you gotta hand it to bernie

So... Jon arrived at my place around 6pm and half an hour later we wandered over to the Hordern Pavilion where we got something to eat and joined the queue (which wasn't very long by this stage despite tickets being general admission). I expected to see a line of young girls, but it was a mixed bag of punters of all shapes n sizes. The doors opened at 7 and I think we got the best seats in the house. Now I'm not good with measurements, but I'd estimate we were 20 metres from the stage (I worked it out based on the pool where I used to swim). We could've stood right in front of the stage, but I like to sit n listen to music these daze. Once upon a time I'd get stoned before a concert, but I realise that's probably why I don't remember too much about the performers I've seen in the past. Instead I settled for 2 cans of beer (compliments of Jon) over 3 and a 1/2 hours and it was all so civilised. We both had a great night.

Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Sime Nugent opened the show - just him and his guitar. I don't know much about him at all, but enjoyed his music and laid back repartee. He told us he'd been playing for 14 years. The audience warmed to him and he was obviously having a good time. There was an air of political savvy about him and I decided he's just the kind of person this country needs to write a decent, modern day protest song and unite us in our fight against the prime miniature and his prosaic 1950s ideals (ruddy dimwit). Next on the bill was Augie March. No doubt about it, they were impressive and I hope to hear more from them. I dunno how to describe their style, but their range of musical instruments included a piano accordion and the lead singer's voice was reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. By now the venue was filling up (estimated crowd 3,500, but there's no need to quote me on it).

And then there was Bernard Fanning. This guy must be feeling pretty blessed at the moment. He took time off from the band Powderfinger to create his own music - stepped out of his comfort zone - and he's been incredibly successful. Apart from multiple awards, chart success and sell-out concerts he's gained me as a fan, lucky thing. I'd like to write a song with him one day. I'm thinking next Saturday afternoon might be a good time to make a start...

Yes, gorgeous Bern. He was having a great time, cracking jokes, camping it up and serenading the crowd with that beautiful voice of his. He sang songs from his ARIA award-winning album of the year, Tea & Sympathy, as well as others that hadn't been recorded. He tickled the audience with a frolicsome rendition of the Benny Hill theme and moved us with Watch Over Me. This was the first of a three song encore, which he came back on-stage to perform after a grand dose of foot stomping, hooting n hollering. He then closed the show with a Led Zeppelin tune, the lights came on and it was all over. At least Jon now knows who Bernard Fanning is, he'd just better keep his hands off my potential new boyfriend (I'm warnin' you)