Opening act Singing Skies play old time-y flavoured Folk. They use a cello in substitution for a bass, alternating between plucking and bowing, giving the band an interesting timbre. The fourth song had a similar quality to music that would accompany an Old West movie; like when the hero has a moment of quiet contemplation on a somber memory.

Mike Noga, who you may recognise as a member of The Drones, was second on the bill, playing a set of contemplative ballads. With the release of his solo album, The Balladeer Hunter, Mike’s set consisted largely of material from that album and included some noteworthy material. The oddly titled “Piss On A Butterfly” was attention grabbing, with interesting takes on well known sayings, like “every man becomes a boy”.

If there was any concern as to Mike Noga’s commitment to music, he appeared as drummer for the main event, Jordie Lane, putting any doubt to rest.

Jordie played his set of Country infused Folk to a relatively small audience. One table of guests pointed out that they had come to the Vanguard having no idea who was playing. The guests that were present, however, were significant, and included the likes of Myf Warhusrt and Tim “Rosso” Ross.

Some bizarre tales were spun, such as when a Newcastle promoter apparently asked the band if they wanted to watch a porno before a show, to “rev them up”. Is that what passes for kick backs these days? No free drinks, but pornography?

The second half of the set became a little louder, but relaxed again when Jordie asked the audience for two volunteers. With two eager participants immediately secured, a pair of wine glasses with differing amounts of water was revealed, and the guests were asked to lightly wet their fingers and run them along the edge of the glass. The resulting hypnotic drone then accompanied the next song. Quite a twist on audience participation!