Tim Chuma's Photos | A Night Under the Stars with Watty Thompson and Friends

A Night Under the Stars with Watty Thompson and Friends

28/28/2025

with Watty Thompson and the Total Fire Band, Brodie Buttons, Annie-Rose Maloney
Darebin Arts Centre, Saturday 6th September 2025

I had been looking forward to this for a while and despite what Watty said when he was drunk, he did not remember he had promised me that he would let me know when he had a gig on to take photos no hard feelings.

The last gig I went to at this venue was the Orbweavers the previous year when I had hardly any money. Even with a full-time job I managed to have not that much! I could have easily got off at Thornbury and gone to get dinner as I arrived and hour before the doors opened and just sat outside listening to the CMAT album I purchased that day.

Had not really heard anything about the two supports but it was nice to see them in the "fireside" setting. I did ask if they were going to bring back the "shack" from the show at Estonian House (it is still around but not this time). They did spend a few days setting up the stage and getting outside help to make the trees and such. There were even two different puppets that were part of the show.

Well yes, I did recognise it was George Carroll Wilson who was "Mrs Owl" as soon as he started speaking, I have known him since he was 3! Did not know who the wombat was but. I went and told George as much in the set break.

Due to delays and people taking a long time at the bar, the show did run a bit longer but it was worth it for this show as it was a special sit-down gig.

Apparently, Watty is looking for a new venue in the northern suburbs of Melbourne for another bush dance due to Estonian House being sold. I recommended his great-uncle some venues I know of and also to Watty himself after the show. Also, it was funny to hear from Watty's partner during the show but I could not turn around enough to see her. She sounds nice.

I will try to make it to another gig of Watty's in the future and hopefully bush dance if these exercises from the exercise physiologist go well.

Links:
https://www.wattythompson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/annierosemaloney/