Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret

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The Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret is a free development program that provides Brisbane seniors the opportunity to learn from the best in the biz and develop their creative and artistic talents in a non-competitive, supportive environment. If you can dream it, you can do it!

The program has concluded for 2023. Registrations for the 2024 program will open mid-2024.

The cabaret program

The Lord Mayor's Seniors Cabaret program is made up of three parts.

1. Masterclasses

Participants take part in free masterclasses across Brisbane, working one-on-one with some of Australia's most popular performers and vocal coaches to develop their skills and talents.

Previously, the focus of the masterclass sessions has included:

  • overcoming stage fright
  • stage craft
  • vocal technique
  • group singing
  • song and dance
  • a healthy voice
  • how to hit those high notes
  • ukulele and voice.

2. Showcases

After completing the masterclasses, some participants have the opportunity to perform in a showcase and set the stage alight with their singing, dancing and instrumental skills in various venues across Brisbane. 

3. Cabaret gala

The Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret Gala takes place at Brisbane City Hall in late October and features performances by some of Brisbane's most talented seniors who participated in the program, alongside some of the mentors.

2023 program mentors

Angie Narayan

With over two decades of experience as a headline artist and professional vocal coach, Angie brings a world of knowledge and tools with her teaching. Her warm, encouraging and kind energy allows her to authentically engage with participants, leaving them feeling connected and inspired.

Music is a universal language making music therapy an ideal tool for growth, confidence, and self-expression whether you are writing music, listening to it, or singing alongside it, music therapy is a highly effective form of communication, breaking through many barriers other mediums can’t.

Connecting on an emotional, physical and soul level, Angie’s approach to music therapy facilitates natures natural medicine of joy and creativity!

Dale Burridge

After nearly 20 years absence from the main stage, Dale Burridge is back on the boards and is one of Australia’s true leading men.

His prestigious career has seen him star in major music theatre productions in Australia and internationally, such as The Sound of Music, Oliver, Anything Goes, Seven Little Australians, Scrooge the Musical and Les Misérables. Dale was also cast by the late iconic American director Hal Prince as Raoul in the 1990 premier Australian production of The Phantom of the Opera.

He has featured in numerous concert programs with many of Australia’s leading Symphony Orchestra’s and performed as a headliner featured artist across the globe on many of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships.

In more recent years, Dale carved out a career as a highly regarded entertainment and event producer where he was at the helm of one of Australia’s most successful concert, cruise and corporate entertainment production companies.

In 2020, Dale made a triumphant return to the stage with sold out cabarets at one of Australia’s premier Cabaret venues, Claire’s Kitchen in Sydney.  In 2021, he launched his one man show At The Crossroads at Chapel off Chapel in Melbourne followed by short seasons at The Hayes Theatre in Sydney, The Theatre Royal in Hobart and His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth.

Co-written with Martin Crewes and under the musical direction of Bev Kennedy, At The Crossroads is a heartfelt and funny exploration of the many twists and turns on and off the stage and is receiving rave reviews. At The Crossroads will tour nationally across Australia in 2023.

Dale is thrilled to participate again as a Mentor in the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret program. 

Jonathon Welch AM

Multi award winning singer, conductor, teacher, composer, director and recording artist, Jonathon Welch is one of Australia’s most unique and diverse artists with a career spanning four decades.

Jonathon has performed around the World alongside many of the finest singers, directors and conductors including Baz Lurhmann, John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes, KD Lang, Grace Bumbry, Frederica Von Stade and Dame Joan Sutherland in some of the world’s great Concert Halls and Opera Houses including Carnegie Hall, New York, Royal Albert Hall, London and Sydney Opera House.

In 2007, Jonathon’s work creating choirs for the homeless and disadvantaged in Australia was the subject of the internationally acclaimed ARIA, Logie and Helpmann award winning TV documentary ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’, also creating the ‘Jailbirds’ documentary in the Victorian Women’s Prisons in 2009, and was a Judge on the highly successful ‘Battle of the Choirs’ TV series for Channel 7.

Jonathon has been recognised for his outstanding commitment to the music industry, youth music education and his work with marginalised and homeless communities with the Victorian and Australian of the Year Local Hero 2008, ANZAC of the Year 2009, an Honorary Doctorate, an Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2009 and an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Council of Educational Leaders.

In 2009 Jonathon created and launched ‘Social Inclusion Week’ making Australia the only country in the world to celebrate Social Inclusion nationally, and in September 2012 launched his vision for the future of arts, cultural and well-being programs for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage with the ‘School of Hard Knocks’ and 'Play It Forward' - inclusive arts programs for all Australians.

Angela Toohey

Angela is a Brisbane based singer songwriter with a renowned 20+ year career in musical theatre, including starring as Liza Minnelli in the “Boy from Oz” opposite Hugh Jackman and Chrissy Amphlett-(Divinyls) in 2006 and Todd McKenney and Chrissy Amphlett in 1998-99.

Following a serious illness and with profound wisdom, Angela has shifted from performing what she calls "other people's stories" in big theatre shows, to telling "real stories" of the everyday for her ever-growing audiences.

Her music ranges from exquisitely emotive ballads to soaring anthems, rich with imagery and stories of love, loss, growth, and occasional howling at the moon.

Angela’s world class vocals and powerful rhythm guitar, combined with instinctive bass and harmonies from Jodi Murtha, and Suzanne Hibbs’ deft percussion, deliver a lively, enthralling and mesmerising show.

Angela has been associated with the Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret since its inception.

Queenie van de Zandt

Queenie van de Zandt moves through the world entertaining, educating and serenading the people she meets. She has the unique ability in all her work to make people feel deeply, and to awaken laughter, empathy and awareness in equal measure.

Her ability to seamlessly transition between various genres of entertainment sets her apart as a truly versatile performer, with a career spanning musical theatre, plays, cabaret, recording, film, and television, as well as acclaimed work as a comedian, writer, and arts educator.

Her career highlights include, on television: Upright Season 2 (Foxtel), The Newsreader, Very Small Business and Da Kath & Kim Code (ABC); in theatre: Women of Troy (STC/Malthouse) and Abigail’s Party (Ensemble Theatre); on film: Girl Clock; in musical theatre: Next to Normal (Chapel off Chapel), Into the Woods (Victorian Opera), Funny Girl (Sydney Symphony Orchestra) and King Kong (Global Creatures); and in cabaret/concert; Smoke & Mirrors (Sydney, Melbourne & Edinburgh Festival) and Moments in the Woods (Adelaide Cabaret Festival).

As the driving force behind her boutique production house, Amazon Woman Enterprises, Queenie has been creating multiple award-nominated projects for over 20 years. Highlights include: creating four albums, co-writing & co-producing the award-winning BLUE: The Song of Joni Mitchell and nurturing her cult following with regular online offerings and performances as her alter-ego Jan van de Stool.

Alongside her performance work Queenie has been a leading arts educator in Australia since 2000. In 2015, Queenie took her passion for the arts to the next level by founding The Australian Musical Theatre Academy (AMTA). Working only with leading creatives in the Australian arts scene, AMTA offers industry level training for students of all skill levels, empowering them to unleash their creative potential and live life to the fullest.

As a true champion of the arts, having joined Actors Equity, MEAA in her very first professional show in 1989, Queenie’s unwavering passion for her craft and commitment to the union has made her a powerful advocate for artists Australia wide.

With a staggering 21 theatre award nominations and 7 well-deserved wins under her belt, Queenie van de Zandt's talent continues to be recognized with each new achievement.

To stay connected with her latest projects and performances on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok follow @QueenievdZandt | @JanvandeStool | @AMTAcademy.

Gregory Moore

Gregory Moore is a classically influenced popular singer with a voice rich and expressive who has been singing and entertaining since he made his debut at ‘carols by candlelight’ aged just 5 years old. He grew up surrounded by music in a family with a passion for singing and performing and graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in his home city Brisbane, Australia in 1998. Since then his career has blossomed with impressive live shows appealing to a wide audience who respond to his warmth and diversity.

On stage Gregory has performed as a concert soloist with The Queensland Pops Orchestra, Australia’s leading Symphony Orchestras, The Wellington Sinfonia, The Perth Pops Orchestra, The State Orchestra of Victoria, and The Australian Army Band, Brisbane. He was the voice and face for World Water Day 2006 in Brisbane and has twice performed the National Anthem at the Official Australia Day Flag Raising Ceremony. Due to Gregory’s contribution to the arts, he was invited to be an Australia Day Ambassador for the Queensland Government (2009-2011).

Commencing in 2001, Gregory spent 18 months touring Australia as understudy to Simon Gallaher in the ESGEE production of The Pirates of Penzance playing the lead role of Frederic on a number of occasions and was an original member of the popular male ensemble The Ten Tenors. Gregory has toured extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand and Canada as the Tenor Soloist in the acclaimed production of Scotland the Brave the international smash hit celebration of the best of Scottish music, song and dance. In April 2009, he made his American debut performing in Scotland the Brave at the prestigious Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Centre in New York City.

His television appearances include Good Morning Australia, the Denise Drysdale show, Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Carols, Brisbane Festival 2000 International Tattoo, and Scotland the Brave live from the Sydney Opera House on ABC Television, which was also released on CD & DVD with ABC Music selling some 100,000 copies. The 2010 production of Scotland the Brave has been released on DVD/CD through ABC Music and has achieved Gold Status.

Gregory has performed the National Anthem for the Official Liberal Campaign Launch and at the Four Nations Rugby Grand Final between Australia & New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. This was televised to a World Wide audience through FOX Sports and SKY Sports. Gregory was also invited to sing 'The Prayer' with Delta Goodrem at the official opening of the Hyatt Surfers Paradise.

Gregory is a regular freelance producer for Brisbane City Councils Creative Communities & Events department and in 2011 was the Music Director for the Myer Christmas Parade & Pantomime held in the Queen Street Mall, Brisbane.

His album of contemporary and traditional Celtic songs was recorded with the QLD Pops Orchestra and released Nationally in 2010 and made Album of the Week on Radio 2GB Sydney with Alan Jones OA.

Christmas 2010 saw the release of his Christmas album - The Christmas Gift- sold exclusively through David Jones Nationwide with retail profits being donated to the Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. He also performed a special one night only concert – “An Intimate Evening with Gregory Moore & Friends" at the Brisbane Powerhouse which was filmed for the Ovation & Studio Chanel on FOXTEL.

Daniel Robinson

Daniel is an award-winning freelance artist and educator, predominantly teaching in his private studio (Djarts) and performing Australia wide. Daniel regularly presents for conferences as a Singing Voice Specialist, providing workshops and practical learning activities to contemporary vocalists across Australia and abroad. In 2011 Daniel completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Dr Dan, as he is affectionately known by many of his students, is nationally recognized as one of Australia’s leading Contemporary Singing Voice Specialists with over 20 years of teaching experience and 25 years of performance on the stage. The combined industry strengths of high-level academic credentials and current gigging know-how position Daniel to greatly assist his student’s vocal and artistic development. Daniel is currently on the national board of the Australian Voice Association (AVA), having been recently elected to the office of National President.

Daniel Kay (Dr Dan’s stage name) has over two decades of extensive experience in singing for a range of audiences in corporate settings, from major gala awards, conferences and openings to more intimate corporate dinners. Daniel’s 3.5-octave tenor voice is stunning and his ten-year dedication to developing sound technique through training has honed his natural talent to a refined and mature voice that is capable of approaching a range of contemporary styles. Daniel performs some of the most difficult of repertoire with ease and especially connects with adult contemporary material, power ballads and music theatre. Daniel’s stage presence and performance experience allow him to engage even the most discerning of audiences through song. Daniel shines as a soloist but has also worked as a duo, in ensembles, choirs and with bands; he is a flexible and expert singer suitable for any style of corporate function. Daniel has been called ‘a singer’s singer’ in reference to his appeal as a performer and has drawn a range of credits from well-respected leaders in the music industry. With two national top 30 singles, Daniel’s outstanding album has been widely celebrated as “Simply Stunning!” Daniel’s album is available through the Djarts’ online store.

Besides his busy schedule in the teaching studio, Daniel also performs and lectures across Australia at a select number of public and private events.

Renae Suttie

Renae Suttie is happiest when she is on stage. Following her music studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and University of Queensland, Renae has been performing professionally for the past 30 years. She has worked the international 5-star hotel circuit extensively in countries such as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Maldives, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

On the local scene Renae performs regularly as a featured soloist and also with “The Kitty Kats”, “The Swing Collective”, “Sakura”, “Swing Central Big Band”, “Savvy” and “Exaudi Australis”. She is also engaged regularly as a backing vocalist and has supported artists such as Ian Moss, Kate Miller-Heidke, Daryl Braithwaite, Rhonda Burchmore, Wendy Matthews, The Eurogliders, Ross Wilson, Richard Clapton, Jon English, Doug Parkinson, John Stevens, Joe Camilleri, Mark Gable, Peter Cupples, Wilbur Wilde, Lee Kernaghan, Graeme Connors, John Swan, Paulini, Marcia Hines, Ricki Lee, Sarah De Bono and Elvis To The Max. Renae has also performed as a backing vocalist for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 & 2002, and the Redlands Carols By Starlight 2018 & 2017.

Renae often performs at various music festivals, including Wishlist Jazz & Wine Festival 2021, 2019, 2018 & 2017; Caloundra Music Festival 2019, 2015 & 2014; International Women’s Day 2018, 2016 & 2015; Day On The Bay 2017; Horizon Festival 2017; Broadbeach Blends of Jazz Festival 2016, 2010 & 2009; Noosa International Food and Wine Festival 2014; Logan Jazz and Shiraz 2014; Noosa Jazz Festival 2013; Majestic Jazz Blues & Roots Marathon 2012; Surfers Paradise Jazz Festival 2012; Valley Jazz Festival 2009; Brisbane Festival Spiegeltent 2008; Ambiwerra Festival 2009, 2007 and 2006; and the Kangaroo Point Jazz N Blues Festival 2003.

Renae performed alongside Ian Mosss and Kate Miller-Heidke at the NRL Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium in 2021 and sang the Australian National Anthem for the Rugby League World Cup Women’s Final at Suncorp Stadium in 2017.

With the gift of “perfect pitch”, Renae can be heard on many Australian television and radio advertisements, including Channel 7’s “Love You Queensland” and “The Golden Casket Winners Circle”; Channel 9’s “Shine on 9”; “Hey Hey This Is Queensland”; “Seaworld”; “Sizzler”; “G.J. Gardner Homes”; “Donut King”; “Chandlers”; “Lite n Easy”; “Wallace Bishop”; “Alma Park Zoo”; “Eagle Boys”; “Sunshine Toyota”; “Sunshine Coast Daily”; “Zone Fresh”; “Image Blinds”; “Next Property Group”; and “Healthy Inspirations”.

Renae has been the event organiser of the Doonan Community Christmas Carols 2016-2018, the Hinterland Carols 2019-2020, and co-event organiser of the Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza 2021. Due to her service to the local community, Renae was awarded a Queensland Day Award 2019 (Noosa Electorate) by the Honourable Sandy Bolton MP. Through their fundraising involvement with Mooloolaba Rotary, Renae’s vocal group, The Kitty Kats, were honoured by the naming of the brand-new Kitty Kats Classroom at the Dunamis Christian School and Orphanage in Welkom, South Africa, 2016, and have since raised funds for two new Kitty Kats Playgrounds at the school. Renae received the “Jazz Vocalist Award” at the 2007 ABC Valley Jazz Festival and has released an album of jazz originals called “Starlight”. Renae also received the “Song Of The Year Award 1993” in the Australasian Songwriters Association Songwriting Contest.

Renae has a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and Music at University of Queensland. As a vocal coach, Renae has been involved with Creative Generation State Schools Onstage from 2009 until present; choir conductor, singing teacher and vocal coach at Good Shepherd Lutheran College Noosaville from 2019 until present; guest vocal tutor at the USQ McGregor Summer Retreat 2019; guest lecturer at University of The Sunshine Coast; and vocal coach at Sunfest Gladstone 2012.

Maureen Bowra

Maureen is an in-demand theatre maker specialising in the dual roles of Director and Choreographer, changing the world one jazz hand at a time.

Recent credits as Directoreographer include the Australian and New Zealand tours of Menopause The Musical (SK Entertainment), Jesus Christ Superstar (Twelfth Night Theatre - Lynch & Paterson), Little Shop of Horrors (CQU Conservatorium Mackay), The Ultimate ABBA Experience (Twelfth Night Theatre - Lynch & Paterson), Chicago (Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre), Big Stadium Rock Show (Regional SEQ Tour), Cinderella (Princess Theatre - Lynch and Paterson), In Bloom (Moreton Bay Theatre Company), Grease (Caloundra Events Centre - Show Co.), Legally Blonde (Redcliffe Entertainment Centre), Prima Oh What A Night! (Regional QLD tour - SK Entertainment).

Other recent productions include directing and co-writing two sell out seasons of Two Man Tarantino (Brisbane Powerhouse - More Than Magic), touring Australia as associate director on the arena tours of Grease and Hairspray (Harvest Rain Theatre Company), co-directing and writing A Very Naughty Christmas (Brisbane Powerhouse - Woodward Productions), co-director of Sweet Charity (Brisbane Powerhouse - Woodward Productions).

This is Maureen's 3rd year as a mentor for the iconic Brisbane Lord Mayors Seniors Cabaret and is thrilled to be back for another year of fun, laughs, good times!

Vic Kena

Vic is a consummate musician with over 35 years of industry experience. From New Zealand Vic’s rich Polynesian heritage and strong Maori reference brings depth and soul to every performance.

Able to play anything with strings, Vic started his musical career playing lead guitar in a variety of ensembles, cabaret styled shows and solo performances. However, in recent years Vic has established himself as an exceptional performer, teacher, and inspiration to many on his preferred instrument the ukulele.

Always in demand Vic manages his performance and teaching schedule around his long term residency’s throughout The Gold Coast, Sunshine coast and Brisbane venue’s.

Vic also finds time to support and coordinate local community events, host ukulele therapy to homeless, perform for elderly & respite centres and provide motivational talks and workshops to youth. Music is his gift and thankfully one he enjoys sharing.

Check out Vic's ukulele videos for beginners on his YouTube channel VK UKULELE.

More information

For more things to see and do for seniors, visit Seniors in Brisbane.

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