I first saw Rowena Wise play at a Parlour gig early last year. It was, I think, Parlour’s third gig, and held in the backyard of a friend’s place in North Carlton. She was, and still is, a beautiful artist to watch and listen to. I bought her EP at the last gig and have been playing it in the office since, so coming to see her play in Thornbury I was familiar with many of the songs and could hum along in my head. She writes really great songs…there is so much talent there.
At dinner the other night a friend and I were talking about what it means to host or attend a Parlour gig, and we were commenting on how it sets up this wonderful relationship with the performing artist- where you feel like you’re backing them. There is an emotional connection forged between audience/host and artist which ultimately means when you follow them along in their career you feel a strange sense of pride in their progression. You are on their side – and it feels good.
I felt a bit like this when I sat on a cushion at Anna and Adam’s place watching Rowena spin a spell over the room. Anna had set up the place beautifully and cooked delicious nibbles, and it was a diverse and contemplative crowd. People sat cross-legged on the floor or on various bits of furniture and listened to a young and very talented artist sing her art. They, it seemed, were captivated just like me. Parlour is spreading the love, and it’s a really good thing. Amen.
We spoke to Kav Temperley of Eskimo Joe at Plug Seven Records on Smith Street, to dig some dirt on his favourite records.
Spending an afternoon listening to Gena Rose Bruce made us all very happy at Parlour HQ!
