Hi there friends!

Believe it or not, we are embarking on our 15th Leonard Cohen birthday celebration event in Toowoomba this year and we would really appreciate it if you were to come along to enjoy this special occasion with us! As regulars know, throughout the course of this unique spring celebration in Toowoomba we will be indulging ourselves in the work and spirit of this inspiring and statuesque artist who has, with a certain singularity, forged a unique musical style - one that continues to be discovered by the current generation of discerning musicians and music fans. Tributes to Cohen’s work abound, such as Lian Lunson’s “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” movie (which will be screened during our event) and our own Aussie one, the just released Monsieur Camembert’s “Famous Blue Cheese” tribute show double CD album. Such homage to the man, whose song writing talent is indisputable, will undoubtedly continue to grow over time!

This year is also very special, in that we will have, for the first time, international visitors and performers! Yes, not only will our New Zealand LC comrade, Donn O’Neill, be joining us, but my German friends Henning and Elke and the acclaimed Canadian vocalist-pianist, Ann Vriend! This year also sees us located within the historically elegant décor of the Icon Cinema, with its comfortable lounge area and bar.

Our event will commence on the Saturday afternoon with the first screening of the captivating “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” tribute movie. It features interviews with Cohen, a Cohen/Bono duo and excerpts of many other acclaimed performers covering his songs during the magnificent “Came So Far for Beauty” Concerts at the 2005 Sydney Festival. The movie is one which will engender considerable discussion ” some may not like the arty production values and some may not like the cover versions of Cohen’s songs or perhaps some of the performers gushings about Cohen, but hopefully you all will appreciate the articulate witty intelligence of Mr Cohen!

The Saturday evening live music session will feature local and not so local artists, as follows: Henning Franz (from Germany), who will be singing his own compositions to Cohen’s poetry on guitar, will be our first international performer; Graham Nunn (Brisbane) will read a selection of Cohen’s poetry accompanied by Simon Sheehy on guitar/keys; and our “local hero”, John Gallagher, will present his usual powerful renditions of Cohen on guitar! We may also squeeze in some LC poetry/prose readings during the evening, along with the customary draw for the lucky door prizes (comprised of recent LC related items).

This year, we will not be catering by way of a sit down meal, but there will still be a range of reasonably priced tasty light meals and snacks available from the bar of this licensed venue on both the Saturday evening and Sunday sessions. Those who wish to dine at restaurants will have a choice of several establishments within walking distance of the venue (which is in the Toowoomba CBD).

The Sunday morning timeslot will afford a second opportunity for you to see the “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” movie. To introduce some balance to our event, the early afternoon timeslot will be devoted entirely to Leonard’s own singing, in the only full length concert of his ever officially filmed (San Sebastian, Spain, 1988). The climax of our weekend will be a very special Sunday afternoon concert on piano featuring the exciting and soulful international vocalist Ann Vriend (Canada)!

We look forward to seeing you at this special weekend!

Yours in celebration,
Andrew Darbyshire (on behalf of “The Dancing Bear” & Ric’s “Icon Cinema”)
darby50@ozemail.com.au

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PROGRAM:

• SAT, 22nd, 2.00 pm – “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” Movie (First Screening)

not to be missed – a much talked about movie!

• SAT, 22nd, 6.00 pm – Leonard Cohen’s Music Video Clips

a selection of Cohen’s better known music video clips from over the years

• SAT, 22nd, 7.00 pm – Live LC Music and Poetry Night

Henning Franz (Germany) singing his own compositions, to Cohen’s poetry, on guitar

Graham Nunn (Brisbane) reading a selection of Cohen’s poetry accompanied by Simon Sheehy on guitar/keys (fresh from performing this at the Queensland Poetry Festival two weeks prior)

John Gallagher performing his legendary powerful renditions of Cohen on guitar

Poetry/prose readings (from the floor)

LC’s recorded music

Lucky door prize draws

• SUN, 23rd, 10.30 am – “Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man” Movie Session (Second Screening)

• SUN, 23rd, 12.30 pm – Leonard Cohen: 1988 San Sebastian (Spain) Concert

only full length concert of Cohen’s ever officially filmed!

• SUN, 23rd, 3.00 pm – Concert: Ann Vriend (Canada)

this special concert on keyboard piano will feature the exciting and soulful international vocalist Ann Vriend (Canada), at the start of her 2007 Aussie tour!

N.B. Though every attempt will be made to avoid it, the program may be subject to change.

VENUES: All sessions – The Icon Cinema, RSL Building, Cnr Ruthven & Herries Streets, Toowoomba

ACCOMMODATION:

Numerous motels, guest houses, B&B’s (but book ASAP)

Phone Tourist Information Centre – 07 4639 3797

On-line directories http://www.toowoomba.ido.com.au/category.php3/23

http://www.travelaustralia.com.au/accommodation/toowoomba.html

COST: Saturday ‘IYM’ Movie – $10
Saturday Music Video Clips – Free
Saturday Night Live Performers - $10 ($5 conc.)
Sunday ‘IYM’ Movie – $10
Sunday Cohen Concert Film - Free
Sunday Afternoon Live Concert – $15 ($10 conc.)

RSVP: Please RSVP by Wed, 19thSept
Phone Andrew - 07 4638 0727 (H) 0408 751 541 (Mobile)
or Email - darby50@ozemail.com.au