What an amazing Resonate last week, but the good news is, It’s ladies night again! This Thursday nights Resonate at the Grand Hotel is shaping up to be another star studded lineup with a good mix of touring talent and local starlets.
First up is Amanda Kay. Amanda has been in the Far North on and off for many years and has recorded albums both with local and international artists. Amanda, with her traveling ways and dynamic song writing has gathered interest wherever she goes. She has played with the Rockwiz Orchestra, Rohan Marley and Deborah Conway and many others. Amanda hits the stage at 7.00pm
Playing the 8.20 set this week is very special guest Thando Sikwila accompanied by her acoustic band. Thando is a singer songwriter who discovered her love for R&B in the suburbs of Melbourne. After relocating from Canberra in 2011, Thando has played in several bands including her self titled solo project, Sol Nation and reggae outfit Echo Drama. This has gained her the experience to create a live show that pulls audiences in and leaves them wanting more.
Recently cast as the lead role of Effie White in Stage Art’s Australian Premier of Dreamgirls, her on stage presents is “worth the ticket price to witness the soaring voice and audacious performance” – Herbert, Herald Sun.
Recently cast as the lead role of Effie White in Stage Art’s Australian Premier of Dreamgirls, her on stage presents is “worth the ticket price to witness the soaring voice and audacious performance” – Herbert, Herald Sun.
“In an extraordinary stage debut, Thando Sikwila is perfectly cast as Effie White, the troubled young woman whose natural talent is undermined by paranoia, both valid and unfounded. Sikwila captures Effie’s diva-like surly petulance as well as her doll-like sweetness when things go her way. Act one builds to all-time classic torch song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” and Sikwila brings down the house, with resounding applause lasting through the next song all the way to the interval break.”
– Simon Parris
“Thando embodies the sassy bravado and egotism of Effie White, the vocal powerhouse of fictional 1960s, all-girl trio, The Dreamettes, and she justifies O’Connell’s casting of an acting novice..”
– Kate Herbert
“The cast was superb. Effie White is a notoriously difficult character to handle with her bossy demeanour, diva-like presence and huge vocal range; Thando Sikwila blew the audience away and received a standing ovation to prove it.”
– Amy Planner
Make sure you come down Thursday night to check out Thandos amazing voice. We will also be running an interview with Thando next week on NQ Music Press.
Playing the 9.30 set this week is Rebecca Langtree. Rebecca has been popping up at venues all around town, including a recent support slot with the Tea Party’s Jeff Martin at Brothers. Rebecca has a very unique voice and a load of very tasty originals.
Resonate is staged every Thursday night at the Grand Hotel in Cairns. Kitchen opens at 6.00, Resonate blasts off at 7.00pm entry is free!
Pictured – Amanda Kay
© Copyright 2024 | NQ Music Press