All Shook Up!

I am blessed. A week ago I got back from an amazing singing trip. Cruising the seas, performing with amazing musicians and performers, 16 shows in 7 days, plenty of food and a ton of laughs - I am still smiling.

The Cruise 'N Groove Elvis Meets the Legends Cruise was a fantastic week. I had never been on a cruise before so it was quite an experience, I loved the food and the weather was fantastic (only a bit of rockiness to contend with) and we visited Mare and Noumea in New Caledonia.  I am reasonably new to the Elvis world and so this was an eye opener for that as well but I actually loved it. Elvis fans are exceptionally passionate and in some ways quite a wonder. 

I was on this trip as a backing vocalist with the Tributes in Concert Band or TIC Band and we backed all of the headlining Elvis Tribute Artists. So to the band first, what a privilege it was to perform with them. Each and everyone of them super talented (to the point, that I would get caught watching them at times because I was caught up in their talent) and dedicated to being the best but also a truly beautiful bunch of people. They accepted me in, made me laugh, encouraged me and make me want to be better. Jason, Michael, Pep, Peter, Aldo, Bertie, Liam, Simon, Marco, Millsy, Vito and of course Kel, Thankyou for inviting me along & for all you do!


The Elvis Tribute Artists were also something else. So much energy, talent and passion for celebrating Elvis and keeping his legacy alive and well. We all had such a ball and on top of that, they were all really nice guys. So if you ever get a chance to see any of them, I encourage you to. Honestly, every performance was top notch. Each night was yes, Elvis, but each artist brings out a different part. The Headlining ETA's on the Ship were 

• Shawn Klush
• Justin Shandor
• Elvis to the Max 
• Dean Z
• Ben Thompson
• Bill Cherry

There were also other Tribute Artists such as Buddy Holly - Scott Cameron, Johnny Cash - Daniel Thompson and Roy Orbison - Aaron Mansfield who were fantastic to watch or play with. Add to that the other rock 'n roll bands and Elvis artists, this ship was FULL of talent. 

I always love watching people revel in their talent, to see them using it, sharing it with others just really makes me happy. I think there's a connection because I love to do the same thing, so to be playing with other musicians who were also thoroughly enjoying themselves was an amazing experience. 

As a singer and performer, I love sharing stories, ideas, moments and emotions through music but I also love chatting with the people that come and listen. The cruise gave us plenty of time and opportunity to chat with those that were there, to hear why they love Elvis or why they chose that cruise. How it made them feel and memories they had. It led to some very interesting and funny conversations. 

So I will treasure this experience forever. I thank God for the amazing opportunities he gives me to share my voice but also to meet people and travel to different places and I look forward to new ones! 

So now the cruise is over (😢) it is on to the next lot of gigs. So this weekend I have a performance of "Pirates of Penzance" at Pasadena Foodland, Friday 23rd at a seafood dinner they are having which should be fun. Then Saturday night 24th I am the guest artist at Mitcham City Brass Bands "Cool Jazz Hot Goulash Night" . I do love to sing swing and jazz tunes so it should be a good night!

Then I am singing at both Burnside Carols by Candlelight (December 2nd) and Gawler Carols (December 15th) and there are some other gigs in there too. 

So that is an update of Gratitude and excitement. Thankyou for listening, I hope you have a fabulous day and I hope to see you around! 

Bec x