Barn concert to raise cancer research funds

James Morrison Students Featuring In Unforgettable Concert  TBW Newsgroup
TRUMPETING TALENT: James Morrison Academy of Music students Jayden Blockley (back left), William Pethick, Mike Williams, Sophie von Tunk, Matt Harkins (front left), Waadhi Conole and Quinn Kellock will feature in the 16-piece big band at this weekend's Unforgettable Concert. Picture: MOLLY TAYLOR

James Morrison Students Featuring In Unforgettable Concert  TBW Newsgroup
TRUMPETING TALENT: James Morrison Academy of Music students Jayden Blockley (back left), William Pethick, Mike Williams, Sophie von Tunk, Matt Harkins (front left), Waadhi Conole and Quinn Kellock will feature in the 16-piece big band at this weekend’s Unforgettable Concert. Picture: MOLLY TAYLOR

THE big band sound will return to The Barn on Saturday as an “unforgettable” night of music in support of cancer research hits the stage.

A 16-piece big band featuring James Morrison Academy students will be the icing on the cake for the Unforgettable Concert, with Denis Mac, Graeme Lyall AM and Louise Adams among the headline performers.

Riding a wave of inspiration from her recent Fringe Festival Mount Gambier appearances, Ms Adams said the night promised to be a “rare treat” in the modern musical world.

“I have been busily rehearsing over the past couple of days and it is all on my mind,” Ms Adams said.

“I think the concert is nod to a style of music we do not get to see that often.

“It is unparalleled to anything out there from a musical sense.”

“It brings together talented musicians to the one spot and for me as a singer it is something I have never actually done,” she said.

“I am excited but nervous as it is definitely a bucket-list item for me.”

Ms Adams said the event would raise money for breast and prostate cancer.

“It is an honour for me to play legendary songs with other talented musicians while also raising funds for a vital cause,” she said.

“The show will feature songs from huge jazz and blues legends who have some of the greatest voices we have come across.

“Any musical lover out there will not want to miss out on this.”

Ms Adams applauded the effort taken to create the large event.

“The big band’s rehearsal last week blew me away with such a large group playing so beautifully together,” she said.

“I think it is enough to make any person’s jaw drop and I have played with a lot of musicians over my time.

“I was the dorky one clapping in between rehearsals for them.”

Ms Adams said she has pinched herself at being involved in the “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

“It is an exciting thing as a musician to push yourself to a different challenge and try something new,” she said.

“These are the songs I grew up listening to through my grandparents and has been loved by for generations.

“It is amazing to see the big band is made up of people mostly under the age of 25 showing the music brings together lovers of all ages.”

Ms Adams said she hoped to see a “full-house” of community support.

“If everyone does their little bit and plays their part it will all come together beautifully,” she said.

“It will be a mixture of big sounds, beautiful melodies and arrangements all complete with some of the best songs ever written.

“I am very eager and excited to see how we all go and being involved in a wonderful night of entertainment,” she said.

The Unforgettable Concert starts at 8pm with meals available on booking from 6pm.

Tickets are available from Chapmans Newsagency at $50 per person.