Christine Anu

Was there a concert that produced more “feel-good” moments, musical surprises and sheer entertainment than last year’s inaugural Great Australian Songbook event?

We don’t think so.  And that’s why plans were immediately made to do it all again in 2014.

Variety – the Children’s Charity will again be the beneficiary of what promises to be another wonderful night at the Enmore Theatre on May 26 combining a fresh line-up of 20 of Australia’s finest singers performing some of Australia’s greatest songs.

We’re pleased to announce a stellar line-up of artists:- Jon Stevens, Shannon Noll, Hoodoo Guru’s Dave Faulkner, Diesel, James Morrison, Christine Anu,  iOTA, Casey Donovan, Monica Trapaga, Dragon lead singer Mark Williams, Ciaran Gribbin (most recent lead singer of INXS), Steve Balbi, Emma Birdsall, country star Tamara Stewart, Jeff Duff, 11-year-old drumming sensation Jagger Alexander-Erber and Variety Ambassadors John Paul Young and John Williamson – with more to come!

What makes the concert so unique – and so much fun – is watching the performers put their own stamp on a wide variety of songs from The Great Australian Songbook.  Some of their choices are VERY surprising, leading to unforgettable, never-to-be-repeated musical moments.

In keeping with the fun spirit of the night, promoter Empire Touring has thrown another cat into the ring for this second event, endeavouring to have almost every musical instrument imaginable appear sometime during the night.  Piano accordion tick! Bagpipes, you bet. Didgeridoo, yep.  Keytar, aha. Even the humble triangle will be incorporated into one of the songs!

Last year’s concert ended with the performers joining for an incredible finale of Divinyls songs, paying tribute to the late Chrissie Amphlett.  Continuing the celebration of honouring all things Aussie Rock, this year’s finale will pay tribute to the one-and-only INXS.  INXS’s most recent lead singer Ciaran Gribbin, who toured with the band in their last year, will perform as part of the finale.

Vivacious host Monica Trapaga will again MC the evening’s proceedings. “The first concert was more than any of us could have wished for.  To see the artists performing songs often completely “against type” and nothing like you would expect made it not only hugely entertaining but also absolutely brilliant musically. I loved donning my policewoman’s uniform to do Skyhooks ‘Women In Uniform’ – it was that kind of night! It’s an absolute buzz for me to perform with these legendary Rock and Roll Gods, this isn’t Playschool – it’s “the School of ROCK AND ROLL!”

Aussie icon John Paul Young, who has been involved with Variety for 15 years and an Ambassador for ten, said: “The Great Australian Songbook was a great success last year. It was a delight to share the stage with so many of the local Aussie talent and Paul Gray and the band did a brilliant job backing all the artists.  I’ve had a sneak peek at this year’s line-up and it’s gonna be big. Also, a huge thank you to all the public out there that supported the cause. Variety – the Children’s Charity is grateful for your support.”

Tam Johnston, Variety – the Children’s Charity CEO said:  “Variety is thrilled to be working with some incredible artists again this year for what has become one of our most exciting annual events, the Great Australian Songbook. Last year’s event was a roaring success on all counts. A huge thank you must go to the artists who performed and helped Variety raise vital funds which has allowed us to directly impact the lives of many Aussie kids in need.”

A Reserve tickets are $99 and B Reserve $69 which is incredible value to see such a prestigious line-up of performers.

TICKETS ON SALE – 9am MONDAY MARCH 17

from ticketek.com.au & 132 849