Big acts for Sooki

HEADLINE musical acts Diesel, Frank Yamma and Archie Roach are booked to play at Belgrave’s Sooki Lounge in the next three months.
Sooki Lounge, which has been open for about 11 months, hosts four gigs every week, but Diesel, Yamma and Roach are the star attractions for the rest of the year.
Diesel ($30 pre-sale), a solo artist these days, is performing his Diesel Lit Up – The Singles ’89-’14 show on 16 October.
The show is a compilation of the award-winning singer’s 30 singles across 13 albums.
Indigenous songwriters Yamma (13 November, $20 pre-sale) and Roach (11 December, $30 pre-sale) are highly acclaimed for the way they express their individual experiences through song.
Yamma, whose album Countryman drew praise in Australia, the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, is also an exceptional guitarist.
His music tells “brutally honest” tales of alcohol abuse, cultural degradation, respect for the old law and the importance of country.
The tone of Roach’s performances has changed since he tragically lost his partner, Ruby Hunter, four years ago.
Roach suffered a stroke later the same year and underwent an extended rehabilitation.
He was previously known for his songs of suffering, pain and injustice, but has since turned to joy and hope, and the idea of lifting himself and others through music.
Sooki Lounge proprietors Steve Crombie and Suzana Pozbek are thrilled to have attracted such top-line artists.
Crombie said he wanted to make the lounge accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds and all door charges, as opposed to most venues, go to the artist.
“Aside from our bigger acts we put on Thursday nights and mix in one every three or four weeks, we try to get high-energy bands on Friday and Saturday nights,” Crombie said.
“We get carnival or indie folk (acts) – that kind of stuff – and music people around the area haven’t heard before, but that will get them up and will take notice.”
Among the other artists to have played at Sooki Lounge are the Bearded Gypsy Band, Cash Savage and 8Foot Felix.
Sooki Lounge has a free range and organic, Spanish-style menu with a bar and local art on display.
It is open Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm to late, Friday and Saturday from noon to 3am, and Sundays noon to late. You can phone Sooki Lounge on 9754 7567.