Each month at Soul Food we feature some of Australia's most highly acclaimed musicians. These artists come from diverse backgrounds, share a wide range of genres and deliver performances that inspire, provoke and enlighten.
You can learn more about them here.
Alex & Nilusha This unique ensemble led by Chilean born percussionist-composer Alex Pertout and Sri Lankan born vocalist-composer Nilusha Dassenaike embraces an authentic contemporary world sound created in Australia but informed by locations around the globe, including their profound personal Latin American and South Asian roots. Their compositions, arrangements and performances incorporate contemporary world and contemporary jazz styles, improvisation and highly refined musicianship. In March 2012 they released their debut album Moments in Time to critical acclaim. Visit Alex & Nulisha's site.
Bohemian Nights – Ernie Gruner (violin)& Phil Carroll (accordion/singer) Melbourne violinist Ernie Gruner and accordionist/singer Phil Carroll play Gypsy, Klezmer, Middle-Eastern, French, Italian, Russian, jazz and tango music which range from soulful to wild. They have studied overseas, and played and recorded together in larger bands including Klezmeritis, Yalla! and Flirting Mazurkas. They have also released two CDs and appeared together on the television show “Spicks and Specks” with both Jewish and Middle-Eastern bands. Their Australian concerts highlights include the National Folk Festival and National Multicultural Festival, as well as their six New Zealand tours including the Christchurch International Arts Festival Spiegeltent, Wellington and Dunedin Folk Festivals and the Christchurch Jazz Festival. Visit Bohemian Night's site.
Tom Francis (guitar) & Helen Mountfort (cello) Tom Francis is a Melbourne based singer/songwriter originally from New Zealand. He recently moved to Australia with a suitcase and a guitar to throw himself into the musical melting pot of the Melbourne scene. Tom draws influence from folk, blues, soul, appalachian to name a few, blending styles to create a unique sound. As a self taught musician, Tom has a very free style approach to creating and performing music, he naturally improvises vocal and guitar phrasing seeking to find and express the emotion behind every song. Tom is currently taking his solo show to many different stages around Melbourne. Visit Tom's site.
Helen Mountfort studied ‘cello and composition at Victoria University Wellington New Zealand. She moved to Australia in 1986 and soon after joined the band Not drowning, waving. Helen was a founding member of the band My Friend the Chocolate Cake with whom she still records performs, and also a member of gypsy/tango band Cosmo Cosmolino. Helen writes music for film, television, dance and theatre and is in demand as a session musician having recorded with many Australian artists including Missy Higgins, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, Midnight Oil, Renee Geyer, Mark Seymour and the John Butler Trio. Visit Helen's site.
Deborah Kayser (vocals) & Nick Tsiavos (contrabass) Deborah's female voice and Nick's contrabass combine to create a rich aesthetic experience, a sound world as beautiful as it is intense. Sublime Ancient chants are explored through their energy and volatility, leaving listeners with a musical experience that move them through time and place.
ABC Classic FM says ‘The music is improvised and ravishingly beautiful, a combination of references to both jazz and free improvisation...’
Real Time Arts says '...Deborah Kayser’s voice carved an achingly layered geology of quarter and semitones, scrolling through melisma with consummate musicianship and passionate grace.' Visit Deborah & Nick's site.
Noriko Tadan (minyo & Japanese Banjo) Noriko plays both traditional Japanese folk songs (Minyo) as well as original pieces on the Tsugaru Shamisen (Japanese Banjo). She has been playing Shamisen since she was 6 years old and has performed in Japan, Europe, Canada, Tonga and at festivals and events all over Australia.
Noriko's recent achievements include the '2009 Head Judge's Special Award' at the National Japanese Shamisen Competition held in Hirosaki - Japan, a solo performance at the Sydney Opera House and a number of dynamic shows at the International WOMADelaide world music festival with George Kamikawa. She also performed on the popular ABC music quiz show 'Spicks and Specks' in February 2010. Visit Noriko's site.
Vinod Prasanna & Afroz Koya Vinod Prasanna (Bansuri) and Afroz Koya (Tabla), and they will take us on a beautiful journey into the divine world of Indian classical music. Since the dawn of sound, Indian music has been played as an offering to the gods, a welcoming of the seasons, a creator of atmospheres and a path for meditation – for bathing in sacred sound and being spiritually uplifted.
Vinod Prasanna was born into one of India’s greatest flute-playing families and shines as a performer of authentic traditional and contemporary Indian music. He has performed throughout India, France, Germany, Japan and Australia, and his emotive melodies and exquisite improvisations distinguish his performance as he continues a family legacy celebrating more than two-and-a-half centuries of Indian music. Visit Vinod's site
Afroz Koya is one of Melbourne’s most exciting tabla players. He captivates with his beautiful melodic rhythms and compositions, and blends a diversity of styles including Sufi, Kawali and Khayal. He has studied with India’s great master Ustad Anthony Das.
Myles White (guitar) & Liz Frencham (songstress/double bassist) Imagine a voice with the disarming honesty and warmth of Shawn Colvin supported by the startlingly lyrical guitar sound paintings of Myles White. Both write, play, sing and together they release a deep, jazz-inflected, soul-drenched sound that neither has ever let loose before now.
Their musical paths crossed in 2010, soon after Liz had made a 'tree change' to the highlands of Central Victoria. Daylesford local Myles, discovered there was a girl just down the road who could both sing and play standards and covers at local gigs. It didn't take much playing together to uncover that despite their disparate backgrounds, they had a common interest in writing music that reflected their human experience and expressions of spirituality.
Nougat – Ruth Roshan (mandolin, vocals) & Tania Ravbar Costantino (guitar, vocals) Ruth and Tania play original pieces and fresh arrangements of music from around the world, particularly from Spanish and South American traditions. Their music highlights the beauty and versatility of guitar and mandolin. They are Melbourne based and have an established reputation in Australia, and a growing international reputation.
Nougat has performed at festivals and venues across Australia and in September 2007 they undertook a successful tour in Los Angeles including performances at “The Living Tradition” concert series and “The Coffee Gallery Backstage”, as well as several other venues. Visit Nougat's site.
Alwan – Yuval Ashkar (oud, vocals, percussion), Phil Carroll (accordion, ney- flute, duduk), Matt Stonehouse (percussion) Alwan is a sublime trio from Melbourne playing Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Armenian, Israeli and Sephardic music. Their first CD was released in November 2010 to great acclaim, and airplay on National radio. Featuring beautiful vocals, haunting oriental instruments and fiery drum solo's, Alwan is sure to take us on a memorable journey through the valley of love. Visit Alwan's site.
Bernardo Soler Recognised for his enchanting sound, Bernard has enjoyed enormous success around the world. He has recorded numerous CDs and performed at venues and festivals in the Philippines, Indonesia, South America, United States and Australia, in addition to winning various competitions around the world. Whether playing solo, or sharing the stage, Bernardo guarantees to deliver a memorable performance. Visit Bernado's site.
Tiffany Eckhardt & Dave Steel Together they have been making albums and touring for over ten years and recently record their new album Sunday.
Tiffany has been referred to as "Australia's Sweetheart of Folk" through her musical mix of folk, pop, roots and blues. She has written and recorded six successful independent releases and has received rave reviews and radio airplay across the country. Visit Tiffany's site.
Blues man, songwriter/producer and guitar master, Dave Steel has been an instrumentalist for many of Australia's best known artists and has earned himself a reputation of being one of our finest musicians. Their openhearted approach to writing and performing together with their masterful playing and harmony singing will no doubt make for a compelling and intimate performance. Visit Dave's site.
Pin Rada Pin is an Australian music producer and professional artist with a passion for World music. Originally from Chile, he brings with him a unique depth of travel and experience throughout the world that has earned him a growing reputation for his natural ability and expertise in cross-cultural collaborations. Pin speaks five languages and has studied rare wind and bowed stringed instruments for the last eight years in India, Turkey, and Greece. He has performed extensively on stage, and in the studio, with musicians from across the globe and throughout Australia. Visit Pin Rada's site.
Melbourne Guitar Quartet (MGQ) Formed in 2005, MGQ is a vibrant guitar-based ensemble dedicated to the development of chamber music repertoire for the instrument. Performing with the Guitar Family of instruments (classical bass guitar, baritone guitar, standard guitar, treble guitar and octave guitar) the award-winning group are continuously cultivating ground-breaking arrangements of major works for this medium. They have performed at festivals both locally and abroad, received numerous awards, and in 2008 MGQ released their debut CD Four Elements to critical acclaim. MGQ embody a dynamic and theatrical on-stage musical persona and we look forward to having them join us for the first time this month at Soul Food. Visit MGQ's site.
Neil Murray (vocalist and guitarist) Neil is a multi-talented artist who first appeared in the early eighties as a founding member of the groundbreaking Warumpi Band, and over twenty years has helped make contemporary indigenous music heard in mainstream Australia.
In 1995 he was awarded the song of the year for the now famous "My Island Home", originally written for the Warumpi Band and re-recorded by Christine Anu. The song went on to become an unofficial anthem, featuring in the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
He has recorded ten albums, performed at festivals and live venues and received numerous honours and awards. His immense contribution has earned Neil a reputation as one of the nation's most original and respected singer/songwriters, and an artist who's work reflects the heart and soul of Australia. Visit Neil's site.
Wouter Kellerman (South African flautist) Wouter is widely considered as South Africa's foremost flautist. His album ‘Colour’ topped the charts and was nominated for a 2008 South African Music Award for Best Instrumental Album, and his show ‘Kellerman Colour Live’ won the award for ‘Best Jazz/Instrumental/Popular Classical DVD’. He has had a busy year, playing at the opening of the world's biggest music conference and festival - Midem - in Cannes, France, touring Australia and the USA, and recently performing at the closing ceremony of the Soccer World Cup in South Africa! Visit Walter's site.
Fine Blue Thread – Helen Mountfort (cello), Ria Soemardjo (voice and viola) & Sam Evans (multiple tabla and percussion) Fine Blue Thread play crafted, fresh and intriguing compositions grounded in the traditions of Indian, Javanese and Western classical music, and have recently been featured alongside Ravi Shankar, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Nitin Sawhney in a BBC world music compilation CD: A Beginners Guide to the Music of India. Since their sold-out debut performance at the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Fine Blue Thread have been surprising audiences throughout Australia with performances of their own original music that is sometimes haunting, uplifting and breathtakingly intimate. Visit Fine Blue Thread's site.
Aaron Barnden (violinist) Aaron made his orchestral debut with the Zelman Memorial Orchestra at the tender age of twelve. He has since gone on to win a number of prizes and scholarships, including a Gold Medal at the Dandenong Festival of Music and Art, an Australian Jewish News Scholarship, the Westpac Bank Prize from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and a Paul McDermott Violin Scholarship.
Aaron has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia of Melbourne, Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Geminiani Orchestra and has also been featured on the ABC's "Young Australia" program.
Yuri Mugerman (Russian balalaika) & Izabella Mugerman (piano) Yuri is a leading exponent of Russian Balalaika (the traditional Russian three stringed instrument) and is well known amongst the Australian Russian community and in his homeland. A graduate from the famous Moscow Musical and Pedagogical Institute with a Master of Arts, he is a performer, teacher and conductor here in Melbourne. Yuri and Izabella's repertoire includes classical, contemporary and folk music and they have released the CD, Balalaika Magic. Visit Yuri & Izabella's site.
Daniel McKay (vocalist & guitarist) Daniel has toured throughout Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Europe, and has released a self-titled solo CD as well as CDs with violinist Zoë Black and Guitar Trek. He holds a Master of Music from the Australian National University and is now on staff at the Victorian College of the Arts. Visit Dan's site.
Amir Farid (pianist) Amir is is an Iranian-Australian solo pianist and chamber musician based in Melbourne. He is also the pianist member of Benaud Trio as well as the principal accompanist for the senior performing ensemble of the Australian Children's Choir. In 2006 he won the first prize of the prestigious Australian National Piano Award. In 2007 he was granted the Encouragement Award at the 2007 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition; this Competition is considered as Australia's most prestigious event for solo pianists. In the same year he won The Geoffrey Parsons Award, the only competition in Australia that focuses entirely on the art of piano accompaniment.
Amir Farid studied with Professor Ronald Farren-Price at University of Melbourne, from 1995 until 2004 when he graduated with Honours. Between 2003 and 2005 he attended the Australian National Academy of Music, where he worked with Rita Reichman, Geoffrey Tozer and Timothy Young. Visit Amir's site.
Gary Sterling (vocalist) Born in Savannah Georgia on the east coast of the United States, Gary grew up with traditional gospel music and started singing at the age of ten. He lived in Hawaii for 23 years, signing in popular venues on the Island of Oahu, and has traveled for the United States Air Force in Japan, Okinawa, Korea and the Philippines and has also performed in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
He has been a support act for well known entertainers such as Dionne Warwick and with comedian Michael Winslow from the Police Academy movies. Now living in Sydney Australia he performs his unique magic at major leagues and clubs, for corporations and onboard the famous P&O Cruises. Visit Gary's site.
MANA MANA is a Baha'i inspired music and performance group based in Sydney Australia, with members originally hailing from the Pacific Islands. Their music is an invigorating blend of contemporary and traditional Pacific Island rhythms and chants which entrance audiences wherever they perform. MANA operates purely as a non-profit initiative, and have performed both nationally and internationally. They have released four albums to date, and hope to continue to inspire their listeners through their music. Visit MANA's site.
Shane Howard (vocalist & guitarist) Since 1982 Shane's anthem "Solid Rock" has been reverberating across the airwaves. It was one of the first songs of its idiom to broach the subject of Aboriginal rights in Australia and impacted powerfully on a whole new generation of writers and musicians that followed.
Since then he has been relentlessly working, writing, performing, touring with and producing Australian musicians, many of them Aboriginal artists. His songs have also been recorded by such household names as John Farnham and Mary Black.
Shane is a prolific songwriter, and co-music director of "Black Arm Band" a 27-piece ensemble featuring some of the nations legendary Indigenous Artists. He continues to champion the cause of the underdog, provide meaningful insights into the human spirit and interpret the Australian landscape in a way that has helped to build a bridge between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal peoples. Visit Shane's site.
Shadi Toloui-Wallace (vocalist & guitarist) A talented young Australian artist, Shadi's unique folk sound and penetrating voice has lead to the recent release of her debut album Leather Bound Book, also produced by Louie Shelton who has worked with names such as Seals & Crofts, The Jackson Five, and The Mama’s and the Papa’s.
Inspired by experiences volunteering at the Baha'i World Centre in Israel, and raised with a consciousness of the diversity of the world and her role within it, Shadi's music carries a sincerity and authenticity that reaches the heart. Shadi is in Melbourne for a limited time as part of her national tour and we are very fortunate to have her performing this month at Soul Food. Visit Shadi's site.
Michael Johnson (harpist and composer) Harpist and composer, Michael Johnson has been performing in major concert venues and festivals throughout Australia. He has been the resident musician at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for over a decade, performing in the Harp the Gardens recitals and Twilight Music concerts, providing his music for thousands of overseas guests and visitors to the gardens. As well as a concert performer, Michael has been working in the field of music for meditation. His tranquil harp music has been an integral part of the Mindfulness Music program at the Gawler Cancer Foundation for over twenty five years. He also uses Music & Mindfulness in Victorian schools and at Delmont Hospital. His compositions are regularly aired on national radio and television. He performs regularly with his groups, The Light Quartet and Time Traveller. Visit Michael Johnson's site
Liz Frencham (double-bassist & vocalist) Liz studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has been a professional musician for over ten years. She is an experienced session double-bassist and vocalist who has worked with some of the best in the industry, both locally and abroad, including The Waifs, English songwriting team Chris While & Julie Matthews, Jigzag, award winning songwriter Fred Smith, Dev’lish Mary, iconic vaudeville showman Mic Conway and guitarist Robbie Long. Visit Liz Frenchman's site
Kavisha Mazzella Born to an Italian father and Anglo-Burmese mother, Kavisha is an ARIA Award winning musician and singer who creates poetic and passionate pieces infused with the energy of Italian folk traditions, Country, Celtic, Mediterranean and Gypsy influences.
As well as leading the Kavisha Mazzella Trio (with Irine Vela and Peter Vadiveloo), she collaborates in theatre projects, teaches workshops in voice in Italy and Australia and has run choirs such as Melbourne based "La Voce Della Luna" Italian Womens choir of which she is the current Musical Director.
Merging musical boundaries and blending ethnic and social lines to promote harmony, Kavisha's performances promise to leave an enduring impression. Visit Kavisha Mazzella's site
Jenny M Thomas (fiddle) Jenny is a notable fiddle player and vocalist specializing in contemporary, folk and traditional Australian music. She has previously performed as a soloist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and as a performer and teacher in various folk festivals in Australia, Europe and the UK. Bold, inventive and original, she has composed for television and feature documentaries and together with her world music band 'Akin' received an ARIA nomination for ‘Best World Music Album’. Her 2006 album ‘Farewell To Old England Forever’ won a prestigious Golden Fiddle Award, and was chosen as one of the four best CD's of the year by ABC Radio National’s ‘The Music Show’. Visit Jenny M Thomas' site
Juan Martinez & Peter Vadiveloo (guitar & percussion) Juan Martinez was born in Madrid and was introduced to flamenco at a young age. His virtuoso guitar playing has taken him to Australia’s largest festivals and regularly to Japan – the world’s second largest flamenco audience after Spain. He has appeared on television, produces his own albums, and has recorded and toured with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel. Visit Juan Martinez's site
Peter Vadiveloo has been performing nationally and internationally for over 20 years. He has studied, composed and performed in a wide range of world music styles including African, Middle Eastern, Latin and flamenco. He regularly plays with numerous Grammy and ARIA award winners, and his work can be heard on over 20 commercially available recordings. Visit Peter Vadiveloo's site
Lloyd Spiegel (guitar & vocalist)With fifteen years experience, six albums and numerous accolades to his name, Lloyd is one of the most experienced young blues artists and respected guitarists in Australia. He has toured to fifteen countries, performed with the world’s greatest blues musicians and has been invited to appear at every guitar showcase event in the world.
The latest album, ‘Tangled Brew’ is the result of a lifetime spent on the road and balances his raw energy and strong connection to the Blues with innovative grooves and instrumentation that re-invents his music and the genre as a whole. It’s been noted as Lloyd’s finest work in various publications and earned him a horde of new fans as well as three Victorian Blues Awards, sold out shows across Australia and an astounding seven months at the top of the Australian Blues Roots Playlist chart. Visit Lloyd Spiegel's site
Phil Carroll (piano accordion & vocalist)A talented performer on the piano accordion, Ney, Mey, and vocalist. Phil has been a professional musician for twenty years. His passion for the Eastern sound deepened during his travels in 1998 to the Middle-East with The Breezes Of Anatolia Turkish Ensemble and subsequent studies in Egypt, Turkey and Morocco where he collected and studied the Ney "oriental flute" and oriental music. He has worked as a musician in ceremonies and events in Istanbul, and has co-written and produced CDs for the groups Yalla!, Klezmeritis, Bohemian Nights and Dark Waters Tango Ensemble. Visit Phil Carroll's site
Doug de Vries (guitar)Doug currently plays with the critically acclaimed Diana Clark Trio and the Odeon Guitar Trio. He is a gifted performer across many genres spanning jazz, swing, tango, choro and bossa nova, and is a leading exponent of the Brazilian guitar repertoire. His accompaniments have earned him an Australian Critics Award for best guitarist and a Grammy award nomination. He has toured and recorded with major artists from Australia and abroad including: Andrew Pendlebury, Christine Sullivan, Kate Ceberano, Paul Grabowsky, Andy Bey, Yamandu Costa and Lula Galvao. Visit Doug de Vries' Site
AJ Missaghi (persian santour) AJ Missaghi has played the Persian (Iranian) Santour since childhood. With his unique approach and gentle phrasing, AJ has performed at numerous festivals and events around Victoria. He is also a founding member of the Persian traditional music group, Seven Valleys.
Bob Sedergreen (keyboard) Bob's high regard and position in Australian music is unquestionable. His impact and influence in performance, composition and education has secured his place as a national treasure. Bob has been associated with some of most recognised talents both in Australia and internationally – the likes of Jimmy Witherspoon, Nat Adderley and Dizzy Gillespie, to name but a few.
From the traditional to the most contemporary, he infuses his music with authority, creative expression and wit. He has recorded over twenty albums and toured extensively both locally and abroad, and in 1990 won the Inaugural Jazz Award for Australia's Best Keyboardist.Visi Bob Sedergreen'ssite
Anthony Field (guitar) Anthony's performances on the guitar are renowned for displaying colour, maturity and a dynamic energy. Anthony is an award winning musician who has studied under some of the world's most acclaimed guitarists including Manuel Barrueco, John Williams and Leo Brouwer. Amongst his achievements he has toured Australia playing in major guitar festivals, as well as being invited to play in Scotland, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic. He has recorded works for Naxos Records with soprano Merlyn Quaife and for composer Michael Atkinson, and has produced a solo CD which was subsequently nominated for an ARIA award.
Ananke Trio (Achilles Yiangoulli, Nick Tsiavos and Anthony Schulz) Achilles Yiangoulli, Nick Tsiavos and Anthony Schulz from Ananke. Respectively, a fine singer & bouzouki player, a double bassist whose mastery of the bow reminds you that his instrument is a bass violin, and a virtuoso accordionist.
Ananke’s music is rich in cultural influences and diverse music traditions; from Greek Rebetika to Argentinian Tango, from Crossover Jazz to Ancient Byzantine and Medieval Chant, from cutting edge New Music to free Improvisation. Experience a rare opportunity to see an intimate acoustic performance by three fine musicians. Visit Ananke Trio's site
Invention in Time – Kate Adam & Ariel Valent (marimba & vibraphone) Consisting of duo Kate Adam and Ariel Valent on marimba and vibraphone, Invention in Time have performed their original music across Australia and Europe since 1996. They recently released their third CD, Falling by Design – music that reveals a distinctive and mature musical bond. Their sounds contain beautifully intricate melodies and rhythms set amonst moments of quiet contemplation.
A recent review in The Age newspaper said "Invention in Time's mesmerising performance encompassed a wide dynamic range, though delicacy and clarity of sound were still paramount. They moved like two halves of the same creative mind, their mallets darting across their instruments to produce luminous waves or percussive accents that dances like fireflies.". Visit Invention in Time's site
Christine Morris (flautist) Christine is a talented musician who has trained under acclaimed flautists and pedagogues, including Felix Renggli in Switzerland and William Bennett in England. She was a finalist in the Ninth Australian National Flute competition and Hepzibah Menuhin Memorial Award, and has played solo with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, performing Lucas Foss’ Renaissance Concerto. In 2006 Christine was a finalist in the Sydney flute competition and also gave solo performances in Los Angeles and New York.
Kavisha Mazzella, Irini Vela & Peter Vadiveloo Kavisha has been playing music festivals in Australia and overseas for twenty-one years, and is currently musical director of the Italian Women's Choir in Melbourne - "La Voce Della Luna" (The Voice Of The Moon). She has won many awards, namely an ARIA for "Fisherman's Daughter", produced by iconic Australian singer-songwriter Mick Thomas, and the 'Italia Nel Mondo" award from the Italian Government for her work sharing Italian culture in Australia. Visit Kavisha Mazzella's site
Recently Kavisha, Irini Vela and Peter Vadiveloo have collaborated to play original acoustic music, driven by the desire to say something about the world in which they live. Drenched with beauty, poetry, tragedy and humour, their music comes from a deep folk tradition - their songs and stories entwined by Arabic, Celtic, Italian, Greek and Gypsy influences. Visit Peter Vadiveloo's site
Siki Daha (vocalist)
You can learn more about them here.
Alex & Nilusha This unique ensemble led by Chilean born percussionist-composer Alex Pertout and Sri Lankan born vocalist-composer Nilusha Dassenaike embraces an authentic contemporary world sound created in Australia but informed by locations around the globe, including their profound personal Latin American and South Asian roots. Their compositions, arrangements and performances incorporate contemporary world and contemporary jazz styles, improvisation and highly refined musicianship. In March 2012 they released their debut album Moments in Time to critical acclaim. Visit Alex & Nulisha's site.
Bohemian Nights – Ernie Gruner (violin)& Phil Carroll (accordion/singer) Melbourne violinist Ernie Gruner and accordionist/singer Phil Carroll play Gypsy, Klezmer, Middle-Eastern, French, Italian, Russian, jazz and tango music which range from soulful to wild. They have studied overseas, and played and recorded together in larger bands including Klezmeritis, Yalla! and Flirting Mazurkas. They have also released two CDs and appeared together on the television show “Spicks and Specks” with both Jewish and Middle-Eastern bands. Their Australian concerts highlights include the National Folk Festival and National Multicultural Festival, as well as their six New Zealand tours including the Christchurch International Arts Festival Spiegeltent, Wellington and Dunedin Folk Festivals and the Christchurch Jazz Festival. Visit Bohemian Night's site.
Tom Francis (guitar) & Helen Mountfort (cello) Tom Francis is a Melbourne based singer/songwriter originally from New Zealand. He recently moved to Australia with a suitcase and a guitar to throw himself into the musical melting pot of the Melbourne scene. Tom draws influence from folk, blues, soul, appalachian to name a few, blending styles to create a unique sound. As a self taught musician, Tom has a very free style approach to creating and performing music, he naturally improvises vocal and guitar phrasing seeking to find and express the emotion behind every song. Tom is currently taking his solo show to many different stages around Melbourne. Visit Tom's site.
Helen Mountfort studied ‘cello and composition at Victoria University Wellington New Zealand. She moved to Australia in 1986 and soon after joined the band Not drowning, waving. Helen was a founding member of the band My Friend the Chocolate Cake with whom she still records performs, and also a member of gypsy/tango band Cosmo Cosmolino. Helen writes music for film, television, dance and theatre and is in demand as a session musician having recorded with many Australian artists including Missy Higgins, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, Midnight Oil, Renee Geyer, Mark Seymour and the John Butler Trio. Visit Helen's site.
Deborah Kayser (vocals) & Nick Tsiavos (contrabass) Deborah's female voice and Nick's contrabass combine to create a rich aesthetic experience, a sound world as beautiful as it is intense. Sublime Ancient chants are explored through their energy and volatility, leaving listeners with a musical experience that move them through time and place.
ABC Classic FM says ‘The music is improvised and ravishingly beautiful, a combination of references to both jazz and free improvisation...’
Real Time Arts says '...Deborah Kayser’s voice carved an achingly layered geology of quarter and semitones, scrolling through melisma with consummate musicianship and passionate grace.' Visit Deborah & Nick's site.
Noriko Tadan (minyo & Japanese Banjo) Noriko plays both traditional Japanese folk songs (Minyo) as well as original pieces on the Tsugaru Shamisen (Japanese Banjo). She has been playing Shamisen since she was 6 years old and has performed in Japan, Europe, Canada, Tonga and at festivals and events all over Australia.
Noriko's recent achievements include the '2009 Head Judge's Special Award' at the National Japanese Shamisen Competition held in Hirosaki - Japan, a solo performance at the Sydney Opera House and a number of dynamic shows at the International WOMADelaide world music festival with George Kamikawa. She also performed on the popular ABC music quiz show 'Spicks and Specks' in February 2010. Visit Noriko's site.
Vinod Prasanna & Afroz Koya Vinod Prasanna (Bansuri) and Afroz Koya (Tabla), and they will take us on a beautiful journey into the divine world of Indian classical music. Since the dawn of sound, Indian music has been played as an offering to the gods, a welcoming of the seasons, a creator of atmospheres and a path for meditation – for bathing in sacred sound and being spiritually uplifted.
Vinod Prasanna was born into one of India’s greatest flute-playing families and shines as a performer of authentic traditional and contemporary Indian music. He has performed throughout India, France, Germany, Japan and Australia, and his emotive melodies and exquisite improvisations distinguish his performance as he continues a family legacy celebrating more than two-and-a-half centuries of Indian music. Visit Vinod's site
Afroz Koya is one of Melbourne’s most exciting tabla players. He captivates with his beautiful melodic rhythms and compositions, and blends a diversity of styles including Sufi, Kawali and Khayal. He has studied with India’s great master Ustad Anthony Das.
Myles White (guitar) & Liz Frencham (songstress/double bassist) Imagine a voice with the disarming honesty and warmth of Shawn Colvin supported by the startlingly lyrical guitar sound paintings of Myles White. Both write, play, sing and together they release a deep, jazz-inflected, soul-drenched sound that neither has ever let loose before now.
Their musical paths crossed in 2010, soon after Liz had made a 'tree change' to the highlands of Central Victoria. Daylesford local Myles, discovered there was a girl just down the road who could both sing and play standards and covers at local gigs. It didn't take much playing together to uncover that despite their disparate backgrounds, they had a common interest in writing music that reflected their human experience and expressions of spirituality.
Nougat – Ruth Roshan (mandolin, vocals) & Tania Ravbar Costantino (guitar, vocals) Ruth and Tania play original pieces and fresh arrangements of music from around the world, particularly from Spanish and South American traditions. Their music highlights the beauty and versatility of guitar and mandolin. They are Melbourne based and have an established reputation in Australia, and a growing international reputation.
Nougat has performed at festivals and venues across Australia and in September 2007 they undertook a successful tour in Los Angeles including performances at “The Living Tradition” concert series and “The Coffee Gallery Backstage”, as well as several other venues. Visit Nougat's site.
Alwan – Yuval Ashkar (oud, vocals, percussion), Phil Carroll (accordion, ney- flute, duduk), Matt Stonehouse (percussion) Alwan is a sublime trio from Melbourne playing Turkish, Arabic, Persian, Armenian, Israeli and Sephardic music. Their first CD was released in November 2010 to great acclaim, and airplay on National radio. Featuring beautiful vocals, haunting oriental instruments and fiery drum solo's, Alwan is sure to take us on a memorable journey through the valley of love. Visit Alwan's site.
Bernardo Soler Recognised for his enchanting sound, Bernard has enjoyed enormous success around the world. He has recorded numerous CDs and performed at venues and festivals in the Philippines, Indonesia, South America, United States and Australia, in addition to winning various competitions around the world. Whether playing solo, or sharing the stage, Bernardo guarantees to deliver a memorable performance. Visit Bernado's site.
Tiffany Eckhardt & Dave Steel Together they have been making albums and touring for over ten years and recently record their new album Sunday.
Tiffany has been referred to as "Australia's Sweetheart of Folk" through her musical mix of folk, pop, roots and blues. She has written and recorded six successful independent releases and has received rave reviews and radio airplay across the country. Visit Tiffany's site.
Blues man, songwriter/producer and guitar master, Dave Steel has been an instrumentalist for many of Australia's best known artists and has earned himself a reputation of being one of our finest musicians. Their openhearted approach to writing and performing together with their masterful playing and harmony singing will no doubt make for a compelling and intimate performance. Visit Dave's site.
Pin Rada Pin is an Australian music producer and professional artist with a passion for World music. Originally from Chile, he brings with him a unique depth of travel and experience throughout the world that has earned him a growing reputation for his natural ability and expertise in cross-cultural collaborations. Pin speaks five languages and has studied rare wind and bowed stringed instruments for the last eight years in India, Turkey, and Greece. He has performed extensively on stage, and in the studio, with musicians from across the globe and throughout Australia. Visit Pin Rada's site.
Melbourne Guitar Quartet (MGQ) Formed in 2005, MGQ is a vibrant guitar-based ensemble dedicated to the development of chamber music repertoire for the instrument. Performing with the Guitar Family of instruments (classical bass guitar, baritone guitar, standard guitar, treble guitar and octave guitar) the award-winning group are continuously cultivating ground-breaking arrangements of major works for this medium. They have performed at festivals both locally and abroad, received numerous awards, and in 2008 MGQ released their debut CD Four Elements to critical acclaim. MGQ embody a dynamic and theatrical on-stage musical persona and we look forward to having them join us for the first time this month at Soul Food. Visit MGQ's site.
Neil Murray (vocalist and guitarist) Neil is a multi-talented artist who first appeared in the early eighties as a founding member of the groundbreaking Warumpi Band, and over twenty years has helped make contemporary indigenous music heard in mainstream Australia.
In 1995 he was awarded the song of the year for the now famous "My Island Home", originally written for the Warumpi Band and re-recorded by Christine Anu. The song went on to become an unofficial anthem, featuring in the closing ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
He has recorded ten albums, performed at festivals and live venues and received numerous honours and awards. His immense contribution has earned Neil a reputation as one of the nation's most original and respected singer/songwriters, and an artist who's work reflects the heart and soul of Australia. Visit Neil's site.
Wouter Kellerman (South African flautist) Wouter is widely considered as South Africa's foremost flautist. His album ‘Colour’ topped the charts and was nominated for a 2008 South African Music Award for Best Instrumental Album, and his show ‘Kellerman Colour Live’ won the award for ‘Best Jazz/Instrumental/Popular Classical DVD’. He has had a busy year, playing at the opening of the world's biggest music conference and festival - Midem - in Cannes, France, touring Australia and the USA, and recently performing at the closing ceremony of the Soccer World Cup in South Africa! Visit Walter's site.
Fine Blue Thread – Helen Mountfort (cello), Ria Soemardjo (voice and viola) & Sam Evans (multiple tabla and percussion) Fine Blue Thread play crafted, fresh and intriguing compositions grounded in the traditions of Indian, Javanese and Western classical music, and have recently been featured alongside Ravi Shankar, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Nitin Sawhney in a BBC world music compilation CD: A Beginners Guide to the Music of India. Since their sold-out debut performance at the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Fine Blue Thread have been surprising audiences throughout Australia with performances of their own original music that is sometimes haunting, uplifting and breathtakingly intimate. Visit Fine Blue Thread's site.
Aaron Barnden (violinist) Aaron made his orchestral debut with the Zelman Memorial Orchestra at the tender age of twelve. He has since gone on to win a number of prizes and scholarships, including a Gold Medal at the Dandenong Festival of Music and Art, an Australian Jewish News Scholarship, the Westpac Bank Prize from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and a Paul McDermott Violin Scholarship.
Aaron has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia of Melbourne, Queensland Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Geminiani Orchestra and has also been featured on the ABC's "Young Australia" program.
Yuri Mugerman (Russian balalaika) & Izabella Mugerman (piano) Yuri is a leading exponent of Russian Balalaika (the traditional Russian three stringed instrument) and is well known amongst the Australian Russian community and in his homeland. A graduate from the famous Moscow Musical and Pedagogical Institute with a Master of Arts, he is a performer, teacher and conductor here in Melbourne. Yuri and Izabella's repertoire includes classical, contemporary and folk music and they have released the CD, Balalaika Magic. Visit Yuri & Izabella's site.
Daniel McKay (vocalist & guitarist) Daniel has toured throughout Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Europe, and has released a self-titled solo CD as well as CDs with violinist Zoë Black and Guitar Trek. He holds a Master of Music from the Australian National University and is now on staff at the Victorian College of the Arts. Visit Dan's site.
Amir Farid (pianist) Amir is is an Iranian-Australian solo pianist and chamber musician based in Melbourne. He is also the pianist member of Benaud Trio as well as the principal accompanist for the senior performing ensemble of the Australian Children's Choir. In 2006 he won the first prize of the prestigious Australian National Piano Award. In 2007 he was granted the Encouragement Award at the 2007 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition; this Competition is considered as Australia's most prestigious event for solo pianists. In the same year he won The Geoffrey Parsons Award, the only competition in Australia that focuses entirely on the art of piano accompaniment.
Amir Farid studied with Professor Ronald Farren-Price at University of Melbourne, from 1995 until 2004 when he graduated with Honours. Between 2003 and 2005 he attended the Australian National Academy of Music, where he worked with Rita Reichman, Geoffrey Tozer and Timothy Young. Visit Amir's site.
Gary Sterling (vocalist) Born in Savannah Georgia on the east coast of the United States, Gary grew up with traditional gospel music and started singing at the age of ten. He lived in Hawaii for 23 years, signing in popular venues on the Island of Oahu, and has traveled for the United States Air Force in Japan, Okinawa, Korea and the Philippines and has also performed in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
He has been a support act for well known entertainers such as Dionne Warwick and with comedian Michael Winslow from the Police Academy movies. Now living in Sydney Australia he performs his unique magic at major leagues and clubs, for corporations and onboard the famous P&O Cruises. Visit Gary's site.
MANA MANA is a Baha'i inspired music and performance group based in Sydney Australia, with members originally hailing from the Pacific Islands. Their music is an invigorating blend of contemporary and traditional Pacific Island rhythms and chants which entrance audiences wherever they perform. MANA operates purely as a non-profit initiative, and have performed both nationally and internationally. They have released four albums to date, and hope to continue to inspire their listeners through their music. Visit MANA's site.
Shane Howard (vocalist & guitarist) Since 1982 Shane's anthem "Solid Rock" has been reverberating across the airwaves. It was one of the first songs of its idiom to broach the subject of Aboriginal rights in Australia and impacted powerfully on a whole new generation of writers and musicians that followed.
Since then he has been relentlessly working, writing, performing, touring with and producing Australian musicians, many of them Aboriginal artists. His songs have also been recorded by such household names as John Farnham and Mary Black.
Shane is a prolific songwriter, and co-music director of "Black Arm Band" a 27-piece ensemble featuring some of the nations legendary Indigenous Artists. He continues to champion the cause of the underdog, provide meaningful insights into the human spirit and interpret the Australian landscape in a way that has helped to build a bridge between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal peoples. Visit Shane's site.
Shadi Toloui-Wallace (vocalist & guitarist) A talented young Australian artist, Shadi's unique folk sound and penetrating voice has lead to the recent release of her debut album Leather Bound Book, also produced by Louie Shelton who has worked with names such as Seals & Crofts, The Jackson Five, and The Mama’s and the Papa’s.
Inspired by experiences volunteering at the Baha'i World Centre in Israel, and raised with a consciousness of the diversity of the world and her role within it, Shadi's music carries a sincerity and authenticity that reaches the heart. Shadi is in Melbourne for a limited time as part of her national tour and we are very fortunate to have her performing this month at Soul Food. Visit Shadi's site.
Michael Johnson (harpist and composer) Harpist and composer, Michael Johnson has been performing in major concert venues and festivals throughout Australia. He has been the resident musician at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for over a decade, performing in the Harp the Gardens recitals and Twilight Music concerts, providing his music for thousands of overseas guests and visitors to the gardens. As well as a concert performer, Michael has been working in the field of music for meditation. His tranquil harp music has been an integral part of the Mindfulness Music program at the Gawler Cancer Foundation for over twenty five years. He also uses Music & Mindfulness in Victorian schools and at Delmont Hospital. His compositions are regularly aired on national radio and television. He performs regularly with his groups, The Light Quartet and Time Traveller. Visit Michael Johnson's site
Liz Frencham (double-bassist & vocalist) Liz studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has been a professional musician for over ten years. She is an experienced session double-bassist and vocalist who has worked with some of the best in the industry, both locally and abroad, including The Waifs, English songwriting team Chris While & Julie Matthews, Jigzag, award winning songwriter Fred Smith, Dev’lish Mary, iconic vaudeville showman Mic Conway and guitarist Robbie Long. Visit Liz Frenchman's site
Kavisha Mazzella Born to an Italian father and Anglo-Burmese mother, Kavisha is an ARIA Award winning musician and singer who creates poetic and passionate pieces infused with the energy of Italian folk traditions, Country, Celtic, Mediterranean and Gypsy influences.
As well as leading the Kavisha Mazzella Trio (with Irine Vela and Peter Vadiveloo), she collaborates in theatre projects, teaches workshops in voice in Italy and Australia and has run choirs such as Melbourne based "La Voce Della Luna" Italian Womens choir of which she is the current Musical Director.
Merging musical boundaries and blending ethnic and social lines to promote harmony, Kavisha's performances promise to leave an enduring impression. Visit Kavisha Mazzella's site
Jenny M Thomas (fiddle) Jenny is a notable fiddle player and vocalist specializing in contemporary, folk and traditional Australian music. She has previously performed as a soloist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and as a performer and teacher in various folk festivals in Australia, Europe and the UK. Bold, inventive and original, she has composed for television and feature documentaries and together with her world music band 'Akin' received an ARIA nomination for ‘Best World Music Album’. Her 2006 album ‘Farewell To Old England Forever’ won a prestigious Golden Fiddle Award, and was chosen as one of the four best CD's of the year by ABC Radio National’s ‘The Music Show’. Visit Jenny M Thomas' site
Juan Martinez & Peter Vadiveloo (guitar & percussion) Juan Martinez was born in Madrid and was introduced to flamenco at a young age. His virtuoso guitar playing has taken him to Australia’s largest festivals and regularly to Japan – the world’s second largest flamenco audience after Spain. He has appeared on television, produces his own albums, and has recorded and toured with the likes of Tommy Emmanuel. Visit Juan Martinez's site
Peter Vadiveloo has been performing nationally and internationally for over 20 years. He has studied, composed and performed in a wide range of world music styles including African, Middle Eastern, Latin and flamenco. He regularly plays with numerous Grammy and ARIA award winners, and his work can be heard on over 20 commercially available recordings. Visit Peter Vadiveloo's site
Lloyd Spiegel (guitar & vocalist)With fifteen years experience, six albums and numerous accolades to his name, Lloyd is one of the most experienced young blues artists and respected guitarists in Australia. He has toured to fifteen countries, performed with the world’s greatest blues musicians and has been invited to appear at every guitar showcase event in the world.
The latest album, ‘Tangled Brew’ is the result of a lifetime spent on the road and balances his raw energy and strong connection to the Blues with innovative grooves and instrumentation that re-invents his music and the genre as a whole. It’s been noted as Lloyd’s finest work in various publications and earned him a horde of new fans as well as three Victorian Blues Awards, sold out shows across Australia and an astounding seven months at the top of the Australian Blues Roots Playlist chart. Visit Lloyd Spiegel's site
Phil Carroll (piano accordion & vocalist)A talented performer on the piano accordion, Ney, Mey, and vocalist. Phil has been a professional musician for twenty years. His passion for the Eastern sound deepened during his travels in 1998 to the Middle-East with The Breezes Of Anatolia Turkish Ensemble and subsequent studies in Egypt, Turkey and Morocco where he collected and studied the Ney "oriental flute" and oriental music. He has worked as a musician in ceremonies and events in Istanbul, and has co-written and produced CDs for the groups Yalla!, Klezmeritis, Bohemian Nights and Dark Waters Tango Ensemble. Visit Phil Carroll's site
Doug de Vries (guitar)Doug currently plays with the critically acclaimed Diana Clark Trio and the Odeon Guitar Trio. He is a gifted performer across many genres spanning jazz, swing, tango, choro and bossa nova, and is a leading exponent of the Brazilian guitar repertoire. His accompaniments have earned him an Australian Critics Award for best guitarist and a Grammy award nomination. He has toured and recorded with major artists from Australia and abroad including: Andrew Pendlebury, Christine Sullivan, Kate Ceberano, Paul Grabowsky, Andy Bey, Yamandu Costa and Lula Galvao. Visit Doug de Vries' Site
AJ Missaghi (persian santour) AJ Missaghi has played the Persian (Iranian) Santour since childhood. With his unique approach and gentle phrasing, AJ has performed at numerous festivals and events around Victoria. He is also a founding member of the Persian traditional music group, Seven Valleys.
Bob Sedergreen (keyboard) Bob's high regard and position in Australian music is unquestionable. His impact and influence in performance, composition and education has secured his place as a national treasure. Bob has been associated with some of most recognised talents both in Australia and internationally – the likes of Jimmy Witherspoon, Nat Adderley and Dizzy Gillespie, to name but a few.
From the traditional to the most contemporary, he infuses his music with authority, creative expression and wit. He has recorded over twenty albums and toured extensively both locally and abroad, and in 1990 won the Inaugural Jazz Award for Australia's Best Keyboardist.Visi Bob Sedergreen'ssite
Anthony Field (guitar) Anthony's performances on the guitar are renowned for displaying colour, maturity and a dynamic energy. Anthony is an award winning musician who has studied under some of the world's most acclaimed guitarists including Manuel Barrueco, John Williams and Leo Brouwer. Amongst his achievements he has toured Australia playing in major guitar festivals, as well as being invited to play in Scotland, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic. He has recorded works for Naxos Records with soprano Merlyn Quaife and for composer Michael Atkinson, and has produced a solo CD which was subsequently nominated for an ARIA award.
Ananke Trio (Achilles Yiangoulli, Nick Tsiavos and Anthony Schulz) Achilles Yiangoulli, Nick Tsiavos and Anthony Schulz from Ananke. Respectively, a fine singer & bouzouki player, a double bassist whose mastery of the bow reminds you that his instrument is a bass violin, and a virtuoso accordionist.
Ananke’s music is rich in cultural influences and diverse music traditions; from Greek Rebetika to Argentinian Tango, from Crossover Jazz to Ancient Byzantine and Medieval Chant, from cutting edge New Music to free Improvisation. Experience a rare opportunity to see an intimate acoustic performance by three fine musicians. Visit Ananke Trio's site
Invention in Time – Kate Adam & Ariel Valent (marimba & vibraphone) Consisting of duo Kate Adam and Ariel Valent on marimba and vibraphone, Invention in Time have performed their original music across Australia and Europe since 1996. They recently released their third CD, Falling by Design – music that reveals a distinctive and mature musical bond. Their sounds contain beautifully intricate melodies and rhythms set amonst moments of quiet contemplation.
A recent review in The Age newspaper said "Invention in Time's mesmerising performance encompassed a wide dynamic range, though delicacy and clarity of sound were still paramount. They moved like two halves of the same creative mind, their mallets darting across their instruments to produce luminous waves or percussive accents that dances like fireflies.". Visit Invention in Time's site
Christine Morris (flautist) Christine is a talented musician who has trained under acclaimed flautists and pedagogues, including Felix Renggli in Switzerland and William Bennett in England. She was a finalist in the Ninth Australian National Flute competition and Hepzibah Menuhin Memorial Award, and has played solo with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, performing Lucas Foss’ Renaissance Concerto. In 2006 Christine was a finalist in the Sydney flute competition and also gave solo performances in Los Angeles and New York.
Kavisha Mazzella, Irini Vela & Peter Vadiveloo Kavisha has been playing music festivals in Australia and overseas for twenty-one years, and is currently musical director of the Italian Women's Choir in Melbourne - "La Voce Della Luna" (The Voice Of The Moon). She has won many awards, namely an ARIA for "Fisherman's Daughter", produced by iconic Australian singer-songwriter Mick Thomas, and the 'Italia Nel Mondo" award from the Italian Government for her work sharing Italian culture in Australia. Visit Kavisha Mazzella's site
Recently Kavisha, Irini Vela and Peter Vadiveloo have collaborated to play original acoustic music, driven by the desire to say something about the world in which they live. Drenched with beauty, poetry, tragedy and humour, their music comes from a deep folk tradition - their songs and stories entwined by Arabic, Celtic, Italian, Greek and Gypsy influences. Visit Peter Vadiveloo's site
Siki Daha (vocalist)
Siki Daha has been singing and performing since the age of ten. Originally from Perth, he has performed at events and festivals across the country including Burswood Dome, Perth Concert Hall, the Governors Ballroom and World Vision Australia. He has worked with accomplished producers and instrumentalist from across the country and recently finished a demo record, containing six original tracks written and produced by various musicians.
Siki is influenced by artists such as Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Otis Redding, and brings his own unique style of soulful music to the stage. Visit Siki Daha's site
Daquqi – Amadis Lacheta & Myfanwy Aldersun) The cinematic soundscapes of Daquqi bring immense life and richness to their interpretations of great 20th century contemporary composers. Formed in January 2007 Daquqi has created music for film, theatre, and shadow puppet troupe 'Stories From The Ground's' performances of 'Mr Dupplings Garden', 'The Baron In The Trees', 'Wild Dog' and 'Digging For Fire'. They have recently recorded their first EP 'kite scapes' with guest bass player Paul Binns.
Their music will uplift you, transport you and take you on a rich soundscape journey of incredible breadth, spaciousness, and intensity. Visit Daquqi's site
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Study CirclesIn response to interest from Soul Food guests, the Bahá’í community is now offering a series of regular 'Study Circles' – as an opportunity to further explore subjects related to spiritual development.
Study Circles are small, informal groups, and provide an environment in which to discuss meaningful topics with like-minded people. The first Study Circle is titled "Reflections on the Life of the Spirit", from the Ruhi Institute series based on the Baha'i Writings. If you are interested please contact us.
Our SupportSoul Food is proudly supported by the Baha'i Council of South-Eastern Australia.