Tag: Katie Noonan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan @ Avoca Beach Cinema, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 4 March 2023

If you hadn’t noticed, I’ve been busy. Really busy. After so many slow years, it seems like just about everyone is touring. And like any music addict, I’m powerless to say no. So even though I already had tickets to a matinee performance of “Come From Away” on Saturday, I found myself driving back to Darkinjung Country/Central Coast to catch Katie Noonan’s tribute to Joni Mitchell’s seminal album Blue.

I’d heard how good Melody Pool was from a friend who sees her perform regularly, but I’m not sure his praise really prepared me for her set. What a phenomenal vocalist she is. What a warm and engaging performer. She admitted that her songs tend to be a little dark, as they are often her way of processing her emotions during depressive episodes, but her beautiful voice lifts you up, ensuring the dark lyrics don’t get too heavy. To hold the audience in the palm of her hand with so many new songs is a real gift. I’d see her again in a heartbeat.

Every time I see Katie Noonan I see something new. It’s so exciting to watch her journey as an artist. When I saw her front George I was in my early 20s. A few years back I saw her making jazz-folk with Elixir. And on the weekend, she was celebrating one of the true legends of the music world, Joni Mitchell. It was something new again, but perhaps my favourite.

Firstly, there’s that music. Joni has a special place in my heart, and many of my favourites come from Blue. This album is like an old friend, and taking a journey through it with Katie and this attentive audience was a real joy. The audience is another tick. Katie said we could sing along, but I don’t think any of us wanted to break the spell Katie and her guitarist Jeremy Sawkins cast. You could hear a pin drop. Combine that with the intimate venue, a beautiful cinema with plush seating and such “good juju,” as Katie put it. But it all wouldn’t have mattered if not for Katie. I can’t imagine any other artists doing this music justice. Her voice is timeless and so special, able to swoop up high to Joni’s falsetto notes and wind around the intricate melodies with ease. She also understands these songs. She’s not just singing pretty words, she’s interpreting them. She chats easily with the crowd, sharing stories of Joni’s experiences at the time of writing and her own relationship with this music. If every person didn’t leave those theatre having learned something, I’d be surprised.

I appreciated that Katie played the album from start to finish. I’ve always believed artists have intent when they put an album together. It’s just as it should be. I also felt so treated that she didn’t quite stop there. “Big Yellow Taxi” gave us all the push we needed to sing, but not before Katie “auditioned” us and confirmed we were up to the task. After the singalong, it was so nice to take one last moment to appreciate Katie’s voice as she closed the show with “The Circle Game.”

As I stepped out of the theatre, I was so glad that I pushed myself to come, despite the fatigue that was starting to set in after so many shows. It was a truly special evening of music. If you’re a Katie fan or a Joni fan, make sure you don’t miss this tour. Here are all the remaining dates:

14 April 2023 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Dharug Country/Springwood
15 April 2023 – The Street Theatre, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
16 April 2023 – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, Burbong/Goulburn
10 May 2023 – Burrinja, Naarm/Melbourne
11 May 2023 – The Pig & Whistle, Bunurong Country/Main Ridge
12 May 2023 – The Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
13 May 2023 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
14 May 2023 – Governor Hindmarsh, Tartanya/Adelaide
18 May 2023 – Glasshouse Port Macquarie, Birpai Country/Port Macquarie
20 May 2023 – Brunswick Picture House, Bundjalung Country/Brunswick Heads
26 May 2023 – Freo.Social, Boorloo/Perth
27 May 2023 – Lyric’s Underground, Boorloo/Perth
1 June 2023 – Bendooley Estate Winery, Gundungurra Country/Berrima
2 June 2023 – Brighton Lakes Recreation & Golf Club, Eora/Sydney
3 June 2023 – Glen Street Theatre, Eora/Sydney
4 June 2023 – Qirkz in the Hunter, Wonnarua Country/Abermain
9 June 2023 – The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Jinibara Country/Caloundra
10 June 2023 – The J, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Noosa
11 June 2023 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 June 2023 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 June 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy Country/Cairns

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute; credit: Wilk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Names Assemble for Katie Noonan’s Queensland Music Festival

Kate Ceberano, Lior, Steve Kilbey, and David Hobson are just some of the big names playing the Queensland Music Festival this year. In her first year as the artistic director, Katie Noonan has put together an incredible line-up for the Sunshine State.

“I want the talented and passionate people of Queensland to be empowered to join the 2017 festival and help create performances that truly reflect the life of our diverse and vibrant state,” she said.

In all there’ll be 100 performances in 45 locations over the three-week event. Here are just some of the highlights:

You’re The Voice – Saturday 29 July @ South Bank Piazza
Kate Ceberano, Isaiah, Katie Noonan and thousands of other singers shine a light on the domestic violence crisis through the power of song at.

Songs That Made Me – Sunday 16 July @ The Tivoli
Deborah Conway, Clare Bowditch, and Hannah Macklin perform together to celebrate women in music after mentoring the next generation.

Silver Memories – Aged-care centers in Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast
Intimate concerts of classical and jazz music, performed by Queensland Conservatorium ensembles, to show the power of healing music has for elderly Australians.

The Bach to Bush tour – Thursday 13 to Sunday 23 July in remote Western Queensland towns
Joint performances, workshops, and masterclasses with percussionist John Morrison and virtuoso cellist Louise King.

Hang with QYO – Saturday 29 July
A world premiere concerto written by emerging Queensland composer Dr Thomas Green honouring the father of Australia’s youth orchestra movement, John Curro. The show will feature acclaimed composer and Bjork drummer Manu Delago.

16 Lovers Lane – Friday 14 July @ QPAC
A special concert paying tribute to one of Australia’s greatest albums, featuring the Go-Betweens’ Lindy Morrison, Amanda Brown and John Willsteed, with Dan Kelly, Danny Widdicombe, Luke Daniel Peacock, and a guest line-up including Steve Kilbey (The Church), Mark Callaghan (GANGgajang), Ron S Peno (Died Pretty), Katie and Tyrone Noonan (george), Montaigne, Sam Cromack and Jen Boyce (Ball Park Music), Tim Nelson and Zoe Davis (Cub Sport), Sahara Beck, and Kirin J Callinan.

Joh for PM – Friday 7 to Sunday 16 July @ Brisbane Powerhouse
Colin Lane stars in this satirical musical created by playwright Stephen Carleton and composer Paul Hodge.

And that’s just for starters. Visit the Queensland Music Festival website for the full schedule.

The Queensland Music Festival runs from July 7 to 30. If you’re local, make sure you get out there and experience some of the great talent on show.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Stars Cover “You’re The Voice” For Domestic Violence Charities

Domestic and family violence are some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. A host of talented local musicians are doing the bit to raise awareness with the release of a cover of John Farnham’s smash “You’re The Voice.”

The track features some of the biggest names in music today: Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Isaiah, Troy Cassar-Daley, Montaigne, and Archie Roach.

“I’m so proud of the positive response from the Australian community and music industry in rallying together to support this initiative. It is a testament to the power of music being able to make a difference,” Katie said. She’s the artistic director of this year’s Queensland Music Festival. As part of the program, a 2000-strong choir will come together to sing “You’re The Voice” at South Bank Piazza. It happens at 5 pm on July 29, so check it out if you’re in the area.

All money raised from iTunes sales of the “You’re The Voice” single benefits the Sony Foundation and DV Connect, a Queensland-based 24/7 crisis response group. One thing I personally like about DVConnect is that it doesn’t discriminate. It understands that people of both genders can be victims of domestic violence, so it has a womensline (1800 811 811) and a mensline (1800 600 636). After watching The Red Pill this week, that sort of real gender equality matters to me. If you want to support it to, you know where to find the single!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp Team Up For Latin Tour

Firstly, I want to apologise for the lack of postings lately. I recently took a cruise and made sure I had some content to drip through while I was away. But I didn’t account for my husband taking sick on the ship and all the time I’d spend at the hospital over this last week. It takes some doing to juggle that with paid work, and something has to slide. I need the music though, so I’m going to try to somehow find time for this too.

I’m easing my way into it to let you know about Katie Noonan’s latest collaboration with Karin Schaupp, Songs of the Latin Skies. The talented women last worked together on Songs of the Southern Skies in 2012, a record which saw them nominated for an ARIA. This time around they’re turning their attention to the great South American songbook with covers of iconic songs from Heitor Villa-Lobos, Luis Bonfa, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and more.

“In this, our third release together, I feel like Karin and I have made our best work yet,” Katie confirmed in a press release. “Playing with Karin is like floating on a gorgeous cloud – it is such a pleasure to make music together and this new selection of beautiful songs has been our most comfortable musical home yet. We can not wait to share this music with you around the country!”

Songs of the Latin Skies is in stores now. Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp will play shows around the country from March to support its release. Tickets are on sale now.

17 March 2017 – The Spiegeltent, Hobart
18 & 19 March 2017 – The Spiegeltent, Adelaide
23 March 2017 – Quarry Ampitheatre, Perth
24 March 2017 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
11 May 2017 – City Recital Hall, Sydney
12 May 2017 – Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford
13 May 2017 – IPAC, Wollongong
19 May 2017 – A & I Hall, Bangalow
20 May 2017 – Queensland Conservatorium @ Griffith University, Brisbane
8 June 2017 – Bendooley Estate, Berrima
9 & 10 June 2017 – Street Theatre, Canberra
11 June 2017 – Joan Sutherland PAC, Penrith
30 June 2017 – Melbourne Recital Hall, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“With Love and Fury” – Brodsky Quartet & Katie Noonan

In this world of digital downloads and shuffle modes, I’ve heard many people say that the concept album is dead. But it seems they forgot to tell Katie Noonan. She’s created what is arguably one of her most ambitious albums to date with her new release With Love and Fury.

With Love and Fury sees Katie and the Brodsky Quartet collaborating for the first time on songs with lyrics drawn from the poetry of the late Judith Wright. The pieces were composed by a who’s who of the classical world including Richard Tognetti, David Hirschfelder, Carl Vine, Elena Kats-Chernin, and even Katie herself.

I must admit, when I first slipped this album on, I just wasn’t sure whether I’d write about it or not. It’s so different to anything I’ve heard Katie Noonan doing before. I couldn’t quite get it. But Kate is one of those artists that is ever evolving, producing quality music and moving on to the next project before things get stale.

The Brodsky Quartet are some of the UK’s best musicians, and Katie Noonan arguably has one of the best voices in this wide brown land. I’ve always known that, but listening to this album I think even I had underestimated her. She hits heights I’ve never heard, delivering songs that are impressively operatic.

I’m still not sure this is the kind of music I’ll reach for time and time again. It’s just so different, with songs that veer wildly from the classic structure of verses and choruses. While that meant I struggled to get into some songs, others really moved me. This album is brave and creative. And in a musical landscape that has a little too much beige, those virtues count for something.

With Love and Fury is released on April 1. Kate will tour the album with the Brodsky Quartet all around the country.

28 April 2016 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
29 April 2016 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
30 April 2016 – Canberra International Music Festival, Canberra
1 May 2016 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
2 May 2016 – City Recital Hall, Sydney
4 May 2016 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
5 May 2016 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan Back to Band with Transmutant

Katie Noonan’s musical evolution has been nothing short of stunning. I always eagerly anticipate her album releases because I’m never sure just what I’m going to get, but I’m confident it’ll be beautiful.

She’s about to begin her latest chapter with the release of Transmutant on July 24, an ethereal collection of songs which takes Katie back to fronting a band. With her new outfit Vanguard she creates exciting soundscapes which pair beautifully with her heavenly voice.

Katie’s Vanguard will take Transmutant on the road later this year with shows in intimate venues around the country. Tickets are on sale now.

15 October 2015 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
16 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
17 & 18 October 2015 – Melbourne Festival, Melbourne
22 October 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
23 October 2015 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
24 October 2015 – Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester
25 October 2015 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
28 October 2015 – Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle
29 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
30 & 31 October 2015 – John Painter Hall @ AIM, Sydney
5 November 2015 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
6 November 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Spicers Vineyard Estate, Hunter Valley

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

cln Gets it Right with Katie Noonan Remix

It’s fascinating the way that remixes can change a song. I’ve been sitting here listening to a variety of remixes of Katie Noonan’s new single “Peace is My Drug,” and marvelling at the way the treatments have brought new aspects of the lyrics and Katie’s stunning voice to light.

Personally, this version remixed by cln is my favourite. It just gives the song a little more room to breathe than the others I listened to by Oisima and Inkswel. I believe there’s another two on the Peace is my Drug EP, which is available now exclusively through PledgeMusic.

Katie is such a chameleon that it’s always exciting to see what she does next. Fans can get a taste of her new musical direction and enjoy some old favourites at the following shows promoting the single.

12 March 2015 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 March 2015 – Wellers Restaurant, Kangaroo Ground
14 March 2015 – Aurora Spiegeltent, Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
18 March 2015 – Lizotte’s Restaurant, Dee Why
19 March 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
20 March 2015 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
21 March 2015 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
22 March 2015 – Lizotte’s Restaurant, New Lambton
27 March 2015 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich
28 March 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
29 March 2015 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan & Friends Celebrate “Songs That Made Me” Release

With her Songs That Made Me album now in stores, Katie Noonan and some of her musical sisters are set to take the CD on the road.

Following the successful 2013 tour, Katie and other amazing local female talents have laid down tracks which pay homage to the songs that shaped their lives. Not only is the album full of fabulous music, 100 percent of the profits from sales will benefit the Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign.

“I am so thrilled to be able to join with these remarkable women, utilising the Songs That Made Me concept, to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon campaign,” Katie said in a press statement. “It’s not every day that you get to work with such incredibly gifted artists and contribute something meaningful at the same time.”

Featured artists Angie Hart, Melody Pool, and Sam Buckingham will join Katie for these very special shows.

30 October 2014 – Artbar, Perth
7 November 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide
8 November 2014 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
13 November 2014 – Joan Sutherland PAC, Penrith
14 & 15 November 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
16 November 2014 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
21 November 2014 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
22 November 2014 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Brisbane
23 November 2014 – Soundlounge, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan Goes to the Circus

If you can count on Katie Noonan for one thing, it’s that you never know which musical direction she’ll head next. Her latest project sees her partnering with Circa for Love-Song-Circus, a fusion of song, circus, and history. Yep, you read that right.

Katie’s already roadtested the show, which pays tribute to Australia’s convict women, at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2012 and The Famous Spiegeltent in Melbourne last year. Now it’s Brisbane’s turn.

Katie was inspired to create Love-Song-Circus when she saw an exhibition called Love Tokens at the National Museum. It told the story of the way convicts would engrave pennies with messages and images for the loved ones they’d left behind.

“As a woman and mother I felt deeply compelled to explore these stories. I soon discovered that the lives of the first female convicts is a part of our history that has been explored by few,” she said.

She began researching these stories with trips all over the country, but felt her project needed a visual element. So she found Circa, a contemporary circus group that would help bring her dream to life.

This video gives you just a taste of what Love-Song-Circus is all about.

Love-Song-Circus hits The Cremorne Theatre at QPAC on March 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The soundtrack, Fierce Hearts, hits stores on February 28.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan, Abby Dobson, Angie Hart, and Martha Marlow Perform Together

Katie Noonan, Abby Dobson, Angie Hart, and Martha Marlow are teaming up for a star-studded series of shows which pay tribute to their greatest musical influences. Dubbed Songs that Made Me, the concerts will see these leading Australian vocalists putting their own stamp on songs from Carole King, Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, Kylie Minogue, Fiona Apple, and more.

The ladies previewed the shows at Sydney’s Camelot last month, and got such a response that they couldn’t resist taking the concerts on the road.

“There is nothing I love more than sitting around with my girlfriends, talking and sharing stories. But as a musician, I find we don’t get to share the stage with other artists very often – especially female artists,” explained Katie. “I thought this would be a wonderful and unique opportunity to share the stage through story and song and hang out with cool chicks at the same time! I am very excited to share the space with these gorgeous
women whom I admire and respect, and think it will be a very special night
for the audience and us!”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

28 November 2013 – Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
30 November 2013 – Thornbury Theatre, Northcote
5 December 2013 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
14 December 2013 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute