Pami and I had a fantastic night at Kate’s last Australian Made show. An electric evening with great music, dramatic staging and such an incredibly energetic performer.
It all brought back old memories. Of the afternoon and evening we spent with this warm, enthusiastic and totally unpretentious lady.
Between 2004 and 2012 Pami, Erica, Buzz and I operated a restaurant/conference/function centre on the outskirts of Hobart (The Hilltop Granton). After a few years we initiated a series visiting artist shows and Kate was our launch act. Her agent wasn’t keen to book a small, unknown venue in Hobart but after much perseverance, we both identified a suitable date.
We failed to note the date was AFL Final night – her only vacancy.
Before the Show
While Kate’s Technical Rider (list of requirements) seemed more suited to a multi-thousand person venue rather than our modest 220 seats, we pressed on, finding a local contractor who could provide the necessary equipment and expertise (at great expense).
With everything ready and stars in our eyes, we nervously awaited our special guest’s arrival. Rather than an aloof, self-centred diva we anticipated, a wonderfully warm, down to earth lady arrived.
After the necessary ‘sound check’, Kate settled on the outside deck with her feet up on the railing and chatted to us all as she drank her cup of tea.
The Show
With her powerful voice in such a small venue, she had everyone in a trance, her personality and vibrancy completely engulfing the room. The evening passed far too quickly.
Coloured lights swept the stage. The sound operator constantly adjusted the volume and drinks flowed as the guest became more and more enthralled.
While not the extravaganza of Kate’s most recent show, everyone, including Kate, were thrilled with the night.
After the Show
Rather than drinking the Mőet champagne her agent stated we needed supply, her wants again were modest. “Perhaps just another cup of tea,” was her request.
As we all chatted for some time, I got the impression she really enjoyed playing such a mall intimate venue, suggesting that all the sound and lighting we’d supplied hindered her ability to truly embrace the audience. “Just a single spotlight would have been ideal,” she suggested.
After all we spent, we wished her agent had though the same.
All in all, the most wonderful lady. Unfortunately, few of the performers that followed were in her class.
There you have it. That was our very own Kate Ceberano show.
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OUR OWN KATE CEBERANO SHOW