The most intensely electrifying experience in Australian blues today!

Doors 6.00 pm, Show at 7.30 pm

Duke of George presents

Checkerboard Lounge

Inspirational front man Carl Pannuzzo (drums and vocals), master guitarist Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal, and inimitable bassist Zoë Frater, are Checkerboard Lounge, breathing fire, virtuosity and improvisation into classic soul and blues originals. 

Their multi-award-winning album SUN Sessions, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis TN, catapulted the band to nationwide recognition. Recent release ‘Roller Coaster’ has already shot to the top 5 of several national charts. An undeniable powerhouse, world class musicianship, dynamic, passionate and playful, Checkerboard are the very essence of a live music experience.

https://youtube.com/@checkerboardloungeband3523

"the most intensely electrifying experience in Australian blues today" ~ The Age

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@checkerboardloungeband3523 

Website: www.checkerboardlounge.com.au

Instagram: https://instagram.com/checkerboardlounge?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkerboardmusic 

Bandcamp: https://cheersquadrecordstapes.bandcamp.com/album/roller-coaster  

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1hl42NvJlfcrAzqxNzaVrY

Biography 

World-class musicianship, unbridled passion inspired by the moment and an almost telepathic ability to create; led by singing drummer Carl Pannuzzo, Checkerboard Lounge are a powerhouse to be reckoned with.  

Playful and unyielding, Pannuzzo, revered as one of the greatest voices in Australia, is joined on stage by the cream of Australia’s talent: guitar master Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal, and inimitable bassist Zoë Frater. 

From standing ovations at festivals to crammed inner Melbourne pubs, no two shows are the same. Vibrant and unforgettable, a Checkerboard show is a tour-de-force of honesty, integrity and truthful musicianship; the very essence of a live music experience. 

After placing as semi-finalists at the 2020 International Blues Challenge, 2022 saw the launch of the critically acclaimed ‘SUN Sessions’, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis TN. The album shot to the #1 spot on the Australian Blues and Roots National Radio Charts and remained in the top 20 for over a year. 

The album also won the Music Victoria Industry Award for Best Blues Work as well as 3 awards from the Vic/Tas Blues Music Awards including Best Band. As well, it made it into the Top 10 of Rhythms Albums of the Year alongside the likes of Midnight Oil and Hoodoo Gurus. Having spent the year playing shows and festivals with the likes of Joe Camilleri’s Black Sorrows and US guitarist Robben Ford, the band are at the top of their game, garnering rapturous response from audiences everywhere. 

Here is the first filmclip from the album with footage from inside Sun Studio and live at the International Blues Competition in Memphis: https://youtu.be/DURgHJauvGI

The History

Ever since their famed seven-year residency at the Great Britain Hotel in the early 90s, Checkerboard has inspired the development of some of Australia's finest musicians and bands (Powderfinger, Dirty Three, Clare Bowditch, Jet, Spoonful/Rocket Science, Kylie Auldist to name a few). Checkerboard's point of difference has always been playing with different musicians and throwing them into an improvisational hot-seat.  

Over the years, band members have included Australia's best blues exponents, such as Rev. Mick O’Connor, Ian Collard, Jeff Lang, Broderick Smith, Steve Teakle, Richard Tankard, Andrew Ogburn, Garrett Costigan, Nigel MacLean and Dave Boyle (USA). 

The Future

The band have been invited to record at Churchhouse Studios in Texas with a label that has U.S. and European distribution. With a national/NZ tour ahead, plus invitations to play festivals in Lithuania, Austria and Germany, The Sun is shining happily on the path ahead.

Personnel

Carl Pannuzzo on drums and vocals (Kylie Auldist, Mia Dyson, Paul Grabowsky, Shane Howard, Patti Labelle, Fred Smith, Deb Morrow, Bob Sedergreen). 

Tim Neal on keys (Mavis Staples, Ricky Lee Jones, Joss Stone, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, Ernest Ranglin, Randy Crawford, Fiona Boyes). 

Shannon Bourne on guitar (inductee to Blues Music Victoria ‘People’s choice Blues Legend of the Year 2023) Chris Wilson, Vika Bull, The Black Sorrows, Russell Morris, Tex Perkins, Broderick Smith).  

Zoë Frater on bass (Zoë Frater Quintet).

Testimonials

“You got it boy, it’s in you” ~ Jimmy Smith

"You could run a small city off these guys" ~ Fiona Boyes

"Some real happening blues" ~ Bob Sedergreen

“Thanks for bringing Memphis back to Memphis” ~ Memphis local

“This is our last song before Checkerboard Lounge get up and tear you a new one” ~ Previous band on stage at Blues on Broadbeach Festival 2022

“It’s not a place you'd expect to find yourselves in within the normally understood confines of the Blues form. The collective rapport you have within the band is a wonder to behold, a total trust in each other that allows for an open ended approach to everything you play.” ~ Robert Calvert

Door 6.00 pm | Show 7.30 pm
12+ years require a ticket plus accompanied by an adult