Blood, sweat and cheers

By Paul Dunlop
HOMEGROWN band Those Bloody McKennas will perform a special pre-Christmas show on Friday, 16 December at the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield.
The band, several of whom grew up in the area, are returning to one of their favourite venues to launch their new single Grace Emily Jam, taken from their highly-acclaimed EP Time and Tide.
The release of Grace Emily Jam includes a film clip plus a 10-minute live version recorded at The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda.
Friday’s show will include a special screening of the film clip before and after their performance.
Phil McKenna said TBM’s return follows recent sell-out shows in Cairns, Brisbane and regional Victoria.
The band will head to Queensland after Christmas as one of the featured artists at the Woodford Folk Festival.
Grace Emily Jam is already being featured on national youth network Triple J and community radio across the country.
The message from the Bloodies about their music is don’t call it folk, rock or roots . . . this is dirty slide mandolin and fuzz-wah flute, unified by an unrivalled rhythm section.
Those Bloody McKennas perform a brand of music that fits like a treasured vinyl record.
Special guests on Friday are local heroes The Longrass in their final show.
Since coming together in early 2004, four-piece band The Longrass have developed their sound into one of the most unique on the rock ’n’ roll, roots stage.
The Longrass play raw and down-to-earth tunes, blending elements of swampy blues, folk and country, where staggering shuffles, warm drones and stirring grooves all fuse together.
The Longrass bring together the talents of Sean McMahon on guitars, vocals and harp, Josh Duiker on drums, Michael Maranuchi on bass and Brendan McMahon on keyboards.
Doors open at 8pm. Drinks at bar prices. Tickets at the door.