By Brooke Dennehy Larkin
The energy on Saturday night at the annual Colville Sings event was nothing short of electric. Upon entering the sparkling and shimmering Colville Hall, a disco ball front and centre lighting up the whole space, it was clear that a one-of-a-kind evening was about to unfold. Kicking off with a joyful and upbeat opening number from the Colville Junction ladies that had the audience grinning from ear to ear, the energy never dropped for a moment. With each performance, we were transported back in time to the .
Our returning MC from last year, Francis Mountjoy, upheld the theme to perfection. Adorned with a fantastic afro that seemed to have a life of its own, he boogied on with us through the night, setting a humorous tone with his punny song introductions and ensuring the enthusiasm for the night flowed on through untempered.
There were many memorable performances across the evening. All can be
recalled easily to mind. What stood out to me above and beyond the usual prowess of the Colville and beyond musicians was the willingness of the performers to get their groove on. Not only were most acts sporting some truly disco-tastic threads, but almost all performances were brought to life by enthusiastic and funky dancing.
In the first half, we enjoyed a 70’s-worthy performance of Boogie Oogie by the Armstrong sisters and their band, before the crowd sung along joyfully to a skilful rendition of Listen to the Music with Dave and Earl at the helm. This was followed by Nathan, who was truly in his element as he led You Sexy Thang with a regular Casanova energy, then the party continued on with Cara’s soulful rendition of Young
Hearts Run Free, a true crowd-pleaser.
The first half rounded off nicely with an impressive musical display in La Freak, followed by Night Fever led by the talented Matt Pike whose stage presence shone as bright as the disco ball itself. Then finally, Waterloo, which I had the true honour and joy of singing. Half-time brought a much needed break from the dancefloor for many who went outside to cool down, or who headed to collect a delicious and creatively-made home-baked good from the lovely servers in the side hall.
Back for more show-stopping delights in the second half and many kept grooving on, even those in their seats seemingly unable to keep themselves from bobbing along. We Are Family had the crowd singing together loud and proud, then everyone caught disco fever with Ra leading Disco Inferno. The brass instruments gave a truly authentic feel to the music, and the high energy continued with The Froggies taking
us through a French disco number highlighted by their colourful threads and enthusiastic performance.
“An immensely talented big band then led us through Tie Me Up and Shake Your Booty, drawing the crowd into the last hurrah of the night, before awards were given for the best dressed.”
The night ended on a high with Kaela singing Hot Stuff, backed by the girls in gold, and Ella and Steve’s Stumblin’ In reminding us of the incredible musical and cultural contribution these two have made to the Colville scene over the last ten years.
A huge thank you to Matt Sephton who, as always, reliably lended his skills to the project at hand, enhancing the atmosphere in often undetected ways, and the lighting guys whose expert interpretation of the theme really set the tone for the evening. Also to the amazing bakers who provided the delicious half-time baked goods and the lovely servers who served them. Thanks to all the performers who gave it their all, and, of course, an especially heartfelt wave of gratitude for Ella and Steve for yet another unforgettable Colville Festival.
