Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle
Sunday May 1, 2016 :
You could say 2015 was a year of up and downs especially for country local Catherine Britt. A diagnosis of breast cancer, subsequent surgery and chemo, then getting married and even winning a golden guitar in Tamworth in January, overall what a year. On Sunday night an emotional Britt and her country music mates mixed with up and coming artists to stick it to cancer one final time.
Sir Elton kicked off the night on the big screen saying “FU to cancer”. Britt herself opened the evening with a five song set including the hit ‘Boneshaker’. Shannon Noll shared the stage with hits ‘What About Me’ and ’Shine’. Kasey Chambers sang ‘Not Pretty Enough’ and the 2015 voice winner Ellie Drennan held the capacity crowd on edge with her two song set.
For Britt the show was personal and obviously appreciated, at times she looked overwhelmed. Britt took the audience on her personal journey with cancer. She was very honest and certainly appreciative thanking medical and nursing staff for her care. It’s hard to believe the Newcastle born and bred star has been on the country main stage for over 10 years now. During this time she has built a reputation for being one of country music’s finest artists. The sold audience also confirmed she is also one of the most loved.
As the show continued future stars including Andy Toombs and Melany Mokow took the stage, both exceptional talents and worth watching out for in the future. Local girl Lyn Bowtell sang with emotion and passion. Finally enter Beccy Cole. As one of Australia’s finest talents, Cole demonstrated why she is considered not only talented but funny. A short acoustic set featuring Britt, Cole, Bowtell and Mokow finished the night. The Dolly Parton hit ‘Coat Of Many Colours’ went over well before the four ladies with full audience backing said one last time FU to cancer. Thanks for a great evening.
Reviewer and Photographer : David Jackson
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