Into The Mystic – The Songs of Van Morrison

Coinciding with Van Morrison’s Birthday, it’s a two night stand Birthday Bash!

After THREE sensational SELL OUT shows, Joe Creighton Returns for another two INTO THE MYSTIC shows at the FLYING SAUCER CLUB to coincide with Van Morrison’s Birthday on August 31st.

“Joe Creighton gives one of the best readings of a Van Morrison song that I have heard”  Brian Wise – Music Journalist – Rhythms Magazine and 3RRR

Joe Creighton grew up in Belfast, at the same time and on the same streets as Morrison and would often watch him perform live in the early days of his first band “Them” at the Mariners Club. It is this connection that allows Joe to bring total authenticity and honesty to his show that is a palpable first class act.

Joe Creighton is Australia’s most formidable and respected bass players and session singers and has worked with artists such as John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, Kylie Minogue and The Black Sorrows. With his new show Into the Mystic Joe takes to centre stage where he belongs to effortlessly recreate the feeling and magic of those heady times of Van Morrison.

During the late 60s Joe grew up with a backdrop of the civil rights movement, riots, religious and social unrest, all to the soundtrack of the early Van Morrison songs with the band ‘Them’. These were very exciting times and Joe can still remember walking down Royal Avenue and Ann St (Belfast’s equivalent to Carnaby St, London) and hearing the anthemnic chorus of ‘Gloria’ booming out of boutiques and coffee shops. As a teen he would go and watch ‘Them’ perform at local venues and that early influence cemented his love for this style of music that is now reflected in his own song writing and singing style.

Joe and his 8 piece band takes the audience on a journey that begins in the 60’s and moves through the decades encompassing Van’s worldwide hits with a sprinkling of some of the more mystical poetic songs from the ‘Astral Weeks’ album. The show pays homage to the music of a great Irish singer, songwriter and poet who is Van Morrison. The audience will weave through the ages, bringing back to life the soundtrack of people’s lives.

Joined on stage by Gary Young – Guitar and Vocals, one of Melbourne’s busiest session musicians, Gary has played with some of this countries greats including Glen Shorrock, Ross Wilson, Daryl Braithwaite, Wendy Mathews and Russell Morris. Cres Cresp – Keyboards and Vocals has honed his skills for over 2 decades with both national and international acts. Playing support for bands such as Pink Floyd, Joni Mitchell and Robert Cray, Cres maybe best know for his time with Spectrum but working with blues and roots legends Geoff Achison and Kelly Auty and having toured nationally with Albert Lee, Paul Norton and the Orphans, rounds out this seasoned professional. The Belfast Horns are lead by the legendary Jimmy Slogett who has played with Max Merritt and The Meteors, Andy Cowan, Johnny O’Keefe and Ray Charles.

“As soon as the band started playing, and Joe raised his voice, I felt in my bones that this was going to be a special experience. The band was in top exploratory form, digging deep into Van’s trademark Irish combo of jazz, R&B, blues, and pop, performing flawlessly on a wide cross-section of Van Morrison’s enormous repertoire. When he invited the audience to sing along to ‘Gloria’ the excited crowd nearly raised the roof!”  Maireid Sullivan – Tintean Irish Review

For a more in depth look at Joe Creighton and his vast body of work please visit his website at www.joecreighton.com

DOORS OPEN FOR DINNER 6.30pm,  DOORS OPEN FOR SHOW ONLY 8pm,
& SHOW STARTS 8.40pm