‘How the fuck are you, Melbourne?’

Steven Mitchell-Wright, 1/4 of the Danger Ensemble, was the first to appear, and, as such, proceeded to welcome the Corner crowd as the evening’s MC. A surprisingly hilarious introduction; the man certainly has razor-sharp wit and a gift with the mic – the perfect beginning to what was already shaping up to be a delightfully unusual experience. Soon, violinist Lyndon Chester took center-stage, and began to play what may quite easily be interpreted as half an overture (the meaning of this will become clear as you read on). Chester is a wildly talented musician, and the crowd received him as such, a resounding applause following his performance.

After another brief interjection from Mitchell-Wright – with the unfortunate promise of an imminent, and ‘sad’ announcement – the next act, Zoe Keating proceeded to demonstrate her amazing ability on cello. The second-half of this, the overture, was equally fascinating, with Keating employing loop pedals and a variety of effects to construct an impressive film-score-like landscape. A highlight was a cover of Muse’ single Time Is Running Out, instantly recognized by Palmer’s die-hard fans, as a singalong ensued. And then, an intermission…before the return of the evening’s MC. But with this came simply terrible news.

Amanda Palmer had been killed.

A eulogy followed, with the rest of the Danger Ensemble joining Mitchell-Wright in a truly brilliant piece of theatre, as the quartet, with overwhelming sorrow, celebrated the life of Ms.Palmer. But suddenly, a resurrection:in amidst the crowd, a veiled figure became lifted by the Ensemble, and sat behind a keyboard. Just as the Corner saw it coming, its not as if you need me to say it: it was none other than Amanda (fucking) Palmer. If anyone’s acquainted with the WWE or has ever liked wrestling, the whole thing kind of reminded me of the Undertaker’s entrance. The whole thing was an amazingly epic introduction, that might have been flawless if not for a bung first chord in opener Astronaut.

But Palmer, after such a lead-in, was easily forgiven for starting over. Accompanied by the Ensemble, as well as supports Chester and Keating, it was soon all-systems-go. Second song Ampersand, in particular, was a stand out, Palmer producing a simply beautiful solo-effort. Highlights also included a cover of My Favorite Things (yes, that song from classic 1950s film ‘The Sound Of Music’), as well as a nod to her Dresden Dolls fame with the popular Coin Operated Boy. Palmer showcases a particularly intricate brand of divine melancholia in her music, and, perhaps even more impressively, it fails to wear or tire on the listener. Playing most of the night behind her keyboard, there was never any doubt as to her talent. A real treat was the introduction of an electric guitar, as Palmer took to the front of the stage with the Danger Ensemble and rocked out to the undeniably catchy Guitar Hero. But the keys, accompanied by the string sections of Chester and Keating stole the show.

Mid-way through the set, a Q & A was conducted, as Palmer attempted to answer with complete honesty every question thrown at her by the masses of adoring fans. This inevitably led to a a substantial break in the set (perhaps close to twenty minutes without music), but such is her charisma and her presence, that it never approached tedium. Other antics included an impromtu auction of a signed-guitar, with proceeds (by the end, totaling $900) split between Victoria’s bushfire victims and the Danger Ensemble – who, astoundingly, had simply been volunteers without salary, despite having accompanied Palmer on tour for months. The music resumed, and the night was rounded off with a little bit of everything: a cover of Regina Spektor (_Après Moi_), songs from her 2008 release Who Killed Amanda Palmer?, and, to close, a new song, proclaiming in song Palmer’s desire to move to Australia.

I can safely say I will not forget this night. How could I? With its unique overture, the surprising inclusion of on (and off) stage theatrics from the Danger Ensemble, the willing interaction with fans, and, of course, the music, it was an amazing experience. The impression left on me from this one evening at the Corner Hotel that will extend into the distant future. Highly recommended.