Voices Returns to Tasmania’s East Coast

A return of Choral festival the Festival of Voices to Tasmania’s east coast is among a number of events just announced.

 A Night at Bushland Gardens, to be held at Buckland, will bring together local and interstate artists, blending folk, rock, rhythm and blues into a night that celebrates the power of song. It will feature Tasmanian rock band, The Bad Dad Orchestra, renowned soul performer Karen Lee Andrews and Tasmanian harmonic trio, The Clementines.

Festival Director, Peter Choraziak, said the Bushland Garden event would be one of the regional performances in this year’s program, aimed at encouraging people to come together and enjoy live music again.

“After a challenging 2020, this will be a light in the dark of winter – a must-attend event for families and friends to get together and enjoy the best in live music, while enjoying local hospitality,” Choraziak said.

““Born out of fatherhood, friendship and a love for music, The Bad Dad Orchestra will bring classic sounds of Australian pub-rock along with snappy horns and catchy vocals. Karen Lee Andrews, who featured in our 2020 Big Singalong will move us with her vocal blend of blues, gospel and soul music.

Alongside these powerhouse performances, Tasmania’s own The Clementines will sing songs of womanhood, love, place and belonging, featuring harmonies and an endearing stage presence.

“The Clementines were selected as the Director’s Choice Performer for Festival of Voices in 2017, and we can’t wait to see what kind of magic they bring to the festival in 2021,” Choraziak said.

Joining the Festival’s contemporary lineup this year, Tasmanian media personalities Paul McIntrye and Peter Gee will heat up the Founders Room at Salamanca in a series of themed sessions, dropping the needle on some of their favourite LPs, while encouraging the audience to bring in their own treasured piece of vinyl for everyone to enjoy.

“McIntyre and Gee have spent a combined 70 plus years strictly adhering to the ABC Radio playlist and we are looking forward to seeing them throw that out the Vinyl Lounge window,” Choraziak said.

Australian cabaret artists Jacqui Lim and Carole Williams will join the Festival’s burgeoning Voicebox cabaret lineup, with their original Diva Revival show.

“The combination of these two established performers – Carole, a singer and theatre actress, and Jacqui, singer and pianist/keyboardist – brings a unique versatility to the show, providing the audience with an unforgettable night of music and entertainment,” Choraziak said.

Similarly local performer Janelle Stowe will delight audiences with her Come Away With Me show at C3 Auditorium on Friday 2 July.

“Janelle is a classically trained pianist, trumpeter and jazz vocalist with a timeless, soulful sound,” Choraziak said.

Also announced today, Serenata Trio combines the considerable talents of guitarist Jeremy Sawkins and bassist Hugh Fraser with acclaimed Australian jazz songstress Trish Delaney-Brown.

Back by popular demand, Hymn Sing will this year present two opportunities for people to gather and sing their favourite hymns at Hobart’s Town Hall on Saturday 3 July and Sunday 4 July.

Festival of Voices Choral Curator, Joan Wright OAM, said the event was a roaring success in 2019 where everyone came together and filled the venue with harmonies.

“This year I will be joined by two highly talented musicians, Anne Morgan and Myfanwy McIndoe, who will accompany me in this fun and nostalgic experience,” Wright said.

Tickets for the newly announced shows will go on sale Friday at 9am AEST at www.festivalofvoices.com

The third line-up of artists announced are as follows: