Channelling Karen Carpenter

Still recovering from a car accident that almost left her disabled, Lisa Budin is gearing up for her show Remembering the Carpenters this Saturday.
The Karen Carpenter tribute singer was standing beside her brokendown car in May after a show in Cremorne, when a speeding car hit her, pinning her body between both cars. A main nerve was cut in her right leg and soft tissue was also damaged. She has since had three operations.
“I have not totally recovered and may never be able to use my foot, but [still] another operation to go,” Budin said.
She said she has been challenged by the accident as she thought she would never walk again.
“I am exercising madly to walk on stage with no walking stick.”
More than four months on from the accident and with over 20 cancelled gigs, Budin is finally ready to perform again.
Remembering the Carpenters sold out when it was performed last year.
Budin said she is prepared for this gig and cannot wait to get up on stage and sing heridol’s songs.
Performing crowd favourites such as Close to You, Superstar, and Only Yesterday, Budin has been said to blow audiences away with her talent.
Budin became a Carpenters tribute singer after the positive reception she received. “When people would close their eyes they were sure Karen was in the room,” she said.
Budin insists that she is not trying to be another Karen Carpenter. “I’m just keeping the great music alive.”
Of her shows, Budin said, “You could stay and relax with a glass of red and your slippers and never want to go home.”
The Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House is Budin’s favourite venue, which is where the shows will be held. Its water-view backdrop is perfect for the high-spirited mood Budin leaves her audience in.
Performing with her seven-piece band, Budin’s first show will be a matinee at 2pm, with another performance at 7.30pm.

info: Remembering the Carpenters. Saturday October 17, 2pm and 7.30pm, the Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House. To book, visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com