I've Got News for You

Let your hair down and let swing take over your soul when I’ve Got News for You performs at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre on Friday 8 May at 8pm. This upbeat show combines the musical excellence of jazz sextet Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys with swing era moves from dance trio Sugar Blue Burlesque and award-winning swing dance expert Trevor Hutchison. The band captures the atmosphere of the 1950s when the Rat Pack and composer Louis Prima (‘When you’re smilin’ and ‘Sing, sing, sing’) were at their peak. Its repertoire is a delightful blend of swingin’ jazz, rockin’ blues and good ol’ boogie woogie. James Brown, Ray Charles and Harry Connick Jr are among the major influences in the group’s more contemporary songs. Trumpeter and vocalist Adam Hall has long been a favourite of Perth’s legion of young swing dancers. He began making music as a 10-year-old before studying his craft at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Hall has played with many entertainment industry heavyweights including James Morrison, Frank Foster, Rolf Harris and Darryl Somers. Hall’s band, The Velvet Playboys, features Tim Forster (tenor saxophone), Mic Cartwright (trombone), Len Whittle (piano), Ben Franz (bass) and Joe Whittle (drums). Sugar Blue Burlesque is a dance academy and performance troupe that presents a fusion of classic burlesque, authentic retro dances, elaborate vintage costumes and crowd-pleasing theatrics. Its dancers for I’ve Got News For You are Melanie Bruyer, Melanie Naumoff and Jessie Gordon, who perform classic go-go and lindy hop, otherwise known as, swing dancing. Trevor Hutchison, who has performed with the Perth Swing Dance Society dance troupe for many years, is one of Australia’s most accomplished swing dancers. He has won several swing dance titles including three national Jack ‘n’ Jill contests and first place in Advanced Swing at the 2007 Summersun Dance Festival. For bookings and information call The Don on 9493 4577 or visit www.gosnells.wa.gov.au and click on the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre link to buy tickets online.