FINALLY FRIDAY: Vaudeville to smash beer event

The Vaudeville Smash members have the best job in the world and, according to frontman Marc Lucchesi, it’s not just because they have fun playing catchy retro-pop to boogying audiences.
“This has to be one of the only professions on this planet that encourages us to drink while we work,” Lucchesi laughed.
“You rock up to a gig and your dressing rooms are always full of booze and any pub we play at the band’s always got a drink.”
Lucchesi hopes the trend will hold true during The Vaudeville Smash’s show at Geelong Racecourse for the Great Australian Beer Festival on February 2.
The gig will be an exciting show for the band as it gears up to release its debut album the same month.
Lucchesi wanted to ensure Geelong beer-loving festivalgoers they will be in for a treat, even if it’s their first time hearing The Vaudeville Smash.
“We pride ourselves on our live show and being pretty energetic,” he grinned. The songs we play are pretty catchy with a lot of hooks.
“Expect a lot of fun, to get up and dance and be humming our songs by the time you leave,” he grinned.
The Vaudeville Smash is a family affair, with three brothers Marc (vocals, saxophone and flute), Dan (drums and vocals) and Luca (bass and vocals) joining forces with Nic Lam (guitar, soft synth and vocals) and new addition James Bowers (keyboards).
Lucchesi said they were “notoriously crap” at describing their style.
“We used to call ourselves nouveau yacht rock just for something to say.”
Drawing from the groove and melodic elements of ’70s and ’80s influences including Michael Jackson, Elton John, Earth Wind and Fire, Todd Rundgren and Stevie Wonder, retro pop is possibly the best description of The Vaudeville Smash sound.
The group is fundraising for a three-week tour of the US and Canada that will include renowned festival and conference South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.
Lucchesi realised while speaking to the Independent the need to persuade another band-member to drive the group home after the Geelong gig.
“I think it’s my prerogative to try some beers. I do like trying new weird stuff.”