A Tanunda couple, passionate about this region, its people and musical performers, has tapped into a unique way to pull the three together.
Vicki and Jamie Blechynden are the visionaries behind the Candlelight Concerts, organised under their business name VJ Entertainment.
They are also the faces behind well-known band Very Jane; a blend of acoustic originals that set within the genres of roots, alt-country and contemporary bluegrass.
According to Vicki, in 2008 the couple were in search of a venue to host and launch their Very Jane CD.
This is when the music duo stumbled across the Barossa Regional Gallery on Basedow Road, Tanunda.
It was here the idea sprung for the couple to treat music lovers with musical evenings to feature travelling artists from across Australia.
Vicki said the venue provides an amazing and natural acoustics with the dramatic backdrop of the Hill & Son Grand Pipe Organ, built in 1875, further complementing the scene.
While the venue is perfect and a great line up of performers being booked, Vicki says it’s now a case of the Barossa embracing the concerts.
“We have kept ticket costs to a minimum so people can enjoy a great night out,” she said.
Vicki explained, the concerts have been promoted by word of mouth and encourages audiences to share their concert experiences.
The venue is decked out in tables with fresh white linen and seating, with finishing touches of candles on the tables and along the stage steps.
The event is well catered for with boutique wineries such as Diggers Bluff, selling their wines on the night, and people are encouraged to bring along their own picnic supper.
This month
VJ Entertainment is proud to host Shane Howard, formerly of the iconic Aussie band Goanna, who produced a number one hit ‘Solid Rock’.
He will appear on stage on Friday, September 17.
Shane also promotes his latest album, Goanna Dreaming, which will be on sale on the night.
For long standing lovers of his work, the Goanna-esque Black In Time and Struggle & Strife will evoke vivid memories of Spirit of Place and the River album.
Also, SA’s Rob Carlin will further add to the performance with his preferred genre of blues, folk and lyrical.
On October 29, singer and songwriter Sally Dastey will appear, with more details to come.
Tickets for the September concert are $35 each and are available at the Barossa Music Centre, Tanunda or by phoning 0417 084 191.
Win a double pass
The Herald together with VJ Entertainment is giving a lucky reader the chance to win a double pass to the next Candlelight Concert, featuring Shane Howard and Rob Carlin.
To enter, simply place your name, address and daytime telephone number on the back of an envelope and address it to: Herald’s Candlelight Concert Competition, PO Box 42, Tanunda, SA 5352. Only one entry per person and they need to be received by Monday, September 13 at 5pm. Winners will be announced by telephone and tickets will be need to be collected at the Herald office, Murray Street, Tanunda.
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