The Gospel Belles @ The Palais, Hepburn Springs
Four of Victoria’s finest female singers have joined forces to create something very special for lovers of gospel and blues music.
Award-winning Australian blues and gospel singer Kerri Simpson has joined forces with great friends and fellow performers Kelly Auty, Marisa Quigley and Diana Wolfe to create The Gospel Belles - an outfit that performs swinging interpretations of the girls’ favourite gospel and blues songs in the African-American tradition.
This ensemble is the first time these outstanding singers, good friends and big personalities have joined forces, and the result is a musical treat; with more than a dash of dry wit thrown in, and charm galore.
The girls had a full house and outstanding show on Mother’s Day earlier this year, and are looking forward to their next show at The Palais, Hepburn Springs.
The “Gospel Belles” will be accompanied by well known pianist and “token male” Tim (”Don’t call me Babyface”) Neal.
Friday July 7th
The Palais
111 Main Rd, Hepburn Springs
Ph: 5348 4849
7pm for dining. 9.30pm for show
Tickets $45 2 course dinner and show
$15 show only
Bookings are recommended
The Gospel Belles are:-
Kerri Simpson
Kerri Simpson is without a doubt one of Australia’s most versatile and accomplished vocalists. She has made her mark in a range of genres, but to many her star really shines when she is singing blues and gospel – this was evident with her critically acclaimed album SUN GONNA SHINE.
Kerri is constantly drawing on life experiences, and this album is no different – it is a great combined successor to the ARIA nominated Confessin’ The Blues, and also the ambitious and critically acclaimed Vodou Songs Of The Spirits recorded in New Orleans & Haiti.
Among the highlights on SUN GONNA SHINE are ‘We Will Fly Away’ – a song Kerri penned with New Orleans songwriting team Norman Caesar and Jason Neville, and which won her 2005 Female Blues Singer of the Year at the Australian Blues Music Festival Awards. www.kerrisimpson.com
Marisa Quigley (Chubby Rae & The Elevators)
Marisa Quigley, aka Chubby Rae, is a 6’2” redheaded soulful powerhouse who fronts rocking blues outfit and festival regulars, Chubby Rae & The Elevators. Marisa captivates all with her dynamic stage presence, hauntingly beautiful vocals and earthy humour. www.chubbyraeandtheelevators.com
Kelly Auty
Kelly Auty is a magnetic performer, switching from fiery passion to a haunting lullaby voice. Kelly sings with her Wild Women show at festivals and major venues, and has supported Jose Feliciano, Janis Ian and, most recently, Manhattan Transfer. Recently Kelly released her Wild Women CD.
www.kellyauty.listen.to
Diana Wolfe
Diana Wolfe has just released her second CD with her band The Wolfe Gang, What’s Cooking, recorded live at St Andrews Hotel by acclaimed sound engineer Rob Harwood, and featuring guest performances by blues and roots greats including Mick ‘The Rev’ O’Connor, Broderick Smith, Jimmie Sloggett and Steve Williams.
Diana’s singing is grounded in gospel, having performed in the US with a choir led by Australian gospel singer/ director, Tony Backhouse, at WOMADELAIDE in 1999 with Glenn Tanner’s Gospel Nation, and most recently at the 2005 Queenscliff Festival with Melbourne Singers of Gospel.
http://www.thewolfegang.net
Tim Neal
Tim Neal has dedicated his life to the arts through music. A specialist and internationally known as a Hammond Organ player, Tim also plays the Saxophone, Piano, Flute and Guitar. He has played with the likes of Renee Geyer, Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo, Kate Ceberano, Jeff Lang, as well as being a founding member of Banana Oil (ARIA award winners) and his eponymous Big Organ Band.
