It was with curiosity that I ventured over to The Seaford Hotel one fine Sunday afternoon in June. I drive past it dozens of times a year and the last time I had set foot inside would have been at least fifteen years ago. It is one of those mega pubs with the bistro, pokies, front bar, drive through bottle shop, kids play area and so on, a very popular venue with the locals. The hotel is now showcasing talented Blues artists every Sunday afternoon. So I had to check it out.
As I pulled up there was already a row of shiny Harley Davidson’s out the front of the main bar, the blues Sunday sessions are held in the ‘Clover Bar’ from 2pm to 5pm. To get to the Clover bar you can go through either the main bar or the bistro. The bistro was bustling and busy and the main bar had the usual staples of TAB screens and betting stuff going on. There was an open fire roaring and the locals seemed settled in and in good spirits. There is great security and they are really friendly. The bistro was full of families and the Clover Bar itself attracted a good sized crowd of genuine music lovers, both men and women.
The ‘Clover Bar’ was interesting and had a great pub atmosphere; the décor was typical pub style, the classic geometric carpet to hide no doubt a multitude of sins, Texas poker tables, some booths to sit in and a fire. It felt cosy and my friend and I immediately felt relaxed and comfortable. We settled into a booth at the back of the room for what ended up being a real treat of an afternoon.
Every Sunday showcases live Blues music and today one of my favourite bands, Cadillac Walk, headed by guitar virtuoso, Andy Phillips was featuring, my Sunday was really starting to look up. We ordered a Seafood meal each from the bistro (which was really good), the staff were very friendly, and despite ordering coffees with the expectation of picking them up at the bar, they were brought to our table in the Clover Bar, which was a nice touch.
As the band began to play, bodies began to drift in from the main bar and bistro, attracted by the music, by the end of the first set the room was full and by the second set there were a number of appreciative audience members dancing too. The band got a great response from the crowd who whooped, whistled and hollered after every song. This high level of appreciation is something I have noticed at every Cadillac Walk show.
Andy Phillips never fails to leave an impression, I have now seen his show three times and each time I am left feeling that he really has something special to offer and is on the brink of being a highly sought after performer, his schedule is already starting to look very full until mid 2015. His drummer, the talented Peter Hayden, compliments his every move and is a real treat to watch, and his bass player Ray Reid is a solid presence. I have said this before, there is a ‘buzz’ around these guys, and Phillips is the real deal, he is genuinely a rising star. I look forward to following his career intently.
Be sure to check out The Seaford Hotel when you get a chance, Phillips and his band will be performing again August 17 from 2pm. Seaford Hotel, 362 Frankston-Dandenong Rd Seaford, for more visit www.theseaford.com.au.
MONIKA NARELLE (Guest Writer)
PHOTO BY SAM TILDERS
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