 MUSIC |
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WHERE 2 STAY |
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SHOPPING |
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TRANSPORT |
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BITS n PIECES |
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ARTIST - KLASSIC BLAK |
MEMBERS:
CHRIS ANTHONY: Vocals, guitar
MICHELLE HAMMOND: Vocals
GENRE:
Pop Blues Country- covers
WEBSITE:
Klassic Blak E-MAIL:
here | |
THE REVIEW |
 KLASSIC BLAK:
The time has come, the people said: yes folks here they are, the Klassic Blak duo of Chris Anthony and Keri Lewis in colour on WOCC.
We found them playing at the revamped Bateau Bay Bowling Club.
The first thing we heard on entry to the club was Chris covering a Johnny Cash classic. I'm no big fan of Mr. Cash but the real thing that hit was Chris' voice. In a word awesome.
After getting through the joining and signing-in routine we finally took our ringside seats. The presentation Chris and Keri have is such a thoughtful one. Leads, stands and plugs are covered by fitting, tailored covers. This may seem a small detail but an important one for both presentation and safety. Klassic Blak was just that, classically classy and in theme. Visually inviting down to the balance of the ornamental flames flanking both players.
The use of midi files is not an obvious one. The keyboard which stands before Keri is not an ornament. Communication with the audience was very amicable and easily accepted. Off to a great start so far.
Although we were only there for a couple of sets we could tell it was shaping up to be an extremely entertaining night for those with the luxury or the ability to stay and enjoy. The creme de la creme prior to our leaving was Chris doing the classic hit Unchained Melody (I still have the goose bumps when I recall his excellent rendition and holding of 'those' notes') and Keri following that with Crazy.
The songs we heard were varied in style and genre. Keri did a terrific version of La Bamba. She cov ered the words exceptionally well and had the feel to accompany the rhythm of the song. Other classics such as Gloria and Eagle Rock were equally at home in the sets with (cringe) Achy Breaky Heart (Ok, yes I was tapping my foot), The Wanderer, Love is in the Air, and that great Aussie classic of JO'K, Sing.
As per Chris' promise to those having a great time on the dance floor (insert drum roll here) ta dah! here are the pictures. *
Chris and Keri maybe individual members of a band, but they are in-sync and a tight pair of great entertainers.
I will be catching a night of Klassic Blak again when I am not doing reviews so I can stay for the whole show.
I know what I am missing. Don't you make the Klassic mistake and not know what you'd be missing!
*The usual What's On Central Coast policy is stage/artist photos only. Pictures shown of the patrons on the dance floor were taken with the knowledge of those involved. |
THE CD REVIEW - OFF THE CHAIN |
This is a recording of original songs not by the original artists. The album tracks on this CD are as diverse in their genre as the stage performances of Klassic Blak.
The vocal styles still shine through. The cd will help you relive a night with Chris and Keri and wish that you had also heard some of the ones on the CD that you missed at the show.
These are only a minute selection from the vastly extensive repertoire that Chris and Keri have at their shows.
It is like radio surfing without switching frequencies and none of those annoyingly painful ads.
There is something for all tastes of music and they are all the classic hits of their time and genres. Shania beside Mr Cooder, Simon and Garfunkel, Daddy Cool, they're all here on the one CD. Great back-ground music for parties and social gatherings.
This obviously isn't going to appeal to the heavy metal fans but it's a terrific picture of the diversity of the duo. I can see the sales of this CD being pretty good at the gigs.
The only thing I missed was detailed listing of the recording. I can tell you Shaun Cullerton was the Sound Engineer.
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THE BIO |
 KLASSIC BLAK BIO
Chris Anthony
With 30 years in the entertainment industry, Chris began his career at an early age as a boy soprano in the church choir.
After studying guitar and piano, this led Chris to playing in a number of bands in the 70s and performing as a solo act for private functions.
In the 90s Chris entered the entertainment business on a full-time basis as a DJ, a game show host for clubs, a compere, voice-over artist and of course, a singer.
Chris has:
Worked with and supported Garry Sweet (Police Rescue fame) and the recording artist Chris Franklyn and the infamous Carlotta.
Performed as a support act to Wesley Stevens (former member of The Commodores and Stylistics)
Performed internationally on cruise ships in Hawaii and Alaska
Performed at Jupiter's Casino and as a guest cabaret singer at Seagull's Night Club (Qld) and Burswood Casino (WA)
Since founding Klassic Blak 6 years ago, Chris has recorded two albums and performed from Wollongong and the Gold Coast, to Cobar and New Zealand.
Michelle Hammond
At the age of 9 Michelle's career in the performing arts started when she was a member of the "Johnny Young Talent Team".
Michelle has worked in musical theatre and cabaret with some of the best and greatest talents known to this country, such as, Jackie Love, Tommy Tycho and Toni Lamond. She has performed in professionally produced shows including musical theatre, rock bands, and tribute shows including her own tribute show to "Cher".
In 1997 Michelle was awarded a scholarship to finish her studies at the McDonald College of Performing Arts. As well as receiving tuition from our own Little Pattie, Michelle won a scholarship to study Jazz singing with the infamous Kate Dunbar through her involvement with the Gosford Jazz League. Winning the Australian Singing Championships in 2000, Michelle then performed in Los Angeles, which was taped for Nashville TV (TNN).
Michelle has:
Appeared on Webstar (Internet TV) and Channel 9's TV show "StarStruck
Been a special guest performer at the Central Coast Christmas Carols.
Recorded an album of unreleased songs from Sony publishing.
Michelle has tutored students in singing and performance. |
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What's On Central Coast Business Registration Number BN98117349
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WELCOME TO WHAT'S ON
Whats On Central Coast is run by a true local, born in Gosford and is very proudly Central Coast & Australian owned and operated.
An extensive knowledge and a love of the area plus a genuine interest to promote all it has to offer is what sets Whats On Central Coast apart from the others.
So if you are looking for holiday, temporary, or permanent Central Coast accomodation, a spot of Central Coast shopping, some brilliant Central Coast entertainment, a dip in one of the many pristine Central Coast Beaches followed by some fish and chips or maybe 5 star cuisine from one of the many Central Coast restaurants or take-aways you have definitely arrived at the right place..
Check the links above and also to the left and find all you'll need to enjoy a night out on the town or a whole holiday!
Welcome to my home town.
~ THE GALLERY ~
Chris and Michelle
Klassic Blak
and the dancers
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