Melbourne prides itself on being a multicultural metropolitan, enabling its inhabitants to immerse themselves in different cultures from around the globe all within a very convenient radius.
In Chinatown, on trendy Market Lane, is one such establishment: Ding Dong Lounge. On a typical night, punters attending gigs can expect to be transported in time and space back to the uber cool New York City bar scene reminiscent of the 70s.
Tonight, however, is not your typical night. Ding Dong is hosting a very festive and very sold out event ‘Cajun Christmas with the Black Sorrows’.
Between the Black Sorrows and the venue’s kitchen Girl With The Gris Gris, ticketholders are whisked away from the usual NYC vibe and placed into the heart of the Louisiana bayou through an unforgettable dinner and show experience that encompasses Cajun culinary delights, good ol’ Southern hospitality, the musical prowess of the quintessential Aussie blues-fuelled rockers, and of course, a plethora of Christmas cheer.
The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour as patrons sip on complementary eggnog before being seated by warm and friendly hostesses.
Upon entrance to the band room, the changes are immediately recognisable. The funky psychedelic wallpaper has been temporarily replaced with darkened walls to add to the sultry underground New Orleans jazz club atmosphere as tea light candles flicker on tables of two and four, lending a cosy ambience to the occasion as smooth mood-setting background music filters through the speakers courtesy of the house DJ.
Shortly, Santa hat and reindeer antler wearing wait staff are serving the first course in the form of a delectable chicken and sausage gumbo from New Orleans born-and-bred head chef Chris Weysham’s menu. Aromatic, dark and flavoursome, the gumbo elicits murmurs of bon appetit as diners tuck into the gorgeously spicy fare.
And so Christmas dinner begins.
With an extensive drinks menu, there is a fun and exciting cocktail to tempt anyone to enjoy with their meal, from the potent tropical rum-based Hurricane or a sweet Bourbon whiskey-infused Mint Julep, to the hometown specialty of New Orleans the Gin Fizz and more traditional tipples Whiskey Sour and Side Car.
The inner child is encouraged to come out and play at the sight of Christmas bon bons which are eagerly snapped up and pulled between now-warring parties. Laughter erupts as the winner dons his rightful flimsy paper crown and lords over his or her subjects as they proceed to read aloud the obligatory cringe worthy joke.
Before too long the second course arrives- a Louisianan inspired Christmas plate containing a generous helping of heavenly Cajun dishes such as fried turkey, honey-glazed ham, potatoes dauphinoise, spinach madeleine and sweet potato casserole that foodies would salivate over.
With bellies almost at full capacity, leaving space only for the homemade apple pie for dessert later on, the crowd is feeling relaxed and satisfied when the Black Sorrows take to the stage.
Performing two 45-minute compelling sets, the Australian music heavyweights easily step up to the plate to deliver on tonight’s theme with a special blend of blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.
Frontman Joe Camilleri is simply beautiful to watch, in that he pours his heart and soul into his craft.
A good thing too, as this affable gentleman is celebrating 50 years in the business and is showing no sign of slowing this riverboat down. In fact, with this year’s release Certified Blue, it is full steam ahead for the seasoned five piece outfit.
Opener ‘Call Me a Fool’ is a slow burning number that could effortlessly find a home in a smokey Bourbon Street jazz lounge in the heart of The Big Easy.
The combination of piano, drums, bass, electric guitar and Camilleri’s beloved sax give the band a distinguished sound that can be stripped back for the sweeping lilt of ‘Wake Me Up In Paradise’, or geared up for a jaunty ‘The Chosen Ones’, and let loose for the infectious classic ‘Chained To The Wheel’.
Further showing their versatility is the countrified gospel offering ‘Save Me’ that incites an all-out clap along. Camilleri, always one for onstage banter, admits this song has been receiving rave reviews. “We’ve been getting five stars…out of a hundred” he finishes with his renowned humility and humour.
Fans are treated to a string of well received crowd favourites such as the evergreen ‘Harley and Rose’, ‘The Crack Up’ which essentially is one massive jam session, and the sax fuelled ‘Shape I’m In’, as well as a rollicking version of Chuck Berry’s ‘Memphis, Tennessee’.
The Black Sorrows bring it on home with their only nod to the festive season ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ with an energy and enthusiasm that is incredible for a band that has 17 albums under their belt, leaving the room in chair-dancing feet-tapping high spirits.
The message for the evening is received loud and clear: Have yourself a Merry Christmas and laissez les bons temps rouler!
