4 October 2019

Celebrate the 'high priestess of soul' at Tathra this long weekend

| Ian Campbell
Start the conversation
The Sundowners - Colleen Spillane - vocals, David Hewitt - sticks and skins, Sam Martin - double bass, Pete Wild - piano. Photo: Supplied.

The Sundowners – Colleen Spillane – vocals, David Hewitt – sticks and skins, Sam Martin – double bass, Pete Wild – piano. Photo: Supplied.

With the summertime vibe building on the Sapphire Coast and the long weekend here, a bunch of the region’s premier performers are stepping up with a new show at the Tathra Hotel.

Sam Martin and the Sundowners present – ‘The Song Book of Nina Simone’ featuring material performed by the ‘high priestess of soul’ Nina Simone.

“Nina Simone was a powerful voice in the 1960’s civil rights movement, a passionate performer, composer and an engaging entertainer,” Sam Martin says.

“Nina was an exceptional piano player and a gifted singer who defied genres with her unique style. A style that was developed through a longing to perform classical music and the reality of stardom in the jazz clubs and concert halls.

“The band have prepared a repertoire of music spanning her entire career. Expect to hear well known songs and a few surprise tunes that were hidden among the many live performances of Nina’s work,” he says.

Sam will guide the audience through Nina Simone’s illustrious career and share anecdotes gathered from her live performances, interviews and biographies.

The band has also enlisted the talented Colleen Spillane who brings her own flavour to Nina’s repertoire.

“Colleen has met the challenge sublimely with some stunning phrasing and interpretations of Simone’s unique vocal character,” Sam says.

“We are very fortunate to have such a captivating voice in our region and are very proud to have her on board for these Sundowner sessions.”

‘The Song Book of Nina Simone’ runs Friday October 4 through to Monday October 7 daily from 4 pm to 7 pm, at teh Tathra Hotel, admission is FREE.

The Sundowners are Sam Martin on double bass, Pete Wild on piano and David Hewitt on the sticks and skins.

Start the conversation

Daily Digest

Do you like to know what’s happening around your region? Every day the About Regional team packages up our most popular stories and sends them straight to your inbox for free. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.