Calexico gig to start Lorne Theatre’s summer series

ARIZONA band Calexico will play the revamped Lorne Theatre’s first live gig later this month to help launch the theatre’s Long Hot Summer series.

The free and ticketed live music, DJ and food experiences will take place at Lorne Theatre and neighbouring restaurant The Clam across February and March.

Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico have earned a following for their unique melting pot of Americana, cinema noir, desert jazz, TexMex tango, Latin rhythms, and French chansons.

Their 1998 album The Black Light and 2000’s Hot Rail saw their star rise, but 2004’s Feast of Wire was the band’s breakthrough release.

At their February 17 gig, Calexico will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Feast of Wire by performing it in its entirety, plus a handful of fan favourites from across their 12 albums with support from Melbourne singer songwriter Al Matcott, followed by a free screening of Talking Heads’ concert film Stop Making Sense.

At The Clam, stop by from 12 noon on the same day for a wine, cocktail or snack with tunes from the Sky High Trio (Mike Gurrieri, John Bailey and Woody McDonald), and after Calexico, join Milo Eastwood for an after-party until closing time.

Japanese kraut-rockers Minami Deutsch and folk diviner Leah Senior take to the Lorne Theatre stage on the Labour Day Long Weekend (March 10), while singer-songwriter Sweet Whirl performs a free show on February 24 with recent collaborator András DJing at The Clam afterwards.

Across the series, there will also be DJ sets from Tornado Wallace, DJ People (Ben & Guy from Chapter Music), Darcy Justice, and others.

Alongside Long Hot Summer, chef Dave Moyle will be delivering the tavern menu at The Clam as part of his vision to create a casual, welcoming space that provides something for everyone.

For more information and to purchase tickets, head to lornetheatre.com.au