Wing Chun masters and all-round beautiful people Sigongs Garry and Linda dropped into the Retreat last Sunday. They loved the pub and it’s unique old-world vibe and community. It was an honour to play for them.  I trained for years at their school in Abbotsford (a little while ago). They’re still running their main school at Greensborough www.shaolinjeeshinwingchun.com.au. They gave me an amazing life-changing experience, one that travels with me wherever I go.

Last Sunday was my 130th show at the Retreat. See you Sunday.

My folks had a great time at the Retreat yesterday. Thanks to everybody for making em feel so welcome! (many thanks to Jack for the pics too)

Love this shot from last Sunday at the mighty Retreat in Abbotsford. Captures the cosy atmosphere. The show kicks off at 3:30. It’s a great afternoon, flowing into the early eve. I tend to finish (officially) around 7. But most weeks, a sneaky 4th set happens (usually keep a few bangers up my sleeve – and take some requests). Can be a bit late gettin’ home… This Sunday marks 3 years of my Sunday residency there. Hard to believe I’ve been playing every week in that spot for that long. My absolute favourite day of the week. Thanks to everyone who’s ever come along to make it happen.

Thanks to Retreat regular Shane for the pic!

Still rolling along on Sundays at the Retreat. Last one was a favourite, Max jumping in for almost a whole set. Lovely crew, the usual community vibe. See you there…
(and thanks to Ro for the shots below!)

So great to be back. Good times last Sunday at the Retreat Abbotsford. Playing under a swooping Millennium Falcon. Sean and Ebs shakin’ it. Craigie on bended knee. Ross Buckingham all the way from the UK. Christian? See you Sunday…

Starting Sundays again today! See you this arvo at the Retreat Abbotsford. Kick off around 3:30. It’ll be a warm one – lookin forward to a cold one or two…

The passing of Jan Harman leaves a chasm in our hearts.

A person who carried herself with grace, love and kindness to the very end. An artist, a mum, a grandmother, a friend. Larger than life, Jan touched us all. It’ll take some time to believe she’s gone. She was so loved and so lovely to be around.

Just a few months ago Max and I were playing at our local pub and, as usual, Jan was dancing, singing, mixing it with the locals, chatting with everyone – lighting up the room the way she always did. I’ll miss her irreplaceable presence, her laugh, her smile, her sense of humour. And I’ll remember always Jan’s way of leading with empathy and generosity, whatever the situation, no matter how challenging.

And it has to be said, she was sooooo freekin’ cool.

What a terrible loss. What an awfully sad time. Life ain’t fair, that’s for sure. We weep now as we remember and honour a life so beautifully lived.

Farewell Jan. You will live on in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

Love, Marty.