Music and memoir, narrative and melody, story and song – Brian Nankervis, Carmel Bird, Danny Katz and Jenny Valentish.

“Stereo Stories has emerged from a melting pot of writers and musicians to become one of the most interesting ways for people to enjoy, understand, and connect with the live performance of songs that have been pivotal in people’s lives.” – Michael Stewart, Director, Newport Folk Festival , Melbourne Stereo Stories brings you stories of heart, soul and daring, inspired by iconic songs. A unique collaboration between writers and musicians, this outstanding show of music and memoir, features special guests Brian Nankervis, Carmel Bird, Danny Katz and Jenny Valentish accompanied by the seven- piece Stereo Stories Band. It will make you laugh, cry and hear your favourite songs again with
fresh ears.

A hit at writer’s festivals since 2014, Stereo Stories is a tightly-scripted show featuring established and emerging writers narrating a short story about a song of significance to
them, accompanied –at various points in the story – by musicians playing those songs.
The show is the creation of director and writer Vin Maskell, who debuted Stereo Stories at the Williamstown Literary Festival in May 2014. It featured eight Stereo Stories performed in the old council chambers, and Brian Nankervis was in the original line-up. Its audience grew from 60 in 2014 to 400 in the Williamstown Town Hall 2019.

“People have talked about the importance of certain songs in their lives since the first chord was ever played, the first note was ever sung. Our stories are finely crafted, with the extra element of the band’s interpretation of the song meeting the mood of the story. It creates a sense of anticipation that audiences seem to relish,” Vin said.

Brian Nankervis said, “What a thrill to be performing in another Stereo Stories show … and at the beautiful MEMO Music Hall. Stereo Stories is a totally unique theatrical experience, combining story-telling and music. Moving, funny, honest and real.” Read more about Brian’s involvement with Stereo Stories here.

Stereo Stories has been performed in Albury four times at the Write Around The Murray Festival, Bendigo Writers Festival (2021), Geelong Word For Word Festival, Geelong Library Opening Celebrations, Glen Eira Story Telling Festival, Newport Folk Festival (three times), Newstead Short Story Tattoo, Brimbank Readers and Writers Festival, and Wangaratta. Guest writers have included Brian Nankervis, Andy Griffiths, Toni Jordan, Melanie Cheng, Tony Birch, Arnold Zable and many more.

Featured Writers

Brian Nankervis is a co-creator of RocKwiz, a presenter with ABC Radio Melbourne, a performer, producer and long-time member of the Stereo Stories ensemble.

Carmel Bird is a widely-published author and editor. First published in the 1960s, she was the 2016 recipient of The Patrick White Literary Award. Her latest novel is Field Of Poppies.

Danny Katz is a newspaper columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. He is the Modern Guru in the Good Weekend magazine and the author of many books for adults and kids, including Spit the Dummy, SCUM, The Poppa Platoon, and the Little Lunch series (now a TV show on the ABC and Netflix).

Jenny Valentish is a widely-published writer and the author of the books Woman Of Substances (2017) and Everything Harder Than Everyone Else (2021). A freelance music journalist for many years, Jenny was part of the successful campaign to re-name a lane in Melbourne after Chrissie Amphlett. She has appeared with Stereo Stories at the 2021 Bendigo Writers Festival and the 2018 Glen Eira Story Telling Festival.

More info and videos: https://www.stereostories.com/concerts/

The Stereo Stories Band

Vin Maskell (director/writer), Peter Maskell (guitars/vocals), Chris Phillips (vocals/writer), Martina Medica (vocals/writer),David Barton (bass guitar, vocals), Matt McGrath (drums), Julie Merritt (accordion/vocals), Laura Sheridan (cello).

Date and Time: Saturday 9 January, Doors 3.30pm, Showtime 4-6pm.

Tickets:$45/35+bf online, $50/40 at door www.memomusichall.com.au

MEMO Music Hall: 88 Acland Street St Kilda