The Press Gang, 2023 Baldessin Press Printmakers' Picnic. Photo: Silvi Glattauer
The Press Gang is made up of members from the Melbourne printmaking community who perform songs about the joys and woes of printmaking, set to well known hit tunes. Bespoke souvenir limited edition songbooks are distributed at each gig so the audience can sing along. The group have brought the party to printmaking events including the Australian Print Triennial in Mildura, the RMIT Print Studio's annual fundraising auction and are regulars at the annual Baldessin Press Printmakers' Picnic. Led by Melbourne printmaking luminary Martin King (vocals, guitar) with original lyrics by Jazmina Cininas (vocals, graphic design), other members include Julie Forrester (vocals), Adrian Kellett (drums), Jim Pavlidis (vocals, guitar) and we are delighted to welcome newcomers Etienne Mantelli (vocals, bass) and Sophie Dickinson (vocals, keyboards).
Praise for the Press Gang
This group of dedicated printmakers hit polymath status as an art band with some serious musical talent. I highly recommend seeking out their next gig as they bring lashings of joy to their bespoke performances with detailed and topical lyrics belted out to the crowd. They’ve got the brains, they’ve got the bon a tirer, they’ve got the bass.
Anna Schwann, 2023 Experimental Print Prize administrator, Castlemaine Art Museum
The ‘Press Gang’ ... will rock your socks off! Jazmina’s lyrics about all things printmaking and starring well known names are so clever and totally hilarious.
Baldessin Press, 2022.
...we were entertained by a band called the Press Gang and found ourselves laughing uncontrollably and singing along with the band to humorous and witty parodies written by Jazmina Cininas to well known rock songs...GOLD!
Jo Lankester, printmaker, 2018
...entertainment from...the unique, and unforgettable Press Gang, with lyrics written especially for this occasion.
Sasha Grishin, arts historian, 2018
the highlight of the last day at @apt_mildura - an unforgettable performance from The Press Gang at the Long Lunch.
Megalo Print Studio, 2018
SELECTED PERFORMANCES (click on thumbnail for pdf of songbook and on event title for links to documentation where available)
2024 Baldessin Studios Printmakers' Picnic, 24 November, Baldessin Studios, St Andrews
2024 OBSA RMIT Print Studio Fundraising Auction, 16 August, RMIT School of Art Print Studio
2024 Print Council of Australia Print Bash, 29 June, The Art Room, Footscray
2023 Artery Cooperative Studio Christmas Party, Artery Cooperative, Northcote
2023 Baldessin Studios Printmakers' Picnic, Baldessin Studios, St Andrews
2023 Experimental Print Award Opening and Prize Announcement, Castlemaine Art Museum, Castlemaine
2023 RUSU OBSA RMIT Print Studio Auction, RMIT School of Art, Melbourne
2022 OBSA RMIT Print Studio Auction, RMIT School of Art, Melbourne
2018 APW Impressions Fundraiser, Australian Print Workshop, Collingwood
2018 Baldessin Press Printmakers' Picnic, Baldessin Press, St Andrews
2016 Baldessin Press Printmaker's Picnic, Baldessin Press Printmakers' Picnic, St Andrews
2016 Arts Project Christmas Show, Arts Project Australia, Northcote
2016 APW Impressions fundraiser, Australian Print Workshop, Collingwood
2016 Arts Project Christmas Show, Arts Project Australia, Northcote
2016 APW Impressions fundraiser, Australian Print Workshop, Collingwood