Music on the corner

During lockdown I met lovely local Michelle McManus for the first time. On a weekend. On the corner. She admired our new pergola and we chatted about how people were really using the tables and chairs … and then she mentioned that she (and her band mate Johnny) would love to do some band practise on a weekend under our pergola when things opened up a bit … to casually share their music with the neighbourhood folk who are so often hanging out having coffees and chats in that area.

And I thought it sounded like a lovely neighbourhoodly idea. Even before I read their bio (below) and realised that their music would be just my cup of tea (I DO love Cowboy Junkies and missing their scheduled Melbourne concert this year due to the world pandemic and all was quite a letdown).

Anyway, with restrictions easing I contacted her again this week to discuss logistics.

So … if you are craving a coffee from the Alphington Foodstore or heading out to buy the paper from the Alphington Milkbar mid morning Saturday, you might like to keep an ear out for them! Or pause on our corner.

Here’s the bio …

Mich is a singer songwriter who honed her craft as a regular at the Troubadour in London (made infamous by the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan etc.). Her passionate vocals and eclectic folk songs have touched the hearts of audiences around the globe, and now with her new partner Johnny D, they have created a UNIQUE SWAMPY SOUL sound. Mich McManus’ voice gives a unique honesty and vulnerability to her songs, and Johnny D’s harmonica grind brings their music to life. Influences: Melanie, Joni Mitchell, Sandy Denny, Janis, Eva Cassidy, Mazzy Star and Cowboy Junkies.