OPEN FROM 5PM // FREE ENTRY // SHOW STARTS 8PM Fiona Lee Maynard & James Lomas - Birthday Brouhaha! Come and join the celebration of another year of music, awesome guitar playing and homeostasis. Almost 2 years since Fiona gave James her left kidney and James is celebrating another birthday. They're bringing to the party 4 decades of original songs, harmonies, tasty licks and shreds and a few classic covers. Fiona and James hope to see you all at the beautiful Brunswick Artists Bar for drinks, stories and songs! Friday 18 July from 8pm - late. Music is filled with love stories, from big ballads to remarkable relationships. But when it comes to music’s greatest love story, it’s hard to top the story of Singer songwriters Fiona Lee Maynard and husband James Lomas. Fiona Lee Maynard met guitarist James Lomas in 1993, performing as an acoustic duo after Fiona’s band Have A Nice Day wound down. Relocating to the US in 1995 they started a band called In Vivo, releasing a self-titled album produced by Concrete Blonde’s Johnette Napolitano. An LA Weekly review stated, “onstage Fiona is such a good time gal and that broody guy of hers is actually a chap you’d like to call mate.” Back in Australia, Fiona and James became mainstays of the Melbourne music scene in bands such as Dalicados, Fiona & Her Holy Men, Epic Brass and Tijuana Souvenirs. “Fiona is a dynamo – a brilliant and sexy figure onstage, a gun player and an expressive singer. James is a brilliant guitarist, a fine songwriter and is one of the rudest and most foul-mouthed men that I’ve met – in an endearing way ... born performers both.” - Jack Howard ‘Small Moments of Glory’. In late January 2021 – as the world struggled with COVID-19 – Lomas was confronted by a rare autoimmune condition which led to sudden onset kidney failure: his kidneys shut down in ten days. Maynard was struck by the thought: her husband may never play the guitar again. James was placed on dialysis and the deceased donor transplant waiting list. Things looking grim, Maynard discovered she was, remarkably, a suitable match. Maynard recorded an all-acoustic solo album, ‘Junction’ bringing James in for guitar parts between dialysis sessions. “I gave my heart to James in 1993, And in 2023, I gave him my kidney.” - Fiona. Junction was released in 2024, with both recovering from surgery. the album features wonderful songwriting, heartfelt performances and “brilliant instrumentation”. “Every gig is a triumph and a testimony to the powers of Love and live music.” Listen to insightful lyrics and melodies to lift your spirit with soulful story-telling Singer songwriters Fiona Lee Maynard and James Lomas. Playing a diverse and alt hybrid of acoustic and melodic blues rock. Fiona’s rhythmic finger picking guitar provides a launching pad for James’ mesmerizing and inspired guitar playing weaving between their soulful and singular voices. They deliver dynamic performances digging in to memory and heart. Youtube live link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWxKMz-lZBg Bandcamp album link : https://fionaleemaynard.bandcamp.com/album/junction https://brunswickballroom.com.au/brunswickartistsbar/ TICKETING INFO Please have a digital or printed copy of your ticket ready on arrival along with a valid photo ID. Acceptable ID includes a current and valid Australian Photo Drivers Licence, State Approved ‘Proof of Age’ card or Passport. The Brunswick Ballroom strives to improve our practices when it comes to sustainability and to reduce our carbon footprint. We don’t sell or provide plastic water bottles. VENUE INFO THE BALLROOM MENU The kitchen will be serving The Ballroom Menu for this show. You can view the delicious offerings available by clicking here. ACCESSIBILITY The Brunswick Ballroom is Accessible. The Brunswick Ballroom has made significant improvements to accessibility by installing an Acorn Chairlift. (Model: New Acorn Indoor 180 Curved Stairlift.) VENUE FAQS To find out more about the venue, FAQs can be viewed by clicking here.