Oh, Lady be Good Melissa Western (vocals) + jazz quartet
The seductive power of a woman’s voice has been a mystery for eons. Why do we so eagerly succumb to their charms from the very first note? What is it about them that fills us with desire?
They capture the essence of love and loss in a fleeting glance. With their audience they share something intimate, something that simply can’t be described in words.
In a feast of music ranging from opera to folk to jazz to rock, Melissa takes you on a tour of the 20th Century with the great divas as your guides. Of course you know the classic songs of the greats like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Carol King, Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Houston and more, but do you know their stories? This is a wonderful cabaret-style night filled with fascinating anecdotes, iconic characters, fun for the audience and most of all, great quality music.
Songs like I Loves You Porgy, God Bless the Child, Peel Me a Grape and Oh, Lady Be Good are performed with pizzazz and flair by Australian singer-actor Melissa Western who is:
‘Warm, witty and supremely talented … captivating …Western is a force of nature’
– Broadway Baby (five stars)
‘When the music stops, there is the longest silence. Then Melissa Western’s voice reappears, snatching you away again, inspiring a big grin on your face. You knew she was never gone for long, yet in that silence you still missed her.’
– Three Weeks (five stars)
‘We were struck by how talented Melissa Western is, she has star quality, a wonderful singing voice and a great personality.’
– Village Hall Promoter, West Lindsey, Lincolnshire
‘Melissa Western is a sultry singer with an exceptional ability to scat, and her rich, powerful vocals invite the audience to accompany her on her journey.’
– New Adelaide Theatre Guide
Joining Melissa onstage is a versatile and talented jazz quartet featuring some of Queensland’s finest players.
Oh, Lady be Good has performed to acclaim at The Jazz Bar (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), UK tour (Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire) and the Brisbane Jazz Club.
DATE: Friday 22 May 7.30pm
VENUE: The Paradise Showroom
DURATION: 3 hours (including two intervals)
COST: Jazz Club Members and Friends of The Arts Centre $23, Visitors $28
For more information visit www.theartscentregc.com.au/whats on/whats-on-items/
Gold Coast
Jazz & Blues Club – Oh Lady Be Good or www.goldcoastjazzclub.com
