Conrad Alimonakis runs a pharmacy in Eaton Mall, Oakleigh. The Pierce Brothers were setting up outside his pharmacy, for a live set to promote Live at Warrawee. They were concerned about being too loud and had a chat to Alimonakis.
“The Pierce Brothers set outside my pharmacy, and they worried about noise, but I said, ‘crank it up.’ I was happy to see live music in the mall.”
“We have a great mall, and it should always have live music” Alimonakis told Neos Kosmos.
Live at Warrawee and On The Road Again are a Monash council, and Victorian government initiatives promoting live music across the state.
The unsuspecting Pierce Brothers did not know that Alimonakis – the pharmacist by day – is really a die-hard rocker.
“I play music of all descriptions, I am now focused on a Soundgarden tribute band as respect to the late Chis Cornell.” Chris Cornell the lead singer of Soundgarden and Audioslave passed away in 2017.
Alimonakis, the guitarist, said he has been in bands since he was 16. The avid Led Zep, Van Halen, Nirvana, Nick Cave and Soundgarden fan, is also a pharmacist – like his father and sister.
He welcomed the Victorian government initiative and said he will “definitely go to Live at Warrawee” on Saturday.
On Saturday, March 18 2023 from 3pm to 9pm Live at Warrawee will feature Pierce Brothers, Thndo, D’Arcy Spiller, Pirritu, Women of Soul and Busted Chops.
Warrawee Park will be bathed in melodic tunes, DJs, and roving entertainers.
Punters will be able to choose from an array of food trucks, can quench their thirst at the pop-up bar.
Pierce Brothers will fill the park with their toe tapping harmonies and on-stage antics. The Voice Australia finalist First Lady of Soul and R&B Thndo will play as will, blues-pop singer D’Arcy Spiller will perform after a three-year stint in America.
First Nations singer-songwriter Pirritu, the Women of Soul and genre-defying fusion by local five-piece ensemble Busted Chops will all be at Live at Warrawee.
The Victorian minister for the cultural industries, and Oakleigh boy, Steve Dimopoulos said, “Live at Warrawee is all about bringing music to the suburbs. It is a vibrant and entertaining event for the entire local community and visitors to Oakleigh.”
The minister spruiked his government’s initiative which “brings performers back to local stages.”
Dimopoulos said the initiative “support the live music industry and generates tourism while delivering economic benefits in towns and suburbs across Victoria.”
The mild mannered pharmacist will no doubt be shredding on a stage near you. You never know, he may soon may be part of the Victorian government’s initiative.
This is a free event.
When: Saturday, 18 March from 3pm to9 pm
Where: Warrawee Park, corner Atherton Road and Drummond Street, Oakleigh