Women In Voice 20th Anniversary: October 2013

Founded by Annie Peterson, Women in Voice (WIV) has come a long way from its humble beginnings at the Sitting Duck Cafe in West End.

Initially offering exposure and work for female artists, it has now grown so popular that it has become one of Brisbane’s longest running series. After collaborations over the years with the Queensland Folk Federation, the Brisbane Cabaret Festival and QPAC, the WIV team has now joined forces with Angie Dunbavan from Red Chair, who has been busy developing touring dates for 2014 and beyond.

WIV can be proud of the sell out season of their 20th anniversary show at their new home, the Judith Wright Centre. It was a wonderful night of talented and personable women, who not only sang but also gave us an insight into their personalities. These women are all accomplished performers and professional artists in their own right. They performed their own numbers, also providing harmonic back up vocals for each other.

The Mistress of Ceremonies, Alison St Ledger, proved to be a polished, witty and very likable host. She regaled the audience with some interesting and factual information about Women in Voice over the years, and her songs were fabulous. Annie Lee, most widely known from her work in the Kransky Sisters, kept us all entertained with her set of “woe is me” songs and Jac Stone, a new guest of WIV, charmed the audience with her jazz and blues voice.

Also making her debut performance at WIV was Naomi Price. She mesmerised the audience with her set which included a stunning performance of “Burn for You”. Finishing off the show was an hilarious performance by “Dame Farrer”, alias Carita Farrer Spencer, who gyrated and shimmied her way through some very entertaining Latin numbers. There was even a special guest performance from Margret RoadKnight, a past WIV performer and professional Australian singer with a world-wide reputation.

The Women in Voice band were as professional as the performers, showcasing the talents of Helen Russell on base, John Parker on percussion, Jamie Clark doing some fabulous guitar work and Musical Director Stephen Russell leading the band on piano.

Michael Buenen’s lighting design was striking and really enhanced this artistic and expressive presentation put on by a group of professional singers, musicians and creatives, who will undoubtedly ensure Dame WIV has a vibrant future.