Concrete Playground

Last year Vodafone enlisted the help of Charlie Parr - the self-depreciative country and blues musician from Minnesota - for their Australian and New Zealand phone promotions. Nothing like an ad to propel your music into the national psyche. Yet while Vodafone advertising has had an expected change of heart and moved on, Charlie is in fact a real person and is coming to The Basement as part of his East Coast Australian Tour.

Described as "a confused and shy individual" this bearded folk singer has apparently "failed at most things in life", and even music has rendered him unemployable (a victim of society and its demand for qualifications?). Inspired by the gospel/country/blues greats such as Charlie Patton, Reverend Gary Davis, and 'Bukka' White, Charlie Parr both celebrates and extends this musical legacy. So if you have craving for the sound of a 12-string guitar played piedmont blues style (rhythmic finger picking on the guitar), accompanied by a range of lake and nature metaphors, you have found the appropriate food.

If you can't make it to The Basement, Charlie is also doing a free in-store appearance at Mojo (32 York Street, Sydney) from 12.30-1.30pm on the same day.