 Website: www.reflejosmusique.com

Jon Crompton - Advanced Saxophone, Intermediate Clarinet and FluteJon is an enthusiastic music educator and has enjoyed teaching regularly at home in Melbourne, and abroad, conducting masterclasses in New Zealand and New York. Jon strives to make lessons fun, so whether you’re a serious musician or a beginner looking to experiment, contact him.

Phone: 0417 506 022 Email: crommo99@gmail.com

Tracey Ker - Piano HouseTracey offers students both contemporary and classical styles, her experience includes working with advanced students and inclusive of students with specific needs. Tracey is currently employed at Haileybury College as a full-time piano teacher and accompanist. Her conveniently located studio is equipped with grand piano and a parents waiting area. AMEB examinations are offered at all levels from beginner to advanced and students of all ages are welcome. VCE Performance and Theory coaching is also offered at Piano House.

Phone: 0438 044871 or 9486 2897 Email: pianohouse@bigpond.com

Vinod Prasanna - Indian Music Teacher Award-winning bansuri virtuoso Vinod Prasanna shines as an outstanding performer of authentic traditional and contemporary Indian music, world and meditation music. Vinod has performed throughout India, France, Germany, Japan and Australia. Based in Australia since 2008, he currently teaches Indian music, singing and bamboo flute. Beginners to advanced level welcome. Learn in person or via skype.Phone: 0420 44 73 73/9489 3834 Email: vinod_prasanna2002@yahoo.com Website: myspace.com/vinodprasanna

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