Jazzing it up out west

Australia’s most accomplished a cappella group will be performing at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre on Sunday 11 November.
The Idea of North won the 2003 Harmony Sweepstakes, the largest international a cappella competition in the world. The group embraces many music genres including jazz, soul and gospel. Group member Andrew Piper said it was music that appeals to all ages and sorts of people.
“We’re primarily a jazz-style group, but sometimes we do a whole show of just a cappella singing,” he said.
“To keep variety in the program we change songs quite a lot and do different styles.”
There is one change to the line-up fans know and love – Sally Cameron will fill the soprano role while Trish Delaney Brown is on maternity leave. Cameron will also perform with the group during the Musica Viva concert series later this year.
This year the group released their Live at the Powerhouse DVD and CD.
“At our shows we will be singing songs from that recording. We also love to do improvisations in a song called Jackie which is an up-tempo blues number,” Piper said.
“We love all sorts of stuff – from Sting and Stevie Wonder to influences like James Taylor. We’ll sing songs like Fragile and Fields of Gold.”
Piper said the group enjoyed playing at the Riverside Theatre because of the feel of the space.
“The Riverside has a lovely intimate atmosphere,” he said. “It has a vibe. Sometimes we will do clubs but the Riverside is an all-age venue, which makes it really special.”
Tickets start at $27. Showtime is 3pm. Bookings: 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au.