Soup and Songs

Step into the intimate ambiance of an East Hawthorn lounge room, on July 13th at 1.30pm-4.30pm, for an unforgettable afternoon of “Soup and Songs”. Embrace the winter chill with warm soup and soul-stirring melodies.

As you arrive and settle in, let the soothing tones of Richie Lipp's crystal sound bowl envelop you.

Then prepare to be enchanted by some of Melbourne's finest musicians, including the incomparable pianist and vocalist, Hue Blanes, whose artistry transcends boundaries. Joining him is the talented multi-instrumentalist, Alex Burkoy, whose musical prowess knows no bounds and virtuoso bansuri flute player Vinod Prasanna, accompanied by Lauren Michelle’s captivating vocals and storytelling.

May “Soup and Songs” leave you feeling more connected, uplifted and deeply nourished.

Early Bird Expires June 26th: $45

Full price: $50

*Please arrive at 1:15pm to settle in with a cuppa, ready for a 1.30pm sharp start.

1:30pm -2:00pm: Sound Bowl Mediation

2:00pm -3pm: Music Set One

3.00pm – 3.15pm : Intermission

3:15pm -4:15pm: Music Set Two

4:15pm-4.30pm onwards: Soup and Social

Since arriving with his family from Crimea at the age of 15, Alex Burkoy has steadily established himself on the Melbourne music scene. Most often seen and heard playing various string instruments in original bands (Tinpan Orange, Anna Smyrk, Julia Stone, Ben Whiting, Nick Carver and the Mean Street Butchers, etc.),

Alex has been intermittently spotted digging up his ancestral Yiddish roots in outfits such as YID!, ESKE, The Bashevis Singers, The Klezmer Trio, The Ghetto Cabaret Orchestra and an occasional simcha band or two.

Born into one of India’s greatest flute-playing families, award-winning bansuri (flute) virtuoso Vinod Prasanna shines as an outstanding performer of authentic traditional and contemporary Indian music. Vinod’s emotive melodies, exquisite improvisations and divine flute song distinguishes his performances of Indian classical, world and meditation music. Simply, Indian music at its finest.

Lauren Michelle is a singer- songwriter, a therapist, and a jewellery designer. Lauren’s philosophy is that life should be fun. Even the hard stuff!

She uses her song writing to distil complex experiences of love and loss and transformation while navigating the fragile terrain of the human heart. Lauren’s talent is seeing the peculiar ironies of life, the magic in the mundane, and humour in the humility. She captures this raw energy in her vulnerable songs and stories.

In 2016/17, she recorded and released her 6-track debut CD “Private Property”.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5MhSIRE2LrPb1s8b2jfppr?si=naDXVLT_SriC7ZWXL1WYAA

Produced, mixed and mastered by renowned Melbourne musician Phillip Rex, this collaboration brought together some of Melbourne’s top names in jazz. “Rewind’ was co-written and arranged by singer-songwriter Monique Di Mattina and pianist/ composer (John McAll- The Black Sorrows), and interweaves horn lines by Wangaratta Jazz Festival’s current Director Eugene Ball.

"Lauren Michelle is a true Renaissance soul whose multifaceted talents and boundless creativity never cease to amaze. As a singer, songwriter, and performer, she effortlessly weaves melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply. Her approach is infused with a profound belief that life, even its challenges, should be embraced with a sense of joy and adventure”.

-Nina Ferro, voice & performance coach, singer-songwriter.

Hue Blanes Award-winning composer, singer and pianist is no stranger to Australian ears. The musical savant has graced Melbourne’s jazz clubs for more than a decade, appearing in various trios, duos, curating his own shows and as an original member of Electro Hip-hop outfit, the Melodics. In 2017, Blanes won the prestigious PBS Young Elder of Jazz and received multiple Green Room nominations. This eclectic performer also plays jazz standards, classical scores and spiritual hymns he finds at second-hand bookstores.

An incredible live artist, Hue has played at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Adelaide Cabaret festival. The winner of the 2018 Lucerne School of Music International Jazz Piano competition (Switzerland).

Host or Publisher Lauren michelle