The Basement Blues Society celebrates 2015’s official event - International Blues Music Day – with our country's finest Blues Musicians. A line up guaranteed to get your feet moving and give you a night of live music you’ll never forget!

Local Blues Legends - The Mighty Reapers: "Continental" Robert Susz - Dave Brewer - Clayton Doley - Antero Ceschin - Vito Portolesi
And releasing their already acclaimed CD "Watch Out!" Shane Pacey - Dave Fester - Paul Blasi
Also on the bill, Johnny Cass - Big Blind Ray and a few secret guests - Come celebrate the Blues with the Best!

The Mighty Reapers

The Mighty Reapers were formed by "Continental" Robert Susz in 1986 with Dave Brewer (fellow member of the Dynamic Hepnotics, one of the most successful soul/blues/funk bands in Australia)

Consisting of "Continental" Robert on vocals/harmonica, Dave Brewer - guitar/vocals, Clayton Doley - Hammond organ, Vito Portolesi - bass, Antero Ceschin - drums, the Mighty Reapers have earned themselves a reputation as one of the finest live acts in Australia.

The Mighty Reapers continue to be a popular band across Australia and have played at most Australian blues and jazz festivals, including the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival (Byron Bay), Gold Coast International Jazz Festival (Qld), the Manly Jazz and Blues Festival (NSW), Thredbo Blues Festival (NSW), Australian Blues Music Festival (Goulburn, NSW), Wangaratta Jazz Festival (Vic).

The band recently headlined to a record crowd at the 2009 Darling Harbour Jazz and Blues festival.

Since their beginnings, the Mighty Reapers have been in demand both for their own shows, and as a support band for touring international artists including: BB King, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Lonnie Mack and others.

The Reapers also supplied backing on tours by artists such as Hubert Sumlin (Howlin'Wolf), Louisiana Red, Billy Branch, Bobby Radcliff, Big Jay McNeely, Mojo Buford (Muddy Waters), Phillip Walker and Margie Evans.

With 5 critically acclaimed CD's released through Rufus Records (Universal) under their own name, The Mighty Reapers have also recorded CD's for US blues performers Margie Evans "Drowning In The Sea Of Love" (Rufus Records) and Big Jay McNeely "Jay Walkin" (ABC records).

The Shane Pacey Trio

"The Guitar and Voice of The Bondi Cigars bringing it back home"

Shane Pacey - Guitar and Vocals

Paul Blasi - Bass

Dave Fester - Drums

In a time when the Blues is in great danger of being swallowed by the all-encompassing term "roots music," the very concept of a Blues band seems to be almost a quaint idea

The SHANE PACEY Trio...are that rare (and becoming rarer!) thing... A dedicated Blues band, rather than a solo star with supporting musicians

Although Shane's other band, The Bondi Cigars is still very much a going concern, Shane recently felt the strong urge to revisit the music that turned him on when he first started playing, such as the guitar playing/singing of Peter Green and the short sharp style coming out of Chess Records in the 50's and 60s

Shane states "The main aim is to create something totally different to The Cigars", a no-nonsense trip through the Blues back pages, all played with Shane's customary attack and passion

Shanes' Rhythm Section

Paul Blasi - bass

One of Sydneys' most respected players... with an expanse of knowledge and talent to add to our Blues world. Paul has played with many great artists. (Including Bullfrog- Slewfoot - B'Dussy - The Leanne Paris Band - The Bluetongues, Mojo Corp. and Red Slim)

But having him here - bringin' it home - is where he belongs....

Dave Fester - drums.

The engine room is complete.

Dave has had 3 decades of Blues n' Roots - constantly touring and sharing the stage with many of the country's Blues greats. (Including The Bondi Cigars - Glenn Cardier & the Side Show - The PJ O'Brien BAND).

Among many high quality shows in 2015 - SPT have been featured in some of the country's finest Blues Festivals...including The Australian Blues festival, Thredbo Blues ,Sydney Blues and Roots festival (Newcastle & Sydney), Echuca Blues festival and Blues On Broadbeach.

The Bands' goal is to produce a big sound that aims for the soul and the feet. "Don't expect a polite little band tapping away in the corner," says Shane. And he means it, too...

Sweet Lil Rider

Sweet Lil Rider is led by Johnny Cass on vocals and guitar, with Big Blind Ray on harmonica and vocals, Warren Jackson on drums and George Rigatos on guitar.

They have created a musical place filled with the swampy waters of the Mississippi. A pool filled from the waters of Hill Country Delta Blues, R'n'B, R'n'R and Soul.

A sound that is characterised by rhythm and percussion, steady guitar riffs, few chord changes, unconventional song structures, and heavy emphasis on the "groove" also known as the hypnotic boogie. Don't be surprised if you end up on the dance floor getting loose...

TICKETING INFO
Dinner & Show tickets include entry, seating and 2 course meal.

Dinner & Show tickets are only available via Moshtix.

Some Dinner & Show Bookings may be on a shared table. Please let us know at the time of the booking as a special request should you prefer not to share, and subject to availability we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Note it is not possible to join ticket holders together across ticket groups (meaning A Reserve ticket holders cannot sit with B Reserve etc).

A RESERVE Dinner & Show + Beverage Package also includes a selection of Premium Red & White Wine + Local and Imported Tap Beers excluding Asahi, and is available by exclusive table service to A Reserve Ticket Holders from Doors to Show Time (usually 1930 - 2230). *RSA and conditions apply

DOORS OPEN AT 6.00PM
MUSIC STARTS AFTER DINNER SERVICE, AROUND 7.30PM
SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM SHOW TO SHOW

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
When General Admission Ticket sales have closed on the day of the show they may still be available at the door on the night.

All patrons must be over the age of 18

Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable
(applies to both Standing and Dinner sales)

Please ensure you bring photo ID as proof of age

A booking fee applies to all advance tickets. (All quoted prices include tax).

Dress is Smart/Casual at Manager's discretion. No thongs.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Basement has very limited accessibility for patrons with disabilities, however please contact the venue to ensure there is adequate availability for you to enjoy the show comfortably and they can advise on the recommended seating options.

RESTAURANT (GREEN ROOM BAR) 
RESTAURANT HOURS ARE DEPENDENT ON SHOW
Please call The Basement to confirm opening times - (02) 9251 2797

SEATING MAP FOR DINNER & SHOW BOOKINGS
Please Note: tables cannot be joined together. Please ensure everyone you intend to seat at your table is included in your booking to avoid being seated separately. Unfortunately, Dinner & Show bookings are for a minimum of 2 people.

Specific table reservation is not available for this performance. It is the venue's decision as to which table you will be allocated. Whilst the venue would love to give everyone their preferred seats, it is not always possible. We ask that you respect this decision and enjoy the performance.