Month: November 2009

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kelly Clarkson Announces Aussie Tour

Kelly Clarkson’s winging her way to Oz for another tour next year.acephotos140074-KELLY-CLARKSON

The original American Idol is visiting on the back of her fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted. It’s already spawned the hits “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “I Do Not Hook Up,” and “Already Gone.” Expect to hear those and all the old favourites at the Aussie shows next April.

Eric Hutchinson and Cassie Davis will also be along for the ride.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on Thursday November 12 through Ticketek, except for Perth which will be sold through Ticketmaster.

13 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
15 April 2010 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
17 April 2010 – Acer Arena, Sydney
19 April 2010 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
22 April 2010 – Challenge Stadium, Perth

Image source: Newscom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines @ Hunter Valley, 31 October 2009

There are many worse ways to spend a lazy Saturday than at the annual Jazz in the Vines concert in the Hunter Valley. With exceptional musical talent, wonderful wines, delicious food, and one of the loveliest crowds around, it’s a show that keeps me coming back time and time again.

dixiejazz

The Dixie Jazz Band kicked off proceedings with their crowd-pleasing set of old-fashioned standards. These guys look about 70 in the shade, but those all those years have helped make this act one of the tightest around. I’ve seen them regularly at Newcastle’s Race for Research, and was thrilled to see them on the bill.

armyband

The Australian Army Band kicked things up a notch with their set of originals and classic covers. You know when a band’s made of serviceman that they’re going to be tight. There’s that regimented precision which easily transfers to their music. But don’t think that made the set stuffy. The young talent on show injected a youthful energy into the time-honoured tunes.
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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Toby Moulton Quits Australia Idol

Anyone who says this season of Australian Idol is boring may just have to eat their words. Tonight’s episode started with a curveball, as Toby Moulton announced he was withdrawing from the competition. It seems his love for his students and the teaching profession far outweighs the passion he has for music. It was a beautiful thing, and a fitting end to the Idol journey of such a humble contestant. I was surprised that the verdict was still read, but in the end I’m glad it was. For it seems Toby’s selfless act kept James Johnston in the competition. He’s a good kid, and I’m glad he’s got a reprieve.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubxywbrlU70]

Nathan Brake kicked off proceedings with Ne-Yo’s “Closer.” I was a bit worried by the song choice, fearing that he wouldn’t have the edge to pull it off. Silly me. Nathan seems to be able to turn his hand to anything, and that includes this cool, sexy, R’n’B ditty. I really enjoyed this.

I can’t say the same thing for James Johnston’s take on “Daughters.” I’m a massive John Mayer fan, so maybe that means I’m a little harder on James than most. But I didn’t feel this at all. It came across as more about singing well that connecting. He did the former, but the latter is just as important, if not more so.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGTAZr6MksQ]
Stan Walker was back to his R’n’B shtick with Mario’s “Let Me Love You.” I agree with the judges’ comments that the original version would have been much better suited – it’s more melodic and generally more impressive. But with what he had to work with, he sang the hell out of it and performed the hell out of it. This was enjoyable – Stan always is – but it didn’t wow me.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-W9LkjGqoI]
Hayley Warner turned her hand to Gossip’s “Heavy Cross.” It was a very cool song choice, but it didn’t quite come off for me. The vocals were unusually lacking here. Even though she performed the pants off it, the pitchy parts really detracted from this performance for me.
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