Sam Ludeman with his mate Sam Russell as Sam and Sam.
Photo by
Julie Mercer
Shepparton legends Sam Ludeman and Sam Russell, known to the district under the stage name Sam + Sam, released their debut album on November 27.
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Since moving to Melbourne, the pair have made great strides in their music career as performing and recording artists, with their debut album, Evolve, a long-awaited light at the end of the infamous COVID-19 lockdowns.
“We released two singles beforehand, which caught a bit of attention,” Mr Ludeman said.
“When lockdowns shut the world down, we managed to keep writing songs and playing music to our online following using streaming platforms.”
The album showcases the musical duo’s journey during the pandemic.
“It’s all about the evolution of going from covers to our own music and the progression that it took to get there,” Mr Russell said.
Sam + Sam are set to tour many regional areas in the new year, kicking off in Barmah late January.
Echuca West Woolworths grand opening
New Echuca West Woolworths.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Shoppers swarmed to the new Echuca West Woolworths on Wednesday for an opening that did not disappoint.
The store opened half an hour earlier than was planned as the speeches and ceremony were completed quicker than expected.
Store manager Megg Savage said it was a huge relief to finally be open after investing a substantial amount of time and effort towards seeing the store develop.
“I’m just proud, I cannot be prouder than today,” she said.
“It’s been 140 days since I got my first interview to today ... it’s been exhilarating, it’s been sad, it’s been happy.
“So far everyone loves it. It’s beautiful, it’s clean, it’s fresh, it’s full, the team are great and the customers that I have spoken to are so thankful to have something over this side of town.”
Cafe plans another Christmas lunch
Lisa Froon will throw the doors of The Cafe Rochester open on Christmas Day to prepare a free lunch for those individuals, couples or families who have found themselves alone or in a difficult situation this Christmas.
Lisa has owned the cafe for the last 18 months and the she prepares the lunch with her mother Judith Gledhill, and their families which will be the second year they have offered it.
People, couples and families in Rochester with nowhere else to go on December 25 are being invited by the cafe owner to come along for a full Christmas lunch.
“You don’t have to be on your own, we are welcoming couples or families who may be looking for company on Christmas Day,” she said.
“We would really love to have a full house. Last year a lot of people thought they didn’t qualify.
“The only qualification is that you want a nice lunch on Christmas Day.”
A lot of money has been donated for the lunch this year, Lisa said.
She even encouraged people with kids to come along, if they were in a difficult situation.
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