Singer/songwriters/musicians, Ali Penney and Dorothy-Jane, come together as Divine Devilles, with local legend Dave Blanken making up the Trio.
Two well-travelled souls, each with a swag of awards, a suitcase full of songs, hearts on their sleeves and a love of that sweet, swinging, shuffling, grooving place where Blues and Jazz meet.
Since 2013 this powerhouse duo have entertained audiences with their award-winning vocals, keys and blues-harp and songs that draw on their lived experiences, plus bags of cheek, charm and pizazz!
“These two gorgeous gals are hilarious! With hard luck tales enough to break your heart or knock you off your chair with laughter! Oh my gosh! From Aussie!”
– Jocelyn Aydon, Fringe West Films NZ
ALI PENNEY has opened for an impressive list of legends including Johnnie Johnson, Chris Cain, Lucinda Williams and Chris Wilson. She has performed, recorded and composed for over 15 years including with international acts Andrew Junior Boy Jones (Freddy King’s guitarist) and Kid Bangham (Fabulous Thunderbirds), and recorded and toured with Fiona Boyes, the Cyril B Bunter Band, the Chris Mawer Band and The Vibrolators. Ali is among a strong league of women in Blues music and has performed showcases with Lil’ Fi, Cara Robinson and Sweet Felicia.
She performs at many major Blues festivals across Australasia. In 2013 she scooped the Australian ‘Chain’ Awards winning Female Artist of the Year, Best Band, Best Album and Best Producer. She twice represented Sydney in The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, was awarded Best Female Artist in The Australian Blues Music “Chain” Awards 2011 and her album “Wait a Minute” was top ten in the Australian Blues Music Charts for 7 months.
“…her voice takes the gold.” “…whispers in your ear, then unleashes the roar of a lion” – Regi Su, Get Shot Magazine
“She gotta lotta soul.” Andrew Junior Boy Jones
“…a breath of fresh air.” – Natalie Rogers, Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival
As well as performing with Divine Devilles Ali is a co-collaborator of Bluesette Music, a music teacher, fronts her own band “the Money Makers” and is in high demand nationally and has a new EP in the works!
DOROTHY-JANE – Since 1995 she has performed in and fronted numerous Blues, Jazz and Roots acts, released 8 albums and 2 EP’s. She has played countless gigs in Australasia playing Blues, Jazz and Folk clubs and festivals, house concerts, country halls, fundraisers for breast cancer support, corporate events and private parties.
Her lyrics, performance and presence leave no doubt that she is a survivor, willing and able to bare her soul through her music.
“Raw emotion, poetry and humour depict her fighting spirit and determination to get on with life through adversity.” – Phil Birch-Marston, Artsound FM
“…a singer who’s got a voice you’ll never forget, and which sounds as classic as any great 20th century female soul-blues singer you could name.” – Andy G – Gee-Force, Bridge FM (UK)
Falling helplessly and hopelessly in love with the humble blues-harp over 20 years ago was the impetus for her to begin performing in public. Influenced by Australian harmonica legend, Jim Conway and US “white bluesman” Charlie Musselwhite, among others. Dorothy Jane has developed her own distinctive style.
“…she makes her harmonica strut like an alley cat!” – Rory McCartney, BMA Magazine
Her 2016 album “Shut Down” received a fabulous review in Rhythms Magazine. Her 2019 all-original concept album “The Witness” received outstanding reviews:
“…a powerful, unflinching and necessary album.” – Vince Leigh, Australian Radio Promotion
“…a vital listen.” – Hayden Fritzlaff, Riot Act
“…not only essential listening, but it’s faultless.” – Andy G, Gee-Force UK
“We will all be the better for your album…” – Barbie Robinson, Living Arts Canberra
With nearly 30 years in the business Dorothy-Jane has a large body of previous recordings available under these pseudonyms – KarismaKatz, DJ Gosper, DeeJay Gosper, Hot Flush Blues Band, Divine Devilles, Dorothy-Jane with Richard Steele, Jeff & Deej – you can find these on most streaming platforms.
Trio: Add Canberra’s Dave Blanken is considered one of Australia’s outstanding Blues guitarists. His distinctive style has become a driving force behind iconic Canberra Blues bands Blind Freddy and The Groove Kings. Dave has toured and recorded with national acts Tomcat Playground and Ali Penney and the Money Makers.
Bar meals available or join us after a meal in the amazing all you can eat Star Buffet.
Live at The Glen is a newly established entertainment hub created by the Burns Club to provide locals with a first rate program of live music and other entertainment.
Performer Enquiries to Funnell Entertainment.