At Last: The Etta James Story premieres in Melbourne on 19 February

Tickets are now on sale and if like me you are a fan of Etta James and Vika Bull this is a show not to be missed.

Vika Bull is one of Australia’s most respected and powerful soul singers, so who better to tell the story of one of the most influential soul singers of all time, Etta James.

“Etta James has had a huge influence on my musical journey” said Vika.

“Someone played her record to me when I had just started performing, and from then on I was hooked. She had a voice so powerful it could knock you over, and I just love her sassy cheekiness on stage!”

[pull_left]Etta James has had a huge influence on my musical journey[/pull_left]

The all-new production has been written by critically acclaimed UK author John Livings. The concert will include some of Etta’s most beloved songs including ‘Tell Mama,’ ‘Something’s Got A Hold On Me’, ‘Pushover’, the heart rending ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’, her iconic signature song ‘At Last’.

“Like many famous musicians Etta had a tough life, but she kept on coming back singing and performing until she became ill in 2010. Now, a year after her death we are telling her story, and all I can say is I hope I can do her justice,” Vika said.

Vika believes that her age will help her with performing the songs of such a well known artist; she has life experience on which she can draw and then interpret in her own way.

“I don’t want to copy her [Etta], but I want to be pretty close to how she sang, strong and powerful. I’m not going to change too much because people know the songs. I’d like to walk that way … be true to Etta, whilst being true to myself.”

Trumpet player and successful actor Tibor Gyapjas will narrate alongside Vika, as the voice of the fans and fellow musicians throughout Etta’s 57-year career.

Gyapjas will be joined on stage by Ben Gillespie (Trombone); Chris Beker (Bass), John Watson (Drums), Dion Hirini (Guitar), and Remco Remcor Keijzer (Woodwinds)

At Last: The Etta James Story will premiere at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre on 19 February 2013.

Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

What: A narrative concert about the life and music of Etta James

Who: Vika Bull leads an 8‐piece R&B band

Where: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne

When: 19 February – 3 March 2013; Tuesday – Sunday

Bookings: Tickets on sale now from www.ticketek.com.au or 9650 1500

For more information visit:

www.atlasttheettajamesstory.com.au

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