MISTER OTT, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and Vet, Animal Behaviourist with Margaux Dombkins on Arts Monday 10 June 2013

Matt Ottignon, David Woodland and Pamela Tinslay are my guests today. My first guest: Saxophonist, Matthew Ottignon chats about the launch of his band’s two debut singles: ‘Mattaraja’ and ‘Take It Higher’ at Venue 505. Everywhere he’s been, Matt Ottignon has soaked up the local music culture, collaborating with resident artists and creating new music. Matt’s original compositions comprise a mix of native melodies, blended with the free-form improvisation and syncopation of African-pedigreed jazz. Matt is also inspired by the unique sounds of Ethiopian music.

“I see MISTER OTT as creating new music that draws from virtually every culture, tradition and society on the planet. This is music that washes away the dust of everyday life and gives the soul room to breathe. Once experienced, it becomes part of who you are.”

MISTER OTT comprises Matt on tenor and baritone sax, Eden Ottignon (bass), Ellen Kirkwood (trumpet), Ben Panucci (guitar), Dan Kennedy (drums) and Daniel Pliner (keys). Joining them live at the launch will be Steve Marin (guest percussionist), Peter Farrar (guest sax), DJ Marko (Mark Ottignon) and guest dancers including Eden Dessalegn.

 MISTER OTT launch and double single debut Saturday 15 June Venue 505, 280 Cleveland St

Surry   Hills. (doors open 6.00pm)  8.30pm – two sets to 11.30pm

Info / tickets: www.venue505.com   www.matthewottignon.com

My next guest: Actor, David Woodland chats about a cheeky and hilarious production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ at The Bordello Theatre.

Inspired by Wilde’s own secret life of indulging in his true desires and proclivities, all the while returning home to his wife and children, this sexy, provocative production uses bawdy, fetish style costumes and lavish design to further explore the play’s ideas of duality, secret identities and hidden lives. This production of Oscar Wilde’s most loved play ups the ante on Wilde’s iconic tongue-in-cheek attitude to societal norms and manners – making the classic farce even more entertaining and fun. Almost 120 years since being published, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ speaks to today’s audiences with the same clarity it did its original audiences.

  This Fingal O’Flahertie Production is directed by Collin Jennings and stars David Woodland,  Tai Scrivener, Emma Galliano, Anne      Wilson, Keith Bosler, Lewis Scamozzi and  Lyn Pierse, and is designed by Tanya Woodland, Lighting and Sound by Greg Refeld.

12 to 29 June 2013  – at The Bordello Theatre, Kings Cross Hotel, cnr William St and Darlinghurst Rd Kings Cross

7.30 pm Wednesday – Friday   3.00pm Saturday

Info / tickets  www.theimportanceofbeingearnest.com.au

My next guest: Pamela Tinslay, legendary Eastern Suburbs Vet, chats about her latest book ‘It’s Not About the Llama! – Memoirs of a Female Vet’. Pamela’s career spans more than sixty years year, from a time when there was great prejudice about female veterinarians. Pamela has always held strong beliefs about animal rights and her practice was driven by her deep concern for animals, rather than financial reward. Coming from a generation of vets who had little technology upon which to rely, Pamela developed a hands-on diagnostic ability.

The book is a memoir of Pamela Tinslay’s sixty colourful years as a vet, from the 1940’s to the present. Pamela shares her diverse experiences – as a newspaper agony aunt for pets, a television personality and a talkback radio vet. Pamela values the simple, hands-on approach and still practices as an animal behaviourist and runs a puppy school.

Regarded as a wise woman of her profession, Pamela’s book ‘It’s Not About the llama! – Memoirs of a Female Vet’ is full of humorous anecdotes and includes valuable tips about choosing, understanding and caring for our animal companions.

“It’s Not About the Llama! – Memoirs of a Female Vet” is available in paperback and eBook  at   www.writersandebooks.com and from bookstores including: Berkelouw and Ariel

in Paddington; Gleebooks in Glebe; Dymocks in Bondi Junction; and Lesley McKay’s Bookshop in Woollahra.

I look forward to your company 10.30am – 12.00pm

Margaux