Under the Influence, Q the Locals, The Q, 3-4 Nov

 I've seen Moya Simpson and John Shortis twice before - once in 2005 as two thirds of "The Three Scrooges", their christmas show with Peter J Casey, and once in 2008 in their cabaret show at Vivaldis, "We don't need another Euro", about Eruopean songs that have made their way into english-language hits; and I've sen Mikelangelo twice before, both times supporting Amanda Palmer on tour (once at the National Gallery in 2011, once at the Canberra Theatre in what google tells me was 2020). So now they're together in a show that Shortis and Simpson have apparently done a couple of time before, the "Under the Influence" shows where they team with another musician to explore their works and influences, and to share tunes. Over the course of a bit over two hours (intermission included), they explore everything from Balkan folk music to Dick Dale, Count Von Count, Nancy Sinatra, Dusty Springfield and Elvis, using Mikelangelo's multiple past bands, from the Black Sea Gentlemen to Tin Star to P Harness with multiple changes of instruments, harmonies, and, in Mikelangelo's case, a few outfit changes. 

It's a glorious occasion - Shortis and Simpson play support more than, perhaps, you'd expect, but Mikelangelo is such a grand presence with strong deep vocals, snappy slicked-back hair and absolute stage power that it's wiser to yield than to try to upstage him. Together with a sharp tight backing band ("The Reprobates") and some gorgeous stage lighting, it's a fun evening of song and performance that is absolutely worth catching.