Over 40s Get The Coolest Dance Party

I can’t say I’ve ever wished to be 40 before, but I find myself longing for the big 4-0 after hearing about a new dance party for Baby Boomers. The Voice alum Steve Clisby and globally recognised DJ Stephen Ferris are behind the event, dubbed 40up, which is exclusively for those over 40.

There’ll be live music, DJ sets, and vintage music videos from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Think Barry White, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool and the Gang, and the incomparable Prince.

“This is how you exercise your right to be over 40 and still party, without worrying about the millennials getting in the way,” laughed Clisby, the all-time favorite artist from reality show, The Voice Australia. “We’ve taken the dinner, dance show concept and turned it on its head. People are always telling me that the thing they love most about my gigs is the chance to get up and dance like they used to – to the music they love. Now there’s a show especially for them.”

It all happens at the Basement in Sydney on March 3. 40up tickets are on sale now.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Steve Clisby Covers “I Still Call Australia Home”

I might be a little biased, since my husband is American, but I think there’s something so special about people who choose to live in our country. I love Australia, but I’ve also not known what it’s like to live anywhere else. I was taught my country was the best, and I never questioned it. But when people have lived abroad and they choose to make Australia home, they’re doing it because they’ve seen what else is out there and they truly know Australia is the country for them. Like me they were probably told the place they grew up is superior, but they explored beyond their immediate environment and rejected what they were told.

Perhaps that’s why I warm so much to Steve Clisby’s version of “I Still Call Australia Home.” I can truly feel his dedication to our country coming through this performance. And is there a more beautiful backdrop than Sydney Harbour?

Steve said he recorded the iconic Peter Allen song because he wanted to give back to the supporters he’s found in his adopted home. “I’m originally from California, but have lived in this beautiful country for over 16 years now – I fell in love with it the moment I arrived. I definitely call Australia my home and being able to do this now is very powerful for me,” he said in a press release.

I can’t think of a more appropriate time to share this single with you. Happy Australia Day!

Steve Clisby Covers Paloma Faith

Steve Clisby wowed the nation when he appeared on The Voice, and he’s set to do it all again with his brand new album Leave Me Dreaming which hits stores today. It’s amazing to think that this is actually his 13th album, although it’s unlikely that this one will fly under the radar like many of his earlier releases.

Of course there’ll be the standard amount of interest that comes when anyone who made it big on reality TV releases, but there’s also bound to be a little hype when people realise one of the tracks is a cover of Paloma Faith’s “Only Love Can Hurt Like This.” Apparently he recorded it well before its local release, which initially occurred without a lot of fanfare. But then there was that Winners and Losers promo, which took the song to the top of the charts. Comparisons are inevitable, but Steve’s still not sure what to make of it.

“I really didn’t know whether this would be a good thing or a bad thing,” he explained in a press release. “I didn’t intend it to be compared, but I think in the end it’s great for the song for people to hear such different takes on what a great song can be.”

Unfortunately the link I received was a private one so I can’t share the song with you, but I can share my views. I honestly wasn’t sure about his take at first. It starts small, almost sleepy. But in the end I decided he’s built it beautifully. There’s a lot of heart in his rendition, as there should be, and that shines through.

Steve is currently touring the country to support the release of Leave Me Dreaming. There are still a few tickets left for the following shows.

5 & 6 September 2014 – Noosa Jazz Festival, Noosa
6 September 2014 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
8 September 2014 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
10 September 2014 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
11 September 2014 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from SCG Media