Get to know Aria Award winning artist Deborah Conway as she makes her way to the Southern Highlands and Tablelands for two unforgettable performances.
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Southern Highland News: What can the audience expect from the Bowral Bowling Club show 'Songs from the Book of Life'?
Deborah Conway: Songs From Thee Book of Life is a show we've been writing through lockdown. It is unlike anything we have presented before. An autobiographical theatrical & musical presentation which we hope will surprise, entertain and provoke.
All the best things about going to the theatre but in your very own local bar. There will be familiar and unfamiliar moments... and that's just for me.
SHN: How important is the 'Great Southern Nights' show at Goulburn for artists?
DC: This last couple of years have been incredibly tough for everyone, musicians, venue owners, tourist operators and a myriad of other industries that have watched their business slowly expire.
Any funds usefully directed are always going to be appreciated.
SHN: How did the two-year pandemic affect you?
DC: I have been pretty busy exploring the inner reaches of my memory and putting together some written material so I haven't gone off the rails.
However, I have been incredibly sad to see the responses of those in positions of power making decision after decision that ostensibly has caused another kind of pandemic, mental health issues amongst the younger generations.
That has been distressing and frustrating.
SHN: What is your favourite aspect of performing in front of a live audience?
DC: Performing is a two way street, my output is about responding to the audience in front of me. It is a wonderful interaction that I have deeply missed.
I'm very happy to be back amongst it.
SHN: Is there a song that is requested the most? Mostly I anticipate requests and deliver them before the end of a show.
SHN: What is your career-defining moment?
DC: I have been very lucky to have had a number of career defining moments; touring with my first band, meeting my long time collaborator, creating the house party concept, producing the Broad series of shows, becoming a festival director and now writing this show.
It's a varied career and one that is both serendipitous and directed.
SHN: Who are your musical inspirations?
DC: Lots of influences but a short list might be Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell.
SHN: What's next for the future?
DC: Who knows but whatever it is let's hope for all our sakes it doesn't involve more lockdowns
Deborah will perform songs and tell stories from the Book of Life with partner Willy Zygier at Bowral Bowling Club on February 23. You can purchase tickets here.
She will also perform at the Goulburn Club on March 31 as part of the Great Southern Nights tour. Tickets for the show can be bought here for the early show. Tickets to the 8:30pm show can be bought here.
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Vera Demertzis
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
Journalist at the Southern Highland News covering council yarns and community news. Got a tip or a story to tell? Email vera.demertzis@southernhighlandnews.com.au or call on 0427 250 908.
