By NOEL MURPHY
FANCY touring the world, playing concerts at major festivals, writing and recording your own songs and music?
Sure, it’s great gig if you can get it. And you could, if you’re lucky enough to land a post with Geelong’s famed Sweethearts soul band.
Fresh from a US tour which saw shows at Nashville, Chicago and Milwaukee’s giant Summerfest, Sweethearts are auditioning for new members to join its next musical journey.
“We are looking for girls who can groove in one or more of … vocals, guitar, bass, keys, drums, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, flute,” says director Stephen McEwan.
The Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College-based Sweethearts are now in their 25th year. They’ve just finished filming series two of the acclaimed 13-part ABC3 series of the same name and looking for newcomers.
“An intense 12-day tour saw them work and perform with the STAX music academy in Memphis,” McEwan said.
“They were lucky enough to meet Wayne Jackson, a member of the Memphis Horns and a pioneer in soul music.
“The band was able to take in the history of the music they love and perform in iconic music venues.
“Their performances were a hit, earning the key to the city in Memphis presented by the mayor himself.
“They were asked to appear on Memphis’ highest-rating TV channel, which lead to an impromptu unscheduled performance at the world famous BB King’s in Beale St.”
McEwan said Sweethearts needed new girls across a range of ages to guard against a mass exodus at the end of Year 12. He said the offer was like nothing found elsewhere.
“When we were in the US, they couldn’t believe we were running this completely unique program,” he said.
“I don’t think the opportunities Sweethearts offer are like anything offered by any other school-based band in world.”
Sweethearts play regularly at Melbourne’s Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane. They have performances coming up during Geelong’s Melbourne Cup sidewalk sale and at the Oakdene winery during the Toast to the Coast weekend and various private functions.
Interested musicians should email steve@sweethearts.com.au
