Green Table and Billiards in Dandenong run by John and Debbie Zuciani is anaffable and casual venue that caters to all genres of music. It originally started out as The Dutch Club, but when long time member Peter Highburg donated a whole bunch of music gear, because he wanted to get the club up and jumping again, it transformed into The Green Table. Thus manifesting his and the Zuciani’s mission statement: To keep the music going.
Every Friday night is Open Mike night run by Michael Hatten, vocals/harp from Hoochy Coochie and Ric Jackson, drummer of Root Doctors and Magnetos. Muso’s are encouraged to perform originals, covers, electronic music, blues, country, in fact anything they want. Hatten, (runs Alenbenlo Music at The Hub in Dandenong), Jackson, Christian Armansin, ex base guitaristof De Je Vue and Santé Fe, along with Chris Morunga, NZ born lead guitarist from Unleaded, have been gigging together as the loose house band since last year. These talented guys have an awesome laid-back, naturally coolchemistry, are tight with a definite groove and undeniably worth the watch. Many regulars and newbies gig with them, as well as perform their own stuff too. It’s starting to peak and word is spreading that Green Table is a warm, friendly, down to earth place to meet, network, jam and gig with likeminded muso’s.
Often a $1.00 sausage sizzle, cooked on a small sizzle plate at the bar adds ole time pub atmosphere to the mix. Lately Joey Santos of 3 Stars and De Sun fame have been playing their signature latin and funk tunes and are definitely worth keeping an eye out for as well. Saturday nights have been cranked up again with professional bands performing anything from metal, country, reggae, blues, R&B, to rock and roll.
In the not too distant future, Zuciani will run Ukulele group lessons. She has only been playing for six months but already the music bug has her tightly in its grip. “It’s such an easy instrument to learn and play. If I can pick it up quickly then anyone can,” she laughs good-naturedly.
Green Table is at 16 Balmoral Ave, Dandenong. Contact Deb on 9791705. Until next month, live well.
TERRI LEE FATOUROS