Could your Thursday evenings do with some gothic cowboy energy in a cosy setting not far from home? Check out our Henry Wagons Presents series at Kew Court House, where the muso, radio presenter and Boroondara local interviews hand-picked artists between sets.
First there’s Henry
You might have heard Henry Wagons’ brooding baritone at Hawthorn Arts Centre last October when he took on Johnny Cash’s American Recordings with band the Tennessee Studs. His shtick is outlaw country troubadour and he can rock shades and a leather shirt on stage. He also hosts Tower of Song on Double J and ABC Country. We asked Henry for the lowdown on his new show…
A ‘variety extravaganza’
‘These shows won’t be anywhere near your average night of live music,’ promises Henry. ‘It’ll be a variety extravaganza! A set from me, one from my guest and a chat somewhere in between. It’s an excuse to pick their brains about their songwriting process … and get a glimpse of the person behind the songs.’
Hear from ‘songwriting forces of nature’
‘I can’t wait to present you with some renowned, and some up-and-coming, songwriting forces of nature,’ says Henry. His first show with Weddings Parties Anything legend Mick Thomas was a sellout. Up next in the monthly series are Dave Graney on 20 August, Daisy Kilbourne on 10 September and Davey Lane on 8 October. ‘All 4 of these folks are friends of mine at varying stages of their careers,’ says Henry, ‘and all are artists I deeply admire.’
You’ll be up close and personal…
Henry’s a fan of Kew Court House’s cosy 80-seat set-up. ‘As an outlaw country music artist, I usually try to avoid courthouses, but not on this occasion! It’s a beautiful, intimate room that offers direct access to amazing artists in a way few venues can. Audiences get to experience these performers up close, without the barriers that often come with larger shows.’
… and supporting live and local
Henry’s been living in Boroondara for 5 years now. ‘I love it. It’s a beautiful sanctuary from the hustle, chaos and constant movement of my life as a travelling troubadour.’ But he’s not very used to playing this close to home. ‘It’s an excuse to go a little crazy, indulge in a bit of hijinks, and still be in bed at a reasonable hour!’
