Mark Steiner (and His Problems) is a well-known figure in Oslo’s music underworld, and he’s been around in Norway for so long that many assume that he is Norwegian. He is not. This ex-New Yorker is a wandering scoundrel who one might find hanging out in the shadowy corners of a pub at closing time – whether the nearest street sign reads New York, Oslo, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon or Melbourne. A musical vagrant who draws inspiration from the same sources which may have influenced Stuart Staples, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, Rowland S. Howard – yes, that entire circle of hollow-eyed, black- clad night owls with melancholic dispositions and pocket-flasks full of booze to match. Mark Steiner is indeed such a character..."
 - Egon Holstad, NORDLYS, Norway 

Mark Steiner lived for many years in New York City’s East Village where he worked in the film industry and as lead vocalist in swamp-rock band Piker Ryan's Folly until he fled for Oslo, Norway, following the events of 9/11. Since then, Mark Steiner has toured Norway as well as large parts of Europe, Australia and the USA, both solo and with various incarnations of his bands. He has both supported and performed on stage with artists such as former Bad Seed Mick Harvey (PJ Harvey, Nick Cave). He has also played support for Michael Gira (Swans), Kid Congo Powers (The Gun Club, The Cramps, Nick Cave), Rowland S Howard (The Birthday Party), John Parish (PJ Harvey), Crime & the City Solution, Hugo Race, JP Shilo and many others. He has also played live electric baritone guitar with both Damo Suzuki (Can) and Martin Bisi. Mark Steiner has played several Australian tours - in fact, this will be his 6th visit down under.
 
 Debuting as a solo artist in 2007 with the EP "Fallen Birds,” he soon followed up with the album “Broken” (2009), released on the Melbourne-based label Z-Man Records. The album "Saudade" (2014) under the artist title Mark Steiner & His Problems was mixed by legendary Brooklyn producer Martin Bisi. He has also more recently self-produced and released three singles and a new album with an Oslo-based band, including legendary drummer Ted Parsons (Prong, ex-Swans, Killing Joke, etc), bassist Leon Muraglia, guitarist Romek Paluch- Edwards and Norwegian singer Ingunn Holmen. The new Mark Steiner & His Problems album, “BLACK HOLE,” was first launched worldwide on 26. January 2024 via Norwegian label Rabben Records, and was finally made available on limited edition 12" vinyl as of 30. August 2024.
 
 Mark Steiner & His Problems is now looking forward to returning to Australia, this time as a duo with Czech violinist Pavel Cingl in tow, along with some local guest performers. This will be the first tour down under since 2017.
http://marksteinermusic.com
 
 The Sydney duo Simon & Grahame (of The Vandelles) will be joining in as very special guests to do a set of "unplugged versions of post-punk, new wave and political stuff!"

**Level 1 is the intimate room**

7pm Doors/Restaurant 🍕
8.30pm Performances