Tag: Kate Miller-Heidke

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 6 February 2024

Avoca Beach Theatre has a way of encouraging me to see those Australian artists I’ve always intended to see. Who can resist when these talents play in such a charming, intimate venue so close to home in front of such respectful, enthusiastic audiences? A night at Avoca Beach Theatre is always a real treat. So much so that I’m almost loathe to tell you, because I don’t want it to get so popular that I can no longer get tickets! It’s the risk I take though; it’s such a special place. And it was the perfect place to see Kate Miller-Heidke on her Catching Diamonds tour.

While I was looking forward to Kate’s set, I was honestly less enthusiastic about seeing Georgia Mooney’s support slot. I’d loved her work in All Our Exes Live in Texas, but her solo album wasn’t for me. The vocals were pretty, but the music just didn’t quite grab me. In the live arena though, I was captivated. Her voice is so unique and special. She’s such a giving performer, keen to share a joke and the stories behind her music. The songs were a little more stripped back than on the recording, with just Georgia and her guitarist Marcus Hamblett bringing them to life. Honestly, I think they were better for it. I also think getting to experience the songs like this, with no other distractions, was key. Georgia’s music doesn’t make the best workday soundtrack. Her songs are slow burners, with a beauty that you might miss if you’re not paying attention. I’ll have to revisit them.

Kate also stripped things back, playing the show with her husband Keir Nuttall on acoustic guitar rather than a big band. Honestly, I’m glad this was the way I got to experience my first full-length Kate Miller-Heidke show. Minimal instrumentation ensured those once-in-a-lifetime vocals could really shine. It was also a joy watching Kate watching her husband. She beamed with admiration as he relished his guitar solos, and I smiled right along with her.

The set was a beautiful celebration of all that is Kate, from her breakthrough single “Words” to music from her forthcoming album. There were songs from her latest musical theatre effort Bananaland, the stunning version of “Paint it Black” that kick=started her Masked Singer journey, and even a delightfully operatic take on Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” to close the show. There were too many highlights to mention, but one of the most special was when she brought 13-year-old local talent Erin up to sing “Caught in the Crowd”. This beautiful song had extra gravitas coming from the mouth of a teen still in high school and likely caught up in the kind of politics the song references. And what a brilliant singer Erin is! I didn’t have half the courage she did at her age. Watching Kate’s face full of admiration as she graciously took backing vocals was really something special. But honestly, the whole show was.

The Catching Diamonds tour has only just kicked off, so most of the country still has the opportunity to see one of these magical shows. Many dates have sold out though, so get tickets anywhere you can.

7 February 2024 – The Art House Wyong, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
9 February 2024 – The Pavillion Performing Arts Centre, Dharawal Country/Sutherland (SOLD OUT)
10 February 2024 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Oryang-Ora Country/Springwood (SOLD OUT)
11 February 2024 – Glen Street Theatre, Gadigal Land/Belrose (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2024 – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, Gundungurra Country/Goulburn
14 February 2024 – Tallagandra Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
29 February 2024 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandjoogoordap/Mandurah
1 March 2024 – Margaret River HEART, Wooditup/Margaret River
8 March 2024 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 March 2024 – Logan Entertainment Centre, Yugambeh Country/Logan
10 & 11 March 2024 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy
13 March 2024 – Star Court Theatre, Tchukarmboli/Lismore (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2024 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Biripi Country/Taree
27 April 2024 – Long Point Vineyard, Guruk/Port Macquarie
28 April 2024 – Jetty Memorial Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (SOLD OUT)
2 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
3 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff (SOLD OUT)
10 May 2024 – Bunjil Place, Boonwurrung Country/Narre Warren
11 May 2024 – The Round, Wurundjeri Country/Nunawading
25 May 2024 – Riverside Theatre, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
26 May 2024 – The Joan, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
30 August 2024 – Karralyka Theatre, Wurundjeri Country/Ringwood
31 August 2024 – Wendouree Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
1 September 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (SOLD OUT)
7 September 2024 – Caloundra Events Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
11 September 2024 – The J Theatre, Noothera/Noosa
14 September 2024 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
20 September 2024 – Frankston Performing Arts Centre, Kulin Country/Frankston
21 September 2024 – Burrinja Theatre, Wurundjeri and Bunurrong Country/Upwey
27 September 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 September 2024 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Griffith
11 October 2024 – Geelong Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conchita Wurst & Trevor Ashley @ State Theatre, Sydney – 27 February 2020

My husband and I lovingly call Eurovision 2014 the “Year of Awesome.” I’ve watched the European song contest since the ’90s, but I can’t remember falling in love with so many acts. We still regularly bust out The Common Linnets, Pollaponk, Carl Espen, Basim, Paula Seling & Ovi, and more. We insist that on any other year, they could have taken the title. But it was the queen, Conchita Wurst, who held that trophy aloft. That she beat out such quality acts is testament to her magnetism. Her James Bond theme-esque “Rise Like a Phoenix” was a modern masterpiece, but her diva delivery added that exquisite X factor. She remains one of my favourite Eurovision winners to this day. My husband and I saw her at the Sydney Opera House on her debut Australian tour and we were back for more at the State Theatre last night.

This time around Conchita was sharing the spotlight with Trevor Ashley, one of her special guests on the previous tour. Trevor kicked off festivities, looking resplendent with a blonde wig and sparkly silver ensemble. I was in raptures through renditions of some of my favourite camp classics, hits from Barbra Streisand, Dusty Springfield, Peter Allen and the like. It was fabulous fun, a celebration of stellar vocals and theatrical performances. The accompaniment of that incredible orchestra elevated the songs even further, giving them just the right amount of gravitas.

I was having such a grand time with Trevor that I didn’t mind how long Conchita kept us waiting. When she did eventually grace the stage though, it was worth the wait. She’s ditched the long wigs, preferring the rock her natural cropped do these days. She’s beautiful either way, and looking every inch the star with her own sparkly silver dress and matching Christian Louboutin heels. Yes, I am envious. Conchita’s first set focused on her originals rather than singalong show tunes but I was still transfixed. She has so much charisma and her vocals are flawless. What a talent she is!

The second act saw more fabulous frocks and a greater emphasis on collaboration. Trevor and Conchita’s affection for one another is obvious and they bounce off each other delightfully. I loved their take on “Colours of the Wind” from Pocahontas and duelling James Bond themes: “Diamonds Are Forever” for Trevor, “The Writing’s on the Wall” for Conchita, a duet of “Goldfinger” and Trevor’s Shirley Bassey-take on Adele’s “Skyfall.” It wasn’t the only time Trevor surprised us with a perhaps not to surprising Shirley Bassey-esque cover. I couldn’t imagine how the glamorous Welsh Dame would sound belting out Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” but I’d be surprised if it didn’t sound just like Trevor’s rendition. Absolute genius. Special guest Kate Miller-Heidke also graced the stage in this half of the show. We were all keen to hear “Zero Gravity” but she made us wait a little, treating us instead to a number from her opera for kids, The Rabbits. It was another unexpected choice, but a beautiful one. And when she did finally get to last year’s Eurovision highlight, we got goosebumps. Conchita teased an early exit, but there was no way she could leave before “Rise Like a Phoenix.” I’ve seen her perform it countless times since 2014 but it has lost none of its potency. What a fitting end to a gloriously camp night with two, no, make that three, of the world’s greatest divas.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Live at the Sydney Opera House” – Kate Miller-Heidke

I see a lot of shows, but the ones at the Sydney Opera House backed by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra are always the most special. I’ve seen several over the years by diverse artists like Ben Folds, Conchita Wurst, and most recently Praying for Time, a star-studded tribute to David Campbell. On those nights I wish I often wish I could freeze the moment, because the music I’m listening to is invariably that good. Kate Miller-Heidke has in a way, releasing her new album Live at the Sydney Opera House today.

Kate Miller-Heidke has always been one of Australia’s most special performers. She has the voice of an angel, a quirky sense of humour, such talent for songwriting and composing. All that is showcased here with a set that celebrates the breadth of her artistry. The big singles like “Words,” “Caught In the Crowd?” “Can’t Shake It,” and the closer, “Last Day on Earth” are all here of course, reminding us just how much we loved them when they were on the charts. “O Vertigo,” the title track of her fourth album and one of my favourite songs from Kate, is a masterclass in vocal technique. Tracks like “You’ve Underestimated Me, Dude” and “Are You Fucking Kidding Me?” are every bit as biting as they should be. I was also thrilled to hear a few songs from The Rabbits, an opera Kate composed for children, made the cut.

Kate’s voice is perfectly on point through this album, but it’s the contributions of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra that take her songs to the next level. Her music is already dramatic, and the swell of the orchestra gives it that extra degree of gravitas. I’d heard most of the songs on this album before, but this album made me appreciate them that much more.

As someone who wasn’t at this show, I’m so glad Kate Miller-Heidke has chosen to share it with fans around the country. If you were there, this album makes the perfect souvenir of what was clearly a special night.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke Takes O Vertigo! On the Road

Now that we’ve all had time to get to know Kate Miller-Heidke’s most recent album O Vertigo!, she’s preparing to showcase its songs on stage with an extensive national tour.

This isn’t the first time she’s brought the songs to the stage, but it is the first chance that music lovers in regional centres will have the chance to enjoy Kate’s live show in some time. It’s also the first time she’ll play them with a full band, after launching the album with an acoustic tour earlier this year.

The upcoming shows will give Kate a chance to give back to her loyal fans that helped fund the album in just three days via PledgeMusic.

“I feel like live performance has always been at the heart of what I do,” Kate explained. “Often the test of a good song is if it works in a very stripped-back, acoustic mode. I love reinventing the songs in this way. I’m looking forward to bringing the new songs, as well as a mixture of older stuff, out far beyond the
capital cities, especially places I’ve never played before.”

After these shows Kate will head to the United Kingdom for her first headlining tour before travelling to America to perform in the New York Metropolitan Opera’s production of The Death of Klinghoffer, so who knows when you’ll get a chance to see her again! It’s definitely her last local tour of the year, so make sure you don’t miss it.

1 August 2014 – Astor Theatre, Perth (13-18 years olds can only attend with a parent or guardian)
2 August 2014 – Bird in Hand, Adelaide (18+)
7 August 2014 – Empire Church Theatre, Toowoomba (ALL AGES)
8 August 2014 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
9 August 2014 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns (ALL AGES)
10 August 2014 – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay (ALL AGES)
12 August 2014 – Capitol Theatre, Tamworth (ALL AGES)
13 August 2014 – Dubbo Regional Theatre, Dubbo (ALL AGES)
14 August 2014 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange (ALL AGES)
15 August 2014 – The Concourse Concert Hall, Chatswood (ALL AGES)
16 August 2014 – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith (ALL AGES)
20 August 2014 – Sawtell RSL, Sawtell (18+)
21 August 2014 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie (ALL AGES)
22 August 2014 – Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
23 August 2014 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra (ALL AGES)
26 August 2014 – IPAC-IMB Theatre, Wollongong (ALL AGES)
28 August 2014 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta (ALL AGES)
29 August 2014 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
30 August 2014 – Princess Theatre, Launceston (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Jones PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke, Sallie Campbell and Friends Raise Funds for Orangutans

Kate Miller-Heidke, Keir Nuttal, Sallie Campbell, and more talented local artists have joined forces to help save the orangutans through the power of music. The team have released the single “Nightingale Floor” alongside two short films to raise funds for the Orangutan Land Trust.

The project is the brainchild of Sallie Campbell, who composed the song as well as playing mandolin, five-string violin, nyckelharpa, hammered dulcimer, and baritone bowed psaltry on the recording. She enlisted a bunch of friends to join her to raise awareness of the impact of palm oil production on the world’s orangutans.

“Nightingale Floors were cleverly built in ancient Japanese castles to creak and sing when walked upon to warn of intruders. Similarly, we need be the ‘new nightingales’ who signal danger to our fragile ecology,” she explained. “The situation is urgent; the last wild orangutans on the earth live in Malaysia and Indonesia and their habitat is being threatened by the development of palm oil plantations. Unsustainable palm oil is in 50% of supermarket items and if people knew the food and products they were consuming everyday were wiping out forests and all the beautiful creatures there, they wouldn’t buy them.”

Nightingale Floor is dedicated to those beautiful creatures, and being released as a three minute single and a twenty-minute string orchestra opus written for an 11-piece string section, featuring three soloists and those exotic folk instruments Sallie loves.

Visit the Nightingale Floor website to learn more about palm oil, make a donation, and download the song and short films. All money raised with benefit Orangutan Land Trust.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke Announces Tour to Celebrate Crowdfunding Success

When Kate Miller-Heidke decided to release her first independent album with the help of her fans, she couldn’t have anticipated the response. She reached the target for recording and promoting O Vertigo! in just three days. That makes Kate’s Pledge Music campaign the fastest and most successfully direct-to-fan crowdfunding campaign by an Australian artist ever.

You might think that means you shouldn’t give, but there are still plenty of reasons to part with your cash. Everyone who pledges will receive a free download of an 11-track live album recorded on Kate’s Heavenly Sounds tour last year, and a download of O Vertigo! on release day, which is expected to be March 14. You can also score some amazing goodies including a spot on Kate’s guestlist for life, Kate’s own Wurlitzer piano, and Kate playing at your wedding. Five percent of all money raised will also help the World Wildlife Fund for Nature in their efforts to save the Great Barrier Reef.

It seems a bit early to start making plans for next March-April, but Kate wants us to lock her O Vertigo! album tour dates into our calendars. Which show will you see?

12 March 2014 – York Theatre @ Seymour Centre, Sydney
14 & 15 March 2014 – Paradiso Spiegeltent @ Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
18 March 2014 – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
21 & 22 March 2014 – Quarry Ampitheatre, Perth
5 April 2014 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke Plays Churches & Regional Theatres

Kate Miller-Heidke is preparing to travel around Australia in her most extensive tour since 2009. The shows will see Kate playing tracks from her most recent album Nightflight as well as everyone’s old favourites.

Music lovers in the capital cities are in for a real treat as Kate will play churches and cathedrals as part of the Heavenly Sounds initiative. These intimate venues lend themselves to stripped back performances, so it’s exciting to hear Kate’s ditching a full band for shows with her long-time collaborator Keir Nuttall.

“I’m very much looking forward to being a part of Heavenly Sounds. It’s such a beautiful concept,” said Kate. “I haven’t sung in a church since high school, but they do tend to have very gorgeous voice-friendly acoustics.”

Fans in the regional centres aren’t missing out too much though. The venues aren’t quite as cool, but they’re still small and intimate. Kate is also visiting many towns she hasn’t played in for years.

“Of course I love playing in the capital cities, but there is something very special about the audiences in regional areas. It has been more than three years since my last big regional tour, so this one is long overdue,” Kate said. “These fans are hugely important to me, and I can’t wait to see them!”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

26 May 2013 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore
28 May 2013 – St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane
30 May 2013 – Empire Church Theathre, Toowoomba
31 May 2013 – Gold Coast Arts Centre Theatre, Gold Coast
1 June 2013 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
5 June 2013 – St Joseph’s Subiaco, Perth
6 June 2013 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
7 June 2013 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
8 June 2013 – Margaret River Cultural Centre, Margaret River
11 June 2013 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
12 June 2013 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark
14 June 2013 – Flinders Street Baptist Church, Adelaide
15 June 2013 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
16 June 2013 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
18 June 2013 – GPAC Drama Theatre, Geelong
21 June 2013 – St Michael’s Church, Melbourne
22 June 2013 – The Capital, Bendigo
23 June 2013 – Westside Performing Arts Centre, Shepparton
25 & 26 June 2013 – Street Theatre, Canberra
27 June 2013 – St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Sydney
28 June 2013 – Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle
29 June 2013 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree

Image source Dan Gray, Graynoise / Used with permission from Jones PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Upper Coomera State College Wins Kate Miller-Heidke Competition

You might remember me mentioning Kate Miller-Heidke’s “Caught in the Crowd” competition, which invited high school students to create their own music video.

The entries are in, and Upper  Coomera State College in Queensland has emerged victorious. Their brilliant video highlights not just traditional bullying, but also the modern epidemic of cyberbullying. Check it out below!

The school has picked up a $2000 video hardware package and a live performance from Kate Miller-Heidke for their hard work.

If you’re not lucky enough to be a student, you can still see Kate as she embarks on her Caught in the Crowd tour. It kicks off at Melbourne’s Prince in Wales on April 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke’s Caught in the Crowd

Kate Miller-Heidke is showing her sensitive side with her latest single “Caught in the Crowd.” This moving song about bullying is a world away from her most recent anti-dance hit “Can’t Shake It.”

The tune is currently featured in a nation-wide anti-bullying campaign in conjunction with MySpace, the Department of Education, The Daily Telegraph and Kids Helpline. In conjunction with the awareness campaign, students have the chance to win some awesome prizes including a Kate Miller-Heidke concert at their school and a Sony professional video hardware pack. To enter students should make a video for “Caught in the Crowd” and upload it to www.myspace.com/caughtinthecrowd.

But the MySpace profile is about more than this competition. It’s also a forum for people of any age to share their stories about bullying.With one in six Australian students bullied every week, it sounds like a great cause.

Kate will play shows in support of the single in April and May. You can catch the “Caught in the Crowd” tour at the following venues.

30 April 2009 – Prince of Wales Bandroom, Melbourne
1 May 2009 – Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne
2 May 2009 – Hi Fi Bar, Brisbane
7 May 2009 – The Metro, Sydney
8 May 2009 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke Announces Caught in the Crowd Shows

One of my favourite albums of 2008 was Curiouser by Kate Miller-Heidke, so I’m pretty excited she’s finally taking her new songs on the road.

The tour coincides with the release of “Caught in the Crowd,” the very different follow-up to “Can’t Shake It.” This sees Kate in introspective mode, dealing with the regret she feels at seeing schoolyard bullying as a child and doing nothing about it.

Kate will criss-cross the country in February and March, so there’s no excuse for not catching her “Caught in the Crowd” tour.

Here are all the dates!

5 February 2009 – Roar Sounds @ Melbourne Zoo
6 February 2009 – Ha Penny’s, Geelong
7 February 2009 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
8 February 2009 – St Kilda Festival
10 and 11 February 2009 – Clarendon Hotel, Katoomba
13 February 2009 – Newcastle Leagues Club
14 February 2009 – Waves, Wollongong
15 February 2009 – Soco Cargo, Sydney
19 February 2009 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
20 February 2009 – The Capital, Bendigo
21 February 2009 – Peninsula Lounge, Moorooduc
27 February 2009 – Coolongatta Hotel, Gold Coast
28 February 2009 – Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
1 March 2009 – Community Centre, Lake Kawana
4 March 2009 – Spurs Tavern, Devonport
5 March 2009 – Republic Bar, Hobart
6 March 2009 – Batman Fawkner, Launceston
8 March 2009 – Push Festival, Old Abbotsford Convent
9 March 2009 – Stage 88, Canberra
12 March 2009 – Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga
13 March 2009 – Armidale Club, Armidale
15 March 2009 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
18 March 2009 – Brunswick Music Festival @ Brunswick Town Hall
19 March 2009 – Amplifier, Perth
20 March 2009 – Players, Mandurah
21 March 2009 – Fly By Night, Fremantle

Image source: Ed-meister @ Flickr