Tag: State Theatre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Indigo Girls @ State Theatre, Sydney – 28 April 2011

Ordinarily I go and see bands that I’m enthusiastic about, but on Thursday night I headed to the State Theatre to discover the Indigo Girls. I say discover because aside from a few tracks my husband had played me the weekend before, I really wasn’t familiar with their music. This was a band he adores, and I was happy to discover what inspired him so. It’s exciting to learn about a band in the flesh, and I had a blast.

But before Amy and Emily took the stage we were warmed up by Henry Wagons. And warm us he did with his quirky alt-country tunes. He was without his band, with only an acoustic guitar to accompany him, but his big personality filled the stage. My husband wasn’t too sure what to make of him at first, but by the time Henry got to his closing song “Willie Nelson” he was joining in the chorus.

There was less quirk to the Indigo Girls but a similar raw energy. This is music the way I like it best, without frills or fuss, back to basics. With only acoustic guitars, a mandolin and harmonica, and two sublime voices the American girls wowed me. I understood why they’re such legends in their home country, and wondered why they’ve never really caught on here. I felt privileged to be exposed to their exceptional songs and musical prowess, like someone had let me in on a secret. I have my husband to thank for that, and I do.

A poignant moment came near the end of the set, when Amy and Emily welcomed a guest speaker to talk to us about the fallout from uranium weapons. It might seem strange to incorporate this element into a concert, but the crowded tables surrounding the petitions at the end of the show spoke volumes. This was a night about being moved in so many ways.

I couldn’t sing along like the faithful fans, but I could clap and cheer and I did. What a wonderful introduction to an exceptional act. Amy and Emily say they hope to be back on our shores soon; I promise to get myself up to speed before then.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper @ State Theatre, Sydney – 31 March 2011

This review’s coming a little late by my standards, but I figured this is one of those articles best written once the high’s faded a little. If I’d sat down on Friday I’m not sure I could have written more than “I love Cyndi Lauper so much!” Even now I’m not really convinced I’ve got the necessary objectivity, but I’m going to try.

On Thursday night I made a pilgrimage to Sydney’s State Theatre to see one of my idols, Cyndi Lauper. Like many women of a certain age, I’ve been dazzled by Cyndi for as long as I can remember. In a musical landscape that is so often beige and homogenised, she’s always been a rainbow of color, fierce and fabulous. My expectations for her live show were sky high, but I’m thrilled to say she met every one.

But before she graced us with her presence it was Casey Donovan’s turn to charm us. I’ve been a fan of Casey’s since her Australian Idol days, and I was thrilled to see she’s only gotten better. Accompanied by a single acoustic guitar she delivered a stunning stripped back mix of covers and original material. Casey’s always been a master at delivering a song, but I’m thrilled to see her stage presence now matching her delivery. She’s come a long way from the quiet teen that wowed us in Idol. She bantered easily with the crowd between songs, charming us even more with her confidence. I was desperate to see Cyndi, but also disappointed to see her all too short set end.


I couldn’t be upset for too long though, because I was finally going to see Cyndi. The years certainly have not wearied this 80s icon. She bounced around the stage, dancing with wild abandon, a compelling figure with a shock of peroxide hair clad in black leather. From the first few songs we realised this show would be packed with songs from her Memphis Blues CD. I’m often put out when it seems an artist only wants to spruik their new material, but here it made perfect sense. I’ve never seen a supporting band as good as Cyndi’s. These guys are blues masters every one of them, and I wanted to hear the tunes that would show off that talent. Special mention must go to Charlie Musselwhite who blew my mind on harmonica.

Cyndi still played those songs we were desperate to hear though. It couldn’t be a Cyndi Lauper concert without a cheeky singalong in “She Bop,” a raucous extended version of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” or poignant moments with “All Through the Night,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”

The mix of classic blues and retro pop was unusual, but that’s just what Cyndi’s always been. She’s a true musical artist who’s always rebelliously marched to the beat of her own drum. And in Sydney she performed her pants off, dancing about and jumping off the stage several times to be a bit closer to her adoring fans. How she could sing so flawlessly while delivering such an energetic show I’ll never know, but she did that too. She might be an 80s icon, but with this Memphis Blues album Cyndi’s shown her star certainly isn’t fading. It was incredible to bask in a little of that light for a while. Thank you Cyndi Lauper for one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve ever witnessed.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Musicians Dueting It For The Kids in Sydney

Sydney’s State Theatre will host the charity concert Dueting It For The Kids on August 9.

As the title suggests, the show will feature a veritable who’s who of the Australian music and theatre industry coming together for some unlikely duets. We’re talking about Paulini  joining Leo Sayer for his smash hit “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,” Jon Stevens and Shannon Noll busting out “Dancing in the Streets,” and Tom Burlinson and Georgie Parker taking on Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.”

Tickets to the show will be available through Ticketmaster for $99 from May 31. All monies raised will benefit The Australian Children’s Music Foundation, an organization which looks to inspire local disadvantaged and indigenous young people through music.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Olivia Newton-John Headlines Star Studded Charity Concert in Sydney

Olivia Newton-John showed she’s still got it last night, leading a star-studded bill for a charity concert at Sydney’s State Theatre.

“It’s a bit of a dream to be on stage with someone who’s had such an impact on the musical world,” said Guy Sebastian who did his best John Travolta on the night, joining Livvy for a duet of Summer Nights.

“And I can’t believe she is 60 years old – she’s beautiful and still an amazing performer.”

Some of the artists – including James Reyne, Melinda Schneider, and Chantelle Delaney – walked the Great Wall of China with Olivia earlier this year. Others including Todd McKenney, Kate Ceberano, Christine Anu, and Ian Moss were old friends.

All money raised from last night’s performance was donated to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Appeal.

Image source: Leahshia Gaston @ Wikimedia Commons