Meeniyan, pretty much a 'blink and you miss it' kind of town on the South Gippsland Hwy, between Leongatha and Foster. And I reckon that's just the way the people like it down there. One of it's little treasures is the local town hall on the main street, which has become a stop over for a great many acts over the years both international and local.

All the guys in the band have been dying to get down there an put on a show - particularly one member of the band who has a whole lot of family down that way (that would be me). So we booked the hall, sold some tickets and spread the word. I think the first thing Gav said when he got up there was "ok who here is related to Mitchell?" to which a sea of hands raised in the air. I spent many a weekend when I was a kid hanging around in Meeniyan annoying my uncle Dave and auntie Ross. My parents recently moved down there to live so at least we knew two people were going to show up (well I hoped!!).

When we first booked the gig I floated the idea of getting my dad up on stage to play a song with us. Having always bashed away on our guitars in our back shed to the odd Neil Young or Ozarks song since way back when, we had never played on a stage together, so it was about time we rectified that! Dad had always loved his Tom Waits and I think he had even suggested a long time ago that The Distance should have a crack at OL55. So i asked the guys to learn it and they were all over it like Robbie Moe to a Big Mac. I think Dad got the biggest cheer for the night getting up there on the stage! It was awesome and something I'll never forget. I'm sure we'll play down there again real soon - so Dad keep on playing that new guitar (bought from the greatest music store on the planet - Nepean Music Centre of course!!) because we'll do it again for sure.

I cant go much further without mentioning the man on fiddle. John Kendel joined us again to melt faces with his blistering fiddle work. Man the guy can play! It's a treat for us and the audience when he is up there. Thanks John (yes we'll play golf soon).

Along with Rowdy there are a few guys that just heed the call whenever the band needs a bit of a hand - so big thanks to Lee, Marie and Carl for mixing the sound, sweeping floors, stacking chairs, ticket collecting and just being there on the night for us!!! you guys are seriously amazing people. (all these pics are courtesy of Carl!!).

The band kicked off with a short acoustic style set just to get everyone into the feel for the night. Then we came back with a more tradional Distance set, full of the country rocking numbers people are probably more accustomed to us playing. The crowd danced their feet off all night long and we were called back for a few encores which was fantastic. Love that hall, and loved the fact that people could book a table and bring their own food and drinks. It's a great setup.

I think that's all I've got for you. But before I sign off - My biggest thanks has been saved for my mum and dad (Julie and Geoff) for making the night possible! You guys are the greatest.