Ondrej Smeykal - Solo Didgeridoo at LA Outback

Didgeridoo genius Ondrej Smeykal came by LA Ouback during his recent tour through the western US. We had a great time hanging with him and promoting both of his shows that LA Outback and Chad Butler put together. Here's a clip of a solo didgeridoo piece Ondrej performed in our Tiki Hut, which is becoming a happening spot to perform didj.



You can find heaps of other great clips featuring Ondrej Smeykal over on Youtube. If you want to pick up a copy of Ondrej's Didgeridoo Solo 1 or 2 stop www.laoutback.com to grab a copy.

Singing Sticks Didgeridoo Music Festival

For anyone reading this blog living in the UK or Europe, here's a didgeridoo Festival we wanted to make you aware of.

Singing Sticks Didgeridoo Music Festival
July 10th, 11th, 12th 2009 in Northamptonshire, England

The Festival will be held at:
The Overstone Scout Camp,
Billing Lane, Overstone, Northampton, NN6 0AF

The venue offers woodland and large flat fields aswell as lots of areas for performances, jams or workshops and there is a large outdoor ampi-theatre with a fire pit for evening performances and get togethers.

Get information at the official website www.singingsticks.co.uk

For more didgeridoo events visit www.laoutback.com

Steve Roach and Hearts of Space Radio

The first time I remember hearing a didgeridoo was in 1988 on a syndicated radio program called "Hearts of Space". The music, by ambient electronic composer Steve Roach, is now a spacemusic classic titled "Dreamtime Return". And while the didgeridoo playing is a bit sparse on this double CD, it certainly struck a sonic chord in me that left a lasting impression.

Hearts of SpaceThese days I've been in communication with both Steve Roach, as well as the producer of "Hearts of Space", Stephen Hill. For those of you unfamiliar with the work of either of these two very talented and engaging fellas, I recommend that you visit their websites and take in what they have to offer.

I'm a long-time subscriber of "Hearts of Space" online where you can listen to over 700 one hour radio programs on demand. There are several shows dedicated to the didgeridoo, and the website is so easy to navigate. When you've got the time, visit www.HoS.com and hear what I mean.

Dreamtime ReturnSteve Roach has been a huge inspiration to me for many years, and "Dreamtime Return" is still one of my muses. It's the music I'm listening to as I write this, 20 years after hearing it for the first time. Steve has over 30 albums with an international fan base. If you have the chance to see him perform live don't miss it. Every show is completely improvised mixing electronic and acoustic instruments with found objects. His website is robust and you can support him directly by purchasing online while you're there. Visit Steve's site at www.SteveRoach.com

Steve Roach and Stephen Hill provided the original inspiration for my interest in the didgeridoo. This music keeps me somewhat grounded and fairly sane. Stephen distills the genre well by calling it "Slow Music for Fast Times". Thank you both so much.

Good vibes,

Barry
LA Outback
www.laoutback.com

Will plays Eddie Ryan Didgeridoo

Ondrej Smeykal - 2 Live Shows in Los Angeles!

Sunday, March 15, 2009
3 PM Workshop, 7 PM Concert
Where: Earth and Sky Lodge
5521 S. Grosvenor Blvd, LA, CA 90066
Phone: 310.306.4960
Venue: www.EarthandSky.info

Thursday, March 19, 2009
8:00 PM Concert
Where: Cornell Winery, 29975 Mulholland Hwy, Cornell, CA 91301
Phone: 310.306.4960
Venue: www.CornellWinery.com


SEATING LIMITED. RESERVE NOW SO YOU DON'T MISS OUT!
Reserve online Click Here or call
L.A.Outback on (818) 985-8359
For more on Ondrej Click Here to visit his website.

L.A.Outback is hosting two shows of uplifting and meditative sounds with didgeridoo wunderkind Ondrej Smeykal. He will also present a workshop around his playing philosophies and techniques at the first of these two dates. Ondrej is a gifted didgeridoo player based from the Czech Republic revered for his unique playing style. This is a rare opportunity to experience Ondrej performing here in southern California.

Both settings are well suited acoustically; one is a yoga studio and the other is an art gallery/wine tasting space. Join us for one or both of his live shows! And don't miss his Workshop on March 15 if you want to be truly inspired, as Ondrej has developed a most unique set of playing techniques and he's willing to share.

Chad Butler is tour managing and he'll be at both gigs as well. Will Thoren is our co-host for the Cornell Winery gig and he'll be opening for Ondrej at that show with his own didge stylings.

William Barton and Will Play Didgeridoo

LA Outback was thrilled to be visited by William Barton last month when he was in Los Angeles performing with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at UCLA's Royce Hall.

William Barton has been honored with the title as one of Australia's finest didgeridoo players of traditional style, and the preeminent didgeridoo player in the classical world. Our good friend Will Thoren arranged for us to meet William here at the house and we're totally appreciative of his efforts to bring us together.



Visit www.laoutback.com for exceptional didgeridoos here in the US

Lapse In Didgeridoo Blog Entries

Dear Didgeridoo Enthusiasts,

So there has been a large gap in blog entries, 4 months to be exact. So much happened the later part of 2008 that it was difficult for me to keep up with maintaining the didgeridoo blog posts. Well back at it and will be scouring the web for didgeridoo related news and events.

Thanks for staying tuned and keep on didjin'

Mark
www.laoutback.com