**JOE MUNGOVAN - PHOTO BY MONIKA SMITH**

As a cool breeze danced its way over the sun-soaked sands of Terrigal Beach outside of the Surf Café on the main esplanade; people were out walking around, enjoying the beach and settling down to some breakfast.

With there being a form of normality not only returning to life around New South Wales but to the crippled and seemingly forgotten music scene was taking steps towards flourishing again.

Blended Indie Rock/Pop aficionado South Coast resident Joe Mungovan alongside the equally as talented Mark Crotti were on their ‘Breakfast With Joe’ Tour; Terrigal being their 5th stop on the tour working its way up the east coast and ending the tour in Katoomba.

In association with the release of Joe’s debut album ‘A Flower In The Weeds’ which has only been out for a little over a week now and has been gaining outstanding reviews and praise.

Opening up for the breakfast crowd Mark Crotti with his delightfully ranged voice breaking into the falsetto ranges and finger plucking prowess then out of nowhere drops several octaves to drag you down deep into the crevasse before hurtling you back up in spectacular fashion.

Mark not only woke up the sleepy breakfast crowd but had them almost salivating for more with his originally written tracks and creating a new but carefully layered cover version of ‘Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Home’.

There could not have been a more perfect opening act for Joe Mungovan’s tour.

Joe Mungovan has an ability to capture a crowd and make the people that were busy buzzing hastily around the Terrigal Esplanade to stop in their tracks. Most stood and watched while others had to take a seat to watch Joe perform.

As his voice pirouetted upon the breeze that was entangling the warmth of the morning; people crossed the street just to come and check out Joe’s set. People got up and moved around together as one dancing in the sunshine and to welcomed sound of live music.

He is masterful at what he does and has this (gentle) commanding presence that just pulls you in and makes you take notice. I think that this is extremely beneficial to him especially when performing out in the open in front of a wandering crowd of people who unexpectedly happened upon the show.

Whilst the genre of music that Joe produces is not new, he takes it and delicately but forcefully twists it into something that is uniquely his own.

It could not have been a more perfect day, spot and experience. The music from Joe and Mark complimented not only the glorious day, but worked so incredibly well with the scenic backdrop making it feel like an early start to the summer season.

Joe’s new album ‘A Flower In The Weeds’ is on all streaming services now, alternatively if you want a physical copy you can purchase it from his website HERE.

‘Breakfast With Joe’ Cafe Tour
(Free Entry)
Saturday, November 13 - Little Earth Cafe, Kiama
Sunday, November 14 - Bulli Beach Cafe, Wollongong
Tuesday, November 16 - Sandbox, Port Macquarie
Wednesday, November 17 - Beach Bums, Forster
Thursday, November 18 - Surf Cafe, Terrigal
Friday, November 19 - Coquun, Maitland
Saturday, November 20 - The Kiosk, Newcastle
Sunday, November 21 - Harvest Deli, Newrybar
Thursday, November 25 - Yum Yum Cafe, New Brighton
Saturday, November 27 - Frankies Coffee Van, Culburra
Sunday, November 28 - The Hungry Monkey, Berry
Thursday, December 2 - The Hungry Monkey, Bowral
Saturday, December 4 - Cuckoo Callay, Surry Hills
Sunday, December 5 - Frankly My Dear, Katoomba