Mark O'Meara presented by Farken Ace.
Yak Speakeasy

Those of you unfortunate enough to miss Mark O'Meara's ground breaking spoken word show last Thursday may have been there on Saturday for a return to his traditional format.

Collingwood's favourite venue, the Yak Speakeasy, once again hosted this innovative performer. The convivial atmosphere was enhanced by the crowd gathered. Obviously the word is spreading.

Mark performed two sets, sans lead guitarist Tim Hackett, who was unfortunately waylaid by drop bears in Ferntree Gully. He once again was backed vocally by Joanna Forbes, who is now starting to develop as a performer and shows some promise under Mark's expert tutelage. It was good to see the national head of Farken Ace at the gig, a group obviously serious about supporting their artists.

Old favourites were welcomed by the capacity audience, new material for the upcoming folk musical was introduced and was well received.

The show was interspersed with Mark's usual pithy and relevant observations. Combined with the pungent social insights of his songs these ensure the evening transcends the boundaries that usually limit the performances of folk singers.

True the spirit of Mark and the Yak's philosoply a new artist was introduced between Mark's sets. Phillipa is a new artist on the Melbourne scene. Playing a combination of cover tunes and original music she seemed to settle well into her first gig at the Yak.

It's good to see more experienced artists and venues like the Yak supporting the Melbourne alternative music scene.